Mornington Peninsula Reiki Centre

WHAT IS REIKI?

The word REIKI is a Japanese term which does not readily translate into the English language, but perhaps explains more a concept rather than attempt to describe a healing practice.
In Japan, "REI" means something mysterious, miraculous, and sacred, whilst "KI" means the atmosphere or something unseen, or the energy of the universe.
The Japanese words REI and KI can be defined as the miraculous and sacred energy of the universe which sustains all life.
Reiki has no connection with any religion or belief system. It is the essence of compassion - the cornerstone of the practice.


HOW WILL I EXPERIENCE REIKI, AND WHY WOULD I BENEFIT?

The most common experience shared by a newcomer to a Reiki session is of relaxation – sometimes just gentle and mild, but sometimes profound. Each experience will be unique depending on how we feel at the time. Some talk of feelings of weightlessness, of floating, of feelings of deep peace, whilst others experience deep physical relaxation.

The practitioner does not aim to ‘treat’ a physical or mental condition, and prefers to use the term ‘healing’, which sometimes may also encompass the apparent relief from an acknowledged symptom. For example, someone might experience relief from a bad headache induced by stress. The stress is relieved, but the headache may disappear too.

The recipient of Reiki remains fully clothed during the session, and may be seated or lie down on a couch or bed for the session. The practitioner uses light and passive touch, and usually follows a routine of hand placements on areas of the body as required.

There are no contra-indications for Reiki, and Reiki may benefit someone living with a serious illness, such as by relieving anxiety and inducing peace of mind. However, in such cases, it is suggested that receiving regular sessions is important, and it is suggested that the patient or carer may consider learning the practice. Note: a patient can self-treat successfully, and at any time of the day or night!


WHAT IS REIKI JIN KEI DO?

In Australia, two distinct forms of Reiki are widely practised, and these are named Usui Shiki Ryoho and Reiki Jin Kei Do.

We like to refer to Jin Kei Do as the ‘Eastern’ tradition of Reiki and Usui Shiki Ryoho as the ‘Western’ tradition.

Mikao Usui Sensei (1865 – 1926) is today regarded as the modern-day ‘founder’ of the practice, and it is Usui that gave the practice the Japanese name of Reiki (meaning ‘universal life force’) which is so well known today. The foundation of Reiki Jin Kei Do - as with the Western form of Reiki - originates from Usui Sensei, but there is also a strong connection with at least one ancient form of healing practice originating some two thousand five hundred years ago and of which Usui was probably unaware. Venerable Seiji Takamori, a Buddhist monk and researcher of the ancient form, passed on the teachings of this tradition of Reiki to his only student, Dr Ranga Premaratna Ph.D., who is the current lineage bearer.

WHAT DOES JIN KEI DO MEAN?

Jin Kei Do is the name given to this Lineage by the present lineage bearer, Dr. Ranga Premaratna Ph.D. From Japanese, these words translate as follows: “Jin” means “compassion”, “Kei” means “wisdom”, whilst “Do” means “path” or “way of life”. Compassion is a significant aspect of this form. Reiki in fact originates from a much older system known as Buddho (now known as Buddho/EnerSense) which is a combination of healing practice, meditation practice, and moving meditation exercises called Chi Nadi which help develop a further awareness of energy, as well as mental clarity and mindfulness.


SO WHAT IS LINEAGE?

Dr Ranga Premaratna describes lineage as a linked flow of information and energy, which is handed down a line of people who have assimilated this information. They have transmitted the information from one person to another orally and in written form and as a vibration.

The life and strength of the lineage depends on two factors:
1. The quality and completeness of the transmitted information
2. The quality, integrity, intention, and commitment of the teacher who takes responsibility for the accuracy of the information and its effectiveness.

The lineage of teachers in the form of Reiki known as Reiki Jin Kei Do comprises Mikao Usui, Dr Chujiro Hayashi, Venerable Takeuchi, Venerable Seiji Takamori, and the current lineage bearer Dr Ranga Premaratna. Jim Frew received his training to the Master level from Dr Premaratna.


WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE EASTERN AND WESTERN TRADITIONS OF REIKI?

