History of Reiki

from Mikao Usui & Hawayo Takata to the 21st Century

Mikao Usui

Reiki unfolded out of an ancient tradition of healing touch.  For centuries people throughout the world have valued hands-on-healing.  Today, we continue this tradition following the work of Mikao Usui.  Although there is much that is still unknown about Usui, his memorial stone in Japan informs us about his revitalization of this ancient practice.  Around 1922, Usui went to Mt. Kurama, a sacred site in Japan, for a fasting retreat.  During this time he experienced the healing energy of Reiki, a powerful energy to heal. 

Following his retreat, Usui dedicated the rest of his life to develoing his skill and to training others to use the healing energy of Reiki.   More details more about the history of Reiki are available in books and on the Internet.  Usui's Reiki Principles are as relevant today as they were in his lifetime.

Chujiro Hayasho

Dr. Chujiro Hyashi, a medical doctor, was one of twenty-one students trained by Mikao Usui. Hyashi worked with Usui and continued to develop the practice of Reiki.  He wrote a detailed handbook which specified hand positions to use for specific health condition.  Dr. Hyashi trained Hawayo Takata who brought Reiki to the West in 1937.

Hawayo Takata

Hawayo Takata was born in Hawaii and travelled to Japan to reunite with family and for her own healing.  There, she met with Dr. Chujiro Hyashi and experienced the healing of Reiki in her own life.  After returning to Hawaii, she became a Reiki Master and continued to practice and teach Reiki in the United States and Canada.  Hawayo Takata is a key figure in bringing Reiki to the world.  For forty years Takata practiced and taught Reiki until her death in 1980.

Reiki in the 21st Century

Reiki is now a world-wide healing practice.  Reiki practitioners work in varied setting - private practices, hospitals, hospice units, cancer centers - to provide Reiki for all age groups and conditions.  There are over 70 varieties of Reiki that add depth and breath to the practice of Reiki.