Reiki (Usui) and its lineages

Domain XII · Complementary, energy & biofield · Mikao Usui · 1922 · Japan

What it is

The ICRT describes Reiki as a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation, given by "laying on hands". The practitioner's hands rest lightly on, or just above, a fully clothed client in a series of positions. In the method's own terms, an unseen "life force energy" sustains life. Low…

Format

• Reiki II. Covers the Reiki II symbols (kept private by the tradition and not reproduced here), distant healing, Gyoshi-ho, group distant healing (Enkaku chiryo), and practice exchanges. A symbol test must be passed.
• B. Structure of a client session (as published).

Who practises it, and how they are trained or regulated

• Reiki is a practice tradition with graded training, not a phased psychotherapy. It has two frameworks: the training route that qualifies the practitioner, and the structure of a client session. How Reiki is placed inside a course of psychotherapy is set out below.
• A. Training and certification route (ICRT Usui/Holy Fire).
• Reiki I. No prerequisites. Covers history, the Reiki Ideals, Gassho, Byosen scanning (self and partner), Reiji-ho, a standard session with all hand positions, Kenyoku, the Hayashi Healing Guide, self-treatment, client release forms, fees, and the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Includes a Reiki I placement/attunement.

Evidence status, as the guide reports it

• Evidence status (one line). NCCIH: Reiki "hasn't been clearly shown to be effective for any health-related purpose", and no harmful effects have been shown.

Questions to explore with your client

• What drew you to it, and what are you hoping it will change?
• Is there physical contact? Was it explained beforehand, and do you feel free to say no or stop at any point?
• Does it involve intense or unusual breathing? Have you been told about the medical conditions for which that is not advised?
• Does it involve fasting, a special diet or 'detox'? Have you discussed this with your doctor?
• Is it a group, retreat or community? How do they respond if someone wants to leave or raises a concern?
• Who runs it, and what training or registration do they hold?
• What actually happens in a session or meeting, and how often?
• What does it cost, and is there pressure to commit to more?
• How do you feel afterwards, in the hours and days that follow?
• Does it fit with, or clash with, the work we do here?

What practitioners of it watch for

• drowsiness or spaciness. Allow time before the client leaves or drives.
• self-Reiki used to avoid needed medical review, or as a compulsive ritual.
• flooding. If arousal climbs, switch to grounding (4.16) before any exploration.
• "intuition" overriding the client's stated boundaries. The consent agreement always wins.
• drift, where sessions become mostly Reiki and the therapy contract fades. Review goals at agreed points.

When to involve someone else

• New or worsening physical symptoms, or advice to stop or change prescribed medication: involve the client's doctor or prescriber.
• Signs of coercion, isolation from family and friends, escalating costs or secrecy: discuss openly and consider safeguarding.
• A crisis or thoughts of suicide: follow your crisis protocol. In the US, call or text 988; in the UK and Ireland, Samaritans on 116 123.

Drawn automatically from the guide's own sections. Stay curious: neither endorse nor dismiss what the client values, and check anything that matters against the full guide and its sources. Not medical advice.