Reiki is believed to have begun in Tibet several thousand years ago. Seers in the Orient studied energies and developed a system of sounds and symbols for universal healing energies. Various healing systems, which crossed many different cultures, emerged from this single root system.

Unfortunately, the original source itself was forgotten. Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese Christian educator in Kyoto, Japan, rediscovered the root system in the mid- to late 1800s. He began an extensive twenty-one-year study of the healing phenomena of history's greatest spiritual leaders. He also studied ancient sutras (Buddhist teachings written in Sanskrit). He discovered ancient sounds and symbols that are linked directly to the human body and nervous system which activate the universal life energy for healing.

Usui then underwent a metaphysical experience and became empowered to use these sounds and symbols to heal. He called this form of healing Reiki and taught it throughout Japan until his death around 1893 then the tradition was passed through several grandmasters of reiki such as Dr. Chujiro Hyashi, Hawayo Takata, and Phyllis Lei Furumoto.

There are many forms of reiki being practiced now. The two principal ones are: "The Usui System of Natural Healing" and "The Radiance Technique". The Usui System of Natural Healing balances and strengthens the body's energy, promoting its ability to heal itself. Reiki is useful in treating serious serious illnesses as well as others. Examples are: sports injuries, cuts, burns, internal diseases, emotional disorders, and stress-related illnesses.

Reiki was introduced to the Western world in the mid-1970s. Since then its use has spread dramatically worldwide.

Reiki Timeline

1865
August 15. Birth of Mikao Usui in Taniai. Gifu Prefecture. Japan.

1868
The Meiji Restoration so-called by the Meiji Emperor, began.

1873
The ban on Christianity is lifted (relevant to the deceptive history of Reiki provided by Hawayo Takata in 1970).

1880
September 15: Birth date of Chujiro Hayashi. Tokyo, Japan.

1900
December 24: Hawayo Kawamuru, later know as Hawayo Takata, was born.

1902
Chujiro Hayashi graduates from the Japanese Naval Academy.

1906
Birth date of Kimiko Koyama, the 6th President of the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai from 1975 until 1999.

1907
Sadako Suzuki becomes the wife of Mikao Usui.

1908
Fuji Usui, first son of Mikao Usui and Sadako Suzuki is born.

1913
Toshiko Usui, first daughter of Mikao Usui and Sadako Suzuki is born.

1915
The Tendai Buddhist nun "Suzuki-san" becomes the first female student of Mikao Usui, remaining under his training until his death in 1926. The book "Kenzen no Genri" is published. Author: Dr. Bizan Suzuki. The Reiki Precepts were first printed in this book.

1917
March 10: Hawayo Kawamuru and Saichi Takata got married and Hawayo Kawamuru became Hawayo Takata.

1918
Chujiro Hayashi becomes the Northern Japan Mt. Osore Director of Ominato Port Defense Station. Mikao Usui begins practice of Zen and the Zazen meditation form.

1920
Chiyoko Yamaguchi is born. Chiyoko-san founded Jikiden Reiki.
Toshihiro Eguchi studies under Mikao Usui.

1921
Mikao Usui is hired as an administrative assistant in the Department of Health and Welfare. Mikao Usui incorporates the principles from the book "Kenzen no Genri" into his practice.

1922
Mikao Usui spends a 21-day meditation retreat on Mountain Kurama Yama.
Mikao Usui opens his first commercial Reiki clinic.
Mikao Usui introduces Reiju Empowerments to his student base.

1923
Mikao Usui implements the grading system used in the martial art practice Judo as Reiki Levels. Mikao Usui finances the construction of The Torii Gate located at the Amataka Shrine. September 1: The Great Kanto earthquake hit Tokyo and Yokohama, measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale.

1924
Mikao Usui relocates his commercial Reiki business to Nakano, a provice located just outside of Tokyo.

1925
May: Chujiro Hayashi becomes a student of Mikao Usui. Kaiji Tomita, a student of Mikao Usui, introduces four levels of Reiki practice: Shoden, Chuuden, Okuden and Kaiden.

1926
Mikao Usui had been experiencing significant trouble paying his bills. He travelled to Fukuyama to negotiate a resolution with his creditors and died of a stroke in the process. Chujiro Hayashi claims ownership of Mikao Usui's commercial Reiki practice. The practice is relocated to The Shinano Machi district. Juusaburo Gyuda, Japanese Naval Rear Admiral forms the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai.

1927
February: Memorial stone erected to honor Mikao Usui at Saihoji Temple located in Tokyo, Japan.

1928
Chujiro Hayashi accepts Wasaburo Sugano as a student.
March 4: Shou Matsui authors the first article to appear in a magazine about Reiki.
Eguchi Te-no-hira Ryoji Kenkyukai founded by Toshihiro Eguchi.

1930
Chujiro Hayashi renames what he teaches Hayashi Reiki Ryoho Kenkyukai.
The book "Te-no-hira Ryoji Nyumon" is published by Toshihiro Eguchi.

1931
Chujiro Hayashi is asked to leave The Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai for not respecting or practicing by the standards set forth by Mikao Usui.

1933
Kaiji Tomita publishes the book "Reiki to Jinjutsu - Tomita Ryo Teate Ryoho".

1935
Toshiko Usui (daughter of Mikao Usui) expires.
Hawayo Takata travels to Japan and receives her first Reiki treatment.
Hawayo Takata becomes a student of Chujiro Hayashi and moves into his home.
Jusaburo Ushida made his transition.

1936
Hawayo Takata earns Reiki level two.
Hawayo Takata moves to Hawaii.

1937
Chujiro Hayashi travels to Hawaii to promote Reiki.

1938
February 21: Hawayo Takata receives her Reiki Master Certificate from Chujiro Hayashi.
Chiyoko Yamaguchi becomes a student of Chujiro Hayashi's version of Reiki.

1940
Hawayo Takata writes to her daughter who was living with Chujiro Hayashi and arranges a visit in March. Hawayo Takata arrives in Japan. Chujiro Hayashi instructs her to live in Kyoto. Chujiro Hayashi bequeathes his house and Reiki clinic to Hawayo Takata.
May 11: Chujiro Hayashi commits seppuku.

The 1970s
Hawayo Takata's version of Reiki first becomes known in North America.

1980
December 11: Hawayo Takata made her transition.

The 1990s
During the 1990s it was discovered that the history of Reiki as told by Hawayo Takata was not correct. The Christian and medical background were probably introduced to allow better acceptance of the Japanese technique in the western world.