Traditional Usui Reiki

Presentation

Traditional Usui Reiki (Usui Shiki Ryoho) is an energy healing practice founded by Mikao Usui (1865–1926) in Japan in the early 1920s. The word 'Reiki' is composed of two Japanese kanji: 'Rei' (霊), meaning universal or spiritual, and 'Ki' (気), meaning vital energy. The practitioner acts as a channel to transmit universal energy to the receiver through laying on of hands, stimulating the body's natural self-healing processes.

Usui reportedly received this channeling ability during a 21-day spiritual retreat on Mount Kurama, near Kyoto. He then founded the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai, a society dedicated to teaching and practicing Reiki. Transmission occurs through an initiation process (or 'attunement') conferred by a Reiki master.

Founder: Mikao Usui (1865–1926)

Core Principles

Usui Reiki is based on five life principles (Gokai) recited daily:

• Just for today, I will not be angry
• Just for today, I will not worry
• Just for today, I will be grateful
• Just for today, I will work with integrity
• Just for today, I will be kind to every living being

Reiki energy is considered intelligent: it naturally flows where the body needs it most. The practitioner does not consciously direct energy but maintains a neutral, benevolent state of presence. The system comprises three levels: First Degree (Shoden) for physical treatment, Second Degree (Okuden) for distance treatment with symbols, and Third Degree (Shinpiden) for mastery and teaching.

Technical Details

Other names

Usui Shiki Ryoho, Usui Reiki Ryoho, Usui Natural Healing Method

Session duration

45 to 75 minutes

Hand positions

12 to 15 standard positions

Initiation levels

3 levels (Shoden, Okuden, Shinpiden)

Recommended frequency

1 to 4 sessions over 2 to 4 weeks for an initial cycle

Main Indications

• Stress, anxiety and sleep disorders
• Chronic pain and muscle tension
• Support for conventional treatments (chemotherapy, surgery)
• Chronic fatigue and exhaustion
• Emotional disorders (grief, mild depression)
• Immune system strengthening
• Pre- and post-surgical support
• Personal and spiritual development

Session Overview

The receiver lies fully clothed on a massage table in a calm, dimly lit environment. The practitioner begins by centering their intention and connecting to Reiki energy. They then place their hands in a series of standardized positions, typically starting at the head and moving toward the feet. Each position is held for 3 to 5 minutes. The touch is light or hands are held a few centimeters above the body. The receiver may feel warmth, tingling, sensations of energy flow, or deep relaxation. The session ends with grounding and integration time.

The Three Degrees

• First Degree (Shoden): Initiation to energy channeling, learning hand positions, ability to treat self and others through physical contact
• Second Degree (Okuden): Learning three sacred symbols (Cho Ku Rei, Sei He Ki, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen) enabling distance treatment, mental-emotional treatment and energy intensification
• Third Degree (Shinpiden/Mastery): Receiving the master symbol (Dai Ko Myo), ability to initiate new practitioners, deepening of spiritual practice

Contraindications

Reiki is considered a practice with no known dangers. However, some precautions apply:

• Never substitute Reiki for conventional medical treatment
• Caution with individuals suffering from severe psychiatric disorders (psychosis, schizophrenia)
• Pacemaker wearers should inform the practitioner
• Individuals under general anesthesia should not receive treatment
• Detoxification reactions may occur after the session (fatigue, emotions, transient headaches)