My observations about Reiki (and it's shortcomings)...

[holistichealer]

It's not my intent here to "attack a sacred cow", by saying what I'm about to. Rather, maybe people can come forward and compare notes as to how their Reiki is effective, what the journey for them has been like, etc. At the same time, what I say below is not "spur of the moment". It's a decision that I came to within a year or so of receiving the second series of attunements to Tibetan Reiki, after discovering through experience that Usui reiki was not all it was supposed to be.

My experiences with Reiki included individual sessions I received, individual sessions I was the conduit for and "Reiki shares", in which one person received Reiki from several simultaneously- in which I received as well as "gave" Reiki to participants. It's interesting to note that even in the "Reiki shares", other modalities and techniques were present, which is, I think, telling in and of itself.

Sorry, but am not impressed with modern- day Reiki. In 2001, I took levels 1,2 and 3 of Usui and 1,2 and 3 of Tibetan years ago. And, while my hands did get unusually hot when doing Reiki sessions, and people did get a deep sense of relaxation, that was the extent of it.

The idea that the person receiving the energy just lays there and receives and the person running the energy simply does so, with no real interaction between the two in the form of dialogue of what comes up, no scanning, etc. is severely limited.

It's my belief that what most people refer to as "Reiki" is missing something essential that has been kept secret by the "traditional" Reiki people in Japan and lost by other lineages- hence my statement that "modern- day Rekik" is missing something.

I should add here that this is not intended to be a "pro- traditional Reiki" post, either. I have studied many other forms of energy healing over the years, including: Quantum Touch, Matrix Integration, Pranic Healing, Core 4, Life Force Healing and Theta Healing, among others. And when I say that I "studied", I mean that I took workshops- typically multiple workshops- in each one.

In my opinion, if the Reiki that most people do was truly complete and effective, there wouldn't be so many kinds of "Reiki", because there would be no need for "more".

In addition, the idea that someone can become a so- called "Master" in a weekend course, having done no real work, no extensive practice, and no personal clearing, leaves me very skeptical.

This is NOT to say that I think Reiki was "people fooling themselves" from the start. I have done extensive reading about Reiki and the course of events that resulted in Usui's discovery of it makes total sense to me. He had an awakening after much physical preparation and in essence, doing an extended vision- quest. Along with that awakening came the knowledge of how to teach it to others, using a process that involved, basically, apprenticeship.

I'm sure that anyone who is accomplished in energetic healing is aware of the idea that illnesses are the result of underlying core issues. Those issues typically originate at one of 3 levels of consciousness: Spiritual / Mental / Emotional, before they manifest in the physical. That being the case, running energy without addressing the root cause means that the issue will re-manifest even if some respite is achieved. And there is only one way to address such issues: dialogue with the client about what comes up and showing the client that they have the power to "make a different decision", clear the issue and with it, the physical (and mental) symptom.

And yet, we are taught in Reiki that the "energy knows what to do" and the client only needs to receive it. In other words, no dialogue is necessary.

In my experience, in the vast majority of cases, unless you help the client to reclaim their power and move forward on their own as a result, you are doing them a dis- service. "Come to me and I will fix you." is not empowering to the client. Neither is running energy in silence, them not making progress as a result, and them being even more resigned to the idea that their situation is a hopeless matter of fate.

While I do not have any doubt about the effectiveness of energy work / energetic healing and I do see Reiki as incomplete, I do see it as a good entry- point into the area for people who have an interest in such. And I see (and have seen) people use it as a stepping stone for their journey down the path of service. (In my case, I quickly began to add crystal healing and scanning of the person's energy field- things that came natural to me and just seemed to "fit", because Reiki only went so far and no further by itself.) That being the case, much in the way of personal growth can be accomplished as a result of using Reiki as a way to tune into the intuitive and energetic arts.

I can recount many amazing healings that I have been privy to and or instrumental in (such as a person walking again after being bed- ridden for 8 months, a person's congenital double- scoliosis being remedied to the amazement of her chiropractor- with X-rays to confirm it, a person on her death bed being energized to the point that she was up and mobile in a matter of minutes and lived 10 years more, a person coming home from the hospital after checking himself out of Intensive Care that same day in an act of surrender... and within minutes of treatment literally up, telling jokes and entertaining everyone, and others), but none of them were done with Reiki. People feel calm and relaxed when they get off of the table, but that's pretty much it.

What actual healings have been done with Reiki by anyone here? I'm not referring to having the recipient feeling "deep peace". But what physical symptoms have actually been resolved? If you have any to recount, what was the process like, for you and for the client?

This could become an interesting discussion.

[sparklekaz]

Hi Holistic healer,

Reiki, is simply a tool, a starting point if you will for people who wish to learn how to channel healing energy. As you have pointed out in your post, there are many other ways of doing this. I believe, all have value. Reiki as in any other healing modality, relies on the integrity of the person who is the healing channel. Just because someone receives an attunement or instruction in a healing method, does not automatically qualify them as a good healer. As in life, you will get people who learn a skill or craft, how affective they are at applying this ability, depends on their own dedication and motivation. Just as in life, there are skilled tradesmen and their are cowboys. Who are only 'in it' to make money. This sadly, seems to be exactly the case in the many different types of healing traditions that are freely on offer these days. When I did my own reiki attunements in 2004. There were 5 other people doing it. Aside from myself their was only one other who had any prior knowledge about energy and the chakras and a genuine interest in healing. The others worked at health spa's, and either thought it would be a useful add-on to their beauty and massage therapy qualifications, or it would be 'cool' as Reiki had become something of a fad or trend amongst their friends. There is no doubt, potentially a lot of money can be made from Reiki, so there is a finanical incentive to tempt those who are not I believe spiritually mature.

