Working with the Chakra's, Grounding and Protection.on Chakra's, meditation,

I have published a Guide to Working with the Chakra's, Grounding and Protection. It can be downloaded by following the link below. I hope that you find it useful and helpful. Jules.

Working with the Chakra's, Grounding, Meditation and Protection.

Japanese Reiki Techniques 5. Enkaku Chiryo ho, Ketsueki Kokan ho or Ketsueki Joka-ho, Hanshin Koketsu ho, Zenshin Koketsu ho, Kotodama.

All the following energy techniques are not just for reiki practioners but will enhance any energy work that you do. Great for Healing work, Meditation, Chi Kung or Tai Chi or just to balance your energetic systems.

Enkaku Chiryo ho

“Enkaku Chiryo ho” is our old friend “Distant Reiki” or “Absentia Reiki” that is commonly taught in Usui Shiki Ryoho Level II classes.
There are many methods of doing Distant Healing.

One specific distant technique Usui taught was called “Shashin Chiryo ho” or
Photograph healing. This practice used a photograph of the person as a focus or “proxy” for healing. While having a photograph is nice, anything can be used as a proxy or representation of the person. A printed email would seem to be a “modern” equivalent.

Blood Cleansing Techniques

Ketsueki Kokan ho or Ketsueki Joka-ho

Ketsueki Kokan ho (Ketsueki Joka ho) are called “Blood Cleansing” Techniques. The “Blood Cleansing” techniques were part of Takata Sensei’s teachings as she originally taught. In her notes and diary she describes the “Traditional Reiki Finish” or nerve stroke. In Reiki Ryoho there are two other techniques besides the one Takata Sensei taught.
The idea of “blood cleansing” may seem odd to the westerner. These techniques are thought to cleanse the blood of toxins. It should be pointed out here that Reiki Ryoho was based on meridian theory not unlike Traditional Chinese Medicine and not on chakras as is commonly added into reiki in the west. The meridians stimulated are thought to stimulate new red blood cells to be formed and to bring fresh blood into the area. By bringing fresh blood into the area healing is more rapid. (There is a saying “Where blood flows chi goes; Where chi goes, blood flows”.)
These techniques involve moving the hands along the spine rather than just the laying of hands. Massage laws in the various U.S. states (and in many other parts of the world) began to restrict others from using any technique that could be construed as “manipulative”. As a result, many teachers did not pass along the technique. This is a wonderful and useful part of Reiki and should be taught.

Hanshin Koketsu ho

(Half Body Blood Cleansing)
This is the half body blood cleanse.

Method One

In the first method you are to stroke with the flat of the hand down the arms and legs. First, start at the shoulder and stroke down to the tips of the fingers 15 times. Do both arms. When finished with the arms, start at the outside of the hip and stroke down to the tips of the toes. Again repeat 15 times.

Method Two

It is taught that the upper body be unclothed when doing this. I would advise strong caution and recommend that you not do this unless this is your spouse, significant other, partner or someone else that will not later take offense. These are litigious times and people sue for sexual harassment at the drop of a hat (i.e., Imagine yourself in court explaining to the opposing counsel and jury that you were simply stroking outward on their naked back doing a half body blood exchange….).
Have the person lay on the reiki table with their back unclothed. Some suggest using some light oil, if you start using massage oil it looks suspiciously like you are doing massage).
In this technique both hands are used. Place both hands at the top of the spine with one hand on either side. Start at the top of the neck and stroke outward and slightly down making an outward circular motion. These are small motions from the center of the spine outward to the sides of the body. Do this going down one hand width each time until the entire spine is treated from top to bottom. The entire spine is done 10 to 15 times.
To finish place both hands again at the top of the spine with one hand on either side of the spine. You index finger and thumb are on the muscles that are on either side of the center of the spine. Hold your breath and then with light pressure (not hard!) stroke down the spine from the top of the neck to the base of the spine. End by pressing the fingers lightly (not hard!) into the muscles at the bottom of the spine and then exhale. This entire process is repeated 10 to 15 times.

