I Ching · Yin Yang · Usui Reiki
I Ching and Reiki: Applying Yin–Yang Balance to Energy Practice
One Yin and One Yang Are Called the Way · The Twelve Waxing and Waning Hexagrams · Movement and Stillness in Usui Reiki Practice
Usui Reiki emerged in Japan in the 1920s, while the I Ching is one of China's oldest classics. One is relatively recent and the other ancient. Although they may seem unrelated, both address the same question: how can we maintain balance amid change?
This article first clarifies the relationship between the I Ching and yin and yang. It then explains how the twelve waxing and waning hexagrams describe their rise and decline, and explores lessons for personal cultivation from Qian, Kun, Gen and Fu. It next discusses Mikao Usui's connection with I Ching studies, before offering a daily 15-minute Reiki awareness practice focused on balancing movement and stillness.
⚠️ Important notice: “yin-yang balance” in this article is a framework for philosophy and self-awareness, not a medical method. It cannot be used for diagnosis or treatment. For physical or emotional difficulties, consult a registered doctor or registered Chinese medicine practitioner.
At a glance
The I Ching understands change through the waxing and waning of yin and yang; Reiki uses the hands and the Five Reiki Principles to care for body and mind. Their connection lies in a shared attitude to self-cultivation, rather than therapeutic claims: notice whether you lean towards activity or stillness and adjust to the time. “Stop when it is time to stop; move when it is time to move.”
In this article
- What is the I Ching? The 'Classic,' the 'Commentaries,' and the Three Yih (Yi) traditions
- The development of the yin-yang concept in the I Ching
- The characteristics and balance of yin and yang
- The twelve waxing and waning hexagrams: how yin and yang change
- Mikao Usui's Connection with I Ching Studies
- Similarities and Differences Between the I Ching and Usui Reiki
- Self-cultivation insights from four hexagrams: Qian, Kun, Gen and Fu
- Daily movement and stillness balance Reiki awareness practice
- Adapting to the seasons: differences between the I Ching and the 'Inner Classic'
- Rational understanding: philosophy is not therapy
- Related courses
- Frequently asked questions
What is the I Ching
1. What is the I Ching? The 'Classic,' the 'Commentaries,' and the Three Yih (Yi) traditions
The 'Classic' and the 'Commentaries'
The I Ching we are discussing today includes two parts:
- The core text: diagrams and judgments for the sixty-four hexagrams, together with statements for their 384 lines; originally a book of divination.
- Commentaries: Ten later writings explaining the classic, known as the Ten Wings or the Yi Zhuan. They include the Commentary on the Judgements, the Image Commentary, the Commentary on the Words of the Text, the Great Commentary, the Discussion of the Trigrams, the Sequence of the Hexagrams and the Miscellaneous Notes on the Hexagrams.
The I Ching developed from a book of divination into a philosophical classic, largely due to the contributions of the I Ching Commentaries.
The I Ching has three meanings
The Han-dynasty Yi Wei: Qian Zao Du says, “The one name Yi contains three meanings: ease, change and constancy.” Zheng Xuan further summarised these as simplicity, change and constancy:
| The three meanings | Meaning | Guidance for the practice of holistic wellbeing |
|---|---|---|
| Simplicity | The essence of the Dao is simple and clear | Practice need not be complicated; simple daily practice matters most. |
| Changing | All things are constantly changing | Emotions and circumstances will change, low points are not the end |
| Unchanging | There are unchanging patterns amidst change | Find your axis amidst the ups and downs |
Taiji and the Two Fundamental Forces
The first part of the Great Commentary says, “In the Changes there is the Great Ultimate, which gives rise to the Two Forms; the Two Forms give rise to the Four Images; the Four Images give rise to the Eight Trigrams.” The Two Forms are yin and yang. Their combinations produce the eight trigrams, which combine in pairs to form the sixty-four hexagrams.
Origin of Yin Yang
2. The Development of Yin and Yang in the I Ching
“Yin and Yang” Hardly Appear in the Core Text
An often overlooked fact is that the hexagram and line statements of the Zhou Yi almost never use the terms yin and yang. The second nine of Zhong Fu (Inner Truth) contains the word yin in “A crane calls in the shade; its young respond.” Here, yin means shade or a dark place.
“Firm and Yielding” and “Yin and Yang” in the Commentaries
These ideas become widespread in the I Ching commentaries. The Commentary on the Judgment often calls yang and yin lines “firm” and “yielding”, while the first part of the Great Commentary states, “One yin and one yang are called the Way”, making yin and yang a fundamental principle for understanding the universe.
Why Does This Distinction Matter?
This helps us accurately understand: 'Yin and Yang' is a philosophical concept developed by the Yi Ching over a long period, rather than the original words in the text. Understanding 'Yin and Yang' in the context of Reiki practice is an interpretation and application, not the original intention of the ancient text.