I agree, that it is ridiculous to assume that anyone has mastered the art of anything, if they have not put in the work and gained the experience to share and teach others well. But that is down to the materialistic attitude of Reiki Master Teachers, who have lost sight of the whole ethos behind the Reiki movement; if they ever had it at all. But having said that, I have been very fortunate in that I was taught by a wonderful Reiki Master Teacher, a Dr Elizabeth Childs, who was based at the Reiki Sanctuary in Earlswood, West Midlands. She had been practicing for over thirty years, and was also a qualified psychotherapist. She made the whole experience a wonderfully uplifting one for me. She told us all right from the very start, that unless she was satisfied, that we were able to channel the healing energy, and had understood all that we had been taught, and demonstrated that we knew it; She would not attune us.

Both Reiki 1 and 2 had to be at least 3 months apart, if not longer. Each course was held over two days, six full hours of tuition on each day. Not only were we taught self healing meditations to cleanse and balance the chakras. We also discussed at length the contra indications for Reiki and that it was important to keep our clients or recipients of Reiki fully informed of the whole process. That the Reiki healing, was only the beginning of their healing journey. Ultimately, their health and healing was in their own hands. So, as healers, it was important for us to be up to date and aware of all the latest information with regard to health and nutrition.

In many ways, a Reiki healer, wears more then one hat. They are the catalyst to help another person regain their personal energy. But, as many illnesses have their root, in emotional issues, we had to gently lead people by the hand and talk to them about these problems. As the emotional aspect of Reiki healing energy, can bring many deep rooted problems, to the surface. We were taught, it was our responsibility to the recipient to be there for them for as long as we were needed, long after they had received Reiki.

I believe Reiki to be one of the more spiritually based methods of energy healing. As you have said, its focus is very much on the mind, body and spirit being in balance and harmony. The fact that we are asked when we channel the reiki healing energy, to allow it to go where it needs for the highest good of the client, is simply meant I believe as part of our surrendering our will, to the divine will. For who knows best what the client needs but God. I personally, do scan the body, because I have the ability to feel energy and did before I was attuned to reiki. But many cannot, but this does not mean they cannot channel the energy. Channeling energy to me is about surrendering and opening yourself up to a higher will. I use crystals as part of my own Reiki healing practice, and I know many other Reiki healers who do this also.

My Reiki Master Teacher, had one of the best crystal collections I have ever seen. In fact, she had a whole room set aside to house them all. From floor to ceiling their were shelves full of them. I thought I was in crystal heaven. No where does it say, that a Reiki practicioner cannot use them. My Reiki master teacher told me, that once we have been attuned, we can add on to and develop our own methods, as long as we adhere to the fundemental principles of Reiki. I received my Reiki Masters Attunement in December 2012, 8 years after receiving my Reiki 1. I personally, felt unworthy of being made a Master practicioner until I had acquired enough experience and maturity in Reiki, to be a good teacher. I do not believe I am unusual for waiting so long and wanting to be the best teacher possible, to attune other potential Reiki healers. If people are genuinely interested in Reiki, for all the right reasons, then I believe it is their responsibility also to find a Reiki Master Teacher who will teach them the right way. To continue the honourable tradition of Reiki started by Dr Usui. I am aware that there is Reiki Angelic healing, Reiki Celtic healing and so on. But for me, anything other then traditional Reiki is not reiki. They can add on what they want, but first must be attuned and taught in the traditional way.

When you say actual healings, this to me can mean healing on different levels. Yes I have had lots of good feedback over the years. One, was my sister, who had been experiencing problems conceiving. I did scan her, before channeling the reiki healing. I picked up on a blockage around the reproductive area.. she told that she had a cyst. While receiving the reiki she said she felt something pop in her lower stomach. She did not have another period after that and her daughter was born 9 months later. I call that a sucess. Another lady, had been diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer. She had been given 3 months to live. When we started healing, I told her, that reiki does not guarantee anything. But that the healing energy works on the mind, body and spirit. We would meet up once or twice and month regularly. She lived for over 3 years. You could say, that it was a failure, because she didn't recover, but I like to think it was a sucess, because she lived longer and lived well, and for me that is what healing is all about.

Her husband told me, that receiving the reiki opened up a whole new world for her. She felt a real energy moving through her, whilst she was receiving reiki. She believed in the power of energy, she believed that we were more then just physical beings, that we are spiritual beings. I explained to her how energy healing worked and that with her own experiences, sensations and images she saw whilst receiving reiki was proof enough for her. Her husband told me, she had been terrified of dying. But the reiki took that fear away. She was at peace and calm when the end came and she told him, that her experience with reiki had done that for her. He said, that she had 2 and half years more then she had ever expected. She used that time well and put her house in order and said all she wanted to say. She was a wonderful lady, and open to the power of healing, she did everything that was asked of her. Changed her diet, drank more water, meditated. She never once complained, or said why me. She was and will always be a shining example of someone taking control of their own illness and living their life to the fullest, while opening their mind to the power and energy of spirit. That many choose not to do this while receiving any form of healing, and carry on living in such a way that made them ill in the first place saddens me. But that is life; ultimately we are responsible for our own healing, with a helping hand from a healer to get us started.

