Threshold Reiki Level One Manual Essence Version 0609214

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Threshold Reiki
First Degree/Shoden
Manual
(Essence Version for Sharing)
© Copyright 2008-2013 Richard R. Rivard, B.Sc. Reiki Shihan (Master / Teacher) www.threshold.ca
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The main graphic on the front page is the Japanese Kanji for the phrase “Rei Ki”
I photographed it from the writing on the Usui Memorial tablet at Usui Sensei’s
grave site at the Saihoji Temple, Tokyo, Japan – November 2000.
============================================
This manual is updated from time to time,

so please check my web site for the latest version.
This Version – June 9, 2014
Note:
this version of this part of my Reiki 1 manual
may differ slightly from my current class version.
Also, there are some topics taught in my Threshold Reiki 1

class that are not included in this section.
Notably - Distant Reiki and Highest Ki
They are found in the Appendix in the complete manual

or as pdf files on my main reiki web site at www.threshold.ca
Terms of Use of this Manual
You may freely download this pdf version of the manual and share it with
others, provided it is not being sold outside of a Reiki 1 class, or being presented
for downloading at another web site or group page like Yahoo Groups, or any free
pdf sites.
When you do make use of this manual, aside from the Appendix header pages
please leave the rest of it intact and use it as is.
Also I trust that your own Reiki Ethics will respect the various Copyrights within
the manual.
If in doubt about copyright of any material (whether it is noted as so or not) please

refer to my web page on this at this link
- www.threshold.ca/reiki/Copyright_Using_Threshold_Pages.html
or contact me at www.threshold.ca
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction to This Manual .................................................................................................................. 1

Disclaimer ............................................................................................................................................. 2
An Explanation of Reiki and Its Origins............................................................................................. 3
Usui-Do (Usui-no-Michi): The Origin of Usui Reiki Ryoho............................................................ 10
Receiving the Reiki Empowerment .................................................................................................... 13
Traditional Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai Hand Positions - Self Treatment ...................................... 15
Modern Reiki Hand Positions - Self Treatment .............................................................................. 17
Reiki Analogies ................................................................................................................................... 22
Using Reiki to Scan Yourself .............................................................................................................. 26
Traditional Japanese Reiki Components ............................................................................................28
- Byosen Reikan Ho (Scanning); ..................................................................................................... 29
- Reiji Ho (Intuitive) .......................................................................................................................... 31
- Nentatsu Ho (Affirmation); ...............................................................................................................32
Giving a Reiki Session to Someone Seated ...................................................................................... 34
- Modern Method: the Main Chakras or Energy Points .................................................................. 35
- Traditional Japanese Treatment (plus Intuitive Treatment)........................................................... 37
Taking Reiki Into Your Everyday Life .............................................................................................. 39
A Complete Reiki Session on a Table (plus some guidelines)
- Preparing to Give a Full Reiki Session ........................................................................................ 41
- Scanning the Recipient ................................................................................................................... 42
- Treating the Front of the Body ..................................................................................................... 43
- Treating the Back of the Body....................................................................................................... 50
- Balancing the Chakras .................................................................................................................... 52
- Finishing the Session (Front or Back) .......................................................................................... 54
- Finishing the Session (Back) .......................................................................................................... 56
- Sample Reiki Session (Full Body) ............................................................................................... 59
The Usui Gainen ................................................................................................................................ 61
Hatsurei ho Meditation ....................................................................................................................... 69
* * * Optional Additions to This Manual * * *

* Appendix A *
- Additional Reiki 1 Support Material
* Appendix B *
- Excerpts from Japanese Gendai Reiki Ho Shoden Class Material
* Appendix C *
- Selected Articles from the Reiki Threshold Website (www.threshold.ca)
* Appendix D *
- Your Reiki Teacher's Bio and Related Information
* Additional Handouts (loose pages in sheet protector folder} *
- Selected Articles from Reiki Books and Websites
-i
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About The Author And This Manual
Shortly after completing 18 years in Information Technology departments in the office
world, Richard Rivard began studying Reiki in September 1992. Two years later he
started offering Reiki classes to others. Even after attaining master (teacher) level in
1994 he continued to draw Reiki educational experiences to himself, and these would
gradually shape the way he practiced and taught Reiki.
Richard’s North American style Reiki 1 and 2 training came from Canadian teachers
very close to the Takata and the Reiki Alliance lineages. Reiki 3 and Master training
from a student of the William Rand lineage followed this. Shortly afterwards, he
repeated master level in Tera-Mai Reiki with founder K. Milner. Eventually he took
training in the combined energy system of Sekhem-Seichim-Reiki with Tom Rigler, a
student of founder Diane Shewmaker and Patrick Ziegler.
His Japanese style training includes the Hayashi originated systems from Dave King
(Traditional Japanese Reiki as learned from Hayashi student Tatsumi-san) and Rev. Hyakuten
Inamoto (Komyo Ki Reiki as learned from Hayashi student Yamaguchi-san). He also trained in
Japan in the blended URR Gakkai - modern Reiki system of Gendai Reiki Ho from
originator Hiroshi Doi, a URR Gakkai member since 1993. Richard followed this with
some training in Usui Sensei’s original 1923 and 1925 structured spiritual methodology
from Dave King known as Usui-Do (aka Usui-no-Michi) and Usui Teàte.
In addition to the above, Richard and a group of international Reiki friends sponsored
several annual Reiki conferences from 1999 to 2002 around the newly discovered
methods of the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai and Usui Sensei’s original teachings. These
became known at the time as Usui Reiki Ryoho International.
The material in this manual is a partial representation of the entry-level teachings to
these systems of Reiki, and together with his own blend of Reiki energy Richard calls
this Threshold Reiki. Along with the various Appendix sections it is intended to give
the new Reiki student an idea of how Reiki has been taught and how it can be used in
simple intuitive ways, or more complex formulated methods, depending on the
preferences of the healer and the healing situation.
Over the years Richard has come to understand that not all Reiki teachers, new or
experienced, are comfortable with such a large manual so the core of his Reiki level 1
teachings are presented in this section of the material. It contains the essential
components, which are more than enough for any beginning Reiki student. It is hoped
that this manual will give you, the new Reiki student, some simple guidelines to follow in
your daily practice of Reiki, and help you discover the joy in practicing with and sharing
Reiki energy.
Sharing from the Heart
Richard R. Rivard
December, 2008
For an extended biography of Richard, please consult his Reiki web pages at www.threshold.ca or
Threshold Reiki 1 students can find this in Appendix D in this manual.
Many Thanks to the models in my photos: my wife Nadya, my daughter Sabrina, friends Tom, Jessica,
Emiko, Isao.
- ii
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REIKI FIRST DEGREE
Introduction To This Manual
Welcome to the world of Reiki.

The purpose of this class is mainly to assist your access to the Reiki energy, and to
teach you various ways to make use of it. The Reiki teacher will attempt to ensure that
you leave the class with an appreciation of, and a firm belief in the knowledge that you
do indeed have access to the Reiki energy, and are now able to apply it to yourself and
another person with little or no effort. Also, the teacher will share some additional
techniques that you can optionally use in your treatment sessions.
This class contains a combination of information that Richard received from a variety of
teachers (all of diverse Reiki backgrounds) both traditional and modern in origin, and is
integrated into a process that you can adapt into your own Reiki practice.
In this class we will cover the following subjects:
1. The origin of Reiki, what it is, how it works
2. The Reiki empowerment ceremony
3. Traditional and modern methods of applying Reiki to yourself (with practice time)
4. Analogies for better understanding Reiki and how it works
5. Scanning the body for areas in need of Reiki.
6. Methods to apply Reiki to another person (with practice time in class)
7. Bringing Reiki into your everyday world
8. The original spiritual concepts of Mikao Usui
9. The opening meditation used in the Japanese Reiki society’s monthly meetings
Optional Topics:
These may or may not be part of your class but are included in Richard’s larger
Threshold Reiki 1 material:
 The aura and how to sense it; chakras and their functions
 Additional concepts and techniques taught in some Japanese Reiki systems
 Distance Reiki healing methods for the level one practitioner.
 Additional articles from The Reiki Threshold and other web sites, intended to
help you be more aware of ideas and information that may be useful to you.
Although there is a lot of material in this manual, Reiki in its simplest form is simply
receiving the Reiki empowerment or attunement, and then placing your hands on
yourself or another and allowing it to flow.
Note that the high vibration energies of the attunement process may trigger a
balancing/cleansing cycle, in which the body works to adjust to the new vibratory rate.
The results and duration of this process differs from student to student, and can be so
small that you may not notice it.
For those taking the class with Richard, please consult his web site for the complete
content of his classes, both live and distant training, as well as for details on his post
class support.
© Copyright 2008-2013 Richard R. Rivard, B.Sc. Reiki Master / Teacher www.threshold.ca

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DISCLAIMER
DISCLAIMER
REIKI (also known as "Usui Reiki Ryoho")
 is a natural method of energy balancing for the purpose of

stress reduction and relaxation. It can involve "the laying on
of hands" although this is not required for Reiki to be
effective.
 while it can be used entirely on its own, it is not meant as a

substitute for medical, or psychological, diagnosis and
treatment. In fact it can readily compliment other forms of
therapy.
 practitioners should not diagnose conditions, nor do they

perform medical treatment, prescribe substances, or
interfere with the treatment of a licensed medical
professional, unless they have received training in such a
licensed professional practice that supports this. (This type of
skill is not a part of a normal certified Reiki training program).
 should not compete with medical doctors and their

treatments.
 can be used together with any other form of medical, natural

or alternative therapy in order to compliment it.
Note:
It’s recommended you see a licensed
physician or licensed health care
professional for any physical or psychological
ailment you may have.

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AN EXPLANATION OF REIKI
An Explanation of Reiki and Its Origins
The origins of Reiki are shrouded in the mystery and inaccuracies of oral teachings and
very few public documents. Yet we do know some facts due to knowledge shared by
Usui students in the late 1990’s.
Since ancient times people have called upon natural energy from around them or from
within, to heal themselves and others. They might have called this energy prana, life
force, ki or chi. For many, the process was a conscious effort. Their procedure might
include clearing and/or grounding themselves, connecting with higher forces, focusing
on a certain energy or colour, and finally presenting this energy with their hands towards
a recipient. Some could do this with little or no effort. Certain energy disciplines like
certain Qigong practices might have required the practitioner build the energy up within
their own body first, before transmitting it to the recipient. For those who called upon
their own energy or the energy around them, especially a novice, this could often be an
exhausting process, and they often had to build up their energy again after each
healing.
Other energy disciplines would teach a person how to channel or be a conduit for higher
energies, those not normally accessible by a person. To do this one might be initiated
or introduced to the energy through a ceremony, ritual or just a simple empowerment
process, seeming like a transfer of energy. Some individuals were able to connect to
these energies on their own through the use of their Higher Self, Ascended Masters,
Ancestors, Archangels or other such Spirit Guides. This may have occurred through a
great spiritual experience. In time, a person could simply shift their vibration radiance to
that of the energy intended, and thus flow or broadcast this to their intended recipient;
much like suddenly playing a higher vibration of music.
Reiki (ray-key) is a natural healing technique that feels like a flow of a high frequency of
energy into and through a practitioner, and out the hands into another person
The system of Reiki, also referred to as Usui Reiki Ryoho,
grew out of the original teachings of Mikao Usui (on the left), a
Japanese man, around 1925-26. He had called his own
teachings "My Method" (in Japanese, Usui-Do or Usui-no-Michi.)
which were actually a simpler way to better develop oneself
spiritually.
In the West, it was previously thought that it was Usui's
purpose to find out how famous healers like Buddha and
Christ healed the sick, without depleting their own inner
energy. However, the original Japanese Reiki society - Usui
Reiki Ryoho Gakkai - teaches that he had a very spiritual
experience or vision in which the meaning of his life was
made clear to him. He then set out on a 3 year quest to
discover how he could attain this, which cumulated in a
powerful experience on the Japanese mountain of
Kuramayama, and resulted in his achieving his quest plus experiencing strong healing

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abilities.
More current teachings from his own personal students, still alive in the early 2000’s, tell
us that Usui (often known as Usui Sensei, Sensei, or O-Sensei) was actually a lay Tendai
Buddhist monk who had a family, and who had begun teaching a more modern system
of spiritual living based on his Tendai Buddhist, Shinto and other training. He began this
work in Kyoto near the base of Mt. Hiei (the location of the main Tendai temple) and then in
1922 moved with his family and some close students to Tokyo where his brother Dr.
Sanya Usui lived. He opened another dojo or training hall there and became known for
his spiritual teachings which he began to formalize into 13 steps. He also became well
known for his healing abilities, especially in the aftermath of the huge Kanto earthquake
the following year.
It seems his inner spiritual work had to led to developing these very strong healing
abilities and he was known to radiate a powerful energy or Ki that those who came near
to him could easily feel and sometimes acquire, often his own students. One of his
senior Kyoto students, Toshihiro Eguchi, joined him in 1923 and with Usui's permission,
rented evening time in the dojo to give lectures. Eguchi, under the watchful eye of
Usui, began making small changes to the Usui system. However, by 1925 Eguchi was
also experimenting with the idea of holding his own strong Ki or energy hands around
some non students during his evening workshops. He seemed to be exploring
duplicating the natural abilities Usui Sensei was noted for. At about this time, a retired
naval veteran Dr. Chuujiro Hayashi, joined the dojo and while he too became a senior
student of Usui, he also worked with Eguchi with these healing concepts, something
that would be very useful in his private clinic.
By late November of 1925 the navy had learned of these healing experiments and 20
officers, led by Admirals Ushida and Taketomi, joined the dojo. While they too would
have been Usui-no-Michi students, Ushida influenced Eguchi to develop a system
where learning a healing method would be the main focus. In late January 1926, around
20 or so dojo members graduated from this new 3 level system (later 4 levels), and
referred to their group as Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai or learning society (borrowing from the
name of the Usui Gainen or concepts hanging at the front of the dojo.) While not formally involved,
out of respect, admiration and being the dojo Shihan, Usui is given credit as its founder.
He died shortly after this (in March 1926) and the dojo and new healing society were
moved to Dr. Hayashi's clinic.
During his life, Usui studied old religions and ancient teachings, Japanese forms of
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Taoism and Zen. He also had a variety of occupations and was survived by his wife
and 2 children. He was a member of a warrior monk group and thus a student of martial
arts, and knew many well-known teachers including the founder of Judo, Jigoro Kano.
In modern times the word Reiki has become synonymous with natural energy healing,
but the term was actually an adjective that Usui Sensei used in defining a set of
concepts for his original system. Reiki Ryoho was a common term at the time used to
define a spiritual methodology. The term Reiki later seemed to become a sort of slang
term used by Dr. Hayashi. Western translations thought the word Reiki was made up
of two Japanese words - Rei and Ki. Literally, taken one word at a time, Rei can mean
supernatural force or spiritual intelligence; Ki can mean life energy. Thus Reiki is often
mis-translated in the West as "spiritually guided life force energy". However this is much
like taking the French word "chateau" (castle) and looking up the meanings for "chat "
(cat) and "eau" (water). In Japanese, words must be taken together and in the context
of their use in order to understand their actual meaning and intention. (See my article
"Origin of the Term "Reiki".)
Here is an excerpt from Paul O'Neil's Japanese dictionary "Essential Kanji"
Current Brush Pen Stroke Version Base Definition of Character
Stroke ============== by stroke numbers,
======== Top -- Current/
in stroke order Bottom -- pre- 1947 plus Examples of use
The original society's version of the Reiki system was trimmed in some ways, and
expanded and modified in others by Usui's students, depending on their own
preferences and needs. The version that reached North America in the late 1970s was
introduced by Dr. Hayashi's 1935 Hawaiian student, Hawayo Takata. It rapidly grew in
popularity and was thought to be the original form of Reiki until my friends and I
discovered teachers of other versions in Japan in the late 1990s.
Above are the 6 Japanese or kanji characters for "Usui Reiki Ryoho" and below, to the

