Reiki is a form of spiritual practice used as a complementary therapy for the treatment of physical, emotional, and mental diseases and ilnesses. Dr. Mikao Usui have developed Reiki when, he claimed, he received the ability of healing without energy depletion after three

weeks of fasting and meditating on Mount Kurama, in Japan. Practitioners use a technique similar to the laying on of hands, which they say will channel "healing energy" or "ki". Practitioners state that energy flows through their palms to bring about healing and that the method can be used for self-treatment as well as treatment of others.

Reiki energy is the healing energy of the Universe. Reiki is a life force matrix of non-dualistic energy, which permeates all things. Reiki is an intelligent energy. Many people liken the energy to the source of all-pervading power. Many traditions have a variety of names for this power, for example: God, Buddha, Mind, Nature, Universe, Great Spirit, The Force, Prana etc. Regardless of what label we place on the energy, the importance lies in the notion that a higher force does permeate all existence and once we become attuned to the Reiki system, there is effectively a merging of the divinity within our own spirit with that of the Universal energy.

Many practitioners use reiki as the basis of a spiritual practice, or to augment other spiritual practices. The cornerstone of Reiki spiritual practice is a daily one hour self-treatment, conducted in a meditative frame of mind. As well as maintaining physical, mental and emotional well-being, this practice is enhancing spiritual growth, potentially leading to self-realization.

Reiki theory

Reiki teachings state that there is a universal "life force" energy, which can be accessed by practitioners to induce a healing effect. Anyone can gain access to this energy by means of an attunement process carried out by a Reiki Master or perhaps trough strong spiritual connection.

The belief is that the energy will flow through the practitioner's hands whenever the hands are placed on, or held near a potential recipient, who can be clothed. Some teachings stress the importance of the practitioner's intention or presence in this process, while others claim that the energy is drawn by the recipient's injury to activate or enhance the natural healing processes. Going further, the belief is that the energy is "intelligent", making diagnosis unnecessary as per guidance.

A second level of training, including another initiation, to equip the practitioner to perform Reiki treatments from a "distance", its often called absent healing. This method, it is stated, involves the use of special symbols to form a temporary connection between the practitioner and the recipient, regardless of location, and then to let the Reiki energy flow to the desired place. Techniques are also taught whereby Reiki can be sent to a specific point in time, either in the past or the future.

The energy involved in a Reiki treatment is "from the Universe", rather than the personal energy of the practitioner, and is therefore inexhaustible. (Most teachings say that the energy enters the practitioner through the crown chakra at the top of the head, before being emitted from the hands.) As a consequence, Reiki practitioners are taught that they can treat themselves with this devine energy flow.
Reiki is also used by practitioners as preventative medicine, as it is claimed that the energy encourages healing before any noticeable symptoms have emerged. Another consequence of the simplicity of Reiki is that it can be taught to children or perhaps to pregnant women.
If, on some level, the intended recipient does not wish to be healed, the energy will not flow.

Reiki principles

1.) Just For Today, I Shall Trust
- This principle teaches us to let go of worries and to think and focus positively

2.) Just for Today, I Shall Do My Work Honestly
- This principle teaches us not only to be honest with ourselves, but with others, and to live by what you tell others they should live by

3.) Just For Today, I Shall Accept My Many Blessings
- We must be able to receive in order for the Universe go give to us

4.) Just For Today, I Shall Be At Peace
- When we radiate peace and love, peace and love is returned to us

5.) Just For Today, I Shall Respect the Rights of All Life Forms - We must honor ALL life and allow everyone to life his/her own truth.

Overall, all the Reiki Principles are strictly focusing on the continuously unfolding present moment "just for today", therefore empowering the power of NOW which the only moment we have.

First Reiki Degree (REIKI 1)

The first degree reiki course teaches the basic theories and procedures of how to work with Reiki energy. The channel through which Reiki energy passes to the practitioner is opened or widened through four "attunements" given to the student by the teacher. Students learn hand placement positions on the recipient's body that are thought to be most conducive to the healing process in a whole body treatment. Having completed the first degree course, the participant can treat himself and others with Reiki. The course duration is typically two days, although this varies widely.