Zenshin Koketsu ho

Full Body Blood Cleansing

Zenshin Koketsu-ho is the full body blood cleanse.
This is the easiest technique of the “blood cleansing” techniques. Begin by doing the normal positions on the head. Then follow this with the normal hand positions on the chest and the abdomen.
Finish by doing Method One of Hanshin Koketsu ho. (You can do method two instead if you prefer.)
Stroke with the flat of the hand down the arms and legs. First, start at the shoulder and stroke down to the tips of the fingers 15 times. Do both arms. When finished with the arms, start at the outside of the hip and stroke down to the tips of the toes. Again repeat 15 times.

Kotodama

Kotodama and Mantra in Reiki / Kotodama – “Word spirit “
Information is now beginning to come forward that Mikao Usui taught Kotodama to his Okuden (level II) Students. What follows is an explanation of Kotodama. Additionally we will explore the use of Mantra in Reiki and examine some sonnections between Reiki and other energetic arts and practices that developed in the early 1900′s in Japan.
Kotodama (Kotodama) literally means “word spirit”. Although not easily translatable, the most basic idea is that there are words that evoke a spiritual feeling or state. It is a practice of intoning sounds (phonemes or phonetic components of language) to bring about a mystical or spiritual state. There are some that believe that intoning these sounds can direct or harmonize everything in the physical world or bring about a desired outcome in the physical world. This practice is thought to bring about the unification of God, heaven, man and earth.
The kotodama are often thought of as the core sounds of the Universe. You can chant and call forth the respective energies to bring them into balance within yourself:
Here is an example of some of the sounds:

A – Heaven
O – Earth
U – Spirit
E – Mind
I – Void

This idea of sacred syllables is common to many mystical practices including the
Kaballah, Western Magick, Wicca. Mantras or Mantra-yana, which is the use of a sound chanted is a similar practice that is also used to bring about a mystical state.
Mantra practice is common to many meditative practices such as Transcendental
Meditation (TM), Nichiren Buddhism (the “namu myoho renge kyo”), Tibetan Buddhism (the “om mani padme hum”) and many other Indian and eastern traditions. “Mantra” generally refers to Sanskrit words that are sacred words. They might be a verse such as ” om mani padme hum”, or a syllable such as “om” or “mu”. Some of the sounds are thought to be the sounds of a specific deity or a supernatural power.

The practice of Kotodama is to repeat the sacred syllables and intone them. The power of the word spirit resonates in the vocal cords, vibrates the air, spirit, heart and mind of the person directly.
The history of the practice of Kotodama is not entirely clear. Some scholars indicate it is from Shinto origins, while others trace a Shingon Buddhist path. Most likely it is some combination of both as the two religions, ideologies and practices were interwoven through history in Japan.
Kotodama is commonly used in Shinto and Neo-Shinto rites and rituals. It also occurs in Omoto Kyo and Aikido. It is said that Usui taught Kotodama as a spiritual practice at level II (Okuden) in reiki. What is particularly fascinating is the interconnection of this practice to many of the healing practices that were developing at the time that Usui originated Reiki.

