The History of Reiki: From Japan to Glasgow
Reiki is a healing practice that’s found its way around the world and aye, it’s made itself at home here in Glasgow too. Rooted in Japanese spiritual traditions, it’s a gentle way to bring some much needed balance to both body and mind. Maybe you’ve tried it before, or maybe you’re just curious. Either way, learning where it all began helps you see why so many folks swear by it.
How Reiki Began
Reiki, which translates to “universal life energy,” was developed by Mikao Usui in the early 1900s. Usui, born in 1865, spent years exploring spiritual teachings like Buddhism, Taoism, and Shintoism. Then, in 1922, during a 21-day retreat on Mount Kurama, he had an experience that changed everything. Through deep meditation, he tapped into an energy so powerful it became the foundation of what we now call Reiki.
What’s remarkable is that Usui wanted this method to be simple, something anyone could use not just spiritual gurus or experts. His approach aimed to help people heal on all levels: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Over time, Reiki became known for helping people feel calm and grounded, no matter what was going on in their lives.
Reiki’s Journey to the West
In the 1930s, one of Usui’s students, Chujiro Hayashi, organized Reiki into a more structured system. He even opened a clinic in Tokyo, where he trained others, including Hawayo Takata, a Japanese-American woman. Takata’s story is fascinating after Reiki treatments helped her recover from serious health problems, she became devoted to the practice.
When she returned to Hawaii, she didn’t just practice Reiki; she spread it. By the 1970s, she had trained 22 Reiki Masters, who then introduced the method to North America and Europe. That’s how Reiki made its way across oceans and into so many lives.
Reiki in Glasgow
These days, you can find Reiki all over the world and Glasgow is no exception. Plenty of folk here turn to it as a way to unwind and feel more balanced. It’s a gentle, hands-off (or nearly hands-off) practice that can reduce stress, bring a sense of calm and even help the body heal itself.
As more people in Glasgow explore holistic health, Reiki has become a key part of the mix. Whether it’s at a spa, a private practice, or a community center, it’s easy to find someone offering sessions. And let’s be honest, in a city as lively as Glasgow, we could all do with a bit of peace and quiet now and again.
What Happens in a Reiki Session?
If you’ve never tried it, a Reiki session is a relaxing experience. The practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above your body, acting as a channel for healing energy. That energy flows to wherever you need it most. No two sessions are the same, but people often describe a warm or tingling sensation or just feeling incredibly at ease.
Many folks say Reiki helps with stress, eases aches and pains and even clears the mind. It’s not just about fixing something it’s about bringing everything into balance.
A Practice That Endures
Reiki’s journey from a quiet Japanese mountain to the heart of Glasgow says a lot about its universal appeal. In a world where stress seems to come at us from every direction, more people are turning to practices like this to feel grounded again. If you’re curious, there’s a warm and welcoming community here ready to help you give it a go. Reiki might be rooted in centuries old wisdom, but it’s as relevant now as it’s ever been and a peaceful way to find your feet in today’s fast-paced world.