Usui taught over 2000 students to use Reiki. Sixteen of his students continued their training to reach the Shinpiden level, equivalent to the Western third degree, or master level.

Usui died in 1926.

Early development

After Usui's death, Chujiro Hayashi, a former student of Usui, left the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai and formed his own association. Hayashi simplified the Reiki teachings, stressing physical healing and using a more codified and simpler set of Reiki techniques.Hayashi initiated and trained Hawayo Takata,who traveled widely in the US, practising Reiki and teaching the first two levels to others.

Takata stressed the importance of charging money for Reiki treatments and teachings. In 1976, Takata began teaching the Shinpiden stage and introduced the term Reiki master for this level. She also fixed a price of $10,000 for the master training.

Takata died in 1980 by which time she had trained 22 Reiki masters.Almost all Reiki taught outside Japan can be attributed to her work.

Reiki's systems

Today, many Reiki systems exist, though there are two major systems, respectively called Traditional Japanese Reiki and Western Reiki.

Traditional Japanese reiki

The term Traditional Japanese Reiki is normally strictly used to describe the specific system that formed from Usui's educations, and that did not go out of Japan. Around the time of the 1990s, some Western teachers travelled to Japan in order to find this particular system of Reiki, though found nothing. They therefore started to establish Reiki schools, and teach Reiki to the Japanese. Immediately after this, the Japanese who were practising Reiki, but that had remained secret up to the moment, announced themselves and started spreading their knowledge. Since then, several systems of Traditional Japanese Reiki now exist, the main systems of which are listed below.

Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai is the name of a society of teachers who established their own Usui. This style has survived to the present day, with Ushida being the one who, upon death, substituted the presidency of the association to Usui. This society remained secret for many years, and at present, the teacher, Masaki Kondoh, is the president of the Gakkai. Many of their educations still remain secret, though little by little, members of this association have been sharing their knowledge with the rest of the world, such as Master Hiroshi Doi. In spite of this, it continues to be an hermetic society with difficult access.

Reido Reiki Gakkai is the name given to the system that derives from the masters of the Gakkai, and is led by Fuminori Aoki. Fuminori Aoki added to the education of the Gakkai, though differences in teaching are minimal. In this system, the symbol of the Koriki that was inspired Fuminori Aoki was adapted.

Komyo Reiki Kai is the name given to the system that takes the name of a school of Japanese Traditional Reiki, and was established by Hyakuten Inamoto（稲本　百天） Sensei. It differs from other systems in that it does not come from the Gakkai, instead from the Hayashi line, through Chiyoko Yamaguchi（山口　千代子） that remained in Japan. It includes more education and specialised skills, as well as Usui's original symbols of Zui-un, Fukuyu, Honja-Ze-Shonén and Dai-Kō-Myō. At present, Hyakuten Inamoto Sensei is considered the successor of Mikao Usui because of his high spiritual evolutionary level.

Jikiden Reiki is the name given to the system that is similar to Komyo Reiki Kai, and was developed by the son of Ms. Yamaguchi, Tadao Yamaguchi

 Western reiki

Western Reiki, or Occidental Reiki, is a system from Japan developed by Mrs. Hawayo Takata. The system spread from Hawaii to California, and then later to the rest of the Western world. As a result of the second world war, Mrs. Takata decided to modify a system to make it more understandable and credible to the mentality of the West. As with Traditional Japanese Reiki, from Mrs. Takata's style also came several different systems, the main systems of which are listed below

Reiki Usui Shiki Ryoho is the name given to the Western system of Reiki, meaning "Usui's System of Natural Healing," and is a system that has tried to keep true to the original practises of Hawayo Takata. This is the original system established by Mrs. Takata, and is still taught today, such as with the Reiki Alliance, of which is led by Phyllis Lei Furumoto, the granddaughter of Mrs. Takata. In this system, as with most Western systems of Reiki, there are levels, of which there are three in this system, called respectively called First Degree, Second Degree, and Master. This system uses the four original symbols, though the Takata version, which are Cho-Ku Rei, Sei-He-Ki, Hon-Sha-Ze-Sho-Nen and Dai-Koo-Myo Usui respectively.

Tibetan Reiki is the name given to the system that was developed by an American called William L. Rand. This system is again based on the teachings of Takata, though there exists more symbols further in this system, and Rand introduced the notion of psychic surgery into this system – the first system to do so. The name is derived from the two Tibetan symbols used within the system, and some Buddhist teachings, though unlike Reiki Usui Shiki Ryoho, it has four levels, instead of three, called First Degree, Second Degree, Third Degree, and Master, respectively. In total, this system consists of seven symbols (though further versions of the system contain nine). Everything else is as it is for Western Reiki, though has the following extra symbols; Tibetan Dai-Ko-Myo, Raku, the Serpent of Fire, the Dragoon of Fire, and Tumo.

