Reiki means “universal source energy” in Japanese. There are many forms of energy work and energy healing, but here Reiki refers to a specific system of philosophy and set of techniques taught by Mikao Usui in late 1800s Japan.

Contrary to popular belief, Reiki is not an “ancient” system. It draws inspiration from the spiritual inheritance of Japan, which includes Buddhism, Shintoism (indigenous shamanic traditions) and more. Drawing on this rich cultural heritage, the system of Reiki was articulated by Mikao Usui within the specific context of secular, industrializing Japanese society.

Reiki is not just a practice for healing others, useful to those only interested in pursuing work in the healing arts. In fact, Reiki is a powerful package of practices for mastering your own energy. It is a secular, practical set of tools for self-development.

Whether you are a business leader, a teacher, a care-giver or facilitator of any kind, practicing Reiki will enhance your ability to lead groups with calm and clarity, make decisions under pressure and generate positive uplifting energy that will motivate those around you.

Reiki means “universal source energy” in Japanese. There are many forms of energy work and energy healing with origins in cultures all around the world. Reiki is a system of philosophy and a set of techniques taught by Mikao Usui in late 1800s Japan.

Reiki is considered a spiritual lineage, because the knowledge and practices are transmitted from student to teacher in an unbroken chain. The Reiki Usui Ryoho lineage is closest to the original Japanese teachings, as taught by the Mikao Usui, the creator of the Reiki system. It focuses on Reiki as a personal path of spiritual and self-development.

Most Reiki teachers in the West teach Usui Shiki Ryoho, which is the name of the system of Reiki taught by Hawayo Takata in Hawaii and the US in the 1970s.

If you had mentioned the concept of “universal spiritual energy” before life unexpectedly thrust Reiki into my path, my cynical self would have told you something like “there’s no such thing”. As a practical, ambitious high achiever I didn’t have much capacity for things I found “irrational”.

Then, I fell in love with an incredible Reiki teacher at the age of 21. Thank you, life. I learned about Reiki and energy work through my own experience and could not deny its power.

Since then, it’s been a core tool in my journey of self-empowerment, self-healing and leadership, and an incredible complement to other practices of meditation, energy and spirituality.

I received my Usui Reiki Ryoho Level 3 (Master Level) in the summer of 2017 and have now been teaching for about 3 years. It’s truly a gift to share this system, which has transformed me so deeply.

Reiki is taught by initiation, i.e., the knowledge and practices are passed on directly from teacher to student. Your Reiki initiation will involve a series of “rejus” or “energetic blessings” that activate or attune your awareness of subtle energy.

There are 3 primary stages in your Reiki journey:

Reiki Level 1 - work on self-awareness, self-healing and rebalancing your own energy

Reiki Level 2 - learn how to work with others and offer energy healing sessions hands-on in-person and across distance

Reiki Level 3 - learn how to give rejus and teach the system of Reiki

Each initiation is followed by a 21-Day Integration period where you commit to practice the techniques and meditations every day. It is also recommended that you refrain from drugs and alcohol, and eat a clean, vegetarian diet during this time.

Yes, of course! Energetic fit is super important when choosing a Reiki teacher.
You can schedule a time to chat with Mallory here or reach out via email: mallory@breathconnection.co.