Original Usui Reiki Ryōhō (Usui Shiki Ryōhō)
This is the system developed by Mikao Usui in early 1900s Japan.
It includes:
-
The Reiki precepts (Gokai)
-
Hands-on & Distant healing practices
-
Reiju (attunement/empowerment in its original form)
-
A strong focus on personal development and spiritual discipline
It was later brought to the West through Chujiro Hayashi and Hawayo Takata, and what most people call “traditional Reiki” comes through that lineage.
Other modalities of Reiki are developed and trademarked by William Lee Rand in 2014.
-
Structured “ignitions” instead of traditional attunements
-
Guided experiences and meditations
-
A specific teaching framework and branding
-
Integration with Usui/Tibetan Reiki teachings
-
Reiki itself is constant. What varies is how it’s taught and experienced. I encourage you to honor the path you’re already on and learn the tradition of Reiki—this kind of curiosity is what deepens your connection. I always tell my students, if you feel called to expand your experience with Reiki, follow that. Just stay mindful of the traditions you were taught, as many modern methods can begin to drift from those roots. There are three levels in traditional Reiki, Level I, (self) Level II symbols and distant, Level III- Teacher. That's tradition. The energy itself does not become stronger with each level, your understanding and relationship with it deepens. Attunements from a Master Teacher hold sacred value, not for ego, but for the bond formed between teacher and student. It’s much like a master of a trade, they carry the knowledge and experience, and at the right time, they pass the baton forward.
And just to gently share my perspective ,for me, distinguishing between Usui Shiki Ryōhō and Holy Fire Reiki@ isn’t about deciding which is right or better. It’s simply about understanding where teachings come .
“Where did it all begin to change? Reiki has evolved as people have changed, but the original tradition should remain honored. In some cases, teachings are presented under the name of Usui Reiki Ryōhō when they differ from its original form. It’s important to be mindful of the history and understand what is truly traditional and what has been adapted over time.”
The original was Usui called his system of healing Shin-Shin Kai-Zen Usui Reiki Ryo-Ho he shortened it to Ryoho. But Shiki actual means the way it’s done .
It was originally introduced by Chujiro Hayashi and transferred to Madam Takata
Usui Shiki Ryōhō (臼井式療法) breaks down like this: •
Usui (臼井) → the family name of Mikao Usui •
Ryōhō (療法) → healing method / therapy •
Shiki (式) → style, form, or system
