Reiki was originally taught in Japan by Mikao Usui, its founder in the 1920’s. He taught it as a spiritual path to enlightenment and a method for self-healing at both physical and emotional levels. His teachings, based on Tenai Buddhism and Shintoism, formed the basis for a way of life which he condensed into five precepts:
Just for today
Do not anger
Do not worry
Be Humble
Be honest in your dealings with other people
Be compassionate towards yourself and others
Today Reiki is practiced as a hands on healing therapy using a variety of techniques evolved from Usui’s original teaching. Its Practitioners and Teachers are empowered or attuned to channel the Reiki energy (chi). Recipients report the following feelings:
deep relaxation
stress relief
being more positive
being more able to cope with difficult situations