So if you’re feeling lost, you are not alone. Many people are serious in their desire to attain a Reiki attunement and learn how to practice the art of healing by themselves. As would-be Reiki student yourself and the large number of institutions and Reiki Masters around, it can be a bit challenging to find the right place or person who can teach you the variety of Reiki methodologies.

One way to choose the right Reiki Master or Course is to do extensive -but time limited- research. With this I mean that if you don’t set up a time frame before you start your Reiki research, you’ll end up going and going indefinitely while getting more confused. Thus, I suggest you start by asking people who may be involved in Reiki, doing searches online for local Masters, and even for distant learning courses.

Then set aside some time to interview and send questions to these people and institutions. Locate a Reiki Master or training institution that stands behind their values with full integrity.

If you are going to take classes with an individual, perceive the energy within her/him, and chose the one who is proficient and passionate in explaining and practicing the techniques, and one who is truly an expert in Reiki.

Even if your only option is a distant learning program, know that you can get a lot from this media. Often, you can perceive from the website presentation the amount of knowledge and passion in reference to the subject aside from reading about the author and his/her background.

As a student of Reiki, you must understand that this healing process is a holistic system that covers several factors in relation to healing, balancing, and harmonizing every single aspect of an individual. And since every individual is unique, there are no clear and cut parameters for determining what the best course or Reiki Master is best for you. When deciding, use your intuition and go along with your gut feeling.

Here are a few tips to help you in finding the best Reiki Master for you.

Intuition and Faith.

First, know that you will be drawn towards the rightful Reiki Master who will be perfect for you and your needs. Have faith in this and trust your intuition. At the end, decide on the person or course with whom you feel comfortable to teach and guide you.

Level of Proficiency.

Your Reiki Master should have worked hard at learning the art of healing, and have enough practice to feel confident and proficient in giving treatment. Besides being able to perform based on techniques, he should be kind and compassionate.

Lineage.

Reiki Masters belong to different categories. Find out your Master’s affiliation just so you know the kind of Reiki treatment you will receive according to your Master’s beliefs and learned methodologies and techniques.

Qualifications.

While you cannot get harmed by Reiki, is better that your Master is certified. The prerequisites to being qualified to become a mentor will give you confidence to proceed.

Curricula.

Ask your Master what he’ll teach you; if he’ll reveal the symbols and crystals and if he’ll be willing to teach you self-discovered techniques that have worked for him and his patients.

Fees.

You will find that fees vary tremendously based on several factors; however, this doesn’t mean that price determines value. You should know in advance the fees that you need to settle from start to end of the course.

Overall, the Reiki Master will be the one who will sharpen your skills with the right amount of techniques, hand positions, and energy usage. So look around for the best Reiki Master who has the qualifications to provide you with healing and knowledge either facet-to-face or through a distant learning program. Also, look for someone who can help you identify your needs and who can guide you to attain what you desire.

Having said that, know that Reiki is all about doing good for others and in one’s life. It applies to where it’s needed, and it will cause no harm at all. You will only receive the appropriate energy that you require at the time of the session.

Moreover, Reiki is not pushed by the Reiki healer in any way but the energy from the treatment is being drawn in by you or the patient himself. Also note that the energy doesn’t come or is taken from the Reiki healer, so it’s not draining one person to give energy to another. In this aspect, the Reiki healer acts like a channel and guide. What the patient gets to absorb is the pure and the clean Reiki energy that comes from the Universal Life Force.

Different health practices have avidly gained popularity, and a member of this now in demand trend is the natural practice of Reiki Healing also known as “healing with hands”.

Touch is considered one of the senses we just couldn’t live without. Based on this, it is no surprise that touch has been coined by many psychologists as a very effective tool in communicating; and by many doctors as an almost miraculous way to enhance healing.

For these reasons, touch us considered the most natural kind of healing technique that anyone or anybody can give. It is widely encouraged, especially for new mothers and their newborn.