Another lady, came to me because she was having problems with her eyes. She suffered from a condition which caused a overgrowth of veins behind the eyes. They would become engorged and inflamed. She suffered a lot of pain because of this, and it did affect her vision. She had tried many different orthodox treatments, but the doctor told her, that she would have to have an operation. There was a risk to this, because if it went wrong, she could lose her vision. I explained to her how reiki works, that it will go where it is needed, but it was also about intent and need, the more she opened herself up the more affective the healing could be. She came to me for three months, every week. I never took any payment from her, but she would bring fruit and chocolate for my children sometimes. They would always ask if the eye lady was coming.. the mercenary lot!! At the end of three months she was scheduled to have some more xrays and scans. The doctor couldn't believe it. The overgrowth of veins had started to shrink. They had shrunk to such a degree, that she no longer needed to have an operation. She was thrilled, but I told her, that it was as much about her own committment to her healing as it was to the healing energy she received. She cut out all junk food, eat a really healthy diet, and drank lots of water. She would also make the time to do relaxation. I also taught her a simple self healing visualisation technique. Which she did every night. There are many other incidences big and small, but those three were the ones that have stood out to me the most over the years. I myself have been healed from a very painful ovary condition, through Reiki.

I believe, that in life, we get out of it, exactly what we are prepared to put into it. That just because something doesn't work for one, it doesn't mean it doesn't work for others. That it is important to be honourable, to always keep an open mind, and if anyone is interested in trying reiki for themselves, or becoming attuned to reiki.. then make your own minds up.

Love and light
Kaz

[holistichealer]

Hi, Kaz.

It sounds to me like you had / have an exemplary Reiki teacher. The fact that she's a psychotherapist, to me says that she's very much aware of the mind / body connection that is usually at the root of most maladies. And she, no doubt, conveyed that awareness to you, if you didn't already have it.

It is true that someone can be healed on one level, then die. This isn't because the healing "failed" or wasn't "all encompassing", "complete", etc. But it could very well be that they had completed what they came here to do and their course was "set", with regard to going home.

At the same time, if someone isn't in the process of checking out of the physical, stays here for years to come and has the same symptoms, IMO, one of two things is happening: 1.) Their discomfort was not adequately addressed. or, 2.) There is a karmic lesson behind the malady that is best served that way.

Reiki, as we agree, is a good "entry point". At the same time, since there is no universal "tool" in many facets of life, Reiki isn't always the best "fit" for everyone with regards to a path to follow. (For instance, my girlfriend, who is an unusually gifted healer from birth, took Reiki because it was the "in" thing to do, and found that it totally interfered with the way she worked.)

As one of my martial arts teachers often said: "What's the best screw driver to use?". And the answer was, "Depends upon the kind and size of the screw you're working with." One size does not fit all.

Unfortunately, most people do not encounter a Reiki teacher such as yours. In fact, most Reiki teachers simply do what they were taught by someone who did what they were taught, by someone who did what they were taught, etc. And the big fall- back with regard to ultimate effectiveness is vague descriptions of what the word "healing" really means, words like "trust the energy to do what it's supposed to", and ultimately in essence blaming the lack of progress on the client's readiness to receive.

The first healing I did was before I even heard the word, "Reiki". And yet, in some ways, it was very "Reiki- like". In 1996, my Grandmother was very, very sick. She had been for about 2 months. And during that dime, she couldn't keep any food down, and, at the same time, had constant diarrhea. She'd been to doctors numerous times, with no success with regard to diagnosis or treatment. At the end of the time in question, she couldn't get out of bed on her own and looked like a concentration camp survivor.

The above was a marked down- turn in her health. Prior to her becoming ill, she had made it a point to take frequent long walks through the neighborhood for exercise and walk to church every Sunday morning. In other words, she had been in excellent health.

The abbreviated version of what transpired is that one day, I had a strange feeling that I could help her, so I went in and trusted the process and held her hand, while I placed my other hand on her head. The energy running through me was very tangible and after about 10 minutes, I felt it stop, so I quit. And about 10 minutes later, she came to the dining room under her own power, had a full meal and made a quick recovery.

On a subsequent occasion about 5 years later, after I had been attuned to Reiki, but had also done extensive study and practice with crystal healing, I was called to see if I would be willing to go see a guy who was very ill, and who had been in the hospital in Intensive Care only the day before. He had literally given up and gone home to die.

He was in a cold sweat and was very listless when I met him. Upon scanning him, I felt almost no Root chakra energy and very little Throat chakra presence. So, trusting what I felt led to do, I revved up internally and intentionally brought up something like "anger" in myself. Then I focused on his Root (life force), in essence willing life force into it, then did the same for his Throat (will power), before smoothing everything out in an effort to balance the output / activity of his chakras.

When he got off of the table, I gripped his wrist (palm inward, facing his palm... right hand to right hand), squeezed it and said, "Squeeze my wrist.". He did, but it was sort of weak, so I said, "SQUEEZE ME!", with more determination, as I gripped again, and he squeezed noticeably harder.

As I helped him get up, I made sure to maintain the grip and to pull him strongly, as if I were pulling someone up from hanging over a cliff.... And when he got up, he was fully- animated, clear- eyed

He got off of the table a different person. He went to his bedroom and came out with a suit coat on, with one arm not in the sleeve, but instead, put down his pants. He had a picolo, played it some, then put it at the zipper in his pants, extended his finger through the zipper and hooked it around the picolo, as he took a bow! It was a very funny "act" that he put on for us, to say the least, and was a marked change from how he had been only minutes before.

I see the above as similar to a Chi Gung treatment, in which the Chi was externalized and transferred into the client who was deficient at the time. That event occurred in 2002. The person did die last year, but lived a happy life until his death.

