Reiki: The Healing Touch

FYI: The copy that I am reviewing of REIKI THE HEALING TOUCH by WIlliam Lee Rand is dated 1998. Editions listed by biblio.com are dated 2000. The first edition was issued in 1991. End FYI. *** An advanced Reiki practitioner in my town has applied a few hours of reiki to me in connection with 18 hours of Pilates therapy. She did not, however, "attune" me and thereby give me, like her, the ability to "channel Reiki energy" to myself or to others. That is the extent of what I knew about Reiki before reading this book. ***William Lee Rand's book is not repeat NOT aimed primarily at general readers like me. For such as me, this book can be helpful as an aid in deciding whether we wish to take standard Reiki training. REIKI - THE HEALING TOUCH has, however, a different intended primary readership: people who have already received some systematic Reiki training or are actively preparing themselves through such reading to begin training very soon. ***I have read the entire text straight through from beginning to end, taking many notes. For general readers like myself I recommend that you read the first sentence of Chapter One: for a preliminary defining of Reiki. Next skip straight to the back of the book and read Appendix C to learn how long you must study and how much pay to be empowered to provide elementary Reiki energy transfer. Thereafter dip around the book at random: Index, hand positions, metaphysical and religious underpinnings as you see fit. *** Preliminary Definition: "Reiki (pronounced RAY-key) is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing." *** Elementary Training and Cost: Reiki Levels I and II are taught together during a two-day weekend for $310 (within the USA). By close of day two, the novice will have been attuned and empowered to transfer Reiki energy. He has learned hand positions, how to give a complete Reiki treatment, Reiki symbols, distant healing and the all important scanning and beaming. "Nurses, massage therapists and body workers" and other health care practitioners who have completed this weekend training are now eligible for Continuing Education Units (CEU) training within their disciplines. *** The book is well illustrated and begins with the life, work (early 1900s) and teachings of Reiki founder Dr Mikao Usui. There is discussion of learning in previous lives, the nature of Reiki energy, its uniqueness among energy medicine techniques of not draining personal energy from the practitioner and much, much more. It is very practical. It is clearly written.The book gives you an adequate elementary vocabulary to discuss with a local practitioner whether you can helpfully be treated with Reiki for lumbar pain, anxiety or other ailments. -OOO-