Yin & Yang
3. The Qualities and Balance of Yin and Yang
| Yang | Yin |
|---|---|
| Firmness, movement, outwardness and ascent | Softness, stillness, inwardness and descent |
| Sun, day and summer | Moon, night and winter |
| Action, expression and beginnings | Rest, listening and storing |
| Qian (☰, three yang lines) | Kun (☷, three yin lines) |
Balance is not the elimination of one side
I Ching studies emphasise the interdependence and transformation of yin and yang: without day there is no night, and without movement there is no stillness. The ideal is not to favour one alone, but to move when appropriate and be still when appropriate.
The extreme will turn into the opposite
The second part of the Great Commentary says, “When things reach their limit, they change; through change comes a way forward; through a way forward comes endurance.” Yin and yang transform at their extremes: after Qian's six yang lines, Gou brings the birth of one yin line; after Kun's six yin lines, Fu brings the return of one yang line. The twelve waxing and waning hexagrams in the next section clearly illustrate this cycle.
Twelve Sovereign Hexagrams
4. The twelve waxing and waning hexagrams: how do yin and yang increase and decrease?
Han-dynasty I Ching scholars, including Meng Xi, associated twelve hexagrams with the twelve months of the year. These are called the “twelve waxing and waning hexagrams” or “twelve sovereign hexagrams”. Waxing means growth and waning means decline: from Fu to Qian, yang lines gradually increase; from Gou to Kun, yin lines gradually increase.
| Lunar months | The name of the hexagram | Yin and yang changes |
|---|---|---|
| Eleventh lunar month (containing the winter solstice) | Fu (Return: Earth over Thunder) | One yang birth |
| Twelfth lunar month | Lin (Approach: Earth over Lake) | Two yang |
| First lunar month | Tai (Peace: Earth over Heaven) | Three yang lines; yin and yang in equal numbers (“three yang bring harmony”) |
| Second lunar month | Da Zhuang (Great Power: Thunder over Heaven) | Four Yangs |
| Third lunar month | Guai (Breakthrough: Lake over Heaven) | Five Yangs |
| Fourth lunar month | Qian (Heaven over Heaven) | Six Yangs, the Extreme of Yang |
| Fifth lunar month (containing the summer solstice) | Gou (Coming to Meet: Heaven over Wind) | One Yin is born |
| Sixth lunar month | Dun (Retreat: Heaven over Mountain) | Two Yins |
| Seventh lunar month | Pi (Standstill: Heaven over Earth) | Three Yin, yin and yang each half but not intersecting |
| Eighth lunar month | Guan (Contemplation: Wind over Earth) | Four Yin |
| Ninth lunar month | Bo (Splitting Apart: Mountain over Earth) | Five Yin |
| Tenth lunar month | Kun (Earth over Earth) | Six Yin, the extreme of yin |
Lessons for Reiki Practitioners
- At its peak, yang gives rise to yin, and yin gives rise to yang: when you are busiest or most excited, it is time to begin slowing down. Even at your lowest point, the return of a single yang line holds the possibility of renewal.
- Tai (Peace) and Pi (Standstill) both contain equal yin and yang; the difference is whether they interact. Balance involves more than equal quantities: flow and communication also matter.
- Cyclic: the state of the body and mind fluctuates naturally, and one should not deny oneself due to a temporary low point.
To read about Tai and Pi and the saying “adversity gives way to prosperity”, see Reiki and Abundance: Real-Life Experiences 。
Usui & Yi Studies
5. Mikao Usui's Connection with I Ching Studies
The 1927 Memorial Inscription to Usui's Virtues and Accomplishments at Saihoji Temple in Tokyo records Mikao Usui's learning:
“Naturally talented and versatile, he enjoyed reading histories and biographies, medical books, and Buddhist and Christian scriptures. He explored psychology, methods of the immortals, spells, divination and physiognomy, and was well versed in them.”
—Memorial Inscription to Usui's Virtues and Accomplishments
Divination here includes casting hexagrams with yarrow stalks, the traditional use of the I Ching. This suggests Usui was familiar with East Asian I Ching traditions. However, the inscription does not say that he incorporated the I Ching into Reiki teaching; combining the I Ching with Reiki is a later integration and development.
