What is Reiki?

The word Reiki (pronounced ray-kee) is from the Japanese language and means universal life force energy. Ki (in Japan), Chi (in China), and Prana (in India) all refer to this same energy that exists within all living things. Many ancient cultures, including the Japanese, Chinese, Indians and Egyptians, embraced the belief that our bodies, minds, emotions/spirit are all deeply affected by the life energy flowing throughout the body. The practice of Reiki works to help balance and align the body’s energy systems, facilitating inner healing processes, and rejuvenating body, mind and spirit.

This healing tradition has ancient origins in the region of Tibet over 2500 years ago, where reference to Reiki as “consciousness” was made in the Buddhist sutras. During the late 1800’s, Dr. Mikao Usui (from Japan) rediscovered this concept of universal life force energy, and subsequently developed techniques now utilized in modern-day practice of this healing art. Over the next century, the practice of Reiki spread first in Japan, and then throughout the world, and was introduced into the Western world and the United States. 

During a Reiki session the recipient remains fully clothed and ideally is in a lying down or reclining posture, while the practitioner places hands on or just above the body in a series of positions, head to toe, front and back of the body. The energy is received by the individual in the areas that most need balancing; body, mind, emotions/spirit are all encompassed. Most people experience profound relaxation during a session; other perceptions may be a feeling of warmth, tingling, vibration or pulsing, and sometimes the person may fall asleep. 

Medical research is verifying that positive benefits for Reiki recipients include pain reduction & relief, decreased anxiety & stress levels, improved sleep, and overall feelings of calm and wellbeing. An increasing number of hospitals and clinical settings worldwide are now incorporating Reiki as a complementary modality to traditional medical treatment.  From hospice programs and cancer treatment centers, to pre- and post-surgical hospital units, inpatient and outpatient settings – these are all areas where Reiki is now being offered and included in treatment plans for patients, as well as for family members and caregivers.

I am certified in the Usui System of Reiki Healing, having trained with 2 Reiki Masters for Levels 1 & 2, and also with the International House of Reiki for Level 3/Reiki Master certification. This gentle, non-invasive technique promotes deep relaxation, which then enhances the body’s own inner healing & restorative abilities. The best way to understand Reiki is to experience it for oneself.