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Chapter 4
Channeling Universal Life Force Energy
Dear friend, as you've created your sacred container for practice, you're now ready to explore one of the most gentle yet profound healing arts available to us: Reiki. This beautiful practice reminds us that we are not separate beings struggling alone, but channels for the universal life force that flows through all creation. In learning Reiki, you discover not only how to heal yourself and others, but how to become a living blessing in the world.
Imagine for a moment that the universe is filled with an invisible river of healing energy—pure, intelligent, and infinitely compassionate. This river flows everywhere, through everything, just waiting to be channeled where it's needed. Reiki is simply the art of opening yourself to become a clear channel for this river.
The beauty of Reiki lies in its simplicity. Unlike many healing modalities that require you to generate or direct energy through effort, Reiki asks only that you get out of the way. You don't heal—universal life force heals through you. This distinction is crucial and liberating. It means you can never deplete yourself through giving Reiki, because you're not giving your own energy. You're simply opening the tap to let universal energy flow.
While universal life force energy has always existed and been utilized by healers throughout history, the specific system we call Reiki was rediscovered by Dr. Mikao Usui in Japan in 1922. After years of searching for the secret of healing used by great spiritual teachers, Usui underwent a 21-day meditation retreat on Mount Kurama. There, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening that revealed to him the symbols and methods of channeling universal healing energy.
What makes Usui's discovery special isn't that he found something new, but that he created a system so simple and accessible that anyone—regardless of spiritual background, natural healing ability, or belief system—could learn to channel this energy effectively. He democratized healing, taking it out of the realm of the specially gifted and making it available to all sincere seekers.
Before we dive into the practice of Reiki, let's address what might be happening during energy healing. While the mechanism remains somewhat mysterious, several theories offer insight:
Every living being is surrounded by and interpenetrated with an electromagnetic field—what scientists call the biofield. This field contains information about our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual states. When this field becomes distorted through stress, trauma, or illness, Reiki helps restore its natural harmony.
Research by Dr. James Oschman and others has shown that healers' hands emit electromagnetic frequencies that match those used in medical devices for healing. The difference? Reiki practitioners emit these frequencies naturally, adjusted moment by moment to what the recipient needs.
From another perspective, Reiki works through consciousness itself. By holding a state of unconditional love and healing intention, the practitioner creates a field of coherence that invites the recipient's system to remember its own wholeness. It's like one tuning fork causing another to vibrate at its frequency—the practitioner's coherent field invites coherence in the recipient.
At the most basic level, Reiki reliably induces deep relaxation. When we're deeply relaxed, our bodies shift from fight-or-flight mode to rest-and-repair mode. In this state, our natural healing mechanisms work optimally. Blood pressure decreases, immune function improves, and cellular repair accelerates. Even if we understand nothing else about Reiki, this shift alone creates profound healing benefits.
Before teaching the hands-on healing techniques, Usui gave his students five principles to live by. These aren't just nice ideas—they're practical instructions for maintaining the clear, peaceful state that allows universal energy to flow freely through us:
These principles create the energetic foundation for effective Reiki practice. Many practitioners recite them daily, using them as touchstones for spiritual alignment.
What distinguishes Reiki from simply laying hands on someone with good intentions is the attunement process. During an attunement, a Reiki Master uses specific symbols and techniques to open your energy channels, particularly in the crown, heart, and palms. It's like installing a wider pipe for universal energy to flow through.
The attunement doesn't give you something you don't already have—we're all connected to universal life force. Instead, it clears obstructions and awakens your natural healing channels. Many people report profound experiences during attunements: seeing colors or lights, feeling waves of energy, experiencing deep peace, or receiving spiritual insights.
Once attuned, you have access to Reiki for life. It's like learning to ride a bicycle—even if you don't practice for years, the ability remains. However, regular practice keeps your channels clear and your connection strong.
The foundation of all Reiki practice is self-healing. This isn't selfish—it's essential. You can only give what you have, and regular self-treatment keeps your energy clear and flowing. Plus, working on yourself teaches you how energy feels and moves, preparing you to work with others.
Set aside 20-30 minutes for self-treatment. You can do this lying down or sitting comfortably. Begin by placing your hands in gassho (prayer position) at your heart, setting the intention to receive whatever healing serves your highest good.
While Reiki energy goes where it's needed regardless of hand placement, traditional positions ensure you treat your whole system:
Don't worry about doing it "perfectly." Reiki is intelligent and goes where needed. If you only have time for a few positions, trust your intuition about where to place your hands.
During self-treatment, you might notice:
All experiences are valid. Reiki works on levels beyond our conscious awareness.
Once you've established a consistent self-practice, you may feel called to share Reiki with family, friends, or clients. This is a sacred privilege that requires preparation and respect.
While Reiki supports overall wellbeing rather than treating specific diseases, you can focus on areas needing extra attention:
Remember: You're not diagnosing or prescribing—you're simply offering universal energy and allowing the recipient's system to use it as needed.
One of Reiki's most remarkable aspects is the ability to send healing across any distance. This isn't magic—it's working with the truth that consciousness isn't limited by physical space. When you learn the distance healing symbol in Level 2, you gain a tool for focusing intention across space and time.
Think of distance healing like making a phone call. The distance symbol provides the "number" to connect with someone energetically. Once connected, you can send Reiki as effectively as if they were on your table. Some practitioners report distance sessions being even more powerful, as there are no physical distractions.
You can send Reiki to situations as well as people—upcoming surgeries, job interviews, difficult conversations, or world events. The energy goes where it serves the highest good.
Reiki doesn't have to be limited to formal sessions. Integrate it throughout your day:
Nature is a powerful Reiki teacher and amplifier:
Reiki enhances and is enhanced by other spiritual practices:
With the ability to channel healing energy comes responsibility:
As you begin or deepen your Reiki practice, remember that you're joining a worldwide community of healers. Every time you place your hands with healing intention, you contribute to raising the vibration of our planet. Every self-treatment makes you a clearer channel for love in the world.
Start simply. Tonight, before sleep, place your hands on your heart and invite Reiki to flow. Don't strain or visualize—simply be present and open. Notice what you notice, without judgment or expectation. This simple act begins a journey that can transform not only your own life but the lives of all you touch.
Take a moment to contemplate these questions, perhaps journaling your responses:
May your hands be blessed as channels of healing. May your heart remain open to the flow of universal love. May you trust the intelligence of life force energy to guide your practice. And may every being you touch—including yourself—remember their innate wholeness through your service.
The universe has been waiting for you to recognize yourself as a healer. Welcome home.