The inscription also records his practice on Mount Kurama and the state described as “the universe is me, and I am the universe”. This experience of connection between humanity and heaven resonates with the I Ching idea of their unity. For the full inscription, see Mikao Usui ; for a complete introduction to Usui Reiki, read What Is Usui Reiki? A Complete Introduction to Mikao Usui and Reiki 。
Compare
6. Similarities and Differences Between the I Ching and Usui Reiki
| Item | I Ching | Usui Reiki |
|---|---|---|
| Period and region | Ancient China: The classic took shape no later than the Western Zhou; the commentaries developed from the Warring States to the early Han period. | Japan, Mikao Usui established a school in Tokyo in 1922 |
| Nature | A philosophical classic, originally a book of divination | An energy practice involving the transmission of Reiki through the hands |
| Core concepts | Yin and yang, change, timing and position | Attunement, hand positions, and the Five Reiki Principles |
| Guidance for personal cultivation | Image commentaries such as “Heaven moves with vigour; the noble person strives unceasingly” | Just today: no anger, no worry, gratitude, diligence, and kindness to others |
| Ways of practising | Reading the classic, reflecting and observing its images | Daily self-healing and practice for others |
| Common Ground | All emphasize maintaining balance in change and putting cultivation into daily life | |
Simply put: the I Ching provides a framework for understanding, and Reiki provides a method for practice. Together, they help you understand why balance is important and know how to take care of yourself daily.
Four Hexagrams
7. Lessons for Personal Cultivation from Four Hexagrams: Qian, Kun, Gen and Fu
Qian (Hexagram 1): Unceasing Self-Cultivation
The Image Commentary says, “Heaven moves with vigour; the noble person strives unceasingly.” This corresponds to “work diligently” in the Five Principles: consistent daily practice is a form of unceasing self-cultivation.
Kun (Hexagram 2): Supporting All Things with Generous Virtue
The Image Commentary says, “The earth's nature is receptive; the noble person supports all things with generous virtue.” The earth holds and accommodates all things. This corresponds to “be kind to others” in the Five Principles and reminds us to accept ourselves generously too.
Gen (Hexagram 52): Stop When It Is Time to Stop; Move When It Is Time to Move
“Gen means stopping. Stop when it is time to stop; move when it is time to move. When movement and stillness each accord with their time, the way is bright.”
—Zhouyi, Gen, Commentary on the Judgment
This is the most practical sentence for balancing yin and yang: stop when you need to, move when you must, and do both in accordance with the timing. Many Hong Kong people are used to only 'moving' and not 'stopping', and Reiki self-healing provides a daily segment of 'stopping' time.
Fu (Hexagram 24): Return After Seven Days
The Judgment says, “Returning along the way, return comes after seven days; it is favourable to have somewhere to go.” The Commentary on the Judgment says, “In Return, do we not see the heart of heaven and earth?” Fu marks the first emergence of a yang line, symbolising return and a new beginning. Even if practice has been interrupted, you can return at any time. The Five Principles begin “just for today” with the same spirit: begin again today.
| Hexagram | Key phrase | Corresponding Reiki principle | Application in Reiki practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qian | Strive unceasingly | Work diligently | Practise self-healing at a regular time each day |
| Kun | Support all things with generous virtue | Be kind to others | Accept yourself and your family with generosity |
| Gen | Stop when it is time to stop; move when it is time to move | Do not be angry; do not worry | Make time to pause amid busyness |
| Fu | Return after seven days | Just for today | Begin again whenever practice has been interrupted |
Daily Practice
Eight, daily movement and stillness balance Reiki awareness practice (15 minutes)
This practice centres on the Gen hexagram's principle that movement and stillness should each happen at the right time. It is a self-awareness practice, rather than a medical method.
- Observe movement and stillness (1 minute): In the morning, ask yourself, is today more 'moving' (anxious, thoughts not settling) or more 'still' (tired, lack of energy)?
- Recite the Five Reiki Principles (1 minute): “Just for today, do not be angry, do not worry, be grateful, work diligently and be kind to others.”
- Self Reiki (10 minutes): Completed Level 1 attunement individuals perform self Reiki hand positions. When moving, cooperate with slow breathing to 'still' yourself; when still, notice the warmth of both hands and slowly awaken. Those who have not yet learned Reiki can place their hands lightly on their chest and meditate.
- Set a balanced action (1 minute): Those who are moving today arrange a short 'still' time, such as walking for 10 minutes after lunch or not checking phone; those who are still arrange a small 'movement' action, such as meeting a friend or tidying up the room.
- Evening review (2 minutes): Record your balance of activity and stillness today. After a week, look back to see your own cycle of waxing and waning.
For hand-position guidance, see 12 Reiki Self-Healing Hand Positions: Ten Minutes a Day to Balance Body and Mind ; for a comparison of quiet sitting and meditation, see Meditation, Seated Practice and Reiki: A Beginner’s Guide 。
Seasons
9. Following the Seasons: Distinguishing I Ching Studies from the Neijing
The familiar saying “nourish yang in spring and summer, and yin in autumn and winter” comes from the Huangdi Neijing, Suwen, in the chapter on regulating the spirit through the four seasons. It belongs to Chinese medical health-preservation theory, rather than the original I Ching. In I Ching studies, “change and adaptation correspond to the four seasons” in the first part of the Great Commentary, and the twelve waxing and waning hexagrams, describe the year's rhythm through the growth and decline of yin and yang.
