Reiki practitioner David F. Vennells wrote Reiki for Beginners: Mastering Natural Healing Techniques out of a wish "to share the good health, sense of personal fulfillment, and deeper appreciation of life that I have gained from Reiki." Vennells starts with the story of how his years of suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome were ended with Reiki treatments.
He then explains that "Reiki is the name given to a simple yet profound system of natural healing for body and mind." The name means "life force energy" in Japanese. Although he is a Buddhist, he emphasizes that "there are no belief systems or dogma attached to Reiki." It's a tool that can be used for physical healing, or spiritual growth, depending upon individual needs.
Vennells describes how Reiki was introduced to the Western world, offering brief biographies of the key Masters. He then explains how people can learn Reiki--it's taught personally by a Master to students--focusing on First Degree Reiki. This is the beginning level, and can be quickly learned. Those with First Degree certificates are able to use Reiki for self-treatment and basic healing of others.
He offers numerous suggestions in which Reiki may be used in healing. The twelve basic positions for the hands are described and illustrated. He also explains how Reiki may be used for healing at a distance. Additionally, Vennells provides guidelines for those who plan to go into professional practice.
As well as the actual physical aspects of Reiki, Vennells discusses the five principles, which include "be grateful today" and "be kind to others today," and how to integrate them into daily practice. He talks about the causes and nature of disease, including karma. One chapter includes stories from other practitioners about how they've used Reiki to heal themselves, friends, and clients. He finishes with meditations and visualizations.
An appendix lists sources for finding a Master and various Reiki groups. While Vennells offers tips for preparing to become attuned to practice Reiki and provides guidelines for using it after attunement, people can only obtain their attunement and certificates from a Reiki master, not from his book.
Vennells says that "whatever your spiritual path, or path of personal growth, Reiki can enrich it and bring you closer to your full potential as a human being." Beginners Guide to Reiki is an excellent reference for anyone interested in hands-on healing.