This natural “medicine” that relieves stress and helps in rehabilitation has become an integral part of the organic healing process that many health enthusiasts are observing and practicing. It is also considered as an alternative medicine technique, recognized as an important part of healthy living.

One common use of this kind of treatment is the basic massage therapies that are given in many health spas around the world. These massage therapies are categorized into groups for several purposes such as rehabilitation, therapeutics, relaxation and oriental massages, where each serves a different purpose, and is recommended for different reasons according to the patient’s ailments or complaints.

But all have one thing in common: each one promotes relief and a sense of well-being. They helps boost the immune system, maintaining a good level of blood pressure, alleviate muscle pains, reduce stress, ease fatigue, and aid in different conditions such as insomnia and arthritis.

Some may also refer to this method as the ability of a person to use vital energy and make it flow towards another person. This is particularly true with Reiki, where healers basically act as catalysts for patients and they advocate natural healing processes.

This is because Reiki is based on the concept that all matter is made up of energy, and that we can affect the patterns of energy of other people, animals, or objects. There is also so much controversy affecting this concept because there is a possibility that its effectiveness can be related to the personal beliefs and background of an individual, as well as predisposition, feelings and emotions.
However, an interesting fact to consider is that in numerous occasions Reiki has worked even in skeptics.

Healing with hands usually consists of three basic steps: the drawing of energy, locating the target areas, and finally directing the needed energy to the patient. The first step’s focus is on the healer, who must undergo a form of meditation or focused concentration to gather the Life Force Energy.

The second and third steps are patient-related. It is important to maintain the patient’s comfort, both physically and emotionally. A patient’s emotion is crucial, since this technique’s approach is targeting something aside from what is seen or what lies beneath the physical ailments.

When the healer finds the problem area, the third step occurs. The healer focuses the gathered energy, creates a connection, and channels the energy towards the patient.

We must also keep in mind that healing with hands is about charging the good, positive energy and discharging the negative one in its entirety –both from the healer and the patient.

This technique also concentrates on helping the body’s innate ability to heal and restore itself. People often say that they feel a deep sense of health, well-being, and relaxation during and after a session, and this facilitates the overall healing process.

The art of using crystal healing Reiki is also another way to go about this natural method of healing.

Since healing with Reiki utilizes Life Force Energy, it affects the energy balance of a person. We all have positive and negative energies in our bodies, and when we gather energy, we also tend to absorb the negative forces that come from our environment or from other people. For instance, when we are anxious, stressed or angry, we accumulate negative energy in our bodies.

Although practitioners have become more aware and attuned to the increased sensitivity of their senses, they may also experience the negative forces and ailments that are present in the auras or chakras of other people, such as chronic fatigue and stress.

They may also feel the negative emotions associated with a physical ailment. This is why using crystal healing Reiki has gained popularity not only with patients, but with healers as well.

In essence, these crystals act like sponges that absorb all the negative forces, both spiritual and metaphysical in nature. It is said that the use of crystals also enhance the healing powers of Reiki. These crystals balance out the changes of Reiki in a person’s body. They also help clean the aura during sessions. Here are some common crystals used for crystal healing Reiki:

Quartz

This is the most common crystal used in the practice because of its absorbing abilities when it comes to negative energy related to ailments. Many of those who have experienced the clear quartz healing, feel more rejuvenated and less stressed, much as it the quartz had sucked out the stress and anxiety they were experiencing before the session.

Amethyst

This crystal heightens the consciousness and allows better spiritual connection. It also helps with poor sleep patterns or insomnia, which is usually connected to stress.

Lapiz Lazuli

These crystals are used in two ways: to remove stagnant energy and to reverse negative energy. This prevents accumulation and with constant use, it doesn’t even need to be removed because it transforms the negative energy into positive energy.

Lapiz Lazuli is also very helpful in repairing leaks and tears in our aura. This crystal is recommended by practitioners for beginners, as it gives them a grasp of how crystals are supposed to work in healing.