Reiki practitioners can draw on this spirit of following the seasons: more outward connection and activity when days are longer, and more stillness and rest when days are shorter. This is only a reference for daily rhythms. For specific health-preservation or dietary advice, consult a registered Chinese medicine practitioner.
A Rational View
10. A Reasoned Perspective: Philosophy Is Not Therapy
- The I Ching is a philosophical classic, and yin and yang are a framework for understanding the world. They are not medical theories and cannot be used for diagnosis.
- The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) states that Reiki has not been clearly proven effective for any health purpose and there is no scientific evidence to support the existence of an energy field referred to in Reiki. However, research has not found any harmful effects of Reiki.
- We therefore present the I Ching and Reiki as complementary practices for relaxation, awareness and self-cultivation, rather than treatment.
Further reading: Does Reiki Work? What Research Says About Stress and Sleep 、 Can Reiki help with insomnia, anxiety, and emotions? 。
Courses
XI. Related Courses
| Courses | Related content | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Usui Reiki Level 1 | Two attunements, seated meditation, and self-body Reiki positions | HK$900 |
| Usui Reiki Level 2 | The microcosmic orbit, laws of karma and transformation of old patterns | HK$1,380 |
| Advanced Usui Reiki | Reiki Family Constellations: The I Ching Philosophy; the twelve meridians and meridian time-cycle theory | HK$1,880 |
| Introductory Meditation and Insight Workshop | Mindfulness Foundation, Breathing and Awareness | HK$480 |
For a comparison of all courses, see Our services . For more applications of the I Ching, read The Five Elements and Seven Chakras: An I Ching Perspective and I Ching, Family Constellations and Reiki: Three Approaches to Deeper Healing . For the teacher's background, see Cathy Wong's Healing Journey . If you would first like to experience relaxation, you can book a Reiki session. See Reiki Session Fees and What Happens During a Session 。
FAQ
The I Ching and Reiki: Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Core Text of the I Ching Discuss Yin and Yang?
The hexagram and line statements of the Zhouyi hardly use the words yin and yang. The only occurrence of yin is in the second nine line of Zhong Fu: “A calling crane in the shade.” The concept developed mainly in the I Ching commentaries: the Commentary on the Judgment frequently uses “firm and yielding”, while the Great Commentary states, “One yin and one yang are called the Way.”
What Are the Twelve Waxing and Waning Hexagrams?
The twelve waxing and waning hexagrams were associated with the twelve months by Han-dynasty I Ching scholars such as Meng Xi, showing the growth and decline of yin and yang through the year. From Fu, where one yang line arises, the sequence passes through Lin, Tai, Da Zhuang and Guai to Qian, with six yang lines. It then passes from Gou, where one yin line arises, through Dun, Pi, Guan and Bo to Kun, with six yin lines, repeating cyclically.
Did Mikao Usui Have a Connection with I Ching Studies?
The memorial to Mikao Usui at Saihoji Temple in Tokyo records that he enjoyed histories, biographies, medical texts, and Buddhist and Christian scriptures, and studied incantations, divination and physiognomy. Divination here includes the I Ching method of casting hexagrams with yarrow stalks. The inscription does not state that he incorporated the I Ching into his Reiki teaching.
Must I Know the I Ching to Learn Reiki?
No. Soul Love Center's Usui Reiki Levels 1 and 2 require no I Ching background. I Ching-related content is mainly explained through “Reiki Family Constellations: The I Ching Philosophy” in the advanced course.
Can Yin-Yang Balance Cure Illness?
The yin and yang balance discussed in this article is a philosophical and self-awareness framework, not a medical method. It cannot be used for diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing physical or emotional difficulties, please consult a registered doctor or a registered traditional Chinese physician.
Do the Five Elements Come from the I Ching?
No. The earliest clear account of the Five Elements appears in the Hong Fan (Great Plan) chapter of the Book of Documents. Their integration with the eight trigrams came later, in Han-dynasty image-and-number studies of the I Ching.
For more questions, see Frequently asked questions ; for all articles, see Article library ; for the teacher's explanatory videos, see Videos 。
Important disclaimer: This content is philosophical and holistic wellbeing education and does not constitute medical advice, nor can it replace the diagnosis and treatment of a registered doctor or traditional Chinese physician.
Stop when it is time to stop; move when it is time to move
Understand change through the wisdom of the I Ching and care for yourself through Usui Reiki. To explore how I Ching philosophy is integrated into Reiki practice, discover the advanced course taught personally by Cathy.