Morihei Ueshiba was the founder of Aikido and he incorporated Kotodama into his
Aikido. It is said that he learned the practice in 1919 from Onisaburo Deiguchi who developed the art of Omoto Kyo and then went on to study the practice in Shingon Buddhism. Deiguchi was considered by some to be the leading Kotodama master in the country at that time. Ueshiba was a follower of Omoto-Kyo until his death in 1969.
Another connection to Omoto Kyo occurs in the religion of Johrei. Omoto Kyo was
studied by Mokichi Okada (Meishu Sama) who developed Sei Kai Kyu Sei Kyo better known as Johrei and as the Johrei Fellowship Worldwide. Like Usui’s Reiki, Johrei also uses Reiju to empower its followers.
So what we have here is an interesting concurrence of interconnected circumstances:
* Kotodama is said to be taught by Usui in level II reiki as the means to connect. This was done prior to the symbols being developed.
* The leading Kotodama expert during the time of Usui’s life was Deiguchi.
* Deiguchi’s teachings show up in other energy related healing arts such as Johrei, whose founder, Mokichi Okada, studied with Deiguchi. His Sei Kai Kyu Sei Kyo uses reiju as an empowerment with his followers. This is also the technique used by Usui in his reiki.
* The founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, also studies with Deiguchi and incorporates Kotodama in his practices. Aikido also used many Ki techniques including developing, strengthening and healing with Ki.

Here are some simple guideline to doing Kotodama or Mantrayana with Reiki.
Some guides to the practice:
Sit in a comfortable chair. You can also sit in the classical Zazen posture if you know it and can sit comfortably in this position. The key is for the back to be straight.

Place the hands on the lap or in the gassho (namaste) position.
Breathe normally through the nose and exhale the syllables through the mouth.
Connect to reiki before starting. Doing hatsurei ho is a good way to do this.
The syllables are said with total concentration and unity of body and spirit. Keep the mind clear and intent pure.

The syllables are voiced slowly, strongly and one at a time. They are separate in pronunciation. Do not slur them together.

For each syllable breathe in through the nose and vocalize out through the mouth.
The sound resonates outward to all the universe.

Japanese Reiki Techniques 4. Hara Chiryo ho – Tanden Chiryo ho, Uchi te, Nada te, Oshi te – patting, stroking, pushing with the hands, Seiheki Chiryo ho.

All the following energy techniques are not just for reiki practioners but will enhance any energy work that you do. Great for Healing work, Meditation, Chi Kung or Tai Chi or just to balance your energetic systems.

Hara Chiryo ho – Tanden Chiryo ho

Hara Chiryo ho is the de-poisoning technique. It is a method that is thought to remove toxins from the body. The hara is thought to be the center of the being. By treating in this fashion you help to “de-poison” toxins from the body. Toxins are often thought of as physical substances, but can also be mental/emotional.
Begin by standing next to the person to be treated. Gassho and calm the mind. Doing the breathing with Gassho technique is a good way to connect to reiki and be mindful. State the intent by saying “I now begin Hara Chiryo ho”. Place one of your hands onto the hara and your other hand on the forehead. Feel the energy in your hands and let it flow. Hold this position until you feel the energy balance
between the hands. Place the hand that is on the forehead onto the hara so that both hands are on the hara. Hold this position for 20 minutes or so, using your intuition to guide you. Finish by doing gassho and giving thanks.

Uchi te, Nada te, Oshi te – patting, stroking, pushing with the hands.

Uchi te Chiryo ho

Uchi te is the technique of patting with the hands. This technique is common to many forms of chi kung (qi gong) and is used to help increase energy flow. It is used where there is numbness or blockage. The force used in patting is light to medium and it is not percussive. It is a soft pat to light slap. The intent of this technique is not to massage the area, but rather to stimulate the body and allow the reiki energy to penetrate into the body.

Nada te Chiryo ho

Nada te is a stroking technique done with the hands. It encourages the energy flow in the body. The hands are placed flat on the body and then moved forward and back or in circles while letting the reiki flow through them which penetrates the body deeply.

Oshi te Chiryo ho

Oshi te is a pushing technique. It is done for stiff areas where there is tightness and causes a loosening. Simply push with the fingertips. Let the reiki energy flow through the tips of the fingers into the stiff areas.