After taking Pranic Healing courses, I was in a Level 2 Core 4 Healing class being taught by my girlfriend. (It was through her that I encountered the idea of "layers of existence" with regard to core issues being located at one level and affecting the layers below it.) There was a lady on the table I was working on, who had right knee (core issues tend to be with regard to "support" and because it was on the right, it had to do with lack of support from a male who was important to her) issues. I scanned her knee and felt a congestion of energy ("stuck energy", "energy cyst", etc.) there. So I cleaned the area of excess energy, using a type of Green energy to fine- tune the application. Her relief was instantaneous. (Though the issue wasn't addressed.) And she got off of the table amazed at the difference.

One of the people present was very good at seeing energy and came over as I worked because she saw something that intrigued her. "Hey! Why is that energy coming out of your fingers, green?", she asked.

One of my very best friends and I had become estranged and we hadn't seen each other in about 8 years. He came to visit one day and when I saw him, my heart sank. He'd aged many years, and was walking with a cane. He couldn't stand up straight, due to a back injury he'd had surgery for, and he'd gotten Hepatitis B and C from blood transfusions. I knew that this was beyond my ability to deal with. Maybe it was because of my personal involvement with my friend. But Lynn (my girlfriend) was there. And she waved her hand so I could see it, so that I could see a red patch on her hand that turns beet red when a certain kind of "miracle healing" energy is running through her. (It's unpredictable and beyond her control. But at times it just comes "ON" when someone who needs a healing is nearby and it's for them.) So I suggested that he let Lynn put her hands on him, which he agreed to do.

The abbreviated version is that my friend left that day, carrying his cane, standing straight up, dumbfounded. And the really, really remarkable thing that happened about two weeks later was pretty interesting as well.

He called me and said, "Hey, man. You know the other day when your girlfriend put her hands on me?"

"Um. Hmmm."

"Well. I just came from my doctor, and he says that there are no signs of Hepatitis in my system. Do you think she could have had something to do with that?"

"Um. Hmmm."

As Lynn explains it, when that kind of energy shows up, it's directly from God. She's just the conduit. And she doesn't have to work the person through their issues / blocks to regaining their health. It's Grace at work.

When I first encountered Pranic Healing, it was through a man who was here in the U.S. from Bangalore, India, who was here to visit his son and daughter- in- law, and decided to teach a "Basic" Pranic course while here. I called him up and told him of my experience with Reiki. And he recounted that he was also a "Reiki Master", but had left Reiki when he found out about Pranic Heling. I asked why and he said that Reiki "is too slow", and that with Pranic, he could do in minutes what took several sessions with Reiki. So I was intrigued. I took his class and was very impressed. What he said was true: Pranic was much more focused and could be fine- tuned to fit the situation. And eventually, I took several other Pranic Healing courses as well. (I found Pranic Healing to be akin to Milton Erickson's idea of "brief therapy".)

This isn't to say that I think Pranic is "the" answer. There is no concept of layers of existence with core issues being located at the various layers and affecting every lower layer successively, as I've encountered in Core 4, Theta Healing and other modalities. And that concept of "Core Issues" is absolutely valid.

I have seen and participated in or done unusual healings, as I've said. But to date, none have involved Reiki.

Could you go into some detail with regard to the sensations you and the client had whose eyes you worked on? I'm interested to know of Reiki successes.

Thanks.

[markings]

holistichealer, what form does this dialogue which, in your opinion should happen, take?

[markings]

holistichealer, what form does this dialogue which, in your opinion should happen, take?

[sparklekaz]

Hi Holistic,

Yes, I was very lucky to have been taught by a Reiki Master Teacher who had such integrity and who also had other skills she had acquired throughout her healing practice, to bring to the table. But I do not think she is a isolated case. Over the years, I have been lucky enough to attend Reiki Seminars and workshops where Reiki 2 Practicioners and Reiki Masters come together to share their experiences and explore other aspects of Reiki through group meditations and healing. A very powerful experience as you can imagine. whilst sharing with these people, I found many of them, had been as fortunate as I was. The very fact they were there at all I think speaks volumes. To them Reiki was not just a hobby or a way of making money, it had become a big part of their lives.

I do not think that Reiki is the only way of being a energy healer, it is but one way. Just as we as individuals are unique I don't think there is a one modality method that fits all. People have to explore and try out different methods, to find the one that suits them best. I had already been called to the healing path, long before attuning to Reiki. I discovered quite early on that I could feel energy with my hands. I spent a long time developing my own methods of channeling healing, which was very affective. I only became attuned to Reiki initially because I felt having a Reiki Certificate would give me more credability. Quite rightly many people were reluctant to allow someone to give them healing, without some evidence to show they were genuine, and not a person who may have dubious motives or on a ego trip.

My experience of Reiki right from the beginning was a wonderful one. I loved the whole ethos of Reiki. I loved the sense of belonging I felt, of being part of a movement whose sole aims was to teach people how to heal themselves and others. How as healers, we had a responsibility to our own health and spiritual growth, so that we could become worthy of the healing energy as well as being the best we could be, in terms of being open to channeling that energy. I found in my case, that using the Reiki techniques actually enhanced my ability to feel and channel the healing energy. If it had not, I would have gone back to using the techniques I was using before.

