The Founder

The Australian Academy of Reiki is managed by the founder and principal instructor, Ingrid D’Andrea. Ingrid is a fully qualified Reiki Master/Teacher with over eight years experience in the industry of complementary therapies.

She is a registered member of Australia’s leading Reiki association, the Association of Australian Reiki Professionals, and plays an active role on the ARC Committee of Management. The AARP is a professional arm of the Australian Reiki Connection Inc.

As a previous member of ‘Women of the West’, an organization in Perth dedicated to supporting the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, Ingrid became inspired to educate the medical and health industries about Reiki.

One of Ingrid’s main aims through the Australian Academy of Reiki is to integrate Western conventional medicine and Reiki, especially in Australia. This process is carried out through educating and training medical / health professionals on how they may utilise Reiki to complement treatment plans for their patients/clients. At the academy, Reiki is not promoted as a method to be used instead of conventional medicine, however, it is promoted as a complementary health service. For more information refer to Training.

Being curious about life and people, inspired Ingrid to develop her business in facilitating Life and Executive Mentoring programmes within the community, from corporates to mothers’ groups.

This programme is a vehicle for co-creating a desired outcome, plan, goal, and life design. Ingrid believes that people are able to achieve more in life with less struggle, with the assistance of a mentoring relationship. “We are 100% responsible for what we think, what we believe and how we respond to the events in our lives. To be accountable for the choices we make, is what enables the opportunity to create the changes we desire. Change is easy when we are willing to take action, change what doesn’t work and learn what does.” For more information on how the Life and Mentoring programme can empower you, Contact Us.

Through the Australian Academy of Reiki, she is actively involved in community work with a prominent influence in current research projects developing within the Palliative Care Industry.

The Academy

The Australian Academy of Reiki’s development is based on a journey of truth, love and passion. These three elements have been the driving force behind the motivation to provide the community with the education of this very unique system of healing, ‘Reiki’.

It is the vision at the Australian Academy of Reiki to be of service to the community by educating, practicing and increasing awareness about the system of Reiki. This is carried out in a very ethical and professional manner, and with the utmost of integrity.

The respect for other Reiki teaching organisations and honouring people from other lineages is paramount at the Australian Academy of Reiki. The main focus is awareness that the Reiki community is working towards a common purpose, to help one-self and others.

At the Australian Academy of Reiki, teachers are of the highest standard and our courses are comprehensive and quality assured.

Teachers at the Australian Academy of Reiki strive to keep their own practices and training true to the Usui Reiki Ryoho tradition by ongoing professional and personal development.

Code of Ethics

At the Australian Academy of Reiki, our teachers are members of Australia’s leading Reiki association, the Australian Reiki Connection Inc (ARC Inc).

By personal choice, members of the Australian Reiki Connection Inc. agree to adopt, follow and support the following Code of Ethics of the ARC Inc.:

To respect the inherent dignity of individuals, clients, students, colleagues, other practitioners and people from all walks of life.

To act with integrity and on the basis of a well informed conscience at all times.

To actively practice and promote the Reiki Precepts expounded by Mikao Usui and to continue to honour the Code of Ethics of ARC Inc. which are based upon these precepts.

To conduct treatments and teaching in a responsible manner, consistent with the safety, health and welfare of the community.

To be honest and realistic when making statements about the possible outcomes of Reiki treatments, and whenever possible, to base comments upon reliable information, experience and current research.

To endeavour to improve the community’s understanding of Reiki, its applications, potential benefits and challenges.

To act in fairness, honesty and in good faith towards all people regardless of such factors as personal wealth, race, religion, sexuality, disability, age or national origin.

To assist, wherever appropriate, colleagues, co-workers and Reiki channels in their continuing professional development.

To support ARC Inc. and its members in the application and upholding of this Code of Ethics.

Code of Professional Practice

At the Australian Academy of Reiki, our teachers are members of Australia’s leading Reiki association, the Australian Reiki Connection Inc (ARC Inc).