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right is the same phrase in O-Sensei's handwriting. The original system of Usui-
Do or Usui-no-Michi is still being taught, and as of the end of 2004 there were still
a handful of O-Sensei's students alive in Japan, who communicated with some
Western students. However, since that methodology is highly personal and
spiritually oriented, most people seem to drawn to the study of Usui Reiki Ryoho
as a healing method, in one form or another
As each colour in the rainbow is actually a different frequency or vibration of
white light, the Reiki energy can be considered a range of vibrations of the
Universal Energy or The Light, but perhaps a range that is beyond the normal
access of each individual. But it is well known for its ability to bring the human
energy field into balance on all levels, thus encouraging the healing process.
A standard Reiki treatment includes placing the
hands above, or on, the head, shoulders, stomach
and feet. In addition, other positions may be used for
specific conditions the client may have. Each position is
held 2 to 5 minutes and the entire treatment lasts 45 to 90
minutes. Originally it is thought Mikao Usui (we call him
"O’Sensei" or "Usui Sensei") would have placed his hands
on a few places on the head, then worked on the places of
illness or injury. One of his students, Dr. Hayashi, made
use of an old Chinese medicine process which involved
upper body hand positions at strategic meridian points, to
allow for a more structured approach in his clinic. He also
added lower body positions so that two practitioners (a level
1 and a level 2) could work on a client together.
A treatment creates a wonderful radiance that is deeply relaxing and includes many
beneficial affects for both client and practitioner. At the very least, you will feel very
relaxed during a session, often to the point of falling asleep. A Reiki session always
seems to impress those who say they find it difficult to relax.
As a Reiki practitioner, you can also treat yourself by placing your hands on yourself.
Reiki will flow into you and begin its healing work. As in other forms of energy healing,
a Reiki practitioner can also "send" a treatment to another person who is not in the
same room or location. This is usually called Distant Reiki.
In oriental cultures, healing disciplines like Reiki
may be applied to healthy people as a
preventative method. However, Reiki may also be
used to assist you in returning to a state of health.
Reiki is both powerful and gentle. In its long
history of use Reiki has aided in healing virtually
every known illness and injury including serious
problems like cancer and heart disease as well as
skin problems, cuts, broken bones, headaches,
colds, sunburn, insect bites, insomnia, lack of
confidence, etc. Reiki can also be used to relieve
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stress, to overcome unwanted habits, to achieve desired goals, and to protect from
harm. Many Reiki practitioners have found that plants and animals also respond well to
a Reiki session.
Even if you are conservative in explaining Reiki to others, you can describe it as an old
Japanese remedy to reduce modern day stress and bring about relaxation. Most
people who receive a Reiki treatment, will fall asleep during the session. And of course,
relaxation promotes balance and healing on all levels.
The ability to use Reiki is transferred to the student by the Reiki Master through an
empowerment within an attunement process or ceremony. It is like a re-awakening of a
talent that is lying dormant within you. For some, it may be possible to re-activate this
ability on their own. But for most, it is far simpler to receive a Reiki attunement. Because
of this, virtually anyone can learn Reiki with no prior experience or ability necessary.
The attunement process opens the heart, crown and palm chakras and creates a
special link between the student and the Reiki source. The Reiki Master then explains
and demonstrates its use.
After that, the student simply places her or his hands on someone with the intention of
healing and the Reiki energies will automatically flow through the student into the
recipient. Because of this unique attunement process, Reiki can be easily taught during
a one day class, or less. The Reiki Empowerment is actually a powerful healing
experience in itself, since it causes your bodies (physical, emotional, mental, spiritual) to
vibrate to a higher resonance. This can cause slow or stuck energy to return to its
normal flow, and thus improving your overall condition.
Children can easily acquire this ability, even small children.
Since no focus or concentration is required, they can even
watch TV, read a book, talk, etc. while giving a very
effective Reiki session. I have found that I could encourage
my young children to give me a Reiki session while they
watched their favourite TV program or video. Their energy
was always strong and constant. I simply moved their
hands to different positions when I felt they had been in one
place long enough, or they felt to hot for me .
You may be surprised to learn that small children can easily
see the aura or spirit guides. It is only our modern society that conditions them into
ignoring such.
Reiki is an amazing energy that comes from the
highest spiritual source. It has its own intelligence and
knows exactly where to go and what to do. It is multi-
dimensional and will heal the cause of a problem on
whatever level it may exist - body, mind, or spirit. It
does not have to be directed by the practitioner.
Because it is a channelled healing, the Reiki
practitioner's energies are never depleted. In fact,
when giving a treatment, the Reiki practitioner is

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healed as well and always experiences an increase in life-force energy.

People that already do healing work report their
healing energies increase by at least 50% after
receiving Reiki training. I have been amazed to
discover that this also happens to many others as
well. One of my students reported the ability to see
the colours of the aura more clearly. Other students
suddenly manifested clairvoyant abilities or could
suddenly see spirit or angels. Many people just find
that their life seems to take on a greater meaning to
them.
Torii in Usui's Home village
Consider whenever a person goes outside to water the
garden. They turn on the water tap, pick up the hose and focus the nozzle of the hose
towards the garden. (Let's assume there are no city water use restrictions in effect <smile>). The
person isn't usually concerned with the water running out, nor with the possibility of
anything foreign coming in through the sides of the hose. The person also doesn't worry
about anything coming back up through the nozzle as the water pressure is too strong.
While this person could just let the water run in one spot and it would work its way to all
parts of the garden, they like to direct the water to their favourite plants, then possibly
the balance of the garden. However, if there is a part that is much drier than the rest of
the garden, the water will accumulate more here, as it works to balance the entire
garden's water content. And it is usually quite obvious where these spots are, as more
water gets absorbed here, than elsewhere.
The water can be thought of as the Reiki energy. It comes from a source outside of you,
and seems to have no limit to its
availability. The person is the Reiki
practitioner. The hose is like the purified
Reiki channel that is opened within the
initiated Reiki practitioner. It is very pure
and strong and nothing can penetrate it;
i.e. your energy does not get mixed with
the Reiki ray before it leaves you. The
energy flows out the palms of your hands,
your nozzles (as well as other chakras in the
body), and the recipient's energy does not
flow back into the practitioner (so you don't
Fountain at Amataka Shrine, Taniai Village
take on their mis-qualified energy). The Reiki
practitioner can just stay in one place projecting the energy on or towards the person
who is receiving it, but typically moves around the body, starting with the recipient's head
(just like watering the favourite flowers first) . While the Reiki energy fills and surrounds the
recipient's body with its gentle vibrations, if there are parts that require more balancing
of energy (called energy blocks), the Reiki energy will focus more in those places. The
potential end result is a balancing of all the energy in the body (not to mention the other
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The Reiki frequency can also be thought of being similar to playing a special music
album. As you play it for others you also experience the same effects of the music, yet
you can play it over and over with no loss of quality or stretch on your part. The result
of this is that the Reiki practitioner feels energised and vibrant after giving a Reiki
session, and is quite capable of performing several sessions in a row.
I have encountered some people who feel they are naturally exhibiting Reiki-like
qualities. Some of them have been born with healing abilities, while others have
learned similar energy techniques. I qualify as "Reiki” the same energy that Mikao Usui
originally experienced, and then later taught to his students. This implies that a person
has received the energy in a way that Mikao Usui’s students used to pass it on to their
students; that is, by way of an empowerment ceremony, usually given in a Reiki class,
by a Reiki "master".
Perhaps it would be more appropriate
to discuss whether a person is using
the same energy as Reiki. In my
experiences with those who have a
natural healing skill, all who have gone
on to receive the Reiki attunement
have told me that the energy they had
previously thought was Reiki, was
either quite different, or not as strong,
or not as easily accessed as Reiki.
They talk of Reiki as being a higher
vibration, or a different colour, or that it
flows through them differently, than
what they were previously using. I
Richard performing simple reiju/attunements at
feel that the natural energy they have URRI 2000 in Kyoto Japan.
is an enhanced version of their own
natural Ki, what I might call their own
Highest Ki. This is not to say that Reiki is better than what they are already using.
There are indeed other energies that seem to work the way Reiki does, but have a
different feel or vibration to them.
As for the most efficient healing method, I have found that the most benefit seems to
come from a combination of the person giving the energy, the person receiving, the
situation, the presence of compassion and Love, and the energy technique. Sometimes
a hug is the most powerful technique.
While this manual presents much detail on how to give Reiki and on its history and
meaning, in its simplest form Reiki is just receiving access to this energy, and then
finding some way to apply it in your daily life.
After you have tried all the methods presented here, I encourage you to use the way that feels and
works best for you.

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USUI-DO / USUI-NO-MICHI
Usui-Do (Usui-no-Michi): the Origin of Usui Reiki Ryoho
"Unity of self through harmony and balance" (Original Usui dojo motto)
Since 1996 I have been discovering more and more current information about the
origins of the origins of practice of Reiki. Thus I find it useful to present the following
article that discusses the evolution of Mikao Usui’s teachings after 1920. This was the
time (until 1926) when he became more public with his work, and bean to formalize his
system (which he simply called “My method”), which would eventually lead to his student’s
creation of the Reiki healing system that grew to become what we now know it as.
Sources: Dave King, Melissa Riggall, George Mullen (1971 students of Eguchi student, Yuji Onuki.)
The system of Reiki we now practice in the West actually comes out of 3 Japanese
sources, all of which were influenced heavily by the original system taught by Mikao
Usui. He had simply called this “My Method”, thus "Usui-no-michi" or “Usui-Do” in
Japanese. These 3 systems were Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai, Hayashi Reiki Kenkyukai
and Eguchi’s Tenohira Ryoji Kenkyu-kai.
In the final years of his life, Usui Sensei was teaching his personal spiritual system,
Usui-no-michi, which by this time was now structure, having been influenced by
Sensei's friend Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo. The 13 steps were rokyu, gokyu,
yankyu, sankyu, nikkyu (#1 symbol), ikkyu (#2), shodan (#3), nidan (#4), sandan,
yondan, godan, rokudan and shichidan.
Another influence in his life was his earlier student and friend, Toshihiro Eguchi, a
school teacher who had an interest in hand healing methods. Eguchi would rent
evening time in the Usui dojo (training hall) and teach a revised version of Usui’s
teachings which came to be called Usui Teate.. (Eguchi later had his own school called Eguchi
Tenohira Ryoji Kenkyu-kai )
Eguchi and Hayashi (founder of Hayashi Reiki Kenkyukai) were the only 2 students to
complete the original Usui spiritual training (to Shichidan). Even after Usui’s passing
they continued to offer this system to some students along with their own healing
systems. Women were traditionally not allowed to attain the highest levels in Japan but
the 2 of the 5 nuns who worked daily with Usui Sensei from 1920 to 1926 reached
Rokudan. One of these was Tenon-in (Mariko-Obaasan), who in 2005 was over 107 years
old. (She passed away in September, 2005)
When 2 retired navy admirals, Ushida and Taketomi, and 18 of their retainers joined the
Usui dojo in December 1925 there was a sudden shift in Eguchi’s evening class
structure. Perhaps due to their social standing they had more sway in, but a new
healing oriented system began to emerge alongside the Usui system, most likely being
taught by Eguchi in the evenings.
The new system included Eguchi hand healing concepts, an energy transfer ceremony
(unlike Usui’s transformation ceremony) and the admirals were calling this Usui Reiki
Ryoho (a phrase from the original Usui concepts or precepts). The first Shinpiden
graduates occurred in late January and by the time Usui passed away in March, a
Gakkai (learning society) was formed to promote this system. Eventually they began
meetings with some Meiji Emperor poetry (gyosei) - probably to make the meetings

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appear loyalist and not religious (which was outlawed at the time of the Taisho
emperor.) They added a healing guide for beginner students (composed by Hayashi) to
their material, as well as a number of Tui-na and Kikou (Qigong) techniques that Eguchi
had introduced from a 1923 hand written booklet he had purchased.
After Usui Sensei's passing in 1926, Usui-Do and its 1925 version Usui Teate, seemed
to slowly slip from the limelight as the new society, Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai, began to
grow in popularity. The spiritual concepts were retained to some degree, but mainly
taught to the advanced members, with personal healing through "Reiki" energy being
encouraged on the novice. Eguchi had left the URR Gakkai in 1927 but he continued to
teach both systems. One of his Shichidan graduates (1926-30) was Yuji Onuki. After
1931 Hayashi, who had by then left the URR Gakkai, no longer seemed to teach the
original inner system of Usui-Do, although he had conferred Shichidan status on at least
12 students, including Tatsumi-san (1927-31). The system that Hawayo Takata-sensei
learned from Hayashi (1935-38) was a much-revised version he was teaching at that
time.
Dave King and Melissa Riggall of the Usui-Do Eidan received Rokudan from Onuki-san
in 1971 while George Mullen received Godan; Dave and Melissa also received
Shichidan from Tatsumi-san in 1996 and Godan from Tenon-in in October 2002, the
latter giving them a direct spiritual connection to Usui Sensei through. Melissa passed away
in March 2003.
Changes to the Usui System over the years
1923 1925 1926 Today Today
System System URR Gakkai URR Gakkai Western
Usui-Do Usui Teàte
Level Name Name Name Name Name
th
6 grade rokyu dai roku to
th
5 grade gokyu shoden gata shoden dai go tou
th shoden 1st degree
4 grade yonkyu dai yon tou
rd
3 grade sankyu chuuden gata chuuden dai san tou
nd
2 grade nikyu (#1)
Transformations
st okuden zenki
1 grade Ikyu (#2) okuden gata okuden zenki 2nd degree
st
1 dan shodan (#3) okuden koki
nd okuden koki shinpiden 3rd degree/master
2 dan nidan (#4) kaiden gata
shinpiden shihan
rd
3 dan sandan menkyo
Shinpiden
th
4 dan yondan kaiden Note: This table is from
th gata URRI 2002 & 2003 #1-4 are what we
5 dan godan
handouts given by now call the
th
6 dan rokudan soke Usui-Do Eidan symbols
th shichidan www.usui-do.org
7 dan
(nanadan)

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From TJR information, May 2000

According to Hayashi student Tatsumi (1927-31), Eguchi student Onuki (1928-30) and
Usui student Mariko-Obaasan (1920-26), Usui Sensei originally did not divide the
system into degrees but worked with each student until one of them called a halt to the
training. By 1923 he did break his system into steps and labelled them similar to Judo.
In Dr. Hayashi’s school, at the time of Tatsumi's departure (1931) Chuuden level was
dropped and a multi-step Shinpiden became the top level, equivalent to third step level
1; Okuden was now second step. Another Hayashi student Melissa met, Ms Kobayashi,
received this form. It seems that Mrs. Takata and Ms. Yamaguchi did too.
Both Tatsumi and Onuki were very clear about not trying to guide or control the energy
in any manner but to simply offer it unconditionally so that the REAL intelligence, that of
the body, can make the best use of it.
Hayashi had started to teach his own system after 1931 which had no set hand
positions. (Admirals) Taketomi and Ushida were still with Hayashi at that time and it is
most likely that this found its way into the URR Gakkai teachings.

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REIKI FIRST DEGREE EMPOWERMENT
Receiving the Reiki Empowerment

- in person and distant
The access to Reiki energy is usually awakened within you by means of an

empowerment ceremony - often called an attunement or initiation. In some Reiki
schools this is performed up to 4 times during the course of the class, usually if the
class is split into several parts, each a few hours in length. This comes from the original
Reiki society’s process of giving you an empowerment every time the teacher met with
you, whether in a class setting, or in a Reiki society gathering. The society (Usui Reiki
Ryoho Gakkai) felt that each time you experienced the ceremony (called “rei ju”) your body
could grow to handling more of the Reiki energy afterwards as you used and integrated
the energy. Then, when you were offered another by the teacher, you could possibly
absorb a bit more.
I usually accomplish the same result by performing the Threshold Reiki ceremony in
class, and having the student work with the Reiki energy throughout the day. Later in
the class I usually give an additional empowerment, but this time to a selection of
Japanese Reiki energies I have received. I find this assists the student in extending
their Reiki abilities, as well as giving them an additional set of energies to explore and
compare should they wish to develop their ability to sense energies.
After class I also make additional empowerments available from time to time to the
student. I might do this while in meditation, intending that the student receive the
empowerment at the most suitable time for them. If I attend a
Reiki gathering or exchange, I often empower/attune many others
there (students of mine or not), even if they are already a Reiki
masters. Also, I have on-line internet pages that achieve the
same result, allowing the student to select his or her own time for
this.
Exploring the Reiki Attunement
If you are a bit analytically oriented, and would like to determine
any changes in your energy before and after an attunement, here
is something you can try doing.
Before the attunement, sit in a chair with your hands on your
knees..
-- Notice how each of your hands feel.
-- Notice how each of your knees feel.
Now raise your hands just about 1/4 inch. Just so they no longer
touch your knees, but are very close. Again, how do each of your
hands feel; how do each of your knees feel?
If you are receiving a distant attunement, where the teacher is not
present but is transmitting to you over a distance, the following is
what you can do for the attunement ceremony.

