Reiki energy healing is becoming increasingly well-known and a common alternative healing practice, but few people realize there are many forms of Reiki and each has its strengths. Plus, each form of Reiki is experienced differently, which causes clients to develop a preference for a particular form. However, Westen Usui Reiki is the most prolific hence the one you’ll most likely receive during a healing treatment. So, let’s take a look at what is Usui Reiki in more detail. (see my page for more on What is Reiki in general).

Usui Reiki History

The origin, or perhaps rediscovery, of Reiki healing energy is Japan. Several scholars have tried to uncover the complete story of Reiki, but they were only partially successful, and many details remain inconclusive. This is largely because the original teachings of Dr. Mikao Usui, the founder or discoverer, were passed down strictly through demonstration and word of mouth.

Dr. Usui lived in the mid to late 1800s during the Meiji dynasty (the “enlightened rule”). He was an educated and spiritual man who discovered Reiki energy while on a month-long spiritual retreat to Mount Kurama. He had been meditating on the mountaintop when he experienced a spontaneous attunement.

On his descent, he stumbled and hurt his foot. Upon inspecting the damage, he sensed notable heat coming from his hands and was amazed at how quickly his foot healed.

When he returned home, he embarked on a lengthy personal study of his new and novel healing ability. Once he had honed his skills, he began to offer Reiki healing to others and taught others as well.

One student in particular Chujiro Hayashi, in turn, created his own more structured style of Reiki, opened a clinic, and began teaching others.

One of his patients, Mrs Takata, was a Japanese woman who was living in the United States and visiting her family in Japan. She sought treatment from Mr. Hayashi as an alternative to surgery.

Delighted with the results of her Reiki treatment, she became a student and ultimately the first Reiki Master/Teacher in the US. Most Americans’ Reiki lineage traces back to Mrs Takata.

What Is Usui Reiki Healing Energy Like

Usui energy is subtle, light, and airy. Clients and beginner Reiki students can find it difficult to perceive. But, with experience and practice, the energy becomes more perceptible. Despite its gentleness, Usui Reiki can be quite powerful and effective.

Clients perceive the energy in several different ways on or in the bold – temperature changes, a range of gentle pressure, tingles, waves, and movement to mention a few. And, during one session, a client may encounter all these sensations. While unusual to the inexperienced, the sensations are relatively light and mostly comfortable.

What Is a Usui Reiki Session Like

Usui Reiki energy healing sessions are similar to other Reiki sessions. They all follow a similar approach to a healing session. Clients remain clothed and sit on a chair or lie on a massage healing table. (For more see the section on Reiki sessions and my Reiki page).

Reiki treatments are typically 50 or 80 minutes. Practitioners have their preferred approach, resulting in significant variation among practitioners. There may or may not be music and the practitioner may or may not share information on the healing experience. Find out from prospective healers what their healing sessions are like.

For deeper longer-lasting healing effects, I like to sometimes offer a Reiki healing attunement.

What Is Reiki Training Like

Usui Reiki is taught in three levels of certification:

• Level I – sensing the energy,
• Level II – calling in the energy, and
• Level III (Master Reiki Practitioner/Instructor) – being the energy.

Each level builds on the learning and experience of the previous level. Practitioners typically have taken Levels I and II. Level III is the Master level. Masters can also teach Reiki with some additional training. In addition, students receive attunements for each level of study. (For course details, see my Reiki certification classes page).