How to Learn About the History of Reiki

Introduction

Reiki is an ancient Japanese practice rediscovered within the last several decades. It involves lightly placing or holding the hands on or above the patient's body for extended periods of time, purportedly to stimulate positive energy and rebalance the body. It has been used to treat depression, constipation and grief, and is believed to work to heal the entire body holistically.

Steps

1 Step One

Explore the main questions surrounding Reiki. There is some debate as to where its true origins lie: some scholars believe it was influenced by Buddhism, while others believe it evolved independently of any religion.

2 Step Two

Familiarize yourself with the primary figures in the history of Reiki. Dr. Mikao Usui, who rediscovered the practice in the early 1900s and introduced it to the world, is generally considered the father of modern Reiki.

3 Step Three

Learn about the most famous teachers of Reiki. Besides Dr. Usui, these include his students Dr. Chujiro Hayashi and Hawayo Takata, who helped introduce Reiki to a Western audience in the mid-20th century.

4 Step Four

Purchase a book to learn more about the history of Reiki (see Resources below).

5 Step Five

Read through a publication like The Reiki News Magazine (see Resources below). While most of the articles are concerned with current topics in Reiki, the history of the practice is often addressed as well.

6 Step Six

Learn about the health benefits of Reiki and how these benefits were discovered. The International Center for Reiki Training provides a comprehensive online introduction (see Resources below).

7 Step Seven

Locate a Reiki practitioner from a practitioner directory. You can find these via local newspapers or online (see Resources below). Ask your Reiki practitioner about the origins and history of Reiki. Determine whether you would like to learn about the history of the Usui System of Natural Healing (developed by Dr. Mikao Usui), the Radiance Technique, or both.

8 Step Eight

Find a group class in your area. Many practitioners offer them at reduced rates to introduce Reiki and its history, and you may ask questions at these sessions.