Hematite

This crystal is a black stone with a metallic sheen. It is opaque and very dense, and is mostly used in Reiki practice especially if ailments are caused by traumatic experiences. Hematite heals a patient by sending Reiki to the future.

Jasper

This one helps in obtaining positive inspiration and creativity. It is of great use for artists, writers and those who may feel as if they are running out of ideas at work or to problem solve in life experiences.

There are many other crystals that can be used in Reiki healing. The only requirements is for them to be completely natural and organic in nature.

This healing method causes no harm and is considered very beneficial to a lot of people which is why many Reiki Masters use them to perform crystal healing Reiki. The only thing to always remember is to cleanse the crystal after the healing sessions are completed. This needs to be done to assure proper aura repair and chakra cleansing.

The best way to overcome this dilemma is by reading and studying from Reiki eBooks or courses. And with today’s technological innovations, eCourses is one of the better ways to deliver training programs specially structured for home study.

Reading through the modules provides you with a cost effective way to learn the practice of Reiki energy healing, at your own pace and an affordable price. Let’s face it, traditional or formal training really does cost more, and with the economic stand offs and problems that are present in today’s society, it can be quite a challenge for most people to afford more traditional types of training.

In reality, life is quite rushy for most everybody, so no matter how much we may want it, sometimes is just not possible to enroll for conventional trainings.

This is where eCourses become a blessing. Much like home schooling, all you need is your self-disposition, a computer, a bit of time and your modules. No matter how you see it, this kind of training saves time and effort for all of us who rather don’t leave our home and spend not only time but money to go to the training.

Additionally, when we choose to study at home, we can work at our own pacing. We will be able to review the lesson plans as many times as we want, we’ll have better access to resources, and we can go back and forth through the different aspects of the modules until we get to grasp the knowledge and holistic view of Reiki healing.

Online courses make it possible to acquire the most extensive and comprehensive training programs that would be cost prohibitive on most face to face training programs.

Once we decide to study Reiki healing through an eCourse, it’s just a matter of choosing the best program amongst the different Reiki eBooks and eCourses offered online. Excellent training programs provide personal contact with the Reiki Master teacher as well as providing follow-up and support for their students to answer their questions and track their success rate.

These online training programs are usually written by Reiki practitioners themselves. They share secrets, tips, and techniques associated with their personal practice and experience. This alone could prove invaluable.

They also give the best possible, yet easiest, way of understanding the Reiki healing process. Some may not only provide a written eBook, but also other materials and resources, such as audio books, which you may play over and over again until you gain thorough understanding of the art of healing with Reiki.

Gaining or acquiring knowledge from Reiki eBooks and eCourses can be more informative than traditional trainings, as these reading materials also provide a variety of examples based on the practitioner’s experience with patients.

Let us also take note that the practice of Reiki has different levels of expertise, and that most of these training modules are written by Reiki Masters who have usually been in practice for several years. It can be written by one Master, or sometimes a couple or a group. They do this with the intention to provide the student with a more comprehensive learning experience, all in just one program.

In conclusion, these online training programs offer us an affordable, practical and formal instruction that goes hand-in-hand with the flexibility to fit our schedule and needs so we can fulfill our dream of becoming a Reiki Master.

The only difference is that Reiki is more about an individual, and Feng Shui is about the flow of energy within a person’s environment.

Like Feng Shui, Reiki also has its own symbols and imagery. These Reiki images connote the kind of energy that is to be channelled to a certain individual. To those who are not much into imagery and interpretation, it may seem like a plain picture or a bunch of scribbles, but many practitioners consider them sacred, and vital additions to their practice.

Instilled with the basic effect of art into health and well-being, using images in the practice of Reiki is as basic as art interpretation and appreciation. It is believed that art also has the power to trigger wellness, whether physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually.