With regard to the lady with the eye problem. For the most part I went through the whole sequence of hand positions for reiki. But, in my own practice, I do not move on to another position after a alloted space of time. I stay with the position, until I feel the energy abate, this is my signal to move on. I found with this lady, the energy seemed at its most intense and for the longest period while I was in the head area, particularly over the back of the head, the ears and the eyes. I have found that I do not need to assert my own will to direct the energy towards a particular area, that it responds quite naturally to the need within the recipient. I did give the lady a self healing visualisation to use on herself. I felt it important that she was a part of her own healing process, and I am also a great believer in the fact, that all of us, have the power to heal ourselves. Empowering others to me is one of the most important parts of my healing practice. A few years ago, I was asked to give Reiki to a mental health group. They met once a week, mainly as a social thing, but they also did craft and went on trips. My reiki session, was one of a few different therapies they were trying for a week, as a special event of holistic therapies arranged for the group, as a one off. They loved the Reiki so much I was asked back, initially once a month, then to twice a month.

They asked me a lot of questions about Reiki and energy, and many of them reported feeling so much better after each session. Particularly those who had been feeling very depressed and anxious. I spoke to their group leader and asked if he thought they might like it if we divided my time there up into two parts. For the first hour, we did a self healing meditation, then reiki for those who wanted it for the last two hours of my visit there. He thought it would be a great idea, and they loved it. One of the things that stood out for me was the feedback I had from them, of the times when they practiced the meditation I had taught them at home. They had came to trust me and nearly all of them felt the energy themselves when it came through and even those who didn't reported feeling, more relaxed and at peace with themselves. What astounded them the most, is that while doing the self healing at home, they felt a similar warmth and relaxation. Knowing that they were capable of healing themselves, did so much to their self confidence, and the belief, that there was much more to life then what they could see hear and feel with their physical eyes. By connecting to this universal energy, as one man told me, he never felt alone anymore.

Thank you for sharing your stories of healing with me holistic, it is very inspiring to hear, and I am sure you share you gift with all who need it, as well as providing a listening ear and guidance along the way for those who also want to follow this beautiful path.

Love and light
Kaz

[holistichealer]

Apr 1, 2013 6:24:18 GMT markings said:

holistichealer, what form does this dialogue which, in your opinion should happen, take?

Entering dialogue can be done in a number of different ways.



One is to simply ask a question directly, based upon what you intuit, or based upon what you know with regard to where a symptom is located as indicative of the underlying issue. (Louise Hay's books about this topic are a great "entry point".)

In the case of the lady with the knee problem, it could go like this:

"Is there a male who is important to you, who you feel could support you better than he is or has been?"
(This can key into into feelings of self- worth, if the client has bought into the idea that they don't deserve better. And it could also warrant focus on their ability to forgive, when all is said and done.)



Another way is to ask the client to describe the location of the symptom. Then have them describe it in detail. Then have the client "give it a voice" (a.k.a. "somatic bridge). It would go like this:

"So, where exactly do you feel the discomfort?"

(In my knee.)

"And could you describe it? Is it hot or cold, constant or intermittent, how much area does it cover, etc?"

(It's more of a cold stabbing pain, I guess. Pretty constant when I move, but otherwise not so much. And the source is really kind of small- right under the knee cap, but it radiates out from there.)

"So, if that small, stabbing pain under the knee cap could speak, what would it say?"



Note that the somatic bridge is a useful way to enter into dialogue with the source of the pain, but also can be a bridge into dialogue with a thought- form, or with an entity attachment. Wherever it leads, accept it as- is. It may not be literal, but can be metaphorical. Either way, it has validity.



In most cases, the underlying core issue can be determined quickly. And in many, it can be addressed in a single session (Bringing the issue to the conscious foreground and having the client do affirmations is one way to do it.)- unless the issue is very deep- seated and repetitive and become so much a part of the person (thought forms often fit this category), that they have a tendency to see it a part of themselves that they do not see the down- side to and do not wish to lose. In such cases, the person would be better served in the interim via counseling sessions specific to the issue, until they can make the decision to shift their perception of it and let it go.


Issues don't necessarily always cause a symptom, in my opinion. But in time, they usually do. But what they always do, is cause a weakness to exist in the person's energy field, which can then allow opportune illnesses to take hold. (Cancer, for instance.)


Issues related to the Spiritual level always have to do with the client's perception of God. For instance, feelings of abandonment, being mad at God, feeling that there is no God, etc.

And because higher levels radiate down through lower levels, the effect often shows up as the levels below are involved. (Foe instance, feeling of abandonment by parents, unsubstantiated, could actually originate as feelings of abandonment by God.)

Issues related to the Mental level are related to fixations and complexes- repetitive thought and worry. And, just as the Spiritual level can show up in the Mental, it can also show up in the Mental. And the Mental can affect the Emotional.

Issues related to the Emotional level have to do most often with childhood issues, which typically relate to the child "buying into" the less- than- supportive attitudes and behaviors of their parents. (This can even be traced back to when the child was in the womb, and picking up on the emotional state of the parents.)


Thought forms are the result of repetitive thought. Often, such thought is the natural response to a perceived threat and that response is to form a "shield" over part of the body (often the solar plexus) to protect it from incoming perceived threats. But thought forms have a way of gaining in size, awareness (but not consciousness) and power over time, which means that their need for sustenance grows as a result. They have an awareness of the need to self- protect. In other words, they are parasitic and feed off of the energy of the person who created them. Dialogue with such a thought form typically consists of having it state it's "function", thanking it for providing such a service, pointing out that it no longer serves that function and has, in fact, become detrimental to the person's existence, followed by having the client examine their thought processes to become aware of how they have been "feeding" it. The thought form is then directed by the client to leave (I created you. I can command you to leave."), the therapist removes the thought form, and fills the void with White Light. Subsequent follow- up's with the client are focused upon them paying attention to their thoughts and not re- creating a replacement thought- form.

