"The 5 Elements of Reiki"
It’s not the energy alone that makes the Reiki healing system, but also the path or steps that make up the practice, which consists of 5 elements of Reiki:
1. Gokai (daily precepts)
2. Kokyu ho (breathing techniques)
3. Tenohira (palm healing)
4. Shirushi and jumon (symbols and mantras)
5. Reiju (blessing)
The Reiki Principles (Gokai in Japanese) are guidelines to help students and practitioners maintain focus and intention in their Reiki practice.
* Reciting the precepts daily can help us to be in the magic of each moment.
Usui’s breathing technique, Kokyu ho, is translated from Japanese as “the breathing method for cleansing the spirit.” Variations of this technique are used in martial arts, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong as a way to feel and intensify the flow of energy.
Palm healing, known as Tenohira in Japanese, is a technique whereby practitioners share healing energy through their palms.
The Reiki symbols and mantras, (Shirushi and jumon in Japanese), are included in Reiki practice to assist the practitioner to invoke energy. Shirushi (symbols) act as a focus for a practitioner’s intent. Jumon (mantra) is a sound that calls upon a specific primordial or cosmic vibration in tune with positive life force energy. Blessings that Dr. Usui would share with his students to connect them with positive life force energy are known as Reiju(s). The Reiju is the foundation for the attunement process in western workshops today.