Since the beginning of time, artists over thousands of generations have used art to depict culture, beliefs, and spirituality. Combining this with the practice of Reiki, the Reiki images tend to recreate a bridge over a gap or distance between the sender of the energy and the one who is to receive it. Basically, it is linking art and healing all over again.

Aside from art, Reiki symbols are also used by practitioners as keys that allow opening of doors towards a higher way of thinking or understanding. They could also be considered as buttons that you would need to press in order to trigger a result. These symbols can trigger beliefs or intention to get the results intended and a quick and better link towards the universal life force.

Visualization also plays a major part in Reiki practice, and it is practiced in conjunction with the use of imagery by its practitioners. The symbols and images are used to enhance the link and create a better connection between the healer and the patient (or the energy sender and its receiver). These symbols and images also represent the type of energy present, either positive or negative.

Reiki images and symbols also differ according to each form of practice and some Reiki Masters have incorporated their own, unique images and symbols.

The symbols are based on Kanji, the Japanese form of writing; while images are more based on their symbolic meaning. Like in Feng Shui, the image denotes the form of energy that the artist wants to channel to its viewers.

Interpretation also plays a major role in the process of Reiki healing with images as an understanding of the relationship between the literal and the connotative meaning of the image. It also affects the way energy is transferred or channeled to a person. Colors and strokes used may also affect the flow and type of energy initiated by the image.

Reiki images can also be used in distance healing with Reiki, as the healer or practitioner doesn’t need to be in physical contact with the patient or the recipient of energy.

Like the use of crystals, being a master of this “images” technique, is also quite efficient and convenient for both the healer and patient. Not only that, but it can be as powerful as healing with crystals.

Images do not only help us to appreciate art, but also gain a sense of health, peace, and overall well-being.

This healing technique does not only deal with the physical aspect of healing, but focuses on the person’s holistic being – mind, body, emotions, and spirit are considered equally.

The results create a variety of beneficial effects that include relaxation and overall well-being. Reiki is natural and safe, and not limited to the intellectual or physical capabilities of a person. It is also not linked to any religion, but is based more on the spiritual aspect of the human being.

When it is said that healing with Reiki is not restricted by physical abilities, it also means that this technique can be done even without the need to go to a healer.

This is known as Reiki distance healing, where the healer simply channels the positive energy to the patient, whether direct or through a channel, such as crystals and imagery. It can be done without the actual presence of the recipient because the healer acts like a bridge to close the gap of space and time. Much like a battery, Life Force Energy can be stored. This assures that the energy can be used unlimited times in the future.

Sending Reiki energy affects a person’s inner spiritual aspects, such as chakras and the aura. It does not affect the physical being directly, but rather makes it better by aiming at the mind, spirit and emotions.

Intentions are also important, as it directs the kind of energy that needs to be sent. Visualization is key in performing this technique. The healer has to visualize the person they want to heal and send the energy to. A photo of that person aids in allowing more accurate visualizations by the healer.

Aside from visualization, the use of a channel or symbol in distance healing is observed by many practitioners. Having the appropriate channel or symbol allows the healer to form a connection between the patient and the healer.

We must also remember that in Reiki, we must send the positive energy present in us. A major factor in Reiki distance healing is that it can also aim in healing problems in a person’s past life, since a problem’s root can be sometimes found in a person’s past and is sometimes simply recurring in the present. It can also be done without any limits due to condition or position. It is deemed beneficial, whether for those who are not really ailing, to the most critically disabled person.

The uses of distance healing can vary from person to person. However, the most common use would be to heal and help people who live far away from the healer. It can also be used to beam energy to other people, within a house or a certain infrastructure. It may be used to send energy whether into the future or past to help with a problem or task.

Lastly, it can be use to send energy into the past to help understand the present and future, and/or remove traumatic experiences that have caused negative influences in a person’s present life.

Reiki distance healing is effective, and is deemed very convenient for everyone. Even in the middle of treatment, a patient can still go about their daily lives. It can help in the healing process after surgery or a long term illness’ treatment. It also allows people to gain or have positive energies that will help in going about their daily lives and feel healthier and in peace.