The most significant difference between Reiki Jin Kei Do and the Western form of Reiki is in the emphasis on compassion. Obviously Reiki and compassion are linked, and in the Jin Kei Do lineage the difference is that compassion is taught as the cornerstone of the System. Student training also includes simple meditations and breathing practices, which enhance development of compassion for the self and others, and also develop an awareness of the experience of energy.

The routines of hand positions that are taught in this form are more specific in that they focus on the body’s system of energy centres (chakras), energy channels (nadis), and energy concentration points (marmas). Even twenty years ago, these were unfamiliar terms that were not understood in Western culture, where the routines familiarly taught right up to the present time focus more on the body’s physical anatomy instead of its energy anatomy.


IF A WOULD-BE STUDENT IS DRAWN TO LEARN THE PRACTICE OF REIKI, IS ONE TRADITION BETTER THAN THE OTHER?

The clear answer to that is NO! The student’s choice when selecting a tradition to learn is therefore governed more by how deeply he or she wishes to explore the origins and possibilities of the practice, remembering always that this is first and foremost a discipline designed for the student’s self-healing, and personal and spiritual development.


Read on to find out more about the experience of Reiki; what happens in the course of a Reiki session; and how anyone, from the very young to the very old, may learn and thereby benefit from the practice. It's so easy to do!


WHY WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO EXPERIENCE A REIKI SESSION? ARE YOU ILL, OR IN PAIN? ARE YOU STRESSED? DO YOU HAVE ANXIETY? AND WOULD YOU LIKE TO FEEL BETTER, RECHARGED, OR REGAIN PEACE OF MIND? THEN REIKI MAY HELP YOU.

Jim explains the Reiki experience and the options:

"A Reiki session may help you to achieve this. If you have never experienced Reiki before, then you need to know what to expect. In the style of Reiki that I practise, a session may be given with the client either seated in a chair, or more usually, lying face upwards on a massage couch. Clothing is NOT removed for treatment, nor is massage or manipulation of any kind used. I also make it clear to all clients seeking treatment that Reiki is not used to treat a disease, condition or syndrome. In Reiki practice, the energy addresses the needs of the receiver on all levels - physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. No diagnosis is given, nor is a specific outcome or "cure" promised.

Treatments on a couch may last for around 45-60 minutes with the receiver's head resting on a cushion and with the body covered by a blanket. I use a routine of hand placements starting at the head, covering areas of the torso, and concluding over the legs and feet. Each placement is passive and involves light touch, and is maintained for an average of 2 to 4 minutes. The body's energy field (aura) is also treated; this does not involve direct hand contact. You will usually find the experience deeply relaxing; pain or physical discomfort may be relieved, and a peaceful state of mind may be achieved. The end result is both refreshing and energising.

Sessions are given in a private and peaceful environment, and your personal privacy and reasons for seeking your session are respected. I have many years of experience both administering and teaching the practice. There are no contra-indications in Reiki treatment, and I personally have considerable experience sharing Reiki with those facing serious or life-threatening illness.

My fee for a table treatment is $60, and time involved is approximately 90 minutes per session. A shorter seated routine is sometimes used where the client may have difficulty lying down, or where the client's time is limited. A fee of $45 is charged for this.


To achieve the maximum benefit of Reiki, a series of several sessions will offer the greatest benefit. Alternatively, if you feel you have greatly benefited from your Reiki experience, then your best (and most cost-effective) option is to learn the practice yourself so that you can self-treat every day, and at any time of the day or night. It's so easy to do, and no special gift or ability is required. If this appeals to you, then read on below!"


TRAINING IN THE JIN KEI DO FORM OF REIKI

There are no prerequisites for training other than a willingness to explore one’s own healing journey, and the possibilities of working in the discipline of a particular form of ‘energy medicine’. The objective is to offer healing rather than focusing on a cure, which may however occur as part of the healing process. Treatment is not dependent on diagnosis; therefore only a basic knowledge of the human body is useful. Moreover, there are many that attend Reiki training who have never even experienced a Reiki session.

Training in the basic level, called First Stage, requires some ten to twelve hours of training and is usually accomplished over two days. These days are preferably separated by a week or so to allow the student or students to have time for practice and to reflect on information given in the first session. Tuition is given to small groups, and training of individuals one-to-one is particularly welcome. Training sessions can be at mutually convenient times to cater for work and family situations. For those who wish to use Reiki on themselves, immediate family and maybe their pets, or perhaps an occasional friend, this level of training is all that will ever be required. Each student is given a series of attunements to empower them to practise Reiki. Students are also provided with detailed written information as an ongoing support following training.