In general, a Reiki One Workshop (2 days) you should receive:

• A reiki attunement, a spiritual initiation that will open the energy channels in your body to channel higher amounts of Universal Life force energy.
• You should learn about the History of Reiki.
• You should learn about Grounding Technique.
• Teachings of the Reiki healing hand positions for self-healing and for healing others.
• You should receive practical training, healing energy exercises and various meditations
• You should learn about the Human Chakra System (the 7 chakras) and the Aura. Some teachers even provides Aura photograph for a wider understanding of the self
• You should learn about Psychic Protection in general and during a healing session.
• You should learn how to "scan" the body and the Aura for energy blockages.
• Learning about Guidance, Angels, Spirits and Spirit Guides.
• You should be taught about how toxins effect the chakra system.
• You should be taught how to cleanse both your energy field and your environment.
• You should learn about Psychic Protection in general and during a healing session.
• You may learn about treating food and water with reiki energy.
• You should receive a reiki one manual and a reiki one certificate.

Second Reiki Degree (REIKI 2)

In the second degree reiki course, the student learns the use of three Reiki symbols which are to enhance the healing effect and allow for distance healing. Another attunement is given which is to further increase the capacity for Reiki to flow through the student, as well as empowering the use of the symbols. Having completed the second level, the student can allegedly treat people with Reiki without being physically present with the recipient. The first degree is a prerequisite for the second degree, which is usually taught over two days, although this varies considerably.

In general, a Reiki Two Workshop (2 days) you should receive:

• The Reiki 2 Attunement, a spiritual initiation that will open the energy channels in your body to channel higher amounts of Universal Life Force Energy.
• You should learn about the activation an use of Reiki 2 symbols (Cho Ku Rei, Say Hay Key, Hon San Za Sho Nen, and also may be: Zonar, Harth, Rama/Mara, Shanti, Fire Dragon, Motor Zanon, Jo Ki Kei Shin, Sati, Hosana).
• You should receive practical reiki training in the symbols, to differentiate in their energies as well as receive adequate time to practice the Reiki 2 symbols.
• You should learn to partake in "Absent Healing" or "Distant Reiki Healing" and have practical demonstrations of the technique.
• You should receive advanced forms of spiritual and psychic protection and entity clearance.
• You should learn about "Past Lives" and how they affect health and the healing.
• You should learn how to set and maintain boundaries when you facilitating a healing session or working with the public.
• You should receive a reiki two manual and a reiki two certificate.

Third Reiki Degree - Reiki Master (REIKI 3)

Through the third degree, or "reiki master training", the student becomes a Reiki Master. (In Reiki terminology, the word 'master' does not imply spiritual enlightenment.) One or more attunements are carried out and the student learns a further master-level symbol. Having completed the master training, the new Reiki Master can attune other people to Reiki and teach the three degrees of Reiki. The first and second degrees are prerequisites for the master training. The duration of the master training can be anything from a day to a year or more, depending on the school and philosophy of the Reiki Master giving the training. In the case of comprehensive training, the third level is often broken into two or three smaller stages of attunements and teaching.

In general, a Reiki Mastership & Teacher Workshop (2 days) include:

• The attunements of the Traditional Reiki and Tera-Mai reiki symbols (Dai Koo Mio, Halu, Yod, Iava, Talamh, Shalom).
• You should learn how to channel the Reiki Master Symbol and get guidance of its use.
• You should be given adequate time to practice the newly learned reiki symbols.
• You may be introduced and Initiated into Christ Consciousness.
• You should be explained and taught of various breathing techniques.
• You should learn to perform the procedures of the Reiki Initiation Techniques
• You should be explained and taught how to teach reiki healing to others.
• You should receive your reiki linage.
• You should receive a Reiki Three Manual and a Reiki Three Certificate, which entitles you to practice as a Reiki Master and Teacher.

Reiki for Animals and Plants

Animals and plants are usually treated for shorter periods than humans. The duration of treatment, and number of hand positions used, depends on factors such as the size of the recipient and the severity of the condition being addressed. In the absence of disease, some practitioners enjoy giving Reiki to animals or plants, as a loving interaction.