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REIKI FIRST DEGREE EMPOWERMENT
Just before the agreed time sit down in a chair, preferably with your feet on the floor.
Use whatever technique you want to get relaxed. I like to tell my students what I will be
doing so that they can close their eyes and focus on what they feel, and not have to
peek. If this is a distant attunement, while you are sitting there I will visualize or
imagine you making the required movements during the attunement, such as moving
your hands over your head, etc. However, you need not do this.
As part of the process I will imagine I am right there in the room with you, first adjusting
the room’s energies so as to keep out any that may be distracting. I will then begin by
performing energy work over your head and then imagine blowing the energy through
your hands (which I visualize as being in prayer position over your head). I then seal the energy at
this point and assist it throughout your body. I will imagine lifting on your occipital ridge
to integrate the energy into the body. Next I come around in front of you and focus
Reiki energies in front of your third eye (your forehead), bringing your hands up in front of
this spot and blowing the energy in through your hands. I then seal this spot. I do the
same for your throat area and then for your heart area. Then I go behind you and run
the energy through your body again. All throughout the process, I have been focusing
on connecting you to the Reiki energy as well as your own Highest Ki or highest energy
(a bonus with my Threshold Reiki classes.) Don’t worry, I will explain that part in class.
The attunement is now complete.
It all seems like a lot of make-believe, but the amazing thing is that the attunement
always happens, and it is completely safe. There are many forms of Reiki ceremony,
each as effective as the next. Each ceremony simply provides a way for the teacher to
hold a strong focus on what he or she is doing, and a certain amount of time (at least a
minute) for the student to be held in this energetic space.
After the ceremony is finished, usually about 5 to 10 minutes in length, think about
anything you experienced during the attunement. Do you now feel different than
before? Did you see any colours? Did you hear anything? Did you feel any sensations
in your body? You may even want to write all this down. If you are experiencing the
attunement with someone else, then you can share what you experienced with each
other. Or you may want to write down the experience. The purpose of this is so you will
remember later what the attunement felt like. It's like your right brain needs to tell your
left brain what it just got. Don't be concerned if you think you felt no change at all.
What you feel is right for you. I personally don't remember anything unusual during my
first attunement. I think I was too busy trying to figure out what the teacher was doing
and thus missed the best part of that experience.
To continue, after the attunement, check your energy as you did before the attunement
(previous page). Then give yourself a complete Reiki treatment to help exercise the new
energy. Reiki energy can feel warm, cool, tingly and many other sensations in your
hands, and may feel similar in the area being treated or even elsewhere in the body,
since the energy moves to where it is needed. Later on you will discover that a good
way to determine if anything is changed is to treat a familiar Reiki healing subject with
the new energy and see what their reaction is. Often it is more than what you may
notice yourself .

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USUI REIKI RYOHO GAKKAI HAND POSITIONS
Traditional Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai

Hand Positions – Novice Self Treatment
Originally the practice of Reiki was taught quite differently than what we experience in
the West and even in modern day Japan. In fact, it’s still taught close to the original
way in the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai, the original Reiki society. Once the student had
experienced Reiju or the Reiki empowerment process, he or she was then shown a
simple set of hand positions that might be used to apply the new energy. The following
is a good way to begin exploring Reiki for yourself. Try holding each hand position for
about 3 to 5 minutes. Your arms might get a bit tired so you might want to do these
lying down.
These 5 hand positions actually cover key meridian points on the head, which may have
been the original purpose for selecting them. During the class you are going to learn a
number of ways to apply Reiki to yourself and others, and eventually you will settle on a
method that works best for you.
Here is the method as taught to me by one of my Japanese teachers, Mr. Hiroshi Doi, a
member of the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai. While he does teach Mrs. Takata’s Western
Reiki idea of 12 basic hand positions (I also suggest a few extra), if there is little time
available for the treatment, he recommends using the original Gakkai hand positions.
Source: Essence of Gendai Reiki Ho Shoden Level - Sensei Hiroshi Doi

Reiki healing basics
1. Do not use your consciousness or mind power for healing (i.e. don’t force this process.)
2. Set your focus on the target and objective of Reiki healing (to whom and how). Then
just be a clear channel of Reiki energy. The recipient determines the result.
Healing others
Once you have developed Byosen, which is the ability to perceive the sensations you
receive from the problem area in the body, this will automatically help you to decide
where and how long your hands are to be placed to give Reiki. Since you do not feel
anything until you develop Byosen, you can use the basic 12 hand positions (from
Western Reiki) for healing yourself and others. It is preferable to return to give Reiki to the
problem area after completing the 12 hand positions.
However, If time is limited, first give Reiki at least to the 5 basic head positions or head
positions used in traditional Reiki Ryoho, before you start putting your hands on the
problem areas.

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USUI REIKI RYOHO GAKKAI HAND POSITIONS
Head positions used in traditional Reiki Ryoho -- Self Treatment
Zento-bu: Sokuto-bu:
Forehead top, between Both sides
the eyebrow and head (temples) of
top (the line where your head at the
your hair starts to same time
grow)
Koutou-bu: Enzui-bu:
Upper back of your Upper part of
head; the middle point your back neck;
between the top of the where the brain
head and spine and spine meet
Toucho-bu:
Top of your head; the
crown
The original Gakkai Reiki Ryoho manual, Reiki Ryoho Hikkei (see Appendix), has a
section called Ryoho Shishon - "Guide to a Method of Healing" written by Dr. Hayashi.
The table includes all the major body parts, as well as major illnesses of Usui Sensei's
time. Depending on the size of the treatment area, the practitioner can lay one or two
hands on the area, or simply place the index and middle fingers on the area. Reiki also
flows out of the fingertips.
The first section of the guide deals with the major body parts. Note that the letters C, T,
L and S represent the terms Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar and Sacral Vertebrae. In
some Gakkai branches, students had to memorize this part of the table, even if they
developed more advanced techniques.
Doi-sensei said it was a beginner's guide, mainly used by those who had not developed
Byosen Reikan Ho or Reiji Ho. We will cover these 2 techniques later in class.
However, the Head Area in the table actually involves the above 5 positions, followed by
the neck area (then sometimes the lungs), then the stomach and intestines. In URR
Gakkai sensei Fumio Ogawa's book "Everyone Can Emulate Reiki" he says that
applying Reiki to all these areas was the typical way to begin a Reiki treatment,
although they were preceded by an affirmation or visualisation (Nentatsu Ho). This then
might be followed by scanning (Byosen Reiki Ho) and/or intuitive Reiki (Reiji Ho).

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SELF TREATMENT
Modern Reiki Hand Positions - Self Treatment
These are some examples of hand positions you can use on yourself. Feel free to add
others or remove those you do not feel a need to do at any time. Do them in an order
and a way that is comfortable for you, and try to hold the position for a few minutes or
as longs as you feel the urge to. Move your hands slowly from one position to another.
As you perform each hand position, take time to be aware of what your palms/hands are
feeling, and what the area of your body that you are working on feels like. This will help
you to expand your ability to sense the energy. Try each of the hand positions at least
once, then in future, simply use those that you feel the urge to. Reiki will fill you and
concentrate in the areas of most need. However the various hand positions will help
you to sense where these areas are, and give you an idea of how the body is doing all
over.
At each position, experiment again with raising your hands a tiny bit away from the
body. It has the same benefit because you are still in the lower layer of the aura. After
playing with this you can have your hands on or off the body, depending how you feel.
It doesn't matter if your mind starts to wander while doing this. You can talk, read a
book, watch TV (that's the only way I can get my kids to sit still while they Reiki me). If
you want to feel what is happening again, just focus on what your palms are feeling.
Eyes Ears
Gently place your palms over or just in Place your palms over or close to your
front of your eyes. Hold for 3 to 5 ears In Reflexology and Acupuncture
minutes (or as long as it feels charts, there are many meridian/energy
comfortable to do so). If you have points in the ears.
learned the eye exercise called palming,
adding Reiki can increase the benefit.
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SELF TREATMENT
Crown Back of Head/Occiput

Place your hands on or above the top Place your hands at the base of the
of your head. Originally Mikao Usui skull on the occiput. Again you are
only used 5 hand positions which affecting all the major energy meridian
involved different parts of the head. lines as they pass through to the rest
of the body.
Back of Head and Forehead Neck

This is a very good hand placement This is a good position for a sore
for relieving stress and headaches. throat or to help you communicate
The forehead allows you to relax the better with others. The energy will
tension in your head, and the back of also flow into the shoulders, another
the neck position encourages the flow common place for tension.
of blood into the head, and also
relaxes the neck.
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SELF TREATMENT
Heart/Chest Solar Plexus/Sternum

The heart centre is the most important This is your power centre and the
area of spiritual growth as we learn to area where you experience a lot of
receive from others, as well as give to emotion in your reactions to others.
others. Reiki can help calm this centre.
Navel/Tummy Area Pelvic Area

This is the area where you often take Aside from the physical cleansing
in other people's emotions, and a involved with the male and female
common area for stress to build up. reproductive centres, this is also the
are where your survival instincts
gather. balancing can occur on mental
and emotional levels as well.
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SELF TREATMENT
Back Area Knees

Do whatever areas you can reach like We are told that the knees (and
the middle and lower back. This is elbows) reflect our attitude towards
around the area of the kidneys and change in our life - the left side is our
the adrenals. creative side, and the right is our
analytical.
Ankle Foot
Ankles (and wrists) reflect our Like the ears, there are many
flexibility to issues in our life. Again acupressure points here. Reiki can
the left and right relate to the creative stimulate all of these points, and used
and analytical issues, respectively. in conjunction with reflexology can
After you Reiki one ankle and foot, bring greater relaxation and ease of
switch to the other foot. stress.
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SELF TREATMENT
Summary of Possible Reiki Hand Positions For Yourself

Hand positions are usually held from 3 to 5 minutes, or as long as comfortable. For Western method, try all
positions once, then use the ones that feel appropriate. Japanese scanning is usually only done to the lap
HANDS ON OR
HANDS OFF
REIKI
Western Reiki
Beginner (Reiki 1)
Starting Method Eyes Ears Crown Back of Head
Back of Head and Neck Heart/Chest Solar Navel/Tummy Area

Forehead Plexus/Sternum
Pelvic Area Back Area Knees Ankle Foot
TRADITIONAL SCANNING &

REIKI APPLYING REIKI
Japanese Reiki Japanese Reiki

Beginner (Shoden) Beginner (Shoden)
Starting Method: Advanced Method 1:
5 positions Byosen Reikan-Ho Use 2 hands … or 1 hand
Hairline
(Note: Advanced
Method 2: Reiji)
Temples Back of Head Sense Area Apply Reiki on Body
Top of Neck Top of Head … or in Aura Finished at Lap
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REIKI ANALOGIES
Reiki Analogies
Simple Ways to Explain the Workings of Reiki and Other Healing Energies
Sometimes the ease and simplicity of Reiki can be deceiving and even seem confusing
for new students. Either that, or some people may simply wish a better understanding
of how Reiki works when applying it to themselves or others. These concerns often lead
me to try to come up with some examples of everyday experiences that Reiki can be
compared with. Here are some of the ideas I share in my classes.
Reiki as Watering Your Garden
Most people are familiar with watering a garden, watering their yard
or just their houseplants. They have an idea of how water works
with and flows through the soil and plants. So one analogy I suggest
they can think of is the act of applying Reiki as being similar to
watering a garden. No matter how it’s watered, the water still gets to
all parts of the garden and concentrates more in the areas of
greatest need. You might begin at one end of the garden and work
methodically towards the other end, noticing as you progress how
each plant responds to the water. Or you can search out the plants
that seem in need or that you know will need the most and water
them first. You might spray the entire garden at one time from one
location. And some might even just leave the garden hose slowly flowing water at the
upper end of the garden and let nature and gravity do their own balancing act without
having to move the hose around. In all cases, the water gradually fills the garden, and
more important, it tends to be drawn most to satisfy the plants and areas with the
greatest need.
Reiki and other healing energies work much the same way, filling the body and beyond,
and concentrating or being drawn mostly to the areas of greatest need; whether this be
a poorly functioning or healing body part, an energy block or area of stagnant energy, or
simply improving the overall flow of energy through the body. The Reiki practitioner can
choose his or her own method of application knowing that ultimately the recipient will
receive what is required at the time, and in the appropriate quantity.
Reiki as Electricity
Imagine that the awakening of Reiki (with the help of your teacher) within you
is like installing an electrical box in your house or apartment. Then, think
of your hands (or your feet, your eyes, breath or whatever you use to share the
energy with) as your electrical wall outlets that are hooked into your house's
electrical (Reiki) box. You simply move your outlets (hands, etc.) to an area
of the body intending to apply Reiki and that part of the body (much like an
appliance) "plugs in" and decides how much Reiki energy to draw. You just
offer it and the "appliance" does the rest. So a body part might feel like
it's drawing like a table lamp, a toaster (at various settings), an oven, a clothes dryer or
even a fridge or freezer (with cooler energy being called for). There’s no real work on your
part – no concentration to keep Reiki flowing, no intention to force or push the healing,
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REIKI ANALOGIES
no sense of being drained as this is not your normal life energy you are using but that of
the source of the electricity, i.e. the source of the Reiki.
Note that the wall outlet does not take on the properties of the
appliance in this scenario, and similarly your hands do not take on the
properties of the unhealthy or out of balance body part – SO LONG as
you DO NOT try to make the body take more than it draws. There is a
synergy between the energy and the body, just like with the electricity
and the appliance. There is a right amount of energy needed and then
it must be assimilated and worked with. Also take note that just as an
oven or clothes dryer has a much larger wall plug and can suddenly
draw to the limits of the electrical box, so too can the condition in one
area of a person’s body suddenly draw to your maximum ability to flow
Reiki. This can be quite a surprise when it occurs an d you may even need to back your
hands away for a bit or move to another body part if it feels too strong for you (it may
simply take some getting used to this level of Reiki.)
Reiki as Music
My favourite analogy is to think of Reiki as music. You are
simply playing this special healing music, which is different
from your normal music, and allowing the recipient (or yourself)
to respond to it. You don’t have to force the music; you just
allow it to flow naturally and that is all the effort required. It’s
like putting on your favourite CD and letting the volume
change automatically (as if you had an intelligent stereo system that
could sense the need for more or less volume.)
Note that when you are in "playing music" mode, you don't lose any
of your music or take on anyone else's; you just resonate your high
level (Reiki) music and your target area responds as needed. As you
do this, you can simultaneously do any other task: pilot a boat, watch
TV, do your normal work, read, talk, cook, etc. The energy works on
auto-pilot. You can also flow the music into your food, cooking,
beverages, the boat, the ocean, your work, your projects, etc.
Some people, after “hearing” the Reiki music can actually begin to
play it for themselves, much like a person who is able to repeat a
song having heard it only once. However, it is easier for most of us to attend a class
where the Reiki teacher will teach us the music during the attunement or reiju
ceremony.
Reiki Symbols as Musical Instruments
Continuing with the analogy of Reiki as music, in my Reiki level 2 classes I
explain how the Reiki symbols (and even other modern day healing oriented
symbols) can be thought of as some of the instruments within the music.
And just as each musical instrument evokes a certain feeling within a
person upon hearing it, the energies invoked by the symbols awaken an
energetic quality within an individual who experiences it.
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REIKI ANALOGIES
Reiki Attunement / Reiju as Learning Music