Seiheki Chiryo ho

Seiheki Chiryo-ho is the way of treating habits or natural tendencies. This is used to place a message into the subconscious of the person you are treating. This can be done as a self treatment as well. This technique can be used to overcome bad habits, to focus the mind on something important (such as living the reiki principles), or for achieving a goal.
The first step is to talk to the person to be treated. If the person to be treated is you, it is honest self talk. If you are treating another person discuss with them what it is that they wish to work on. Once you know what it is they wish to accomplish you must develop a simple affirmation(s) that you will use. Affirmations should always be stated in the positive as if they have already occurred. For
example, if they are going to quit smoking you would want to say, “I am smoke free and healthy” rather than “I will stop smoking and feel better”.
Next, have the person to be treated lay down and close their eyes. Instruct them to breath smoothly and slowly through the nose, so that they are calm and
receptive. If you are treating yourself you can lay down or simply sit in a chair. The key here is relaxation.

Do Gassho. Calm your mind. Be mindful. Starting with a breathing with gassho
exercise is helpful to connect to reiki and focus the mind. State your intent by saying to yourself, “I now begin Seiheki Chiryo-ho”.
Place one hand on the forehead and the other hand on the back of the head. I prefer to place my dominant hand on the forehead but this is simply my preference. It feels more “natural” to me.
With the mind focused and clear and with intent less intent ask that the person being treated be free of what you are treating. You then repeat the affirmations you have chosen. This can be done silently to oneself or out loud. Feel the reiki flow knowing it is healing and bringing balance and wholeness.
Remove your hand that is on the forehead while keeping the other hand on the back of the head. Stop repeating the affirmations but continue to let the reiki flow. Stay in this position for several minutes.
Finish by doing Gassho and saying thanks. It is taught that repeated treatments are more beneficial than one, or doing a long treatment.

Finding a Reiki Teacher

One of the questions I get asked the most is..............................How do I find and choose a reputable Teacher to learn Reiki with ?

Learning Reiki and participating in Reiki Attunements is a very personal and empowering thing to do in Your life. A Teachers task is to instil in the Student the connection, confidence, ability and knowledge to use this wonderful gift. We all have different ways of learning new skills, and a good Teacher will tailor the learning process so it suits your acuity best. Some people learn best by hands on experience, needing the tactile sensations and feedback to understand. Another, might learn best by reading and study, or by listening and seeing. A good Teacher will ensure that all the instruction and experience is presented to the student in a clear, easily understood way.

There are many people who now teach Reiki, and many of them advertise their services openly. You can search the internet, attend Mind Body Spirit fairs, look in New Age shops, visit healing centres and ask your friends for personnel recommendations. Being a Spiritual self improvement modality, your inner guidance, trust and openness will be of great assistance. One much quoted teaching states " When the Student is ready..............The Teacher will appear"

Having found some suitable and knowledgeable Teachers it is very worthwhile finding a little more about them. Checking their Qualifications if that is important to you and contacting other people they have taught before. I would recommend a personnel visit if possible. I Myself would always address any questions a Student may have, and give them a reiki healing so they might have first hand experience and be able to energetically feel if I was the person they would like to teach and attune them to Reiki. I would outline what would be covered, show then a copy of the manual and certificates, let them know of any previous students that lived close to them.

A typical teaching day for me would be:-
Meeting and greeting the Student.
An out-line of the days activities.
A beginning meditation to create a sacred space and Spirits assistance.
The history of Reiki and My Linage.
Good healing session practices.
Professional codes and conduct.
Record keeping, insurance and building a client base.
The Reiki symbols and methods for connection to the Reiki Source.
Hand positions and other helpful advice on giving Reiki Healings to others.
The actual Attunement itself.
Teachings on the Aura, Chakra's, Human Energy System, Meditation, Grounding, Protection and working in a sacred space.
A Reiki practise healing swap.
A Reiki healing for the Student to assist in integrating the energetic transmissions.
Any questions the Student had answered to the best of my ability and wisdom.
Presentation of Manual and Certification.
I would always offer support, advice and feedback. The most important thing for me was to instil the confidence in the Student to go out into the World and use their new abilities to assist others.

I hope this article has been helpful, Jules.