Addressing the underlying issue at the level it originated at, affects all the layers beneath it, much like pulling a vine up by the roots, removes the vine permanently, whereas cutting the visible part away only temporarily removes it.

[holistichealer]

Apr 1, 2013 15:44:44 GMT sparklekaz said:

Hi Holistic,
I do not think that Reiki is the only way of being a energy healer, it is but one way. Just as we as individuals are unique I don't think there is a one modality method that fits all. People have to explore and try out different methods, to find the one that suits them best. I had already been called to the healing path, long before attuning to Reiki. I discovered quite early on that I could feel energy with my hands.

Ditto with regard to the need to explore other paths. I still see Reiki as a good way to open someone's energy field up by getting them to relax in some situations.

And, like you, my "calling" began long before I'd heard of "Reiki". My life- long martial arts teacher introduced me to the concept of "heat flows" as he termed it. He showed me a few things he'd observed to get me started, then left the rest up to me. In massage school, I amazed my ice- therapy teacher (and myself) with my ability to remain warm at will under an ice pack, using "heat flows". (A gigantic "heat flow" is what was moving through me when I was the conduit for my Grandmother's healing.)

Apr 1, 2013 15:44:44 GMT sparklekaz said:

My experience of Reiki right from the beginning was a wonderful one. I loved the whole ethos of Reiki. I loved the sense of belonging I felt, of being part of a movement whose sole aims was to teach people how to heal themselves and others.

Me, too. But by then, I'd already seen a different kind of healing that went way beyond any Reiki. I'd DONE that kind of healing. I'd seen it done by Lynn, who was, at the time, my teacher. And I knew that Reiki didn't have "that"... whatever "that" is- the ability to do instantaneous, "miraculous", healing. So, I kept looking.

Apr 1, 2013 15:44:44 GMT sparklekaz said:

With regard to the lady with the eye problem. For the most part I went through the whole sequence of hand positions for reiki. But, in my own practice, I do not move on to another position after a alloted space of time. I stay with the position, until I feel the energy abate, this is my signal to move on. I found with this lady, the energy seemed at its most intense and for the longest period while I was in the head area, particularly over the back of the head, the ears and the eyes. I have found that I do not need to assert my own will to direct the energy towards a particular area, that it responds quite naturally to the need within the recipient.

Totally agree with regard to not following the "rule" about staying on a specific location for a specific amount of time. If you feel guided to use only one position for an hour, that's what you should do. One thing about Reiki is that, due to the way it's given, there is a lot of room in the giver's consciousness for intuitive processes to play a large part.

Apr 1, 2013 15:44:44 GMT sparklekaz said:

I did give the lady a self healing visualisation to use on herself. I felt it important that she was a part of her own healing process, and I am also a great believer in the fact, that all of us, have the power to heal ourselves. Empowering others to me is one of the most important parts of my healing practice.

"All healing is about empowering the client.". as Lynn says.

Apr 1, 2013 15:44:44 GMT sparklekaz said:

A few years ago, I was asked to give Reiki to a mental health group. They met once a week, mainly as a social thing, but they also did craft and went on trips. My reiki session, was one of a few different therapies they were trying for a week, as a special event of holistic therapies arranged for the group, as a one off. They loved the Reiki so much I was asked back, initially once a month, then to twice a month.

Very cool

Apr 1, 2013 15:44:44 GMT sparklekaz said:

They asked me a lot of questions about Reiki and energy, and many of them reported feeling so much better after each session. Particularly those who had been feeling very depressed and anxious. I spoke to their group leader and asked if he thought they might like it if we divided my time there up into two parts. For the first hour, we did a self healing meditation, then reiki for those who wanted it for the last two hours of my visit there. He thought it would be a great idea, and they loved it.... By connecting to this universal energy, as one man told me, he never felt alone anymore.

Sounds to me like he got an issue resolved on the Spiritual level. Very cool!



Thank you as well, Kaz.

[markings]

hh, are you saying that Reiki without concomitant talk therapy is not effective?

[holistichealer]

I'm saying that through the years, Reiki has lost something that it originally had. The idea that the client receives an "intelligent energy" does not address the underlying issues that resulted in the client's discomfort in the first place.

I'm also saying that in my experience, there are much more efficient (i.e., much quicker to get results that directly address the presenting symptoms) ways to heal than what modern- day Reiki provides.

Note that I qualify the above by saying, "Modern- Day Reiki". I (and others) believe that something essential has been lost between when Usui originally came forth with Reiki... and now.

There have been books written about the subject. For instance, "The Lost Steps of Reiki", which I read and reviewed years ago on Amazon.com as "NRgeticHealer". That book is the result of channeled information, which I tend to be skeptical (not absolutely skeptical- I have seen valid channelers) about. But the basis of the book rings absolutely true.

Basically, if the client isn't directly involved in their own healing- if they don't learn from it- then they are not being empowered as a result.

The only exception to the above that I have encountered is healing that comes directly from Spirit / God / Creator as Grace, in which case, the lesson has already been internalized, or the karma fulfilled, etc. Such healings are always instantaneous, in my observation, so they do not require several "sessions", because there are no obstacles" in the client's energy to healing to overcome.

Another book is "The Shamanic Healer: The Healing World of Ikuko Osumi and the Traditional Art of Seiki- Jutsu". I was originally intrigued by the similarity of the term "Seiki" to "Reiki", so I bought it and read it. And in essence, it describes the "art" and much of the training that is required for it. Basically, it's a lot like Reiki, but with more hand positions, a focus on involving the client in their own healing via extended dialogue and focus, and upon long- term apprenticeship of trainees before they are allowed to work alone- much less teach. (Seiki also has strong elements of Shinto- respect for nature and an awareness of ley- lines and Japanese Feng Sui as well.)