When the original Reiki attunements are given, the teacher is helping
the students to learn the overall music. However when Reiki 2
attunements were given, the teacher would seem to focus on one
instrument here and there within the music, again with the intention
that the student learn these. It’s much like a jazz music piece where
each instrument plays a solo within the composition. And just as
with any music piece or instrument being learned, after the initial
lesson with the teacher the student will go home and practice what
they have experienced. Then they can return to hear the same
music and instruments again (via a re-attunement) when they next meet with their
teacher. In the original Reiki society, the URR Gakkai, reiju (i.e. re-attunement) was given
to all members at each weekly or monthly meeting.
Reiki as a Thermostat
An interesting observation many Reiki practitioners notice is that
sometimes the Reiki energy will begin to flow even without their
intention for it to do so. This might occur when they place a friendly
hand on a friend or their arms around someone as they hug them. Or
it might occur as their hands rest on themselves in a moment of high
emotions, especially anger, sadness or depression. It is as though
the energy were operating like a heating thermostat, knowing when the room suddenly
needs more heat or coolness, and activating the furnace or air conditioner.
Reiki as Flavours of Energy
In my web site article titled “Exploring Variations of Reiki” I explain how
originally I thought all Reiki was identical. Then as my ability to sense
energies began to awaken I discovered that there were many variations
of Reiki energy, both inside and outside Japanese teachings. Since all
true Reiki energies have the same common baseline or carrier
frequencies, I like to equate the family of Reiki to something like
chocolate. It’s as though Usui Sensei or one of his senior students had
discovered chocolate and everyone began to try to copy this.
Over time various versions of Reiki evolved, much like we have
variations of chocolate, like German, Belgian and Dutch chocolates, and
the candy bar flavours of Hershey, Cadbury and Nestle. So too the
Hayashi Reiki of Mrs. Takata feels a bit different than that of Mrs. Yamaguchi; the URR
Gakkai Reiki of Mr. Doi’s Gendai Reiki feels different than the Gakkai energy he
received from Mr. Ohta; The Tera-Mai Reiki of K. Milner feels different than the Karuna
Reiki of W. Rand. And on and on.
They all have a common base feeling to them yet each has something added into them
to make them slightly different from the next. And just as we each might have our own
preference for certain types of chocolate, so too might we prefer one type of Reiki over
another.
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REIKI ANALOGIES
Taking this analogy a bit further, we notice many other healing

energies being present to the public, each making similar
claims to Reiki or even beyond. For example, we have
Seichim, Magnified Healing, Quantum Touch, Urevia, Sekhem
and many others. While they all have healing properties, each
of them feels different. If Reiki is chocolate ice cream, then
these others might be thought of as strawberry, butterscotch,
orange, spumoni, etc. They all have the commonality of being healing energies, yet
they are different families of energies. Which works best for an individual will depend on
many situations, yet each can claim to have effected every type of healing in some
situation or other.
Healing as Blowing Up a Balloon
I often say in class that healing is like having a balloon you
wish to be blown up and busted or at least start a leak so
that it will no longer affect you. You pass the balloon to
everyone you interact with asking them to blow into it as you
try to heal; your friends and family (e.g. talking to them about your
problem), your doctor, your Reiki healer or teacher, your body
work healer, your pharmacist, etc. However, the one who is
with you when you finally get a result (the balloon breaks or finally
begins to leak) gets ALL the credit.
Sometimes the condition is resolved completely, as if the balloon

has popped. And sometimes it begins a slow leak as you
gradually release the problem condition. However, even if you
are receiving some kind of treatment or therapy, if afterwards
you continue to carry out the actions and thoughts that
contributed towards the condition, it is as if you are plugging in
the holes of the leaks your “healer” just helped you create. So even though you may
receiving treatment, it is a good idea to try to determine if you are still contributing daily
towards the cause of the condition.
My many thanks to www.inmagine.com for the royalty free images.
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USING REIKI TO SCAN YOURSELF
Using Reiki to Scan Yourself
As you continue to use Reiki, you may find some of your natural energy abilities
increasing. One of these is the ability to sense energy within or around the body with
your hands (your non-dominant hand is usually best). This is especially true of areas where
emotional and mental energy has slowed down and become stagnant, often called
energy blocks. A technique that makes use of this skill, called Scanning, can be used in
locating these areas on yourself or a client. Reiki can be directed to this area and the
energy may immediately begin to return to its normal vibration. If this is done in the
emotional and mental layers of the body (about 2 to 10 inches above or away), potential
problems that may arise may be avoided before the energy manifests in the physical
body. Long-term blocks may also begin to slowly dissipate, causing emotional and
mental relief.
Since we normally apply Reiki at the body level (hands on or about an inch away), we will
usually deal with the physical blocks as we do a full treatment. Ultimately this energy will
work its way to the other levels of the aura as well. However, if we have the time and
the desire, we can try to effect change at the mental and emotional layer more quickly
by scanning these layers, and then applying Reiki to any place we feel an unusual
energy. You may also find scanning at the body level useful as well, as it can give you a
detailed idea of how you or the recipient are doing at the physical level.
Use 2 hands … .. or 1 hand Sense the Area Apply Reiki on Body … or in the Aura
To scan your own energy, simply follow the Self Treatment positions but hold your non
dominant hand about 2 to 10 inches away from your body. Do one quick pass, trying to
pay attention to the overall feel of your energy. Then do a second pass, this time
noticing the subtle differences from place to place. An area may feel hotter (drawing
energy in) or cooler (energy flowing out). Or perhaps it feels thicker or thinner, with your hand
moving more slowly or faster through this space. There may be subtle vibrations that
change from place to place. Again, this is all about 2 to 10 inches away from you (in the
mental and emotional space). (See the handouts or http://www.acupuncture.com/education/
diagnosis/qiqualities.htm. for what you might feel.)
These sensations usually indicate that the energy is either in a state of change, or
needs some assistance. Next, apply Reiki in your aura with both hands wherever you
felt something unusual or different. Just give Reiki for a minute or two in each place.
When you are finished, begin a normal Reiki treatment on yourself. Notice if the
Scanning and Reiki in the higher levels of the aura have made a difference in how you
feel (mentally, emotionally, physically). Over time you will become familiar with the energy
feel of your aura and body.
While right-handed people might find their left hand is more sensitive for scanning, I find
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that a typical left handed person is often omni-handed (i.e. equally left and right handed). The
dominant hand rule really applied to most right handed people, and a few left handed,
however, in either case, I suggest the student can use whichever hand feels best each
time.
In a live class, I often give an additional exercise to students to help them realise that
they already have the ability to sense energies. I ask them to look out my living room
window. Across the street are some large Japanese Cherry trees - the kind that have
the pink blossoms in the spring. I ask them to look at one of them (Tree A) and try to
determine in their mind how they feel about the tree. Then after a minute I suggest they
determine where on the tree their attention is mainly drawn. What point would they
touch if they could reach out and do so?
Next I have them do the same to the tree next to it (Tree B) or sometimes with a different
type of tree (Tree C). I also ask them to compare what they feel and also where their
attention is drawn on both trees. What is interesting is that everyone is able to do this
and has some kind of feeling about each tree and some special point they seem to be
drawn to look at.
Tree A Tree B Tree C

I then tell them that what they have just done is scanned the trees from a distance, and
they have also used a form of the Reiji Ho or intuitive Reiki (from the Shoden section) on
each tree. I suggest that they might want to try the same idea when they see 2 people
walking towards them outside (even if they are far away at first). This will help develop their
energy sensitivities for these methods with people. There are many things you can
gradually sense about others (and things) if you wish to pursue this.
In my article on the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai (see the Appendix or www.theshold.ca), at the
end I talk about the former society president Mrs. Koyama whom my student Shiya
Fleming met. She said Mrs. Koyama was able to scan people as they came into her
house and know what their problem was and even how many treatments would be
required. It is also possible to scan someone you cannot see, as in giving a distant
treatment, even if you have never met them.
In the Gakkai, a Reiki 1 student (or Shoden level) must demonstrate certain abilities before
being able to continue with Reiki 2 (or Okuden level). 2 of these tests are being able to
demonstrate Byosen Reikan Ho and Reiji Ho with precision. These are the preferred
techniques used in traditional Japanese Reiki healing.
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Traditional Japanese Reiki Components
As mentioned earlier, the original URR Gakkai Reiki manual had a section called Ryoho
Shishon - "Guide to a Method of Healing" created by Dr. Chuujuro Hayashi. It follows typical
Oriental energy healing hand placements. The purpose of the guide was to assist the
beginning Reiki practitioner who had not yet developed Byosen - the ability to feel or sense
where Reiki is required. An advanced practitioner would not require this table. Depending on
the size of the treatment area, the practitioner would lay one or two hands on the area, or
simply place the index and middle fingers on the area . Here is the first section of the guide
that deals with the major body parts. Note that the letters C, T, L and S represent the terms
Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar and Sacral Vertebrae.
Guide To Method of Healing (Ryoho Shishon)
1. Basic treatment of body parts.
Head area ...... Forehead (hairline), general area, temples (temple)
general area Back of the head area, neck area,
crown area, stomach, intestines.
Eye ................ eye, inner eye corner, outer eye corner, neck area
cranial neck vertebrae C1,2, 3.)
Nose .............. nose bone, nose flares, between eyebrows, neck area
(cranial neck vertebrae C1,2, 3.)
Ear ................. ear canal, front part and back part of ear, cranial neck
vertebrae C1.
Mouth ............. cover mouth without touching lips.
Tongue .......... top side of tongue, root of the tongue (most likely from
the outside, neck, under the chin).
Throat ............ thyroid cartilage, neck area.
Lung............... lung area, back, inside of shoulder blade, Thoracic
vertebrae T2, T3, T4, T5 T6.
Heart .............. heart area, cranial neck vertebrae C5, C6, C7.
Thoracic vertebrae T1, T2, T3, T4, T5.
Liver ............... Liver area, Thoracic vertebrae T8, T9, T10.
(especially right hand side)
Stomach......... stomach area, Thoracic vertebrae T4, T6, T7, T8, T9,
T10
Intestine ......... ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon
area, small intestine area, (navel point area), Thoracic
vertebrae T6, T7, T8, T9, T10, Lumbar vertebrae L2, Source of Image:
www.spinalinjury.net/html/
L3, L4, L5, buttocks. _spinal_cord_101.html
Bladder .......... bladder area, Lumbar vertebrae L4, L5.
Uterus ............ uterus area and both sides of it, Thoracic vertebrae T9, T10, T11, T12, Lumbar
vertebrae L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, sacrum, coccyx.
Kidney ............ Kidney area, Thoracic vertebrae T11, T12
Half Body ....... neck muscles, shoulders, back muscles, both sides of the vertebrae, waist area,
hip area.
Tanden under the navel, also the area 3 finger widths down
(Continued in the Reiki Ryoho Hikkei)
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BYOSEN REIKAN HO
Byosen Reikan-ho
The following explains the scanning technique as taught in the Usui Reiki Ryoho
Gakkai.
Source: Essence of Gendai Reiki ho Shoden Level - Sensei Hiroshi Doi
Purpose: Healing by way of feeling a resonance or hand sensation.

When a person has a disease, you can feel ‘something’ transmitted from the source of
the disease. This is called "Byosen". What you feel as Byosen varies depending on the
type, severity and status of the disease, and from person to person. But some samples
are: sensations of something moving, pulsating, or piercing, or of a bug crawling, biting
or of pain, numbness, heat, coldness, tickling, tingling, etc.
The sensation you have in your hands is called “Hibiki” or “Resonance” and by it you
can learn to judge the cause of the disease, the status of it and the time it will take to
heal.
As long as a person has a disease (even if the person is not aware of it), there never
fails to be a byosen. So if you are careful enough to detect the byosen, it is possible to
treat the disease a couple of days before it actually shows up. Also there could be a
byosen in people who are said to have recovered completely from his/her disease. If
you get rid of the byosen in these cases, you can prevent the disease from developing
again.
A byosen could show up in the obvious problem area but also could be sensed in areas
different from the problem area. For example, the byosen for stomach disease often
shows up in one’s forehead; for roundworm it can show up under one’s nose; for liver
problems it can show up in the eyes, etc.
Method:
1. The recipient can be seated or lying on a massage table, or on a mat on the
floor.
2. Gassho, and call Reiki to yourself. (this may be done by extending your hands
and arms upwards, bringing in the Reiki light).
3. Mr. Doi suggests that you perform Aura Cleansing before a Reiki treatment,
however, this is not part of the traditional URR Gakkai method.
4. You place your hands on the basic Western Reiki hand positions until you
develop your sensory power of your hands. You may also simply perform the 5
original Usui head positions.
5. Once you develop byosen (the ability to feel a special sensation from the
problem area of the body), practice your healing using the following procedure.
6. First put your hands (one hand or two) on or above the body and move them
around scanning the whole body. Hold your hands where you feel the strongest
hibiki or sensation of pain, heat, coolness, vibration or numbness. The part is
often different from where the symptom is. It takes experience to judge the
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BYOSEN REIKAN HO
sensation.
7. The hibiki gradually increases until it reaches its peak then starts to subside.
That makes “one pass” or “one cycle”. You should at least hold your hands for
one cycle. As it repeats its cycle, the peak of hibiki will decrease.
8. Move your hands to the next byosen and repeat .
9. You are finished when there are no more points of hibiki. When treating
oneself, this is usually when your hands simply flow down to your lap.
10. Mr. Doi suggests that you perform Aura Cleansing after a Reiki treatment,
however, this is not part of the traditional URR Gakkai method.
11. Gassho and finish. Shake your wrists well. Revive the recipient.
Comments:
At first, the ability to sense Byosen differs depending on individuals but as you practice
healing others anyone can develop the ability gradually.
In the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai, this technique is taught once a person has begun their
Reiki training. Usually the average person at this point has an energy rating of 6 (on a
scale of 6 to 1, 1 being the highest). Once this technique is taught, your energy rating is
at 5.
Usui-sensei rated himself as 2 in the hopes that one of his students would surpass his
abilities. To this day, out of respect for Sensei, no one is ever rated higher than 3.
Once this technique is mastered, you are taught Reiji-ho and your rating increases to a
4. Upon mastering Reiji--ho, you are rated a 3 and are allowed to have Okuden
training.
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REIJI HO
Reiji-ho
The following explains the intuitive Reiki technique as taught in the Usui Reiki Ryoho
Gakkai.
Source: Essence of Gendai Reiki ho - Sensei Hiroshi Doi; translation by Yukio Miura; editing by Richard R. Rivard, Tom Rigler.
Purpose: Allowing Reiki to guide you to the place of greatest need of healing. This
technique is taught once you have developed a very good ability for Byosen Reikan-ho.
Method:
1. The recipient can be seated or lying on a massage table, or on a mat on the
floor.
3. It is recommended that you perform Aura Cleansing before a Reiki treatment.
4. With your hands back in Gassho, tell yourself you will begin Reiji-ho now.
5. Ask Reiki to guide you to the place of greatest need in the receiver's body (or
your own body if this is a personal treatment). You can say something like
"Reiki, please guide me to where this person most needs Reiki".
6. Allow your hands to intuitively move to a location above or in front of the
person's body. You can lay hands on or just above the body. Or you may be
guided to apply Reiki in the aura.
7. You will feel the hibiki or sensation of pain, heat, coolness, vibration or
numbness in your hands.
8. The hibiki gradually increases till it reaches its peak then starts to subside that
makes “one pass” or “one cycle”. You should at least hold your hands for one
cycle. As it repeats its cycle, the peak of hibiki will decrease.
9. Move your hands back to Gassho and repeat from step 5 until you are no
longer guided to a point. When treating oneself, this is usually when your
hands simply flow down to your lap.
10. When finished, it is recommended that you perform Aura Cleansing after a Reiki
treatment.
Gassho and finish. Shake your wrists well. Revive the recipient.
Comments:
In the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai, this technique is taught to students once they have
mastered the technique called Byosen Reikan-ho. After learning Reiji-ho the student's
energy level is rated at 4. Upon mastering Reiji-ho, the student's energy is rated as 3
and they are allowed to have Okuden training
Usui-sensei rated himself as 2 in the hopes that one of his students would surpass his
abilities. To this day, out of respect for Sensei, no one is ever rated higher than 3.
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NENTATSU HO
Nentatsu-ho : Healing Affirmation / Visualization Method
In 2005 I received a self-published Japanese book called “Everyone Can Emanate