Let’s start by classifying Reiki as the conventional Japanese type of hands-on healing. This doesn’t mean that Reiki is the only way to heal by the use of the hands.

Through time, the traditional form of Reiki –also known as Usui Reiki Ryoho- has been modified and changed to encompass many variations that just seem to keep on evolving.

The system known and practiced in the Western and contemporary world is no longer in its original state. When you take a comprehensive Reiki class or distance Reiki course, you will realize of the many modalities that exist today. There are numerous branches that have sprung from the original form of Reiki well as different approaches to instruction and teaching. However, those who practice Reiki therapy have gone through a system of instruction that is divided into levels which allow them to earn both, a degree and a certification.

Generally speaking, the very first form of Reiki has three divisions or levels, each entitling a degree and an additional Master Level similar to a Masters Degree. Once this last degree is completed, the student becomes a Reiki Master and is qualified to train others.

Thus, let’s be conscious of the fact that a Reiki practitioner can come from any part of the world, might have studied at different institutions and taken a diversity of classes under different Masters too.

Amongst the multiple branches of Reiki instruction and modalities, these are the most widely available:

Usui Reiki Ryoho

Originally pioneered by Mrs. Takata, a Hawaiian woman from Japanese ancestry who is said to have been trained by Dr. Hayashi, one of the few students directly trained by Dr. Mikao Usui.

After that, the Reiki Alliance Masters began to form, and today is the largest worldwide organization of Reiki Master teachers. As part of the oral tradition, this medium of instruction employs three degrees which are taught to the students.

The first degree includes 4 attunements, as well as information related to history, myths, the hand positions, and the way in which energy is channeled for both, self-healing and healing others.

The second degree includes 2 attunements and covers the teaching of 3 of the 4 sacred symbols. It also covers the ways to heal mental and emotional disorders, as well as the fundamentals behind distance healing.

The Masters Degree involves only 1 attunement and the revelation of the fourth sacred symbol as well as higher techniques to channel more energy.

Raku Kei Reiki

A lady by the name of Iris Ishikuro was trained by Mrs. Takata. Iris contributed much to this modality of the Reiki instructional system. The term ‘Raku Kei Reiki’ literally means ‘the way of the Fire Dragon’, and it encompasses the balancing of both directional energies, the vertical energy flow or ‘Raku’ and the horizontal energy flow or ‘Kei’.

During the first and the second degrees taught in this form of Reiki, knowledge of the hands positions, healing techniques, distance healing, the four sacred symbols, and the use of the Master Frequency plates are covered.

The third degree includes 3 attunement levels along with 2 other additional symbols, the use of crystals, herbs and white light in the healing process.

Tera Mai or Tera Mei Seichem

This modality includes a few variations like the energy activation of the Angelic light, Sakara, and Sophi-el. Several other symbols are used besides the traditional 4 ones.

Usui or Tibetan Reiki

This mode of instruction combines the traditional Usui Reiki form and the new understandings as expressed by Rand and Raku Kei.

As a student, you have the option to choose which Reiki instruction you feel more inclined to study and follow. There are Masters for every modality everywhere and you have to simply get in touch with them, explore your options and decide what modality feel rights for you.

However, it’s been the experience of thousands that one should start studying the basic form of Reiki, the one re-discovered by Dr. Mikao Usui and the one from which all other modalities have emerged.

Let’s start by saying that Reiki is a healing art that can bring abundance to every part of your life experience. Reiki imparts the knowledge on how your life can be lived to the fullest and how letting go of all the worries and stress can transform your life.

Think about it… when you are able to put away the concerns that bother your mind and spirit the body responds accordingly and that is the only way to a full life that can be enjoyed.