There are 2 other books that I've read that, to me, confirm the idea that something is missing from modern- day Reiki. I wish that I could remember their titles. I have them at home, but I am at work right now. I just now tried to find them on Amazon, but a search for "Reiki" there results in thousands of entries- too many to wade through.

The first was written by a Reiki Master from India and goes extensively into "Nardi Points", which are mush like acupressure / acupuncture points. There are protocols listed for various conditions. (This agrees with the info in the Seiki book.)

The last is a book I read about a year ago. (I still look into Reiki- haven't entirely given up on it.) It describes the discovery, modification and lineages of Reiki, using Japanese sources, such as writings by early Reiki people who trained with Usui, Takata, Hayashi, etc. And it's obvious by the content of the information that Reiki got "streamlined" soon after inception, so that it could be taught more quickly- at least, in one lineage.

Anyway. I believe that true, "Traditional Reiki"- the one taught in Japan and unfortunately limited to a certain number of "Masters" is not the same as what people today offer. I know some of what can make modern- day Reiki more effective, and I suspect that that may be a large part of what the difference between the two is.

[sparklekaz]

I have found your posts about Reiki and the other healing modalities to be very interesting Holistic. But by in large, all techniques seem to be very similar. Ultimately, I believe that all have been stream lined to a certain extent. Originally, a student would have studied under a master to learn their craft for many many years, before attaining the status of a Master. Even then, it was not a foregone conclusion. The status of master would have been conveyed to that person, by a group of his/her peers. When deemed to be worthy.

My overview of this subject is, that each healing modality is simply an introduction, a gateway to another way of living and practicing spirituality. Each person who embarks on this journey will go as far with it as they are impelled to, from within. How accomplished, how experienced they become, is all down to their own dedication. As I have said, on my previous posts on Reiki, dialogue is very important to me with the client or recipient of Reiki. The Reiki energy goes where it needs to go, whether to address a purely physical cause or a emotional trauma or sickness of the spirit. That is why it is said, that Reiki heals on all levels.

The truth is, no one can be fast tracked to spirituality. It is I believe, a life time commitment to a way of being. As Swami Vivekananda says “You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul.”

Love and light
Kaz

[cyberangel]

The truth is, no one can be fast tracked to spirituality. It is I believe, a life time commitment to a way of being. As Swami Vivekananda says “You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul."

That is so beautifully true. Thank you Kaz

Love and Light

[holistichealer]

Apr 3, 2013 16:55:38 GMT sparklekaz said:

Originally, a student would have studied under a master to learn their craft for many many years, before attaining the status of a Master. Even then, it was not a foregone conclusion. The status of master would have been conveyed to that person, but a group of his/her peers. When deemed to be worthy.

Agreed. And therein is basis of the difference between "Traditional" and "Modern- Day" Reiki, IMO.

Apr 3, 2013 16:55:38 GMT sparklekaz said:

My overview of this subject is, that each healing modality is simply an introduction, a gateway to another way of living and practicing spirituality. Each person who embarks on this journey will go as far with it as they are impelled to, from within. How accomplished, how experienced they become, is all down to their own dedication.

I agree with you on your statement. For that reason, I chose to take a close look at every available approach to healing. As I said above, there are commonalities and differences. And only in looking at all, can we get a complete picture. Thus my study of several- not one.

Apr 3, 2013 16:55:38 GMT sparklekaz said:

As I have said, on my previous posts on Reiki, dialogue is very important to me with the client or recipient of Reiki. The Reiki energy goes where it needs to go, whether to address a purely physical cause or a emotional trauma or sickness of the spirit. That is why it is said, that Reiki heals on all levels.

Hi, Kaz. As you know, I totally agree with dialogue. But in my American experience (recognizing that it appears to be different in your area), the idea of the energy knowing what to do, combined with non- attachment to the outcome, has resulted in complacency.

Apr 3, 2013 16:55:38 GMT sparklekaz said:

The truth is, no one can be fast tracked to spirituality. It is I believe, a life time commitment to a way of being. As Swami Vivekananda says “You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul.”

If I seemed to imply that Reiki was streamlined for a fast- track to spiritual growth, I didn't intend to give such an impression. It seems that originally it was done in order to allow the healing aspect to be disseminated as quickly as possible. (If memory serves, this direction has been attributed to Hayashi (Takata's teacher and therefore the source of virtually ALL modern Reiki outside of Japan), and there was apparently some controversy regarding his new direction with regard to Reiki in Traditional Reiki circles.)

[sparklekaz]

Hi Holistic,

I didn't think you did direct your comment about fast track spirituality, just towards Reiki. I took it as a general observation of a lot of today's spiritual practices. I agree with you also, that it is important to be open to all modalities and to take the time to learn about them. For I believe, within all of them lies something of value, something which if we choose to, can be added to our own spiritual healing practice. For I believe, that it is natural to evolve and develop our own way of doing things.

I do take on board what you have said about complacency with regard to allowing the energy to go where it is directed. But for me personally, I still feel that if I am to be a channel, I have to surrender my own will and thoughts on the outcome of the healing process. For I have found in the early days, when I first started channeling the energy, by trying to influence its direction, I ended up 'getting in the way' if that makes sense. For me to ask that the Reiki healing energy goes where it needs to go for the highest good of the recipient, and then try to influence it, is not surrendering to a higher all knowing will. Do I feel I know better then God? How do 'I' know what this person truly needs?