Reiki” written by Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai Shihan (teacher) Fumio Ogawa. I asked a
group of my Japanese students to translate the book and upon reading it I learned
several concepts not taught in Western Reiki. One concept related to the beginning of a
Reiki treatment. Ogawa-sensei wrote the following:
“This is the method for sending a thought to another. Focus on the anterior hairline
on the forehead of the healing subject to send your thoughts. Strongly affirm the
message you are sending.
“For example, for a critical patient, send the message “You will get better.” Also,
send the Gokai. Do this for one to two minutes. For a critical patient, it is helpful to use
Nentatsu-ho with each treatment.
“Generally, Reiki Ryoho is a mental therapy. The state of a patient’s mind exerts an
influence upon the effects of a healing. Clearly it is very important to strengthen their
mind or improve their comfort with Nentatsu-ho.
“For not serious illnesses, at the beginning of a treatment (after Nentatsu Ho) put the
hand on the effected area for one or two minutes. The patient becomes relieved if
Nentatsu-ho works. Without the firm belief of the healer, the patient feels uneasy;
without the true heart of a healer, the patient dislikes having the treatment. Doing a
treatment with the true heart of a healer, the patient becomes trusting, relieved, and
grateful. A wicked heart doesn’t lead to a good result. From ancient times, the reason
of effectiveness of treatments from the famous Buddha and wise men is that a noble
mind reflects itself on the mind of the sick.”
In his “Guide and Commentary on Reiki Ryoho” section, Ogawa encourages students to
“always place the hand at forehead, the hairline, and apply Nentatsu” and ” While
putting the hand on these places, you affirm (in your mind) what you want to say to the
healee. It seems unnecessary, yet it is very important and beneficial. Do not neglect
this process.“
The following is this method as taught in the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai. It is taken from
my Gendai Reiki Ho training material.
Traditional URR Gakkai Nentatsu Ho Method

Source: Essence of Gendai Reiki ho - Sensei Hiroshi Doi; translation by Yukio Miura; editing by
Richard R. Rivard, Tom Rigler.
Purpose: The traditional method for sending a thought or wish

while using Reiki to assist.. This is a technique for getting a silent
message across to the recipient’s subconsciousness with the Reiki
vibration transmitted through your hands. There is a wide range of
use for it, such as breaking bad habits, getting across Usui-sensei’s
five Reiki principles to people in serious disease, etc. (Do not get
this mixed up with the concept of healing with mind power.)
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NENTATSU HO
Method:
1. The recipient can be seated or standing. Ask them what habit or difficulty they
wish to work on. Suggest a positive affirmation that you can transmit.
3. Say silently “I begin Nentatsu-ho now”
4. Place your hands (or just one) on the person’s forehead
where the hair starts to grow.
5. Think the thought that they have asked you to help them
with. Make sure it is positive and in their highest interest.
6. Transmit the message with a pure mind and confidence.
7. Remove your hands. If this is part of a normal treatment,
then proceed. Otherwise:
8. Gassho, and finish. Shake your wrists well.
Comments:
You can apply this technique to others and yourself. Note that the URR Gakkai teach to
use this technique at the beginning of every treatment.
The thought that you suggest should be one that the recipient is likely to accept or
follow. Just as with hypnosis, most people cannot be encouraged to do something that
is against their nature or will.
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SEATED REIKI SESSION
Giving a Reiki Session to Someone Seated
Over the years I have found that most students don’t go out immediately after class and
purchase a massage or Reiki table, even though that might be how they practiced with
Reiki in class. And if they do own a table, sometimes they are in a location or situation
where it is not practical to use one. So it’s a good idea to practice different ways to give
a treatment while a peso is either standing, or more conveniently while they are sitting in
a chair.
Thinking about what you have studied so far, you can drawn on a combination of your
experiences using a self treatment, scanning (Byosen Reikan Ho), intuitive Reiki (Reiji Ho)
and affirmation or visualization methods (Nentatsu Ho). There is no best way to do this,
just whatever ways seems appropriate and comfortable in the moment. So let’s look at
an ideal situation and some possible forms of applying Reiki to another while they are
seated in a chair.
Starting the Treatment
 You might begin by standing (or sitting) behind the person and
placing your hands on their shoulders. This is usually the
safest and most accepted area that a person will not be
bothered by direct contact in a healing situation, assuming of
course there are no injuries or frailty in the area. However,
some people are very sensitive to the energy of others and
might feel a cold shock as you do so. So in anticipation of this,
as you are moving your hands towards their body, when you
get a few inches away, slow down and gradually and gently
rest your hands on the middle or outer parts of shoulders, but keep your hands away
from the neck (many people are sensitive about the front of their neck being touched.)
 Note that in many cultures, touching in the normal course of social interaction has
become very restricted due to concerns about inappropriate behavior, so many
people do not receive much of this kind of human contact any more. This has led to
a lot of problems in society as people become more and more isolated. But since
touch is often acceptable and trusted in a healing situation, your recipient might
appreciate the actual laying on of hands, as long as common sense and care is used
to do so appropriately and non-invasively. You might even
have the recipient first view and even fill out the Client
Release Form suggested in the Additional Support Material
Appendix (if available) as it can illustrate where you will be
applying Reiki hands-on and hands-off during a treatment.
 But know that if you prefer using hands-off, or if the recipient
is not comfortable with touch in any area, you can keep your
hands raised an inch or so above the body. However, note
that over time this might become a bit tiring for you. I
recommend trying a bit of each when you are first practicing Reiki on a friend or
family member, to see how you find this and to get some feedback from your
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recipients as well.
 Please do not force the healing. This means – do not try to heal the person. This
may sound silly as of course you do wish for the person to get better. But what I
mean is don’t concentrate on pushing or forcing the Reiki energy on the person. I
can’t emphasize this enough. If you do this, it is possible for you to actually connect
to the vibration of the problem area, and then you might begin resonating to it as
well. Then you will need to heal yourself afterwards as well as your healing subject.
This is actually a old form of natural healing and one that beginning natural healers
sometimes fall into.
Simply allow your Reiki energy to be drawn as it is needed to the recipient. It may
rise and fall in strength from area to area and from time to time, but let that higher
spiritual aspect of the healing subject decide how much is needed at this time.
Duration and Movement of Each Hand Position
 How many hand positions you use and how long you leave your hands at each
position will depend on how much time you have for the treatment. Ideally, 3 to 5
minutes is a good time, especially when you are new to Reiki and your energy
abilities are just developing.
 If you only have 5 or 10 minutes, then either select only a 3 or 4 positions leaving
hands there a couple minutes each, or if this is a simple demonstration then you can
do one minute per hand position. However, the longer you can leave your hands in
open place, the more likely your recipient will relax into the treatment, and this alone
can be beneficial to them. In the case of a very short treatment, it might be best just
to do the shoulders a couple of minutes and then place the hand open or above an
area where they have a complaint.
 When you do move from one hand position to another, try to keep one hand in place
as you slowly move the first hand. Then move the second hand to its next position.
This of course assumes you are always using 2 hands. In some places, only one
hand is required (e.g. the op or crown of the head) and in the Usui Reiki Ryoho
Gakkai (URR Gakkai) they would only use two hands of there were two similar body
parts involved (as in two lungs) or if using complimentary positions (e.g. forehead and back
of head.)
Adding in Affirmations and/or Visualization (Nentatsu-ho)
 As you allow Reiki to flow at the shoulders (or first position), send a positive thought
towards the person – something like “Your condition is improving, and you feel much
better.” Or you can imagine the person in an improved state of health, even
visualize them in a healthy state you have known them to have been in. Nentatsu-ho
can also be done without touching the person, before the first hand position.
Now you can proceed chasing one of the following treatments.
Modern Method: the Main Chakras or Energy Points:
 From the shoulders, gradually move both your hands (or one hand) on or just above
the top of the head (affects the crown or 7th chakra). Note that it’s not necessary for the
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person to have their hands in Japanese gassho position as shown (this is similar to
Namaste or prayer position.)
 Place one hand on or close to the forehead and the other hand on or close to the
Medulla oblongata, the area between the back of the head and the top of the spine
(affects the third eye or 6th chakra, front and back.)
 Place one hand in front of and close to the base of the throat, but not touching. Or, if
they don’t mind, you can rest the bottom edge of your hand on the person’s collar
bone with the palm of the hand facing but not touching the throat. Optionally, you
can just place one hand at the back of the throat as illustrated above, on or close to
the 7th (protruding) cervical vertebrae (affects throat or 5th chakra).
 From here, if you or the recipient are concerned about hand positions on or near the
front chakras, you can easily just place one hand on the back locations for each. In
fact it’s quite simple to do 2 chakras at a time. First ask the person to sit sideways
on the chair. Then place one hand on or close the back of the heart area, close to
the level of the adrenals (affects heart or 4th chakra). Then place the other hand on or
close to the back at the level of the kidneys (affects the solar plexus or 3rd chakra). If you
begin to get a bit uncomfortable bending over or kneeling, pull up another chair and
sit comfortably while you do the remaining positions.
 Next, place one hand on or off the body, close to the back of the navel or abdominal
area, at about the same height (affects the spleen or 2nd chakra). Place the other hand
on or off the body, close to the back of ovaries or prostate area, at about the same
height (affects the root or 1st chakra). Note that in choosing to place a hand on at this
position, it might be more prudent to place your hand just below your other (as
illustrated). The energy will still find its way to the chakra.
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 After completing the 7 major chakras, if you have time and wish to do work on the
legs, it’s quite simple to do the knees. Again you can use hands on or off.
 Once you are finished, you can always go back to any areas that you sensed
needed some more energy, or where the person had a concern or a complaint of
discomfort there before you began the treatment.
Traditional Japanese Reiki Treatment

While the original Japanese treatment didn’t begin with the shoulders, I did include this
option a little further on, and again it still might be a gentle way to connect with a new
healing subject. The treatment actually began with Nentatsu-ho, so you can either do
this technique with the next hand positions (the usual method), or as before just
combine it with Reiki on the shoulders.
:
Combine the Forehead Treat both Temples Treat Top of Head and
and Back of Head Back of Neck
 Treat the forehead and back of head (the round part) as shown above. As mentioned
previously, this is where you can also perform Nentatsu Ho, sending a thought to the
healing recipient, something like “You are able to attain harmony and peace of mind
with the vibration and Love of Reiki.”
 Treat both temples as shown above.
 Treat Top of head and nape of neck. As shown above.
 Treat the stomach area. This can be done on the back as shown in the previous
healing method.
 Treat the lower intestine area. This can be done on the back as shown in the
previous healing method.
 Use Scanning (Byosen Reikan Ho) or Reiji-Ho to locate areas that seem to need
special attention. (These are actually the main components and the favoured methods of the URR
Gakkai.)
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Intuitive Japanese Reiki Treatment

If you feel proficient enough, you can try giving a treatment by simply doing Byosen
Reikan Ho (scanning and treating) and/or Reiji Ho. With the latter, you can even leave
your hand in that area for 15 minutes or so. In some cases, Japanese healers have
been known to work the main critical area alone for up to an hour.
Simply put, with any treatment method, do the best you can in the amount of time you
have.
Accidents and Other Emergencies

As there is usually some amount of trauma and/or shock, immediately lay one hand on
or over the solar plexus and the other on or over the kidneys (suprarenal glands). Then
move your second hand to the outer edge of the shoulders. When shock appears to
have subsided you can treat the area of injury. In cases where the shock is minimal
(e.g. a small child is not seriously hurt but is crying or stressed) place one hand on the
solar plexus and the other on the area of injury. Remember, use discretion: do not put
your hands on open wounds or very tender injuries, and still call for professional
medical help immediately, if the injury appears severe.
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REIKI IN EVERYDAY LIFE
Taking Reiki Into Your Everyday Life
After I had been teaching Reiki for a while, I began to realize that many of my students
who were not involved in a healing oriented business, were just using Reiki and Light at
home, as a healing tool, on themselves, family, friends, pets and plants. There didn't
seem to be too many who had thought about using this wonderful tool for other areas in
their life. Having used energy techniques in the office place in the past, I know that
there is much potential for Reiki and other techniques in that part of our daily life, and
elsewhere.
Beginning with the Light Technique (see Reiki 1 Handouts in folder
at back or my web site – www.threshold.ca) you can use something like
this (or Reiki) to freshen up the "air" in your work place. Simply
taking time before or during work to call the Light to you (Solar
Light - the Light from the Soul plane is even better) , and then sending
this from your heart to fill your immediate space, and eventually
to your co-workers as well. If you do this from home, or on the
way to work, you will find that you feel very good when you
arrive at your workspace. Also, others will find they enjoy being
in proximity to you at work.
Another way to use Reiki or Light is to shower co-workers with rainbow energy, or to
dump an imaginary bucket of energy over anyone who walks through a certain
doorway. One business owner who began showering her employees every day with
Light, soon noticed a decrease in the number of sick days with her staff, and the overall
attitude in the office improved greatly.
If you have co-workers or management who are especially difficult to deal with, start
sending them beams of Light as described at the Light Technique page, remembering
to tell yourself you are clear after you call the Light, and then sending it in a burst from
your Heart centre, with healing intention. You may be surprised how quickly this may
resolve some issues, especially from your side of things. I have found that even before
the issue is resolved, I begin to feel less tension and concern about it, as I have already
grown through the situation and am content from my part. By the time the other person
also experiences a shift in attitude, I am ready to accept their new position.
Reiki can also be used in this manner, and you can even run it all day
long. Simply write on a Post-It Note the name of the person or situation
you wish to send Reiki to, and allow Reiki to flow. Every now and then,
look at the Note or just think of the person and Reiki will continue to flow.
If the Note is in your peripheral vision, your subconscious will pick up on
this and continually send Reiki.
One friend of mine from my office days, Kirk, came to take classes from
me. He was still in the same line of work as we had been in together in
the 1980's. Sometime during the course of the training, Kirk accepted a management
position in a new company. He found he was immediately placed in the middle of some
very strong office conflict and politics. Each time he arranged a meeting with
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REIKI IN EVERYDAY LIFE
department representatives, they tried to take advantage of his inexperience with the
company to get his team to do computer systems work for their own area. Kirk found
that he was constantly under stress and was not happy in this new position.
I suggested he try filling the meeting room in advance with
Reiki. He agreed to try this and added other level 2 and 3
techniques as well for good measure. Even during the
meeting he continued to send Reiki to the "problem"
representatives. Kirk said he was very impressed with the
results. Not only did the meeting go smoothly, but it was the
first one in which he didn't get verbally "beat up" and that
everyone seemed to be in a sort of harmony. Happy with
the success of these techniques, Kirk continues to use them
whenever he can.
Reiki can be a part of your private and recreation time. You can allow the energy to
flow as you take part in sports, a hobby, reading, your cooking, quiet moments with
family and friends, or just when you are going for a walk. Each time you go for a walk
simply call on Reiki and allow it to be a part of your experience. As you do this you are
growing your ability to handle more and more of the energy, and you are slowly
balancing your complete being. Try to find ways to fit Reiki into your everyday life.
If you have leaned other techniques for shifting
situations or relationships in your life, like the
“Bridge of Light” by LaUna Huffines (see my article at
www.threshold.ca) then you can add or combine Reiki
with them. For the “Bridge of Light”, after you
decide what your bridge will be created for (e.g. trust,
love, harmony, abundance, etc.), next let Reiki flow from
your heart out onto the bridge, saturating it with
healing, uplifting energy. As you walk the bridge and approach its center, continue to
do this. If you are using the bridge to meet someone and work out an issue, continue to
flow Reiki towards them. You might even imagine them willingly receiving this energy on
your bridge and being more wiling and able to work out the situation to a happy or
agreeable result. Then if and when you meet them in person, once again let the
energies flow towards them and notice if this helps the meeting flow better and with
harmony.
You can do similar exercises as you sit quietly, go for a walk or meditate on manifesting
your desires and changes in your future, whether that future be near or several years
down the rode. Each time you are adding to the balance and harmony that the outcome
can bring to you, even if the actual result isn’t exactly as you had planned or anticipated.
You are making Reiki a part of all aspects of your daily life.
My many thanks to www.inmagine.com for the royalty free images.
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PREPARING TO GIVE A REIKI SESSION
A Complete Reiki Session on a Table:
Preparing to Give a Reiki Session
Read Reiki Session Guidelines in Appendix A for tips on Reiki ethics, Hygiene, preparing yourself
and the client, etc.
If you use a table, cover it with a sheet

so it doesn't feel cool.
You can use a pillow for the head, and
another one for under the knees (to
make the back go flat).
You can play some relaxing music. This
will help both you and the client enjoy the
session more.
Start by doing some Reiki on yourself.