Reiki healing utilizes Life Energy Force that opens the doors for us to experience positive and unexpected transformations that can take us to live life as it was meant to be lived. As soon as you allow your heart, your mind, and your spirit to open up to the wonders of this healing procedure, you will start to live in harmony with the rest of the people in your lives and around the planet.

Yes, Reiki can be that powerful!

Reiki healers stand by the Divine dedication and the sacred covenant that they share with the Universal Life Force. The healing technique is both, a therapeutic event and a way that allows you to live in the present at a given moment. The healing ability is enhanced and empowers you to accept your responsibility in every incident within your life experience and in getting attuned with this intention.

More than a form of treatment, Reiki offers you a lifestyle that encourages you to do good deeds throughout your lifetime which will bring fulfillment to your life experience.

The Early Beginnings.

The methods of healing through Reiki have roots in the age old Tibet. It was not invented or designed but rather rediscovered by a Japanese doctor called Mikao Usui during the later part of the 1800s. When Dr. Usui passed on, his loyal followers took over the responsibility to spread this knowledge and continue with the practice.

Several of Dr. Usui’s students established clubs and alliances which still exist to this day with the intention to teach the Reiki method and its variations. The teaching is based on the student’s level of spiritual maturity.

In the early times, the club was exclusively for Japanese people so foreigners were never allowed to partake in the course. However, one Japanese woman -who got trained by one of the best students of Dr. Usui- introduced these teachings in the western world in the 1970s. Her name was Mr.s Hawayo Takata and she was the pioneer of the Reiki knowledge that spread to all parts of the world.

Using Reiki Methodology

Some people may question the efficacy of Reiki; however, despite of belief Reiki does work even though it is not yet clear why it does.

When the patient simply opens to accept the healing energy which is always around, interesting things start happening. It is not necessary to feel anything during the healing process, actually most don’t. But results can be seen and felt afterward and in a variety of ways.

However, if a person fails to receive the energy, it is due to obstruction in the flow of energy. This happens when several chakras are out of balance. Thus, to fully enjoy the effects of treatment, the attunement should be repeated for the chakras to be rebalanced.

As fine tuning the many parts of a clock for it to work properly and give us the time precisely, you may need a few attunements and your Reiki healer may even require the help of more experienced Reiki healers for the process of recovery to be made faster.

What is important is to enter the Reiki healing procedure with all of your heart and mind. Your action and willingness to heal have to be driven by your greatest emotion: love. It is by opening yourself up to the whole process that you will only be able to receive Reiki’s rewarding effect. And when your chakras are in balance, your life will change in more ways that you had expected.

This article will provide you with a general introduction to Reiki training as well as the time and the levels so you can get a good idea of the training process.

First, let’s clarify the number of levels. Some say three levels should be completed to reach Master level. Others claim there are four levels. You will find that most Reiki Masters refer to three levels, with the third one divided in two distinct parts.
We’ll cover what this means below.

Level One.

The Reiki Master introduces you to the energy, where you get to develop a relationship with it and, most importantly, learn how to work with it. You will learn to perceive how the energy feels within your body and the effects you get when working with this energy, which you’ll eventually be able to use on yourself and on others.

In a conventional class, you will learn all of this over the course of two days. You will also get attuned for the first time, so you get to experience Reiki on yourself. You will be given enough time to allow your system to settle into your new state of ‘being.’

Level Two.

This level of Reiki training should be pursued at least two months after you have completed your Level One. This time is required so you can integrate your energy to your system, as well as to enable time for practicing what you have learned. Your vibrational level should increase during this time and you will start noticing increased stamina as a result.
In this level you will mainly learn how to self-attune yourself.

The Level Two is also completed during a two day training course. You will learn how to heal others face to face and at a distance. You will also be introduced to three of the four Reiki symbols and learn how to use them. Moreover, you will receive your second attunement which will allow you to further increase your vibration.

Before moving on, you should know that most people don’t go beyond level two because their main purpose is to heal themselves and possibly help others every now and then. It is wise to take a few moments of reflection and determine your purpose before moving forward with your Reiki training.

