Eastern and Western Reiki
Reiki as practised today has developed along different paths.
Usui Mikao and the origins of Reiki
Mikao Usui developed Reiki in the early 20th century in Japan.
He had a long background in spiritual, philosophical, and meditative disciplines.
Later in life, following an extended period of meditation and retreat on Mount Kurama, he experienced a profound shift that led to the development of Reiki as a system of practice.
In 1922, he established what became known as the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai (Usui Reiki Association).
Western Reiki (Takata lineage)
Most Reiki practised in Australia and the Western world comes through
Hawayo Takata, who learnt Reiki in Japan and introduced it to Hawaii and later the wider world.
Through this process:
Reiki became more widely accessible
some elements were adapted or emphasised differently
This form is commonly referred to as Western Reiki.
Eastern Reiki (Japanese lineage)
The Reiki that remained in Japan continued within the Usui Reiki Association.
For many years it was not widely known outside Japan.
More recently, these approaches have become more accessible and are sometimes referred to as Eastern Reiki.
A combined perspective
Owen’s training includes both Western and Eastern Reiki approaches.
Rather than presenting them as separate systems, they are integrated into a simple, stillness-based approach focused on:
relaxation
balance
and calm awareness
A note on approach
Reiki is best understood through experience.
👉 The emphasis here is on providing a clear, calm, and professional setting in which you can experience it for yourself.
Eastern Reiki has a lot in common with the Stillness Meditation system - both even included poetry. Owen's fascination with Eastern Reiki and its poetry led to a book, Reiki Gyosei Waka. Imperial Meditation Poetry.
At present, Owen offers Reiki therapy but is not accepting new Reiki Students for training.