All teachers and practitioners at the Australian Academy of Reiki adhere to ARC Inc’s Code of Professional Practice.

Members shall conduct their business in accordance with the ARC Inc. Code of Ethics, perform only those complementary Reiki services in which they have been properly trained and qualified.

Members shall not offer medical or psychological opinion, diagnosis or prescription of any kind unless they have been trained in the relevant discipline(s) and are qualified to provide such services.

Members shall advise clients that Reiki is a complementary therapy and recommend that clients seek treatment and/or continue with treatment by qualified practitioners for any medical condition. Members shall make appropriate referral of a client to suitably qualified health practitioners if required.

Members shall encourage clients to take active responsibility for their own health and well being.

Members shall not make negative remarks or implications about other health care practitioners, or other health care techniques and modalities, including conventional medicine.

Members shall provide a safe, clean working environment for Reiki treatments, shall not offer Reiki treatment to a client in locations or under conditions which may compromise or endanger themselves or the client and shall exercise discretion when offering Reiki in cases of emergency.

Members shall outline the process of Reiki treatment to clients and offer an explanation of the methods used, hand positions and any possible implications of Reiki therapy.

Members shall conduct business properly attired. Engagement in aggressive, overly friendly, untoward or unseemly behaviour is strictly forbidden.

Members shall routinely check with the client for any area of the body which they do not want touched. As a firm rule, members shall never place hands on a client’s breast or genital areas or areas of the body to be avoided as indicated by the client.

If a member is working with a client of the opposite sex, the member shall exercise discretion in ensuring a third person is available, and present if required.

Members shall strictly observe client confidentiality.

Members shall develop and keep secure an appropriate system of Client’s Health History & Referrals Records and safeguard these records properly.

Members shall not manipulate clients and students by any means to capture their loyalty or dependency for the member’s own gain.

Members shall aim to provide a fair, honest and equitable service to the community in return for just recompense for the time, skill and knowledge offered. Services offered without fee to charitable organisations and just causes are encouraged.

Members shall adhere to the ARC Inc. Complaint Management & Reporting Process (CMRP) to document factually and clearly any incident and offer a complainant an opportunity to lodge it with ARC Inc.

Members shall display qualifications and their current ARC Inc. membership certificate at their place of practice. In addition, the Code of Ethics, the Code of Professional Practice and the Complaint Management & Reporting Process (CMRP) as well as the ARC Code of Ethics and Mikao Usui’s Original Reiki Precepts should be made available in a folder for clients to inspect.

When Reiki is given to or taught to children, a parent or advocate must be present at all times.

Members will not incorporate any other modalities into their reiki treatment unless contracted by the client to do so.

Reiki

Reiki is an ancient Japanese relaxation and stress reduction technique that promotes healing. It is predominantly administered with the hands on or just above the body and it works by balancing the body on various levels: physically, mentally, emotionally and/or spiritually. Reiki enables the person to re-connect with their true self and rediscover their purpose in life.

As previously defined, Reiki means ‘Spiritual Energy’. It is important to realise that we all have ‘Reiki’ within us (energy of the spirit); it is what keeps us alive. The reason why we choose to receive training from a Reiki Master/Teacher, is to attain a clear understanding of how the Reiki energy functions and to develop an awareness and connection with the energy through physical and energy enhancing techniques. A teacher assists this process of energetic connection by performing a reiju/ attunement (sometimes a few, depending on the level of training). The reiju/ attunement functions as an aid for clearing away energy blockages throughout the body so that we may experience a greater flow of Reiki within us.

Reiki empowers people to take responsibility for their health and wellbeing and is beneficial for all to experience, from young babies to the elderly. It can also be a very powerful technique when used in the management of palliative care. The benefits may range from relief of aches and pains to restoring mental and emotional balance. Reiki may also provide a deep sense of inner peace, well being and wholeness.