In addition, there are independent teachers and small associations that have transmitted Reiki as they feel the need to, and therefore continues Takata's system, and these teachers have remained free of the impositions that dictate Reiki's big associations. For some years, there was quarrel for the exclusivity of the Reiki between some schools, stating that their lineage was more pure than the others were, and that that their system has been manipulated etc, though it is widely accepted that the possibility of exclusivity of the Reiki is not possible for such a universal practice.

Gendai Reiki Ho is the name given to the system that has a mixture of the above two systems. Hiroshi Doi founded this system, being an expert of numerous skills of healing already, and was first trained in Reiki Occidental's lineage by Ms Mieko Mitsui, a Master of the "Radiance Technique." In 1993, he was granted membership to Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai. This system complements the Traditional Japanese Reiki with the Western system, but in essence, it is still Western Reiki, since Doi Sensei does not have the correct qualifications of a traditional Japanese Master.

There exists principal differences between Traditional Japanese Reiki and the Occidental Reiki, such as the position of hands when performing Reiki; while in Western Reiki the positions of hands transmitted by Hayashi Sensei and Ms. Takata occupies a privileged place, in Traditional Japanese Reiki these hand positions do not exist in order to apply integral treatments. Instead, Traditional Japanese Reiki starts a healing session with Reiki-Ho, which is an intuitive skill "of knowing where to place the hands." In addition, light massage, pats, and soft blows exist in Traditional Japanese Reiki for certain areas of the body, with hand positions being used to treat concrete ailments only.

In contrast, Traditional Japanese Reiki holds allows improvement of channelling energy, personal growth, and spiritual transformation, as the connection with the Light, the Gassho meditation, and breathing techniques. On the other hand, Reiki's Western traditions put more emphasis on the healing of ailments. In addition, while the student of a Western style ascends though levels by completing courses and receiving initiations, in Traditional Japanese Reiki, this progress is carried more gradually and slowly, and will be judged by the Reiki Master when the best time to receive a higher attunement is.

Other systems

At present, some teachers of Western Reiki have developed their own systems from information and symbols, and have used hand positions that are taught in Reiki or the form of work with use of the symbols.

Some of the Western systems that have been established in the last few years do not come from the line of Mikao Usui's systems. These systems include Karuna Reiki, Seichim or SKHM, Reiki Satori, Rainbow Reiki, Celtic Reiki, Kundalini Reiki, Karuna Ki, Reiki of the Ninth Ki, BioReiki, Shambala Reiki, Tera Mai Reiki, and Tibetan-Tantric Reiki.

Of all the above systems of Reiki, the following five are the most widespread and worldwide recognised; Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai (Traditional Japanese Usui), Tibetan Reiki, Karuna Reiki, Reiki Seichim-Sekhem, and Komyo Reiki, and below are descriptions of the other three widely recognised of these other systems.

Karuna Reiki

Karuna is a Sanskrit word that is used in Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Zen Buddhism, and translates as any kind of compassionate action. This system was established the United States of America by Katherin Milner, and is known today as "Tera Mai." It was introduced to Spain in 1995 by Antonio Moraga who, after his research in India, incorporated other symbols and techniques, thus forming Karuna-Prakriti (Karuna means "compassion" and is Prakriti Energy Cosmic or God without form). The system contains Prakriti-Karuna Reiki symbols channelled at different times to different Reiki Masters. His system has channelled initiations and developed by Antonio Moraga, and has a unique value of 21 new symbols of power, which can be combined with the Usui System and the Japanese-Tibetan Tantric. The symbols that are part of the energy Prakriti were channelled by Swami Prem Anand, who in turn channelled them to Master Kiram, who in turn passed them to Antonio Moraga. The symbols of Karuna-Prakriti, in addition to producing a profound healing due to its intense energy, developed virtues like love and harmony, the enhancement of self-esteem, the restoration of emotional balance, released karma, increased awareness and purity, the harmonisation of the chakras, the giving of clarity concerning our being and the creation of peace and tranquillity.

Tibetan-Tantric Reiki

Tibetan-Tantric Reiki, also called Tibetan Reiki, is a system that comprises 11 symbols of power. The use of these symbols, according to teaching, makes it possible to cure diseases that began with karmic origin. Some of these claims are to cure cancer and AIDS, and to restore harmony among different bodies and levels of consciousness. Four of these symbols are called "Tibetan symbols," and the other seven are called "Tantric symbols." According to teaching, the Tantric symbols come from the teachings of a secret subsequent incarnation of Shakyamuni Buddha, called Padmasambava (Guru Rinpoche), who introduced Buddhism, to Tibet. The objective of the symbols and Tibetan Tantric is to fill the recipient with vital force and raise the Kundalini energy. These symbols also work on the chakras.