You can also call upon any guides, spirit,
angels or any other beings of Light to
assist you and guide you during the Reiki
session.
Intend that the highest possible healing
take place.
Make sure the table is at a comfortable

height for you.
Help the person onto the table and make
sure their head is within easy reach of
the end of the table for you.
You may ask the person to loosen any
belts or tight clothing so they feel
comfortable. See the Session Guidelines
in the Appendix.
You can also cover the person with a
sheet or a blanket in case they get cold.
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SCANNING ANOTHER PERSON
Scanning the Recipient
You can do scanning on your Reiki subject before you begin the usual Reiki treatment.
At the very least, do the Evaluation Scan as this can help you decide how well the
person experienced the Reiki session, and when they might return for their next one.
Evaluation Scan Part 1: Start by running your non-dominant hand over the person's
body, from their crown to their feet. Your hand can be a few inches above the body
(higher if you like). At the lower abdomen, scan down one leg to the toes, then return to
the same point and scan the other leg to the toes. Notice the overall feel of the aura.
Try to retain what you noticed because at the end of the treatment you will do another
similar scan to compare results.
Scanning and Applying Reiki: If you wish to scan further, on the second pass take
note of any areas that
feel different (hotter,
cooler, thicker, thinner,
any unusual vibrations).
Again, these may be
areas in need of some
assistance to restore
them to a normal flow.
Go back to these areas
(again, simply select
three to begin with) and
apply Reiki with both
hands at this level in
the aura for about a minute or two. You may even notice a change in the sensation as
you do this. In some cases you can move your hands higher up until you find the top of
the energy block (if one exists). This may feel like your hands are gently resting on
something more solid. Often applying the energy
there results in your hands beginning to slowly
move down on their own accord, as the energy
slowly dissolves or moves on. As your hand
reaches the body or about an inch above, you
can move on to another area.
If you are exploring the height of the block, and it
does not seem to move, you can try the Paula
Horan technique for Removing Energy
Blocks (see Handout articles). This often has an
immediate effect on the spot. Remember to fill in
the area with Reiki energy for a couple of minutes after you use this technique. This will
ensure that the void or energy left behind is immediately balanced with reiki vibration.
Having finished the scanning on the person, you can now continue with a complete
Reiki hands-on (or off) session.
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TREATING ANOTHER - FRONT
Reiki Hand Positions - Treating Another

Treating the Front of the Body
As with the Self Treatment Hand Positions, the following are some ideas for hand
placement while treating another. Feel free to add others and remove any you feel that
are not required during a given session. Allow your hands to remain for a few minutes
or as long as you feel necessary. One guideline is to determine how many hand
positions you often use, divided into how long your treatment may be. Over time you
will gain a feeling for when to move on from position to position.
feeling, and what the area of your body that you are working on feels like. This will help
you to expand your ability to sense the energy. Try each of the hand positions at least
once, then in future, simply use those that you feel the urge to. Reiki will fill you and
concentrate in the areas of most need. However the various hand positions will help
you to sense where these areas are, and give you an idea of how the body is doing all
over.
As you move from one hand position to another, try to do this very slowly and softly, so
as not to disturb the recipient. Some people react to your hands moving too quickly in
and out of their aura. One method of moving around the body is to simply move your left
hand (slowly) to the new position, then follow with your right hand. Also, you can pay
attention to what your hands are feeling and what messages you are receiving about
the person and their condition at each had placement.
book, watch TV (that's the only way I can get my kids to sit still while they Reiki me).
The person on the table will find little change in the energy, since it flows on its own to
fill the body, and concentrates where it is needed most. If you want to feel what is
happening again, just focus on what your palms are feeling.
After you have tried all of the positions, then you can continue to use this procedure or
you can create your own version of a Reiki session.
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Eyes Alternate Position

Gently place your palms over or just in Place a tissue over the eyes for
front of your eyes. Hold for 3 to 5 hygienic purposes. It's always a good
minutes (or as long as it feels idea to wash your hands before and
comfortable to do so). If you have after giving a treatment. In Japan you
learned the eye exercise called would have a small, wet wash cloth
palming, adding Reiki can increase the nearby that you would use to wipe
benefit. your hands. I like to use a non-
allergenic, unscented hand cleaner
and keep it handy during classes as
well.
Ears Crown
Place your palms over or close to your Place your hands on or above the top
ears. In Reflexology and Acupuncture of your head. Originally Mikao Usui
charts, there are many only used 5 hand positions which
meridian/energy points in the ears. involved different parts of the head.
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Back of Head/Occiput
In order to get underneath the
head, it is easier to gently push the
head to the side with one hand, and
then cup your other hand underneath.
Gently lift the head to position both
hands underneath.
Place your hands at the base of the
skull on the occiput. Again you are
affecting all the major energy meridian
lines as they pass through to the rest
of the body.
Alternate Position
Back of Head and Forehead

This is a very good hand placement for
relieving stress and headaches. The
forehead allows you to relax the
tension in your head, and the back of
the neck position encourages the flow
of blood into the head, and also
relaxes the neck
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Neck An alternate position is to gently place

Place one hand under the neck and the edge of your small fingers on the
one hand above, but not touching the collar bone (clavicle).
throat (this might feel invasive to
some). This is a good position for a
sore throat or to help you
communicate better with others. The
energy will also flow into the
shoulders, another common place for
tension.
Alternate Positions
Another alternate position is to simple
lay the hands over the collar bone
Heart/Chest You can choose to hold your hands

It is not necessary to touch the body side-by-side as in the opposite photo,
during the session, and this may be or an alternate way to hold your hands
preferable for sensitive areas and the is to overlap them, the heel of one
genitals. Simply hold your hands an palm over the fingertips of the other.
inch or two above the body and you
will accomplish the same benefits.
The heart centre is the most important
area of spiritual growth as we learn to
receive from others, as well as give to
others.
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Solar Plexus/Bottom of Chest Upper Abdomen Area

This is your power centre and the area A simple way to move along the torso
where you experience a lot of emotion is to just move your hands a hands-
in your reactions to others. Reiki can breadth at a time, moving towards the
help calm this centre. feet. Remember that the Reiki energy
will go where it is needed most so you
can chose hand positions that feel
right to you.
Navel/Tummy Area Pelvic Area

This is the area where you often take Aside from the physical cleansing
in other people's emotions, and a involved with the male and female
common area for stress to build up. reproductive centres, this is also the
are where your survival instincts
gather. balancing can occur on mental
and emotional levels as well.
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Back Area Knees

If you will not be turning the person We are told that the knees (and
over onto their stomach, do whatever elbows) reflect our attitude towards
areas you can reach like the middle change in our life - the left side is our
and lower back. Gently reach under creative side, and the right is our
the back to the middle of the spine analytical. Often a lot of energy is
with one hand. Then you can also released here and you may feel a cool
move to under the spine at the lower sensation indicating this.
back. Energy can move in and out through
This picture shows around the area of many points in the body.
the kidneys and the adrenals.
Ankle Choose a position that is comfortable

Ankles (and wrists) reflect our flexibility for you. This position which involves
to issues in our life. Again the left and cupping the heal in the palm of your
right relate to the creative and hand, usually feels very comfortable
analytical issues, respectively. After and nurturing for the recipient.
you Reiki one ankle and foot, switch to
the other foot.
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Foot
As in the ears, all of the meridian lines
end here and there are many
acupressure points. Reiki here can
stimulate all of these points, and used
in conjunction with reflexology can
bring greater relaxation and ease of
stress.
Other positions you can do are the ....and the legs, which also feel very
arms (which are really appreciated by relaxing for most people.
those who work a lot with their hands
or arms) .......
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TREATING ANOTHER - BACK

Treating the Back of the Body
Hand Positions in Detail

As you know, Reiki flows through the entire body and concentrates where it is needed
most. It will flow from the hand positions you perform on the front, right through to the
back area. For this reason, it is not necessary to turn someone over and work the
back. Also, if you have reached under the back to do a hand position or two (as well as
the shoulders) you will have given adequate treatment.
But if you do have the time, and the desire, a back treatment can add additional
relaxation and potential for healing to the complete treatment. If your recipient is
complaining about back problems, you may find it feels very good to them if you turn
them over and do a few positions on their back. Even if the person is healthy, this can
feel quite wonderful.
Start by touching their shoulder and telling the person you'd like them to slowly role over
onto their stomach. If you have a pregnant lady or a person with a sore sensitive chest
or abdomen, they can simply roll onto their side. Otherwise, remove any pillow under
the knees and ask the person to bring their knees up and slowly roll to the side. Then
they can continue onto their stomach. For someone on their side, put a pillow or two
against their back to allow for some support.
Once the person is comfortable you can continue with the treatment.
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TREATING ANOTHER - BACK
Depending on whether you have

already worked under the shoulders
on the front, you can begin with the
shoulders or start at the upper back
as shown here. You can hold your
hands as you did on the front of the
body.
This position is in back of the heart
area.
Just as on the front you can move your

hands down the body, about a hand's
width at a time.
This are shows the small of the back
area, in the area of the second chakra.
While some people may be sensitive

about touching the buttocks, you can
do this area hands off. Or, an
alternate position is to place your
hands on the hips as shown here.
This area often stores up unexpressed
emotions.
If you wish, you can also do the backs of the knees and the soles of the feet.
Then you can proceed to the next step.
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TREATING ANOTHER - BALANCING CHAKRAS

Balancing the Chakras
Before you end the Reiki treatment, you can help the person open and balance their
major chakra points in order to allow the Reiki energy you have shared with them to
continue to flow more easily and effectively for a period of time. This only takes a few
minutes and it will also help to develop your ability to sense energy. The process can
be done while the person rests on their back or on their stomach.
The process involves placing your receiving hand (left one if you are right handed) a few
inches above the legs and below the root chakra (crotch area) Then you place your
giving hand a few inches away from the crown chakra. and allow the Reiki energy to
flow from your giving hand, into the crown, through the body and out the bottom of the
body to your receiving hand. You can then evaluate the flow of Reiki into that chakra
and through the body. You hold your hands in this position until you feel a sensation in
your receiving hand, and then you move on to the next position (chakra).
With a healthy open chakra you can feel a strong tingling sensation in your receiving
hand. If the chakra is blocked, you may not feel much at all. Simply hold your hand
above the chakra for about a minute or so, intending to open it up. When you have
taken the Reiki Two class, you will be able to understand how to improve the flow by
drawing one or more Reiki symbols over the chakra.
If you are having trouble sensing anything, that's all right. The more you practice this
and scanning yourself and others, you will be able to improve your abilities. Simply hold
your hand at each chakra point for about a minute, then move one.
Begin by placing your receiving hand a few Move your giving hand to a point above the
inches above the legs and below the crotch forehead, palm facing downwards. Again
area. Then place your giving hand a few hold this position until you feel sensations
inches away from the crown chakra. Allow in your receiving hand, or at most, one
the Reiki energy to flow from your giving minute. Then move to the next position.
hand, into the crown, through the body and You can experiment drawing one or all of
out to your receiving hand. Do this until you the 3 symbols I show, especially if there is
feel a flow or tingling in your receiving hand, little sensation from a chakra.
or about a minute.
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TREATING ANOTHER - BALANCING CHAKRAS
Place your giving hand a few inches Place your hand above the heart
above the throat area. As you move from centre. This is a chakra that seems to
chakra to chakra, notice which ones be partially closed for many these days.
seem to have more flow than the others. You may even ant to spend an extra
This means that they are more open. minute here. You can experiment
drawing the Harth symbol above this
area.
Place your giving hand above the solar Place your hand above the second
plexus chakra (bottom of the rib cage). chakra area (above the belt or waist
area).
When you are finished, slowly move the

giving hand out and away from the
body, and then the receiving hand.
Place your giving hand above the root

area (the base of the spine).
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FINISH TREATMENT - FRONT/BACK
Finishing the Session -

Front or Back of the Body
Evaluation Scan Part 2: Once again scan as you did for the Evaluation Scan Part 1.
Now compare these sensations to what you felt during that first. If there was a large
improvement, you may feel that the person does not require another treatment very
soon. Or if there seems little or no change, you may feel that the next session should
be soon (within a day or so) or after another week. Understand that each person will
need to integrate the energies received, and that process will be different for each
person.
Reviving the Healing Subject: Once you have finished giving Reiki to your client,
he/she may still be asleep or in an altered state. If you know that the client is not in a
hurry to leave, and you do not have another session planned right away, you may want
to just let the client be for a while until he/she naturally awakens or returns to normal
consciousness.
If they do not revive themselves within a reasonable period of time, you can assist them
by simply massaging their arms, feet and/or their legs, gently or firmly. If they have
revived themselves without your assistance, make sure that they are not feeling light
headed when they leave, especially if they are driving. If that is the case, make sure you
do give them a light massage to help them to return to a state of complete alertness.
Or you may want to use a combination of techniques to "ground" the client, but make
sure you have received their permission to do so before you start the Reiki session, and
that you have explained the procedure to them.
Caution: use your own judgement as to whether this "massage" will be
appropriate for the recipient (for example, they may have an injured shoulder or leg).
If your recipient is on his/her back, see the next section for an additional massage you
can carry out.
After the session, in order to help the Firmly pull all the way down to the
person become grounded, and fully finger tips. Do this about 3 or 4 times.
awake, pull firmly along the shoulders. (if the person has sensitive arms or
Do the same if the person is lying on legs, then you may want to do this
their stomach. gently, or just skip it.)
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FINISH TREATMENT - FRONT/BACK
Pull all the way down to the toes. Do

Pull firmly down the outside of the legs.
this about 3 or 4 times.
When you are finished, help the person Before they get off the table, offer them
sit upon the table, supporting their back a glass of water to help them become
as they do so. more awake and grounded.
Help the person get off the table,

making sure they are not dizzy, and
that they can walk all right. They may
need to sit down for a bit.
If you have used a release or consent
form, have them initial it to indicate they
are happy with the treatment. Payment
may also constitute this if you have
indicated so on the form.
Hugs are always very welcome,
especially from friends and family.
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FINISH TREATMENT - BACK
Finishing the Session

on the Back of the Body
For another version of this process, see Finishing a Reiki Session - Additional
Techniques in the Appendix.
If your patient is on their stomach, and you are ready to revive them, you can use this
simple technique to ground them and release any negative energy down the spine.
Warning: do not use the above step if the client has diabetes or a heart condition.
Simply scoop the negative energy collected at the small of the back and flick it
away from the body.
At the top of the spine, place your Firmly stroke down to the base of the
thumb and index finger on one side of spine.
the spinal column and your next finger
on the other side.
Do this a minimum of three times,

although the client may require 10 to 20
strokes depending on how much
reviving they need; listen to your
intuition. Mrs. Takata also taught this
technique to her students.
Next, do a similar massage along the
arms and legs as that shown at the
Finish the motion with a flick of your page Finishing a Treatment -
wrist outwards and away from the body Front/Back
(with the intention of sending off any
negative energy)
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TREATING ANOTHER - SUMMARY
Summary of Possible Reiki Hand Positions For Another Person
SCANNING Sense Sense

Prepare Whole Unusual
Self . .. Body Area
Apply Reiki in Aura
FRONT
POSITIONS
A=
Alternate Position Over Eyes Over Ears Over Crown Under Head
A Forehead & Neck Under/Over Neck A Thymus/Heart Over Heart Over Chest Bottom
Over Solar Plexus Over Navel Over Knees Around Ankle Bottom of Foot
ADDITIONAL BACK
POSITIONS POSITIONS
Arm Leg Upper Back
BALANCE
CHAKRAS
Mid & Lower Hips Crown Forehead