As a healer, I believe, that the 'I' has no place in being a conduit for the healing energy. So as the old saying goes, "to thine own self be true". I have to go with what feels right for me, as others have to do what feels right for them.

Love and light
Kaz

[markings]

IMO, the point where Reiki got lost is when it became something to primarily heal others in contrast to haling self. Healing others may be a happy by-product in some cases but it should not be the main focus.

[sparklekaz]

Hi Markings,

I personally believe for healing to be affective, the recipient has to play their part in the healing process. Reiki is but one type of healing modality, that people can access, if they feel unable to initiate that healing process for themselves. All spiritual healing does in my opinion, is act as a catalyst to 'jump start' the healing process for those who for whatever reason, are unable to. This can be down to a number of reasons, but primarily I feel it is because of depression, or their energies have been weakened by long term ill health or pain.

When someone seeks out help, this I feel is the first step in their own healing journey. Asking for help is not a weakness or surrendering of will to someone else. Its knowing when they need a helping hand and not being afraid to reach out for assistance. In my own experience, I have found that once people have become exposed to the healing energy, it ignites a chain reaction within. Mind, body and spirit start to work together to achieve the best outcome for that person's well being. They start to question their life style. They start to take steps to eat more healthily, and consider in a way they have never done before, how everything in their lives impacts on their health.

I personally do not see Reiki or any other healing modality as dis-empowering a person, but as just one tool in a box of tools at their disposable to regain optimum health, if they choose to use it. Somewhere along the line, the onus of responsibility for spiritual healing being misused has been shifted to the modality itself rather then the people who practice it, which I feel is unfair. It is like blaming a perfectly good technique, in say heart surgery, for not being affective, rather then the ineptitude of the surgeon who carried out the procedure badly. All healers, have a personal responsibility to present and carry out whatever healing method they use to their very best ability and to the highest standard. If they fail in that duty, that is something they have to live with; to blame the modality itself is to shift the blame, to take the ultimate responsibility away from themselves.

Love and light
Kaz

[holistichealer]

My participation in this thread is on hold, unless specific questions are asked of me.

Thanks.

[markings]

Hi Kaz,

I agree with what you say but only partially. My unease is not so much about the content of your post but the context of it. I think it is a popular view of what Reiki is from "let's fix the world perspective".

My point is that Reiki is a healing-the-self method and only exceptional people should or can progress beyond that. IOW, 99.9% of the people should remain at Reiki 1 level and use Reiki purely for their own self-healing.

This however seems to go against the grain of western thinking where we want to do something and a great urge to fix problems as quickly as possible. Because of that Reiki has become a method to primarily fix others. In that it has lost much of its soul.

I am not quite happy about my use of "should", there are too many around, but it has been a long day and my mind is dull at the moment.

[sparklekaz]

Hi Markings,

I'm a little confused, are you saying that Reiki is seen as a quick fix cure all, for the world, or is it something that is only used by 99 percent of the world for self healing? To be honest with you, if people only use it for self healing I don't see anything wrong with that. If people were more proactive about their own healing there would be no need for healers would there. Ultimately healing others is simply there to help those who for whatever reason cannot help themselves.

The original intention behind Reiki I believe, was to fulfill a need a void, to help heal conditions that did not respond to orthodox traditional medicine. Western medicine treats the symptoms or uses surgical means as a method of dealing with a medical condition. Reiki and other spiritual healing modalities has always addressed the needs of the whole person, emotionally and spiritually not just physically. To try to address, the root cause or heart of a problem.

If Reiki now does not represent what it once was, who is to blame? I do not feel it is the tradition of Reiki. I believe the fault has to lie with the way in which it was made freely available. I believe healing is a gift and one that should be freely shared if someone has that ability. In fact originally, it was taught freely. Then it was decided that a charge or gift of some sort must be exchanged, to honour the exchange of energy. From what I understand it was decided that because people seemed to have little appreciation and value for something which they got for nothing, a fee was set. Initially the fees were very high. Long periods of being apprenticed to a Reiki Master Teacher were required. To make it more commercial, they were lowered.

Lowering them I feel was a big mistake. I say this from the vantage point of knowing if it had not been lowered, I probably would not have received my own attunements. But from the higher perspective of understanding I now have of the damage that has been done to Reiki because of making it so affordable, I think the powers that be should have taken a more long term view of it, and see the potential danger of it being abused because of this. For attunements I am talking about. Not for receiving Reiki as a treatment. Mainly because, if someone has to work hard to save up the money to train as a Reiki Practicioner, their motivation and purpose for doing it will be higher.

There are so many Reiki Master's being churned out today, taught the very basic's of Reiki and set loose on the world. Each generation seems to be lowering its standards, and with very little moderation of them from what I can see. Reiki is a very spiritual modality. Requiring work on the self to enhance the healers own spiritual and personal growth, should go hand in hand with their growing experience in being a healer. The Reiki Federation is there to provide insurance, not to monitor its members for integrity and excellence, which I feel is wrong. I personally would like to see the whole Reiki movement shaken up!

Someone has to make a stand and say no more. This wonderful profession is being spoiled by those who see it purely as a money cow, rather then a well respected tradition of spiritual healing. If not for the sake of those attunee's of the future, and the people they will go out and channel healing for; But for those who are trying to practice Reiki today, honouring the original principles of Reiki, who are being tarred with the same brush as those who haven't a clue what they are doing and are in it, purely for financial gain.

Who's with me when I go out with my billboard lol

Love and light
Kaz