Should you conclude that you want to acquire more knowledge and more experience to practice Reiki healing as a Reiki Master, you must continue on to Level Three.

Level Three.

In conventional courses, it is recommended you wait between 6 to 12 months before proceeding to Level Three training. When you feel ready, you will undertake again a two day training session where you will receive detailed instruction on how to reach and use higher levels of energy. This level also includes hands-on practice on healing others. You will also receive your final attunement.

After a 21 day cleansing period, you will be ready to heal yourself and heal others, as well as pets, plants and even spaces that may be negatively charged. You will also be ready to learn another Reiki modality such as Seichim to help you through with your process.

From there, Level Three splits into one last phase. Some call it Fourth Level but it is more commonly known as Level 3-A. It is in this level that you become a Reiki Master, able to heal and also to teach others who want to learn Reiki.

The main difference at this level is that you will be taught from an instructor’s perspective. This means that you will also learn about the ethics of being a healer and boundaries while healing patients. This level of training will also prepare you to develop your own lesson plans, courses, manuals and classes for your students.

Actually, many Reiki Masters are given a final exam that includes the preparation of a Level One lesson plan that you can eventually use with your own students.

Reiki training is readily available in many institutions nowadays; however, it is usually costly and time consuming given the fact that specific time lapses between levels are required.

The good news is that home study programs and online courses are now available and they offer many advantages over conventional training.

First, this mode of learning Reiki have no time requirements as you take it at your own pace and from the comfort of your own home.

Second, you can learn Reiki at a fraction of the cost.

Third, the better courses offer interactive features, meaning you can contact your Master if you have questions or concerns.

Lastly, these online courses are just as effective as the conventional ones. Everyone is welcome to experience Reiki. The only requirement is an open mind to let the positive energy flow within your system so it eliminates negative energies in your body, mind, and spirit.

First and foremost, it is vital to understand what the symbols are and what they are not as well as their main role in the attunement process.

The Reiki symbols are considered sacred healing icons and are meant to improve the flow of the Life Force Energy. However, they are not magic wands of any kind, but offer a way to visualize and focus the Reiki power.

They are believed to be the keys that open the doors to a higher level of manifestation and awareness. While their meaning may sound astounding, it is necessary for you to look at them as elements that assist you in the channeling of energy in a precise form. This means that the symbols do not create healing by themselves but act as aids in the process.

After all, it is your intention and faith in this form of comprehensive treatment that will help you achieve a higher level of healing for yourself and others.

Where did they come from?

The original symbols come from the Sanskrit language; however they have taken a Japanese form. Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-European language, is considered to be the mother language from which all languages in the world have derived from.

The Vedas own the language which is used in most of their oldest books. Sanskrit continues to be widely used in India’s rituals. The Vedas claim that is the lingo utilized in the spirit world.

Why are these symbols used?

It is believed that the symbols offer a connection to the metaphysical energies and their function is to enhance and better direct the flow of Life Force Energy. Reiki students need to learn to associate every symbol with its corresponding purpose. Before a student gets attuned to the purpose of the use of the symbols, he must know that such procedure has been crafted with a strong sense of Divine covenant and the sacred connection must be maintained between the Creator and the one who is attuned. The symbol is just an aid or channel.

The symbols also function using them for awareness during meditation; in other words, when one meditates focusing on the symbols, one may attain guidance on how to use them.

What are the Reiki symbols?

The first symbol is called the “Cho Ku Rei” or the Power Symbol. Even in its absence, the Reiki Energy will continue to flow. However, it is believed that when it is used the amount of energy flow will be heightened. It is at the center of treatment and is commonly utilized from the very start of the healing session as well as at any point afterward when there is a need for more power.

The second symbol is called “Sei He Ki” and it is the utilized symbol to address emotional and mental healing. It is also used for other purposes such as purification, protection, balancing, and clearing. It targets the cause of illnesses and diseases which have their base in the subconscious mind or within the emotions. It can also be used to counteract the ill effects in the conscious mind or the mental body.