Lumbar
Throat Heart Solar Plexus Navel Root
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TREATING ANOTHER - SUMMARY
feeling- called "Hibiki" or "Resonance" , and what the area of the recipients' body that
you are working on seems to feel like. This will help you to expand your ability to sense
the energy. When a person has a disease, you can feel ‘something’ transmitted from the
source of the disease. This is called "Byosen". What you feel as Byosen varies
depending on the type, severity and status of the disease, and from person to person.
But some samples are: sensations of something moving, pulsating, or piercing, or of a
bug crawling, biting or of pain, numbness, heat, coldness, tickling, tingling, etc.
Try each of the hand positions at least once, then in future, simply use those that you
feel the urge to. Reiki will fill you and concentrate in the areas of most need. However
the various hand positions will help you to sense where these areas are, and give you
an idea of how the body is doing all over.
At each position, experiment again with raising your hands a tiny bit away from the
body. It has the same benefit because you are still in the lower layer of the aura. After
playing with this you can have your hands on or off the body, depending how you feel.
book, watch TV (that's the only way I can get my kids to sit still while they Reiki me). If
you want to feel what is happening again, just focus on what your palms are feeling.
In all cases, use hands on or hands off, depending on the recipient, the situation and/or
the place of application on the body
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SAMPLE REIKI SESSION
Sample Full Body Reiki Session
Sample Session - Reiki Level One Practitioner

Here is an example of how a Reiki Level one practitioner might conduct a complete
Reiki session, making use of most of the Reiki knowledge they have learned. It's a
good idea to look over the Reiki Session Guidelines before you give a session just to
refresh your memory, and to decide which steps you will carry out.
Preparations
Before the session have the recipient/client fill out the information/release form (from the
Reiki 1 handout).
Ask the recipient to remove their shoes, and to loosen any belts/buckles that may
restrict their breathing and comfort. Also, suggest they remove any dangling earrings,
eye glasses, or jewellery that you feel might get in the way of your work with them.
Assist the person getting up onto the Reiki table (you may need a small stool for them if the
table is high).
Have the person lie down on the table, making sure they have a pillow under their head
and possibly one under their knees to support their back. In case they may feel cool
during the treatment, keep a light blanket available to cover them with.
Ask if they feel comfortable and tell them they may close their eyes and relax.
Make sure the temperature in the room feels comfortable and that there is not too much
distracting background noise (lawn mowers, etc.).
Optionally, put on some soothing music to help the recipient relax.
Make sure your hands are washed and clean (perhaps keep a scentless sterile hand cleaner
nearby).
Be careful not to breath into the person's face while they are on the table (perhaps make
sure your breath is refreshing, just in case).
Optionally, silently invite in spirit guides and acknowledge (and connect to) the higher self
of the client, and ask their permission and cooperation in the session.
Optionally, surround yourself with a field of white transforming Light to turn all energies
coming to you from the recipient into relaxing, harmonious, uplifting energies; sort of a
form of protection. To do this, simply call the most brilliant Light you can imagine to
come to you, and asking it do as you wish.
The Treatment
Perform an Evaluation Scan (see text).
Scan the mental and emotional layers of the recipient's aura, applying Reiki wherever
the energy seems "different" to you.
Perform a standard hands on (or off) Reiki session with the recipient lying on their back.
If you wish, you can simply work over the areas you feel drawn to. This is actually how
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SAMPLE REIKI SESSION
Reiki was originally given by Usui-sensei.

If you have time, or if the person has complained of back pain, you can carefully have
the client roll over onto their stomach. Then use a number of hand positions for the
back.
Optionally, use a method of balancing/aligning the energy of the chakras (from the Reiki 1
class).
Perform another Evaluation Scan (see text).
The Finish
When you are done, if the recipient is not in a hurry, you can let them lie and relax for
awhile. Meanwhile, get a glass of water for yourself and the recipient.
You can revive the person by touching their shoulder and calling out the person's
name. Tell them to take their time in "waking up".
You can firmly pull/massage each arm (or both together) about 3 times. Then do the
same for the outside of the legs. This is to help the person ground themself - to bring
their astral body fully back into the physical.
As they sit up, assist them, supporting their back.
While they sit on the table, offer them a glass of water, which also helps to revive them.
Help them to carefully get off the table, making sure they are steady on their feet.
Then lead them to a chair so they can put their shoes on and their jewellery, etc.
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USUI GAINEN
The Usui Gainen. .
The Usui Gainen (concepts), also known as the Usui precepts, Usui affirmations or Usui
Principles, are the heart of every system of Reiki that is attributed to Mikao Usui. This
includes the original Usui-Do, Usui Teàte, Usui Reiki Ryoho, Dr. Hayashi’s Reiki school,
and all early systems in Japan and afterwards. As a student progresses his/her way
through the structure of the system, eventually he/she comes to a deeper understanding
of their meaning.
Modern Japanese kanji is read with a mixture of what is termed as the KUN reading and
the older ON or Chinese reading. All Japanese students learn both On and Kun
interpretations of kanji in school. The Usui Gainen are intended to be read mostly with
the On reading. (see the end of this article for the breakdown)
Original Translation
(intended meaning)
The secret method of inviting blessings.
The spiritual medicine of many illnesses.
Anger not, worry not, today only.
(moment to moment, be in a state of non worry,non anger)
Do your work with appreciation
(live your life with gratitude)
Be kind to people.
(show empathy and awareness to yourself and others)
In your life, perform gassho as your mind recalls

(experience your life through these concepts each day)
The Usui system for connecting with your

ancestral self, through the body-mind.
(within each of us from the moment of conception)
The founder
Mikao Usui
(The complete explanation is later in this document)
A close reproduction of the original Usui Gainen

© Copyright Dave King 2008
Most outside of Japan first learned of Reiki

through Mrs. Hawayo Takata (a student of Dr. Hayashi) or via the lineage of her students.
Here is how she worded the core part of the Gainen in her early diary.
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From Takata-sensei
The Ideals (or Spiritual Precepts of Reiki)
Just for today--Thou Shalt not Anger
Just for today--Thou Shalt not Worry
Thou shall be grateful for thy many blessings
Earn thy livelihood with honest labor
Be kind to thy neighbors
The concepts have been presented in many forms since Mrs. Takata first taught the
core part of them. The central part is known in the old Japanese Reiki society as the
Gokai (go-kah-ee) - and most have been similar in their wording. But recently, these
versions have been found to be a little incomplete and slightly inaccurate. In June 1996,
I taught a Japanese fellow who was in Vancouver learning ESL (English as a second
language). Just before leaving Japan he purchased a 1995 Reiki book called "Iyashi No
Te" (Healing of Hands -- or Healing Hands). The author is Reiki Master Toshitaka Mochizuki,
and this was the first modern Reiki book written by a Japanese. He has connections to
many Reiki masters in Japan, at least one of whom has a lineage to another of Usui's
students, Toshihiro Eguchi.
In Mochizuki's book he had a copy of the complete Usui Gainen (in Mochizuki's handwriting).
With the aid of one of my Japanese students, Emiko Arai, a group of Reiki Masters sat
down to decipher this version of the Gainen. Dave King also brought a copy of the
original affirmations in the handwriting of Mikao Usui, which he had received on one of
his Japan trips.
Emiko compared the modern day Japanese translation in Mochizuki's book to the copy
of the original we had. If you have ever had to decipher someone's handwriting, you
know that there are usually some words you have to guess at. It is the same with the
handwritten version of the Gainen; plus, this style of writing and the Japanese Kanji
used, are a bit different from that in use today.
Here is a VERY LITERAL TRANSLATION of the Gainen, from that day. Please note
that the sentence structure is sometimes backward to that normally used in English (i.e.
the verb comes first). Also, the first 2 lines are actually heading lines. Also, the Gainen
in its original Japanese form (previous page) are read from right to left, top to bottom.
Literal Modern Translation Romaji or Japanese Pronunciation
Inviting blessings of the secret method, Shou fuku no hiihou
Many illnesses of the spiritual (heavenly) medicine Manbyou no Rei yaku
Today only, anger not, Kyo dake wa Ikaruna
Worry not. With appreciation Shinpai suna Kansha shite
Do work. To people be kind Gou ou hageme Hito ni shinsetsu ni
In morning at night hands held in prayer think in your Chou seki* gassho shite kokoro ni nenji
mind Kuchi ni tonaeyo
Chant with mouth. Shin shin kaizen, Usui reiki ryoho
Mind body change it for better Usui Reiki method. Chouso
Founder Usui Mikao
Usui Mikao
th
* Note: Originally Emiko translated the 5 line as the phrase “Gyo wo”. However, I have revised this
based on what I learned later from Dave King’s discussions with Tenon-in.
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In any translation, you usually have several words to choose from, and you should pick
ones that express the content of the whole, (and the culture). E.g. 'spiritual" may be more
accurate in Japanese than "heavenly". So, if you try to put this into modern English, you
could get something like the following, which is close to what Takata-sensei translated
them as :
The Secret Method Of Inviting Blessings
The Spiritual Medicine of Many Illnesses
For today only, Do not anger, Do not worry not.
Be grateful. Do your work. Be kind to all people.
In the morning and at night, gassho (hands in prayer). Think this, chant this.
The Usui Reiki remedy to change your mind and body for the better.
The founder
Mikao Usui
However, in 2002 in his Usui-Do classes, Dave King presented a different translation
and explanation of the Gokai section, as well as the term Usui Sensei used – “Usui
Reiki Ryoho.” In 1996, Dave and his colleague, Melissa Riggall, were introduced to
several students of Usui Sensei who were all in their late 90’s.
One of them, a lay nun known as Tenon-in, began to share information about her daily
life assisting in the Usui dojo with 4 other nuns, from 1920 until Sensei’s passing in
1926. She explained that Sensei wrote the affirmations one day in 1921 after receiving
inspiration on nearby Mt. Hiei, his favourite mountain near Kyoto. It is also the location
of the main temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism, which Sensei was born into. He
wrote them on a large piece of mitsumata washi (paper made from the misumata bush), which
he then hung as a kakejiku or hanging scroll. This still hangs on the wall in a private
shrine to Usui Sensei (not the Saihoji Temple site), which is kept secret from the public.
In her written comments to the Usui Reiki Ryoho International gathering in Toronto in
2002, Tenon-in describes the origin of the Gainen. (my comments are in brackets.)
“Usui-sama frequently made trips to Hiei-zan (Mount Hiei in Kyoto). He told us that he
was waiting. We asked what is was that he was waiting for. He replied he would know
when it arrived. Then one day in 1921, Usui-sama made yet another trip up to the
Enrakyu Temple (on Mount Hiei) and returned several days later with a sheet of gold
coloured paper.
“O-Sensei sent us to buy a sheet of mitsumata washi (paper made from a mulberry type
bush) and he spent the rest of the day with ink and brush. When we returned the next
day, the paper was already mounted in the tokonoma (alcove). He had signed the sheet
in red ink and had spilled some of the ink on the edge of his cushion which took the
shape of kokoro (heart).”
It was previously thought that the Affirmations were derived from the words of the Meiji
Emperor, but on my trip to Japan in November 2000 I learned the following from Hiroshi
Doi-sensei in his Gendai Reiki Master class.
"Usui Sensei created (the) Gokai (the 5 principles) getting hints from a book "Kenzon no
Gebri" written by Dr. Bizan Suzuki (published in March, 1914.) The book says "Just for
today, do not get angry, do not feel fear, be honest, work hard, and be kind to others."
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So it could have been a coincidence, or Usui Sensei could have noticed the inscription
in the book and become inspired by it. Whatever the source, the Gainen are what the
spiritual side of Sensei's system was all about. Another interesting coincidence is that
Suzuki was Usui Sensei’s wife’s maiden surname.
The Gainen were called by the original term Usui Sensei wrote near the end of the
document - Usui Reiki Ryoho. In traditional Japanese Reiki and Usui-related schools
like Gendai Reiki Ho, Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai and Usui-Do, they are explored in great
detail.
When Melissa Riggall spent a month working with Mr. Tatsumi (a senior Hayashi student
from 1927-31) in 1996, she pointed to the kanji for the term "Reiki" in a photo of the
original affirmations that Mr. Tatsumi had. She said this is what the Western world
called the healing system. Tatsumi said that the term is simply what O'Sensei (meaning
Usui; the term refers to the head of a system) used to refer to his ancestors.
Dr. Hayashi had taught him an inner spiritual system (the original Usui-Do or Usui-no-michi)
and an outer palm healing system that Usui's friend Eguchi created at the Usui dojo in
1925. Together with the Navy students of Usui, Eguchi and Hayashi had formed a
learning society (Gakkai) called Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai. The palm healing system was
the main method being taught, with spiritual work being increased as one progressed.
But the system was shortened to 3 or 4 levels and few learned the complete Usui
system. Dr. Hayashi continued to teach both systems until at least 1931, while Eguchi
may have taught both for longer.
Since Takata-sensei’s time the original Usui concepts were mistakenly called “precepts”
or “principles”. However, thanks to the meeting of Melissa Riggall and Dave King with
several of Usui Sensei’s living students, new insight has been discovered on what was
originally intended by Usui Sensei’s writing. They explained that the correct term for this
writing is “Gainen”, which means concepts. This is how Sensei referred to them in his
dojo (training hall).
The image on the first page of this article is a reproduction close to how the original
Usui Gainen looks in its resting place in a small shrine to Usui Sensei near Tokyo,
based on in-person observations by Dave King and others. Dave shared these
comments of Tenon-in at URRI 2002.
“In 1921 O-Sensei made a further trip to Hiei-zan and returned several days later with a
sheet of yellow paper. He sent one of us to buy mitsumata washi (bluish paper made from
a kind of mulberry bush) and he spent the rest of the day with ink and brush. When we
returned the next day the paper was already mounted in the tokonoma, He had signed
the sheet in red ink and had spilled some of the ink on the edge of his cushion which
looked like kokoro (the kanji for heart).”
All Western versions of this document are from a photo taken most likely by Dr.
Hayashi, who was also an amateur photographer. The monochrome photographic
plates he used did not seem to pick up Usui Sensei’s signature in red ink, and Dr.
Hayashi may have blanked the 3 hankos out when he developed the photo of the
Gainen. Perhaps they were only proper on the original work. Dave had also observed
that the original was brushed (shodo style) on blue mitsumata paper of the time, made
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from the mulberry bush. It was hung in typical Japanese kakejiku fashion, using a dark
blue linen for its background. The actual Gainen is quite large – about 35 by 27 inches.
Dave King was originally led to this (with eyes covered) in the early 1990’s by the son of
an Usui student he had met at Saihoji temple, and then a second time a few years later
by Japanese friends. The shrine is extremely small, just big enough to stand in, and
has the Gainen on one wall and the Usui portrait photo on another wall. There are
some vases with flowers and a guest book. A portion of Usui Sensei’s ashes is buried
vertically (traditional style) in the floor. (The remainder are at Saihoji Temple.)
In Dave’s Usui Teate class, he explains:
”The Gainen ARE Usui's system! They can be a philosophy, a way of living, a way of
practicing the system (or “all of the above ”). They are NOT a set of control statements!
The term gainen (from Mandarin Gài Nìan) translates as “concept .” ”
Dave and Melissa were receiving training from one of Usui’s students, a lay Buddhist
nun named Tenon-in (also called Mariko-Obaasan or Grandmother Mariko by those close to her). He
further explained the following (with my notes):
“I had asked Mariko Obaasan to comment on the translation I had from Tatsumi (which
was similar to that we worked out with Emiko all those years ago).
(Note: this was in July 1996)
”The phrase kansha shite gö o hageme is not separated into kansha shite [be grateful..]
and gö o hageme [work diligently]. In Japanese one can not string clauses together
using a conjunction such as 'and'. Instead, the main clause appears at the end and is
preceded by the dependent clause using the -te form (gerund) of a verb to link them.
Shite is the -te form of suru (to do) and is used here to indicate concurrency. We get:
Appreciate [at the same time as] encourage work [karma] ===> Do your work with
appreciation.
”The secret method of inviting blessings is not reiju.
(Note: reiju is the term traditional Reiki uses for their empowerment ceremony).
“The effective medicine of many illnesses is not reiji.
(Note: reiji is the traditional Reiki term for giving intuitive healing).
”The title refers to that which can be accomplished from following the system (the
gainen). One is seeking a shikan state (not exactly nirvana which is permanent
shikan*).
”We cannot have FIVE concepts even if we separate the "worry-not" from the "anger-not"
(regardless of whether we consider the "today only" to apply to all concepts or just
those in the same 'sentence' (worry-not, anger-not). Mariko had not heard of the
expression Gokai - they were called Gainen at least during her stay at the dojo.”
(*Shikan - a definition -- “A meditative state in which perception is utterly free of discrimination between
mind and matter, self and object; where the only permanence is impermanence; and change, whether
subtle or violent, remains the essence of being.)
Here is Dave’s translation based on Tenon-in’s own training directly from Usui Sensei:
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© Copyright Dave King 2002