Reiki Sekhem-Seichim

Reiki Sekhem-Seichim (pronounced "seikim" and abbreviated "SKHM") comes from the word Egyptian Sekhem, which translated means "Power of Powers." It was established by Patrick Zeigler. SKHM denotes the manner in which Patrick refers to his work with energy today. In 1979, Patrick Zeigler was initiated into spontaneous energy of SKHM in the pyramid of Cheops, and then studied with Sheikh Mohammed Osman Brahani. In 1984, Zeigler met Christine Gerber who channelled Marat, a 2500-year-old spirit who was a master Seichim who channelled information, allowing Zeigler to begin initiations into Seichim Reiki. In 1984, Zeigler taught Tom Seaman Seichim Reiki, who in now one of the main contributors to the expansion of this particular system. In 1985, Phoenix Summerfield created seven additional symbols and began to teach Seichim. Between 1985 and 1987, Summerfield began to teach Seichim in Australia, and this system continues to spread throughout the world. In 1995, Shewmaker became a Master of Reiki and received his first attunment into Seichim. In 1996, Shewmaker became a Seichim Master and began to teach Seichim Reiki. In 1997, after a spontaneous initiatory channelling, Shewmaker began to channel another aspect of Sekhem, and created Sekhem-Seichim Reiki. Shewmaker and Marsha Burack are members of such training, and finally.

Teachings

Reiki teachings claim that there is an inexhaustible, universal "life force" spiritual energy, that can be used to induce a healing effect.Believers say that anyone can gain access to this energy by means of an attunement process carried out by a Reiki Master. Claims for such energy have no known theoretical or biophysical basis.

Reiki is described by adherents as an holistic therapy which brings about healing on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. The belief is that the energy will flow through the practitioner's hands whenever the hands are placed on, or held near a potential recipient, who can be clothed. Some teachings stress the importance of the practitioner's intention or presence in this process, while others claim that the energy is drawn by the recipient's injury to activate or enhance the natural healing processes. Going further, the belief is that the energy is "intelligent",making diagnosis unnecessary.

A second level of training, including another initiation, is said to equip the practitioner to perform Reiki treatments from a distance. This method, it is stated, involves the use of special symbols to form a temporary connection between the practitioner and the recipient, regardless of location, and then to send the Reiki energy. Techniques are also taught whereby Reiki can be sent to a specific point in time, either in the past or the future.

Practice

Whole body treatment

In a typical whole-body Reiki treatment, the practitioner asks the recipient to lie down, usually on a massage table, and relax. Loose, comfortable clothing is usually worn during the treatment. The practitioner might take a few moments to enter a calm or meditative state of mind and mentally prepare for the treatment, that is usually carried out without any unnecessary talking.

The treatment proceeds with the practitioner placing his hands on the recipient in various positions. However, practitioners may use a non-touching technique, where the hands are held a few centimetres away from the recipient's body, for some or all of the positions. The hands are usually kept still for 3 to 5 minutes before moving to the next position. Overall, the hand positions usually give a general coverage of the head, the front and back of the torso, the knees and feet. Between 12 and 20 positions are used, with the whole treatment lasting 45 to 90 minutes.

Some practitioners use a fixed set of hand positions. Others use their intuition to guide them as to where treatment is needed,sometimes starting the treatment with a "scan" of the recipient to find such areas. The intuitive approach might also lead to individual positions being treated for much shorter or longer periods of time.

It is reported that the recipient often feels warmth or tingling in the area being treated, even when a non-touching approach is being used. A state of deep relaxation, combined with a general feeling of well-being, is usually the most noticeable immediate effect of the treatment, although emotional releases can also occur. As the Reiki treatment is said to be stimulating natural healing processes, instantaneous "cures" of specific health problems are not usually observed. A series of three or more treatments, typically at intervals of 1 to 7 days, is usually recommended if a chronic condition is being addressed. Regular treatments, on an on-going basis, can be used with the aim of maintaining well-being. The interval between such treatments is typically in the range of 1 to 4 weeks, except in the case of self-treatment when a daily practice is common.

Localized treatment

Localized Reiki treatments involve the practitioner's hands being held on or near a specific part of the body. Recent injuries are usually treated in this way,with the site of injury being targeted. There is great variation in the duration of such treatments, though 20 minutes might be typical.

