The Hidden Marvels of Reiki: Unveiling the Japanese Techniques part I

The ability to harness the universal life force energy known as Reiki is a marvel in itself, inspiring awe even in Reiki practitioners with years of experience. As Reiki continues to expand and evolve with new modalities and the generous introduction of new symbols by masters, there are complementary techniques that originated within Reiki. These techniques hold the key to unlocking enhanced results and specific effects and I´ve learned as “Japanese Techniques.”

Among these techniques, there are some that are very popular, such as Kenyoku, a dry bath that aims to energetically cleanse. Another technique is Enkaku Chiryo (also known as distant healing) or Shashin Chiryo (translated as photographic treatment), which involves sending Reiki to a person through a photograph to focus the energy on that specific individual.

Additionally, we have the Reiki Shu Chu technique, which refers to several Reiki practitioners working together to send energy to the same person, creating a synergy that amplifies the healing impact for a single recipient, concentrating their energy to achieve a more powerful healing effect.

These three mentioned techniques are highly popular due to their intense effects, and it is beneficial to include them in our Reiki practice. Imagine how much more beneficial it would be to incorporate other Japanese techniques.

In this three-part article, I will share another 10 complementary Reiki techniques that are extremely useful for practitioners at any level of their Reiki journey. The first four techniques we will cover in this article are Reiki Undo, Joshin Kokyu Ho, Gassho Kokyu Ho, and Nentatsh Ho.

Reiki Undo

Reiki Undo is a technique that involves breath and movement to release tensions. It can be translated as “spiritual energy movement” or “spiritual energy exercises.” It is useful for loosening muscle contractures as well as releasing tension caused by strong emotions. According to my teachings, Reiki Undo was devised by Mrs. Koyama, the sixth president of Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai.

• Sit or stand in the Gassho position and request Reiki energy to flow through you, while mentally repeating “Reiki Undo begins now.”
• If you are practicing with a partner, touch their shoulders from behind and allow their body to move in whatever way it wants to.
• Take a deep breath, and exhale as much air as possible.
• After a few deep breaths, your body will likely begin to move. If movement doesn’t come easily, be patient and don’t force any.

Practicing this exercise daily for at least three months is recommended to become familiar with the procedure.

Joshin Kokyu-Ho

This is a technique for Stress Reduction. The Japanese phrase “Joshin Kokyu-Ho” translates to “breathing exercise to purify the spirit” or “technique of tranquil heart breathing.” It is a breathing technique designed to strengthen energy, gather energy in your Hara (the center of gravity in traditional Japanese medicine), and learn to flow energy outward through your hands. This technique is effective for reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

• Inhale through your nose and envision drawing Reiki energy into your body through the Crown chakra.
• Direct the energy towards your Hara, and once the breath reaches that point, hold it there for a few seconds without exerting effort, imagining it penetrating throughout your entire body.
• Exhale through your mouth and imagine the energy flowing out through your fingertips, hand chakras, toe fingertips, and foot chakras.

Gassho Kokyu-Ho

This technique clears the mind and connects to higher levels of consciousness. It is an original technique from Usui Reiki, and its translation means “hand-breathing” or “breathing technique in the Gassho position.”

• Sit or stand in the Gassho position, breathe slowly, quiet your mind, and repeat to yourself: “Gassho Kokyu-Ho begins now.“
• Extend your hands as high as possible above your head and request the fullness of Reiki energy to pass through you.
• Return your hands to Gassho position, feel your breath flowing naturally and slowly. Focus your mind on the Hara (the center of gravity in traditional Japanese medicine), relax, and start visualizing that you are breathing through your hands.
• As you inhale, visualize the white light of Reiki entering your hands and flowing down, expanding until the Hara is filled with Reiki.
• On the exhale, visualize the light moving from the Hara to your hands, filling them with Reiki, and then releasing it in all directions.
• Repeat for a couple of minutes, then give thanks to the Reiki energy that assisted you and shake your hands upwards, downwards, forwards, and backwards.

Nentatsu-Ho

This technique is used to eliminate bad habits, cut off negativity, achieve goals, and improve memory. It achieves this by sending a message through the recipient’s unconscious mind using Reiki energy, making it highly useful for reprogramming the mind. It has many applications, such as curbing bad habits or incubating illnesses, achieving goals, learning anything important to you, and even incorporating it into your self-treatment with Reiki. It can be referred to as “intention transmission technique” or “thought-sending technique.”

“Nen” means thought or intention, and “Tatsu” refers to transmitting or sending. “Ho” translates to technique or method. Therefore, “Nentatsu-Ho” refers to a practice where thoughts or intentions are intentionally sent to someone or something for a specific purpose.

In the context of Reiki, “Nentatsu-Ho” is a technique used to send healing intentions or energy towards a person, object, or situation. It is based on the belief that the power of thought and intention can influence energy and promote well-being.

During the practice of Nentatsu-Ho, the Reiki practitioner can focus their attention and direct their intention towards the desired person or goal. They can visualize Reiki energy flowing towards that person or situation, sending thoughts of love, healing, and harmony.

• Start by determining what or whom you want to work on and create clear and simple affirmations in the present tense, as if they were already a reality. For example, “I am already at my ideal weight and feeling great,” “I am lighter, my muscles are toned and firm, I am healthy, vibrant, and energized,” etc.
• Sit or lie down comfortably, close your eyes, take slow breaths in the Gassho position, quieting your mind, and repeating “Nentatsu-Ho begins now.”
• Place one hand on your forehead, around the area of the third eye, and the other hand at the back of your head, on the medulla oblongata or the bone at the base of the skull.
• Call upon Reiki energy with pure intention and ask it to release you from bad habits, help you achieve your goals, or improve your memory, etc. Repeat your affirmations while maintaining this position.
• Do this for several minutes, remembering that this is not about mind control but rather allowing Reiki to guide you towards your highest fulfillment.
• Now remove the hand from your forehead, leaving the other hand in place, and meditate on the Divine Perfection of Peace, visualizing yourself as if the desired condition has already manifested (as if you have already achieved the goal). Practice this for several minutes, conclude with the Gassho position, and express gratitude to the spiritual beings accompanying you.

May these practices bring you profound healing, growth, and harmony on your Reiki path.

In the upcoming parts of this article, we will explore more complementary techniques that can greatly enrich our journey with Reiki, empowering practitioners at any level.

Article by Magalí Giménez

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I am Magalí, I am a Molecular Biologist, I have a PhD in Biological Sciences, I specialize in plant genetics and epigenetics.
I am a Master in Usui Reiki and level two Karuna Reiki®. I am a reader and healer of Akashic Registers.
You can visit my meditation channel in Spanish @ElMayorBien, and you can contact me at [email protected]