What is Reiki?

When I first read about Reiki in a magazine several years ago, I was instantly intrigued and decided that one day I would learn this. But it took over fifteen years before the opportunity arose and I could make that dream come true.

Beginning of January this year (2010) I was able to take part in a course given by Reiki Master Christine Brække here in Oslo. Over one intensive week-end I received the first initiations and advanced to the First Degree.

What first intrigued me about the Reiki healing system was the fact that it claims anyone can learn this. You do not have to have any special powers or abilities to learn it. Anyone can do it!

So what is Reiki exactly? Reiki is a spiritual healing system developed by Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese Buddhist, as a complementary therapy for treatment of physical, emotional, and mental diseases.

The word Reiki can be translated into universal life energy. Reiki is the universal life energy that flow trough everything and is present everywhere. This energy flows through the practitioner, entering at the crown chakra and exiting through the chakras in the palms.

The energy flows to the recipient and activates and enhances the natural healing processes on all levels; emotional, spiritual and physical levels.

There are two main branches of Reiki today: The traditional Japanese Reiki and the Western Reiki. Within both branches there are three form of degrees referred to as First, Second, and Master/Teacher Degree.

At First Degree a Reiki practitioner is able to heal themselves and others. At Second Degree the practitioner is able to heal others distantly with the use of specialized symbols. At Master/Teacher lever the practitioner is able to teach and attune others to Reiki.

I learned the Western Usui Reiki tradition which was brought to the west by Hawayo Takata at the beginning of 20th century. Takata simplified the Reiki system and adapted it to make it more understandable and credible to the western mentality.

I practice Reiki in Oslo, Norway. If you are ever in the neighbourhood and you would like some Reiki healing, please get in touch.