Reiki can also be used as a complementary technique to conventional healing methods. For example in the Sporting Industry, when injuries are sustained by professionals or amateurs, Reiki may assist in speeding up the physical healing process and enhance the recovery programmes designed by supporting medical teams. In the Medical Industry, Reiki programmes have been implemented into major hospitals around the world due to its acceptance in conventional medical settings. The major benefits documented in this area are in the relief of pain, the increase in tolerance to medical treatments and the increase rate of recovery periods. Reiki may also be of benefit to physicians working in the Mental Health Industry as a useful technique for relaxation. It may assist patients to achieve a sense of peacefulness and clarity which then enables them to look at their issues from a balanced perspective. Reiki may also be of great benefit in the treatment of depression, stress/trauma, anxiety, abuse and addictions.

Reiki is non-religious. Whilst it is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion or a cult. It is used globally by many religious orders including Christians, Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, and Jews to mention a few. Reiki is unique from the perspective that it works independent of a person’s belief system.

The experience of Reiki is unique to the person receiving/giving the treatment so it’s important not to have any expectations. Even the same individual will have different experiences from one treatment to another. Some of the sensations that may be felt during treatments are: hot/cold, tingling, pulsations, electrical currents or just sheer peacefulness and tranquillity. Whatever your experience, rest assured you are benefiting from Reiki.

Reiki History

Mikao Usui (pictured) is the founder of the system of Reiki. He was born in Japan on the 15th August 1865 in the Yamagata district of Gifu prefecture, Kyoto, in the village of ‘Taniai-mura’, which is now called Miyama-cho.

He was a Tendai Buddhist (a form of buddhism that teaches through the use of sutra chanting, mikkyo (esoteric ritual practice), and zen meditation).

The history of Mikao Usui and that of Reiki is quite unique and complex. Due to Reiki originating in Japan, a much closed country at the time, it wasn’t until the early 1900’s that information about Reiki started to spread into western cultures. As a consequence of this there are many interpretations on the history of Reiki with vast differences on the facts. An outcome of this has also been the development of about 1000 different styles of Reiki (most of them beneficial in their own right) which has given way to different Reiki Lineages.

According to a few surviving students of Mikao Usui, (whose ages range well over 100 years), the system of Reiki as we know it was never called 'Reiki'. It was referred to as Usui-Do or Usui-Teate (meaning Usui hand touch).

In 1927, a year after Usui Sensei’s death (sensei means teacher in Japanese), a memorial stone was erected in his honour at his grave site by a group of his students.
The following information is one of many translations of Mikao Usui’s Memorial Stone.
“In spite of Sensei’s death, Reiki Ryoho must be wide spread and passed on forever. How remarkable of Sensei to spread what he obtained on his own.”

Reiki not only heals diseases, but also amplifies innate abilities, balances the spirit, makes the body healthy, and thus helps achieve happiness.

To teach this to others you should follow the five principles of the Meiji Emperor and contemplate them in your heart.

They should be spoken daily, once in the morning and once in the evening.

1. Don’t get angry today.
2. Don’t worry today.
3. Be grateful today.
4. Work hard today.
5. Be kind to others today.

The ultimate goal is to understand the ancient secret method for gaining happiness (Reiki) and thereby discover an all purpose cure for many ailments.

If these principles are followed you will achieve the great tranquil mind of the ancient sages.

To begin spreading the Reiki system, it is important to start from a place close to you (yourself), don’t start from something distant such as philosophy or logic.

Sit still and in silence every morning and every evening with your hands folded in ‘Gassho’ or ‘Namaste’.

Follow the great principles, and be clean and quiet.

Work on your heart and do things from the quiet space inside of you.

Anyone can access Reiki, because it begins within yourself!

It is said that Mikao Usui referred to his teachings as the ‘Method to Achieve Personal Perfection’. Also referred to as the Reiki precepts (a picture is shown below), they are believed to be the student’s first spiritual teachings.