Some practitioners use localized treatments for certain ailments, and some publications have tabulated appropriate hand positions. However, other practitioners prefer to use the whole body treatment for all chronic conditions, on the grounds that it has a more holistic effect. Another approach is to give a whole body treatment first, followed by a localized treatment.

 Training

The teaching of Reiki outside of Japan is commonly divided into three levels, or degrees.

First degree

The first degree Reiki course teaches the basic theories and procedures. Four "attunements" are given to the student by the teacher.Students learn hand placement positions on the recipient's body that are thought to be most conducive to the process in a whole body treatment. Having completed the first degree course, the participant can treat himself and others with Reiki. The course duration is traditionally four sessions, most often presented in 2, 3, or 4 consecutive days

Second degree

In the second degree Reiki course, the student learns the use of three symbols which are said to enhance the strength and distance over which the effect can be exerted^,Another attunement is given, which is said to further increase the capacity for Reiki to flow through the student, as well as empowering the use of the symbols. Having completed the second level, the student can work without being physically present with the recipient.

Third degree or master training

Through the third degree, or "master training",the student becomes a Reiki Master. (In Reiki terminology, the word "master" does not imply spiritual enlightenment.) One or more attunements are carried out and the student learns a further master-level symbol, called Dai Ko Myo. Having completed the master training, the new Reiki Master can attune other people to Reiki and teach the three degrees of Reiki. The duration of the master training can be anything from a day to a year or more, depending on the school and philosophy of the Reiki Master giving the training.

Variations

There is much variation in training methods, speeds and costs. There is no accreditation body for Reiki, nor any regulation of the practice. Reiki courses can even be taken over the Internet, although Traditionalists state that attunement must be done in person in order to take effect, as the Reiki Master/Teacher doing the attunement must be able to actually touch the energy field of the person being attuned. Some traditionalists maintain that any method that teaches Reiki "quickly" cannot yield as strong an effect, because there is no substitute for experience and patient mastery of the art.

Scientific research

The scientific study of Reiki is complicated by the fact that in order to conduct a placebo-controlled study, one must make the placebo look like the treatment in every respect.

The strongest research conducted as of 2008 has failed to demonstrate that Reiki is an effective treatment for any condition. This systematic review assessed this evidence base, finding nine studies which fit their selection criteria. A modified Jadad score of methodological quality was used, taking into account the difficulty of blinding practitioners. Non-randomized studies were excluded, as the potential for intentional or unintentional bias in such studies is large, rendering the results uninterpretable. Overall, the methodological quality of the evidence base was found wanting, with even high-ranking studies failing fully to control for placebo effects and most studies suffering "methodological flaws such as small sample size, inadequate study design and poor reporting." As trials with such flaws are known to be likely to show exaggerated treatment effects, there is insufficient evidence to indicate that reiki is effective as sole or adjuvant therapy for any medical condition, or that it has any benefits beyond possible placebo effects.

Safety and effectiveness

Concerns about safety in Reiki are similar to those of other unproven alternative medicines. Doctors of medicine and allied health care workers believe that patients might avoid clinically proven treatments for serious conditions in favor of unproven alternative medicines.Reiki practitioners may encourage their clients to consult a medical doctor for serious conditions, stating that Reiki can be used to complement conventional medicine.Clinical trials have not reported any significant adverse effects from the use of Reiki.

The National Council Against Health Fraud suggests that any clinical effect of Reiki may be due to suggestion (the placebo effect),and Reiki has been labelled as a "feel-good" therapy, where recipients themselves do not expect any significant healing effects.

Internal controversies

With the many varied ways that have been used to teach Reiki, there have emerged points of controversy between different groups, teachers and practitioners. Controversies exist on topics such as the nature of the Reiki energy itself, fees charged for courses and treatments, training methods, secrecy of symbols, and attunement methods.

Following the death of Hawayo Takata, through to the mid 1990s, there were rival claims to the title of "Grandmaster" of Reiki. However, this dispute largely evaporated when it was discovered that Takata herself had created the term.

 Catholic Church concerns

In March 2009, the Committee on Doctrine of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a decree (Guidelines for Evaluating Reiki as an Alternative Therapy, 25 March 2009) halting the practice of Reiki by Catholics, including Reiki therapies used in some Catholic retreat centers and hospitals. The conclusion of the decree stated that "since Reiki therapy is not compatible with either Christian teaching or scientific evidence, it would be inappropriate for Catholic institutions, such as Catholic health care facilities and retreat centers, or persons representing the Church, such as Catholic chaplains, to promote or to provide support for Reiki therapy."