Fee for training at this level is $350. Note: if a student has previously trained in the Western tradition of Reiki, and is drawn to this tradition, complete retraining is necessary because of very significant differences between the two forms, and full fee is required.

After a period of time, the student may take Second Stage training, but this should only be considered once the student experiences a call to explore the practice more deeply. This level is recommended if the student contemplates practice in a professional setting.

Thus, students, as they move to each level of practice in Reiki, embark on a voyage of discovery, both of the practice and of themselves.

KNOW YOUR TEACHER/PRACTITIONER

Jim Frew is a Master teaching in the form and lineage of Reiki known as Jin Kei Do. His training in the practice commenced in early 1989, and Reiki Master Klaudia Hochhuth initiated him as a Master in Usui Shiki Ryoho (Western tradition of Reiki) in July 1991. In November 1998, he completed further training and was initiated to the Master level in Reiki Jin Kei Do (Eastern Tradition of Reiki) by the current lineage bearer, Dr Ranga Premaratna, Ph.D. More recently, in April 2000, he was trained and initiated to the Master level by Dr. Premaratna in the Enersense (Buddho) System of Natural Healing.

Jim has worked for over seventeen years as a patient care volunteer in palliative care services where he has seen the benefits of Reiki in assisting clients who are coping with life-threatening illnesses. He has also shared Reiki extensively with the general public over many years. He is a Master/Teacher member of Reiki Australia, a national professional association dedicated to high standards of professional practice in Reiki.

Jim has also received training in Therapeutic Touch (Krieger-Kunz method) and Holistic Pulsing.


REIKI SHARING FOR PRACTITIONERS

You have learned to practise Reiki, but rarely have opportunities to share? Jim Frew conducts a 'Reiki Share Day' for anyone initiated into Reiki. Here Reiki treatments are shared and experiences can be discussed with other practitioners. These share opportunities are usually held at a healing centre in Seaford on the last Saturday afternoon of each month except December. For more details, please contact Jim - best by phone on 5983 9971 for details.

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SCENAR THERAPY

The SCENAR’s technology was developed as part of Russia’s space program. The inventors received a Lenin prize for creating the device and in Russia it has become a popular mainstream medical modality with very many applications.

SCENAR does not treat a particular disease or condition. Rather, it stimulates the body’s own healing resources. Because of this, it has some similarities to Reiki - hence the rational for combining the two modalities.

The SCENAR is a small hand-held device, similar in size to a cell phone, and is operated by a 9 volt battery. The device is used on the exposed skin surface, and the receiver is aware of mild sensations of gentle electrical current flow. There is an extensive range of health situation where it may safely be used, and information is available on application. There are a limited number of situations where SCENAR therapy is not appropriate. IN PARTICULAR, WHERE A CARDIAC PACEMAKER IS INSTALLED.

Australian health practitioners and members of the public are using SCENAR and ENAR devices to great effect. They find that these devices can have a profound effect on both chronic and acute painful conditions and injuries that may not respond to other forms of treatment.

A Macquarie University randomised control trial using this type of device versus conventional TENS has been conducted in Sydney and this showed 'dramatic and sustained results' with chronic pain reduction, functional improvements and general health restoration. Further clinical trials on SCENAR therapy are now in progress at the University of the Sunshine Coast. These devices are widely used by top sportsmen and women to hasten recovery from injury. It is believed that the device may stimulate the release of endorphins and neuropeptides from the brain resulting in the relief from pain.

SCENAR™ may:

Relieve Acute and Chronic Pain Fast
Improve Function – Reduce Disability
Accelerate Recovery and Rehabilitation
Find Hidden and Referred Treatment Points
Create Dramatic and Prolonged Outcomes

JIM FREW has completed Certificate training in ENAR practice (a similar device to the SCENAR) and is available for consultations.

To receive a treatment, Jim usually combines SCENAR therapy with Reiki as he finds the latter enhances the benefits achieved with the SCENAR. He usually requires an session time of 90 minutes, and a fee of $60 is charged.