THE HEADINGS
Shou fuku no hiihou: The Secret Method Of Inviting Blessings
Manbyou no Rei yaku: The Spiritual Medicine of Many Illnesses
THE FIRST CONCEPT:
Here we have two complementary ideas dealing with our interaction with the outside
world that might inhibit our ability to be mindful.
Kyo dake wa: Today only
• This does not have to mean literally today. It is valid for any period of time (the
duration of a specific activity).
Ikaru na: Anger not.
• This is a state of polarity that is balanced on the side of openness to the perception
of the effects of others on the self.
Shin pai su na: Worry not.
• This is a state of polarity that is balanced on the side of the non-presence of concern
over the outcome of a given activity. To not worry is itself worry!
(Note: Dave explained Polarity vs. duality. "Duality is represented by two opposites, often based on moral
values, such as good vs. bad, right vs. wrong etc. There can not be a balance because duality can have
only two states. Polarity seeks a balance between two complimentary ideas: warm is somewhere
between cold and hot. In nature everything seeks a balanced state." Dave also explained that the idea
here was to always be in the NOW, the immediate moment.)
THE SECOND CONCEPT:
Kansha shite göu ou hageme: Do your work with
appreciation.
• Apply wei-wu-wei (use without use e.g. if one has a experience that relates to
one of the symbols, then the symbol has been used) and work guided by shen (the
spirit) rather than yi (the ”thinking” mind).
• Although the characters [kansha] used in this Concept literally mean “gratitude”
the interpretation should be one of openness to one’s interaction with nature. The
character reading “göu” is better associated with Buddhist karma than “gyö” work.
THE THIRD CONCEPT:
Hito ni shinsetsu ni: Be kind to people.
• Show empathy and awareness both to yourself and others.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Chou seki gassho shite kokoro ni nenji Kuchi ni tonaeyo:

In your life*, perform gassho as your mind recalls (the Gainen)
• It seems that Melissa had been working on the Gainen in
(Note added August 30, 2005)
her last days. She had received more information from Mariko-Obaasan that deals
with the meaning of the "instructions". Previously we had used 'asa yuu' - the kun
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(Japanese) readings (instead of “chou seki’).* The kanji are the same but Usui intended
ON (Chinese) readings. The image here is ‘constantly’ - literally ‘from morning to
night’. The intent is to experience your daily life through the Gainen. You are not
expected to literally perform gasshou and chant the Gainen!
Shin shin kai zen, Usui reiki ryoho:

The Usui system for connecting with your ancestral self through the body-
mind.
• Reiki is a compound of REI and KI imported directly from China where it is
pronounced LING QI. In Taoist cosmology the act of conception unites the souls
called HUN and PO. When that being dies HUN returns to Heaven to be reborn in
another incarnation and PO returns to Earth. However, if that being achieves a state
of "nirvana" it may choose not to "die" in which case the souls remain on Earth and
may become a source of guidance to those who come after. The result is simply a
presence, not a "form of energy". It is only in very recent times that this term has
been used to describe a specific form of energy connected with Usui Mikao and
others of the post-Meiji period in Japan.
• In the mid 1990s my associate Shen Lissa (Melissa Riggall) stayed for a month with
Tatsumi-san who was a student of Chuujiro Hayashi from 1927 to 1931. One day
she pointed to a photo of the Usui concepts in Tatsumi-san's house. She noted the
term "Reiki" and said that this was how the West referred to the hand healing
system. Tatsumi-san said that the hand healing was simply referred to as te-àte, and
that by using the term "reiki," O-Sensei (Usui Sensei) had been referring to his
ancestors. Usui Reiki Ryoho simply means 'Usui system for connecting with
your ancestral self'- something that is already within each one of us from the
moment of conception.
(Note: Dave’s Usui-Do colleague, George Mullen, explained the term “reiki” this way:
“Reiki is a compound of REI and KI imported directly from China where it is pronounced LING QI. In
Taoist cosmology the act of conception unites the souls called HUN and PO. When that being dies HUN
returns to Heaven to be reborn in another incarnation and PO returns to Earth. However, if that being
achieves a state of "nirvana" it may choose not to "die" in which case the souls remain on Earth and may
become a source of guidance to those who come after. The result is simply a presence, not a "form of
energy." “)
SIGNATURE
Chouso: the Founder
Usui Mikao: Mikao Usui
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At URRI 2000 in Kyoto Mr.

Hiroshi Doi taught the
following in his Gendai Reiki
Master class.
"Usui Sensei created (the)
Gokai (the 5 principles) getting
hints from a book "Kenzon no
Gebri" written by Dr. Bizan
Suzuki (published in March,
1914.) The book says "Just for
today, do not get angry, do not
feel fear, be honest, work hard,
and be kind to others."
It is interesting to note that
Sensei’s wife’s maiden name
was Suzuki – although
Suzuki was a common name.
At the URRI 2003 conference
in Denmark, Mr. Doi
explained the use of the word
"Reiki" as used by Usui
Sensei. He said:
"The word "reiki" is used often
by spiritual therapists during
(the) Meiji (1868-1912), Taisho
(1912-1925) and early Showa
(1926-1988) Era. Many people
used the phrase "reiki ryoho" to
refer to their therapies, and
"reiki ryoho" is not original with
Usui Sensei. The name Usui
Sensei used was "Usui Reiki
Ryoho."
"The first person to use the term
"reiki ryoho" was Mataji
Kawakami, who was a therapist,
who published "Reiki Ryoho to sono Koka" (Reiki Ryoho and its Effects) in 1919. However,
today the term "reiki ryoho" almost exclusively refers to "Usui Reiki Ryoho." "
In our 1996 translation, Emiko Arai also offered this interpretation of Usui’s name:
"Usu" means 'a large grain or rice mortar'; "i" means 'water well'; "Mika" is a very old name no longer in
use that meant 'sacred rice wine cup or vessel', probably used in a spiritual offering; "o" denotes a
masculine name.”
Dave King found another translation for "Mikao" -- Jar/jug/vat/urn/vase.
Note: all comments from Dave King, Melissa Riggall and Tenon-in are © Copyright Dave King 2002
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REIKI HATSUREI-HO
Hatsurei-ho
This is a meditation process taught Mr. Hiroshi Doi-sensei, still used at a Usui Reiki
Ryoho Gakkai Reiki gathering, mainly in the Shuyo-ho form. Some of these techniques
here have been slightly modified by Doi-sensei. Hatsurei-ho is a way to enhance your
Reiki vibration and help you grow spiritually.
I. Kihon Shisei (standard posture)

Sit on the floor (Seiza style - on your knees, sitting on your legs) or sit on a chair
Remove all the tension from your body and relax. Close your eyes lightly.
Straighten your back. Bring your attention to the Tanden (3-5 cm below the navel).
Both hands on the lap, palms facing downwards.
II. Mokunen (Focusing)
This means to quietly tell your subconscious mind "I'll start Hatsurei-ho".
III. Kenyoku (Dry bathing or Brushing off)
Note: you should breathe out as you brush using the Hado method- as you exhale, say
"aaaaah" or something similar - i.e. make a sound. Brushing can be either with contact
(touching) or in the aura (not touching).
1. Place the fingers of your right hand near the top of the left shoulder, with the
fingertips over the indentation just in from the edge of the shoulder (where the
collar bone meets the shoulder). The hand is lying flat.
2. Draw the flat hand down across the chest in a straight line, over the "V" of the
sternum (where the rib cage meets) down to the right hip, while doing the
Hado breathing and the ‘Haa’ sound.
3. Repeat this procedure on the right side, using the left hand. Draw it flattened
from the shoulder, in a straight line, across the sternum, to the left hip.
4. Repeat the procedure again on the left side.
5. Place the fingers of the right hand on the middle of the left forearm, fingertips
on the edge pointing outwards. (Note: See Doi's sensei's modified version and
the current URR Gakkai in the Shoden-Gendai: Kenyoku-ho technique.)
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6. Draw the right hand, flattened, down the outside of the arm, all the way to the
finger tips, all the while keeping the left arm straight and at your side, while
doing the Hado breathing and the ‘Haa’ sound.
7. Repeat this process on the right side, with the left hand on the right forearm
and drawing it down the right arm to the fingertips. (Or use Doi-sensei's
version).
8. Repeat the process on the left side again.
IV. Connect to Reiki
Raise your hands high up in the air, visualize and feel the vibration/light of Reiki
flowing into your hands and running through your whole body.
V. Joshin Koku ho (Cleansing Breathing) This means to purify the mind

The original Gakkai method is to simply do clean breathing. As some students
find this difficult to do, Doi-sensei replaces this with Joshin Koku Ho.
1. Calmly breathe in and out from the nose with pure thoughts. Both hands are
on the lap, palms facing upwards and slightly curled as if holding an egg. Bring
the mind to the Tanden and keep it there. Breathe naturally in a relaxed
manner and release the tension from the body.
2. As you breathe in, imagine or visualise that white Reiki energy is coming
through the top of the head down to the Tanden and spreading everywhere
throughout the body. At the same time imagine that all the tension is melting
away and making you feel relaxed
3. As you breathe out, do the Hado breathing with the ‘Haa’ sound slowly and
firmly. At the same time imagine that the light which filled all of the body, is
emanating out through the skin and spreading into infinity..
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4. Repeat (2),(3) for a couple of minutes or as long as you like

VI. Gassho
Put your hands together holding them in front of your chest
(like praying hands) a little higher than your heart.
VII. Sei Shin Toitsu (Concentration). This means to concentrate
the mind.
The original Gakkai method is to simply make your mind
blank. As some students find this difficult to do, Doi-sensei
replaces this with Sei Shin Toitsu.
1, Keep the Gassho, bring your attention to the Tanden. Imagine that you are
breathing through your hands.
2. When you breathe in, visualize that the light of Reiki flows in through your
hands on to your hara line, and filling the Tanden.
3. When you breathe out, do the Hado breathing, and visualize that the Reiki
light stored in your Tanden radiating out thru your hands. (your attention
should remain on your breathing).
4. Repeat (1), (2) for a couple of minutes or as long as you
like
VIII. Mokunen
Put your hands back on to your laps with your palms down.
Say silently to your subconscious mind "I have finished
Hatsurei-ho."
Open your eyes and shake your hands up/down/left/right for a
few seconds.
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Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai’s

- Shuyo ho -
The Hatsurei ho described above is a slightly modified version of the URR Gakkai’s
original method. It is their group method or shuyo ho done at the beginning of their
monthly meetings (shuyo kai). It goes like this:
1. Clear one's mind by singing Gyosei

In the Usui Reiki Hikkei, there are 125 of the 02. Ten The Heaven (Sky)
Gyosei, the Wakka style poems of the Meiji Asamidori I wish my heart could
emperor. Some students learn only a few Sumiwatari keru be as clear and broad
favourites, while others may learn all of them. Oozora no as the great sky and
So as the Gyosei are repeated, some may repeat Hiroki wo onoga the spring green
a few or one over and over, while others may Kokoro tomogana field.
repeat several. (Wakka: 5 - 7 - 5 - 7 - 7 syllables)
2. Seiza - sit on the floor in zen style

3. Kenyoku - brushing off
4. Joshin Kokyu - Soul cleansing breathing: meditation focusing on "tanden"
5. Gassho
6. Seishin Toitsu - continue to meditate (this is when "Reiju" is given by teachers)
7. Gokai sansho - say main Usui concepts aloud three times
The teacher first says these aloud, then everyone says them together, then everyone says them silently
Kyo dake wa, ikaruna, shinpai suna Anger not, worry not, today only.
. (moment to moment, be in a state of non worry, non anger)
Kansha shite gyo wo hageme, Do your work with appreciation
(live your life with gratitude)
Hito ni shinsetsu ni Be kind to people.
(show empathy and awareness to yourself and others)
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A PPENDIX A
This Section Contains
Additional Reiki First Degree
Support Material

Threshold Resources
(this page is supposed to be blank)

Threshold Resources
A PPENDIX B
Excerpts from the Japanese Gendai Reiki Ho
Shoden Class Material

Threshold Resources

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A PPENDIX C
Selected Articles from
the Reiki Threshold Website
(www.threshold.ca)

Threshold Resources

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A PPENDIX D
Your Reiki Teacher's Bio
and Related Information

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REIKI FIRST DEGREE

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Notes

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Notes

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Notes

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Notes

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Introduction to This Manual .................................................................................................................. 1

* * * Optional Additions to This Manual * * *

Introduction To This Manual

Welcome to the world of Reiki.

© Copyright 2008-2013 Richard R. Rivard, B.Sc. Reiki Master / Teacher www.threshold.ca

REIKI (also known as "Usui Reiki Ryoho")

 is a natural method of energy balancing for the purpose of

 while it can be used entirely on its own, it is not meant as a

 practitioners should not diagnose conditions, nor do they

 should not compete with medical doctors and their

 can be used together with any other form of medical, natural

© Copyright 2008-2013 Richard R. Rivard, B.Sc. Reiki Master / Teacher www.threshold.ca

An Explanation of Reiki and Its Origins

© Copyright 2008-2013 Richard R. Rivard, B.Sc. Reiki Master / Teacher www.threshold.ca

© Copyright 2008-2013 Richard R. Rivard, B.Sc. Reiki Master / Teacher www.threshold.ca

© Copyright 2008-2013 Richard R. Rivard, B.Sc. Reiki Master / Teacher www.threshold.ca

healed as well and always experiences an increase in life-force energy.

© Copyright 2008-2013 Richard R. Rivard, B.Sc. Reiki Master / Teacher www.threshold.ca

© Copyright 2008-2013 Richard R. Rivard, B.Sc. Reiki Master / Teacher www.threshold.ca

Usui-Do (Usui-no-Michi): the Origin of Usui Reiki Ryoho

© Copyright 2008-2013 Richard R. Rivard, B.Sc. Reiki Master / Teacher www.threshold.ca

© Copyright 2008-2013 Richard R. Rivard, B.Sc. Reiki Master / Teacher www.threshold.ca

From TJR information, May 2000

© Copyright 2008-2013 Richard R. Rivard, B.Sc. Reiki Master / Teacher www.threshold.ca

Receiving the Reiki Empowerment

The access to Reiki energy is usually awakened within you by means of an

© Copyright 2008-2013 Richard R. Rivard, B.Sc. Reiki Master / Teacher www.threshold.ca

© Copyright 2008-2013 Richard R. Rivard, B.Sc. Reiki Master / Teacher www.threshold.ca

Traditional Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai

Source: Essence of Gendai Reiki Ho Shoden Level - Sensei Hiroshi Doi

© Copyright 2008-2013 Richard R. Rivard, B.Sc. Reiki Master / Teacher www.threshold.ca

Head positions used in traditional Reiki Ryoho -- Self Treatment

© Copyright 2008-2013 Richard R. Rivard, B.Sc. Reiki Master / Teacher www.threshold.ca

Modern Reiki Hand Positions - Self Treatment

Crown Back of Head/Occiput

Back of Head and Forehead Neck

Heart/Chest Solar Plexus/Sternum

Navel/Tummy Area Pelvic Area

Back Area Knees

Summary of Possible Reiki Hand Positions For Yourself

Back of Head and Neck Heart/Chest Solar Navel/Tummy Area

Pelvic Area Back Area Knees Ankle Foot

TRADITIONAL SCANNING &

Japanese Reiki Japanese Reiki

Temples Back of Head Sense Area Apply Reiki on Body

Top of Neck Top of Head … or in Aura Finished at Lap

Reiki Attunement / Reiju as Learning Music

Taking this analogy a bit further, we notice many other healing

Sometimes the condition is resolved completely, as if the balloon

My many thanks to www.inmagine.com for the royalty free images.

Using Reiki to Scan Yourself

Tree A Tree B Tree C

Traditional Japanese Reiki Components

Purpose: Healing by way of feeling a resonance or hand sensation.

Nentatsu-ho : Healing Affirmation / Visualization Method

In 2005 I received a self-published Japanese book called “Everyone Can Emanate

Traditional URR Gakkai Nentatsu Ho Method