Reiki healers believe that diseases come as manifestations of certain things that need attention, that have been ignored and that require mending. This symbol aims to correct the imbalance between the left and the right brain.

The third symbol is the “Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen” and it’s the one that transmits the Reiki energy across space and time. This means that the energy can be sent across the room, to the other side of town, and even across several places all over the world.

It transcends distance and can be used to connect time either in the past or future. This symbol is used to heal past life experiences that may be acting out and creating blocks in the energy flow.

The fourth symbol or the Master Symbol is called “Dai Ko Myo” and its primary essence is the light of the awakened heart. It denotes intuition, wisdom and insight which are important elements in the healing of the soul.

These Reiki symbols are considered sacred and are only to be employed by the rightful people as tools to aid in the attunement process.

How are Reiki symbols used?

Symbols can be accessed and activated in one or more forms.
First, the symbols must be memorized; then they can be drawn with your finger on your palms. They can also be drawn in your imagination and seen with your third eye (visualizing the symbols.) Also, the symbols may be spelled three times or repeated aloud while focusing on their meaning and action.

Once this is done, ‘place’ the symbols in the palms of your hands and proceed to the attunement. You may need to redraw or visualize the symbol you are using when you go through the hand positions on the patient’s chakra energy centers, and especially in those areas to be treated -if known precisely, like in the case of a physical pain or ailment.

All methods are effective. The main point is the intention of the healer and the use of the proper symbol to draw energy with a specific intent.

The crucial thing to remember is that our intention is to restore the energy flow in its entirety, and when Reiki is practiced with this in mind, the energy flow will be unblocked regardless of the amount of positions used. This happens because energy flow follows a path, and much like a path on a road, you can make nine or more stops along the way. The important observation in this example is that you will get to the intended destination regardless of the amount of stops you make.

Here is a quick overview of the areas affected by Reiki Life Force Energy, and what their effects are in your organism.

The first position focuses on the crown area, and the main purpose for conducting Reiki in this area is stress reduction, increased mental clarity and capacity for memory and concentration. Some people experience enlightened awareness when working in this area. This may be related to the “opening of the third eye”, meaning they get higher intuitive power and more clarity in decision making.

The second position has to do with the brain’s function, and working in this area helps relieve stress, depression, worry and concern. From a physical ailment perspective, this position is used to relieve migraine headaches effectively and without the need for drugs.

The third position relates to stress, and performing Reiki in this area will help relieve pressure. Working on the third position increases energy throughout the body, relieves aches and pains, and invigorates clarity of thought.

The fourth position is for self-esteem, self-confidence, to relieve hostility and let go of anger and other negative feelings. In relation to physical pain, working on this area will help relieve TMJ pain and stiffness caused by stress in the neck.

The fifth position has to do with feelings in general. Working on this area will improve self-love, self-forgiveness and increased capacity to love others. If there are blocks in the love area, this is a wonderful place to revitalize the energy love flow.

The sixth position has to do with fear and anxiety. Fear is a powerful feeling that creates energy blocks. Working on this area will help release phobias and fears, giving more self-confidence and helping with centeredness and feelings of peace.

The seventh position is related to feelings of worthlessness, bitterness, rejection, self-blame and frustration. Working on this area will facilitate the release of grudges and past issues while enhancing feelings of self-worth and well-being.

The eight position has to do with responsibility and feelings of stress as if “carrying the world on our shoulders”… working on this area will help release shoulder and neck pain that comes from stress, responsibility and day to day living.

The ninth position is related to feelings of creativity and connectedness with the rest of the world. Working on this area will enhance your ability for new creative and innovative ideas, as well as feeling more connected with your surroundings and the people around you.

When all areas are covered during a Reiki healing treatment or session, the flow of energy is restored at every level resulting in a revitalized feeling of balance and overall well-being.