Topic: Traditional Techniques

[Nefol Fey]

There are many techniques used within the Reiki system that have been adapted from older Eastern belief systems, and this thread can be used to discuss them.

Kenyoku-ho
Kenyoku-ho is often translated as meaning ‘dry bathing’ and it is a meridian massage technique that is used to cleanse blocked negative ki. This technique can be used to prepare energetically for a session, or to clear any negative energy you may have picked up.

•   In a standing position, place your left hand on your right shoulder and raise your right arm (so that it is at a 90 deg angle to your waist).
•   Stroke down the outside of your right arm as you swing the arm down and across your body.
•   When your left hand reaches the fingertips, your right hand then strokes up the inside of your left arm to the shoulder as you bring your left arm above your head.
•   When your right hand reaches your left shoulder, sweep it down the outside of your left arm to the fingertips, swinging the arm down at the same time. Now the left hand strokes up the inside of the right arm to the shoulder, which is the position you started at.
•   Repeat six times, and as you become more confident in this technique, you can build up to 36 repetitions.


Byosen Reikan Ho
This technique is used to 'scan' another's energy field in order to detect areas of concern; helping to set the intention/focus of a session

•   Stand next to your client as they lie on the massage table, and rub your hands together to activate your hand chakras.
•   Starting at the crown, with your hands about 5cm above the body, move slowly down over the client’s body. You should take note of any difference in feelings you sense, and where these sensations are on the body. Also take note of which chakras are associated with that part of the body as they could indicate an imbalance in a specific chakra.
•   Once you have completed scanning the client’s body, move your hands back up to the crown and give your hands a flick to end the procedure.

The sensations (called hibiki) that you pick up on performing Byosen Reikan ho generally have commonly accepted interpretations; although if you ‘receive’ any impressions of your own then you should go with them.
Some hibiki and their common interpretations
*Note: the intensity of the stimulus perceived can often reflect the severity/depth of the problem

•   Attraction generally signifies a need for treatment at the area of pull
•   Repulsion indicates a probable long-standing blockage or inhibition of energy flow - something which may take a considerable amount of treatment to alleviate
•   Pain often indicates an excess/buildup of energy in the given area (due to a blockage, etc). Sharp pain is sometimes considered to be a sign that the 'pressure' in the given area is causing a negative effect elsewhere in the system
•   Tingling frequently signifies an area of inflammation
•   Heat sensations in the therapist's hands are indicative of Reiki being 'drawn' by the client
•   Coldness signifies a deficit of energy in the area (or at least a suppression of energy) due to blockage
•   Flux/Flow indicates a positive, balanced state - which will nonetheless still benefit from receiving treatment

[Ameniatha]

Thanks for posting this NF... Its good to know, and it will give us an idea of how and where to start..

[Nefol Fey]

PLeasure Amen I'll post some more when I get a chance, but you should have a look at that website link I posted in bookmarks- tons of traditional techniques

[Ameniatha]

cool thanks!!

[Nefol Fey]

Ok, some more traditional techniques that were used for a Reiki treatment:

Originally there were only five hand positions used in a Reiki treatment (Chiryo) on another, which were used together with two other techniques employed by Usui, Uchite Chiryo-ho and Nadete Chiryo-ho. After these five hand positions the practitioner would then treat any specific areas of concern picked up during Byosen Reikan ho using either Uchite Chiryo-ho or Nadete Chiryo-ho. It should also be noted that these hand positions were mostly held a few centimeters above the recipient’s body and that the treatment was conducted with both the practitioner and recipient seated in sieza.

This method of treatment can be used today with the recipient seated in a straight backed chair with their hands resting either in their lap or held in gassho, and their feet touching the ground.
 
Chiryo
*It should be noted that each hand position should be held for 3-5 minutes with the hands just above the recipient’s body; but the practitioner should let their intuition guide them.

•   The practitioner and recipient stand facing each other (about 1 meter apart) and perform gassho rei.
•   The recipient can either then be seated with the practitioner standing behind them, or with both the recipient and practitioner sitting in sieza, with the practitioner sitting behind the recipient.
•   Once the practitioner is ready to proceed, they place their hands on the recipient’s shoulders to connect to them to the recipient’s energy flow. The recipient’s hands should be held in gassho for the duration of the treatment.
•   Zento bu: The practitioner moves their hands up from the recipient’s shoulders, up the sides of the recipient’s head to the forehead. The practitioner’s hands should be relaxed with the fingers together, the middle fingers lightly touching and their palms facing the recipient.
•   Sokuto bu: The practitioner parts their hands and moves them out and down the sides of the recipient’s head to the temples.
•   Koutou bu: The practitioner moves their left hand to the center of the recipient’s forehead, whilst moving their right hand to the back of the recipient’s head to the occipital lobes.
•   Enzui bu: The practitioner then moves their hands to the sides of the recipient’s head and down to their neck.
•   Toucho bu: The practitioner moves their hands up the sides of the recipient’s head to the crown. Their hands should be palm down, with their thumbs touching and their fingers together yet relaxed.
•   After the final hand position the practitioner can go on to treat any areas of concern using the techniques listed below and the treatment ends with gassho rei.

Uchite Chiryo-ho (patting)
This technique can be used on areas where energy feels blocked, and it will help the energy to flow again.
•   Place the flat of your hand, palm down, just above the client.
•   Start a rhythmic patting of the area, gradually building it up to a mild slapping action. Continue with this until you feel the energy has been released.

Nadete Chiryo-ho (stroking)
This technique encourages the energy to flow around the body, and it can be used on the back or the front of the client. It is also important to always work in a downwards motion (from head to feet).
•   Place both your hands flat on the client’s body.
Stroke your hands down the client’s body, using enough pressure so as to not create a tickling sensation and using short rather than long strokes. You should also hold the intention for the flow of energy to increase.

Gassho
To place your hands in gassho, hold your hands in a prayer position with all your fingertips touching up to your mouth (your fingertips should be just below your nose), and leaving a space between your palms. This allows the meridians in your fingertips to connect, and the ki to generate between your palms.

Gassho Rei
This is used as a greeting of respect and involves holding your hands in gassho and bowing to another from the hips with your back kept straight.

Sieza
This traditional posture is used in meditative and energetic practices and is translated to mean ‘sitting on heels’. To adopt this position, remove your shoes and place your right leg under yourself with your toes curled and touching the floor, then do the same with your left leg; uncurl your toes so that your left toes rest just underneath your right toes. Your thighs should be two hand spans apart with your back straight, your shoulders relaxed and your chin slightly tucked in.