Over a century ago, Dr Mikao Usui, a distinguished Japanese scholar, researched many ancient sources in search of a method of healing through the hands that had been practiced in olden times.

Eventually, after learning and studying many languages, he discovered a formula in obscure Sanskrit writings. Following a 21-day meditation on Mt Kuryama near Kyoto, Japan, he received a remarkable confirmation of the healing properties of the energy renewal system he called 'Reiki'.

After fulfilling a seven year mission in a beggars' camp, he set about teaching Reiki and trained as his successor Dr Chujiro Hayashi of Tokyo, a retired naval officer who died in 1941.

Dr Hayashi appointed Mrs Hawayo Takata of Hawaii to ensure the survival of the technique during and after World War II.

In the decade before her death in 1980, Mrs Takata started teaching in mainland USA and trained the Rev Beth Gray as the first western Reiki Master in 1973.

The original traditions of Reiki have been faithfully preserved within the Usui Reiki Network internationally in direct lineage by Beth Gray's understudy, Barbara McGregor.

Barbara McGregor is based in Australia and is the founder of WellBeing magazine. She is a member of ATMS and the Orthomolecular Medicine Association. Director of the Usui Reiki Network, she has trained over 12,000 Reiki graduates on three continents since 1990, following her apprenticeship from 1984-90 with Beth Gray.

Keven Duff, BA, studied Biomedical Anthropology and Biochemistry at the University of Pennsylvania (USA) and is now resident in Hong Kong and teaching Reiki in Asia, USA and Australia. She specialises in advanced forms of bodywork and is a certified NLP therapist. Ms Duff has been practicing Reiki since 1991 and completed a five year Reiki teaching apprenticeship in Asia and Australia with Barbara McGregor in 1996.

Our teachers have been extensively trained to impart the wisdom of Reiki in a memorable and uplifting way. They are each uniquely qualified in advanced techniques of communication, healing and spirituality, to bring authority and conviction to the teachings. Starting from Beth Gray, our teachers have trained directly over 30,000 people in the art of Reiki.