WellSpring Reiki and Yoga

 

home

yoga

reiki

frequently asked questions

recommended links
 
 
please sign the guestbook

 

 
Frequently Asked Questions
 
What is Reiki?
Reiki is variously defined as 'life force', 'universal energy',
'spiritual energy'...
 
Reiki is, in simple terms, the energy of everything.

Reiki is also a system of healing and spiritual development originating in Japan in the early 1900s, with roots in Tendai Buddhism, Shinto and martial arts practices.
Reiki does not come from Tibet.

First and foremost, the system of Reiki is a
personal practice for growth and healing. A part of the system is hands-on healing for the self and for others, and is the practice with which most people are familiar. Reiki heals on all levels - physical, emotional and spiritual.

Read more about what Reiki is and isn't,
in this excellent article by acclaimed Reiki researchers and teachers, Bronwen and Frans Stiene.

 
The founder of the system is Mikao Usui.
For more information, find yourself a copy of
The Reiki Sourcebook by Bronwen and Frans Stiene
Check with local booksellers Anthology Book Company
 
 

Why Japanese Reiki?

As the system of Reiki left Japan, it traveled to the US through Hawayo Takata by way of Chujiro Hayashi, a direct student of Usui Sensei. Mrs. Takata may have introduced subtle changes to make the teachings more accessible to western sensibilities. But in the 1980s, with the growth of the New Age movement, Reiki teachings began to be mixed in with many other practices. Much of original cultural flavor of Reiki became diluted and even replaced by other healing methods.

The original essence of Reiki as taught by Usui was likely far more personal, a practice of self-healing and spiritual growth through meditation and energetic exercises. Today, Usui Reiki Ryoho attempts to teach the practice from this perspective.
 

top

Are you a Reiki Master?

Mastery is a life-long journey and commitment, and is not something that can be bestowed even in the most
intense weekend workshop.

In western Reiki branches, I am considered a Reiki master based solely on my training.

I choose to refer to myself as a teacher, since the Japanese do not recognize a "master" level in the system of Reiki.

top

Treatments
While you relax, seated in a chair or lying down, the practitioner places hands on or just above areas of the body, including the head, torso, back, and feet. Reiki flows through the practitioner to you, helping you relax and supporting your own natural healing ability. Hand positions are easily modified for comfort, for injuries, and when working with pets.  During a Reiki treatment, you may feel sensations of warmth, coolness, tingling, or buzzing - or you may simply feel a deep sense of peace and relaxation! Many people report feelings of groundedness, extreme relaxation, and well-being after a Reiki treatment. 

top 

Yin Yoga
  Yin yoga is a specific way to practice Hatha yoga poses. Yoga practiced yin-style targets connective tissues of the spine, hips and knees. Yin poses are held for an extended length of time, with an emphasis on yielding to the gentle stresses placed on the connective tissue, rather than on strict alignment (as in Hatha yoga).  By gently stressing ligaments, tendons and fascia for a longer duration, these "unyielding" tissues absorb more nutrient-rich fluids to develop more strength and elasticity, helping to heal stiffness and fixated joints in the lumbar spine, hips and knees.
Â