There are many websites full of information about the History of Mikao Usui and Reiki, some of which are accurate and some not so accurate. So in line with the Australian Academy of Reiki’s vision of educating the community with integrity, we have chosen to direct you to the International House of Reiki’s (IHR) website. Frans and Bronwen Stiene co-founders of the IHR are at the forefront of research coming out of Japan. They are both very dedicated and passionate about their research into the true origins of Reiki and are very open to sharing this information on their website. For further information about the history of Reiki, please visit www.reiki.net.au, and follow the links through Reiki information onto history of Reiki.

Reiki Lineages

Reiki lineage is a record of historical teachers that have passed on their knowledge about the system of Reiki to students over the ages and includes validation of current teachers.

Although the Australian Academy of Reiki has a few lineages, the style we choose to teach and practice is Usui Reiki Ryoho.

Lineage profile for the Australian Academy of Reiki:

Usui Reiki Ryoho – Traditional Japanese Reiki

Usui Mikao (founder of the system)
Kanichi Taketomi (3rd President of the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai)
Kimiko Koyama (6th President of the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai)
Doi Hiroshi (current member of the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai)
Frans Stiene (co-founder of The International House of Reiki)
Ingrid D’Andrea (founder of the Australian Academy of Reiki)

Testimonials

A chance for me to feel special, relaxed and allow my body to be cared for and restored. This is one of those rare moments where the body and mind become one and I felt looked after with the hands of the practitioners as I experienced unique waves of energy. An essential moment when I feel relaxed and clearer about things. Thankyou Alan B

Excellent. The most glorious healing Reiki session I have had. I could relax and feel the healing. My whole body responded by feeling joy with the healing. There was also a letting go of pain in areas I needed work on. Karen A

A lot of good energy came through the hands. Wonderful experience. I feel lighter and more grounded. Great stuff!!! A very soft, comfortable touch. Steve M

Hands were warm and soothing. They certainly had a healing effect which eased my pain and discomfort. Thank you. Andrea C

My first ever Reiki session: Soothing and serene. Warmth of energy, especially around my head; finished feeling calm and my energies are grounded more. Relaxing, lovely atmosphere created. Geoff L

Extremely relaxing experience. Especially for the mind. Was great not to think of anything. Could feel my muscles in skull and neck constantly relax. Tom L

The information presented during the course was most informative and interesting.
It was presented in a very clear and concise manner. There was great emphasis on the practical aspects of Reiki. I thoroughly enjoyed myself especially with the meditations and the practical sessions. Strongly recommend it!! Oliver W

Wow. Totally amazing. Thank you so much for the weekend. I will definitely be back for the other levels. Christian T

Doing the Reiki course was the beginning of my spiritual journey. It was inspirational and I now see things much clearer. Reiki caused an awakening of my intuition. I feel calmer and relaxed. I have more direction as it has made me a stronger person. I enjoy the peacefulness that it’s brought to my everyday life. As a masseur I feel it has enhanced my energy flow when treating clients. Lucy G

Learning Reiki through the Academy was the best choice I have made for myself in a long time. I feel focused and very calm. My aches and pains have subsided – I feel amazing. Thank you so much for your patience and warmth. Inspirational. Adam F

I found the workshop very inspiring and easy to follow. It helped me to better understand my inner energy. During and after the course, I felt very relaxed and at peace with myself. The course gave me self awareness and the ability to look deeper into myself. Mary C

This course has really changed my life. This is a life journey which has allowed me to discover the only way to change our outer world is to change our own inner world first... There is nothing you have to seek outside of yourself, everything lies within”. Which before now would of been a glib quote that I would have gone yea right, however ...the energy of Reiki already exists within you - it is not something you have to receive from somebody else you just need to be attuned to this energy. Reiki is probably the gentlest, most powerful and easiest to learn healing art available. The Reiju is a very peaceful but powerful experience and I am truly grateful for this experience as it has not only played an extremely powerful and positive part in my self discovering journey it has brought some pretty wonderful people into my life. Joyce E