Reiki (ray-key) is a Japanese energy healing technique that promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, and produces an overall healing experience. The word Reiki is broken into two parts of the Japanese Kanji characters: Rei which means “universal ” and Ki which means “life force energy”. Reiki is not affiliated with any particular religion or belief system, but is rather a subtle and effective form of spiritually guided life force energy.
How It’s Performed
The technique is practiced by the laying of hands on or by closely hovering the hands over the receiver’s body. The energy is channeled from the practitioner’s hands and to different areas of the body. Each session is between 30 minutes to an hour long. There is no physical manipulation or massage performed, and the client remains fully clothed during the session. Sessions can also be done remotely, (distant Reiki), since universal energy does not need to abide by the laws of space or time. In this case, the receiver will lay in their own bed for the session. Distant Reiki is just as effective as in person, and may even be preferred. Distant Reiki is recommended if the receiver has a contagious illness, cannot travel, or prefers the safety and comfort of their own home.
Potential Experiences
- Reduced anxiety and increased relaxation
- Elevated mood and emotional well-being
- Decreased pain from acute or chronic disease
- Faster recovery from surgeries or procedures
- Improved sleep and increased energy
- Increased spiritual awareness and peace
Modern History of Reiki
According to William Rand, founder of the International Center for Reiki Training and author of An Evidence Based History of Reiki, the true origin and age of reiki is still unknown. However modern reiki that is practiced today is credited to Mikao Usui. He traveled to Europe and China to pursue education in medicine, psychology and spirituality. Usui became a member of the Rei Jyutu Ka, a metaphysical group dedicated to developing psychic abilities. He also had many jobs including civil servant, company employee and journalist, and he helped rehabilitate prisoners. Eventually he became the secretary to Shinpei Goto, head of the department of health and welfare who later became the mayor of Tokyo. In February of 1922, Usui set out on a quest for spiritual enlightenment by meditating and fasting for 21 days on Mount Kurama in North Kyoto. On the 21st day, He was struck by lightning and when he awoke, he was transformed from a state of weakness and near death to extremely enjoyable and revitalized. Usui was now in a state of high frequency spiritual energy that had given him a new level of awareness. Upon returning to his monastery, he fell and injured his toe. When he placed his hands on his foot, the pain disappeared. It was at this moment that Usui discovered that along with spiritual enlightenment, he also received the gift of healing. In April 1922, he moved to Tokyo and started a healing society that he named Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai (Usui Reiki Healing Method Society) where he taught classes and gave treatments; thus earning the title Usui Sensai (www.Reiki.org)
Research Studies
Effect of Reiki on the stress level of caregivers of patients with cancer: Qualitative and single-blind randomized controlled trial
Yüce, U. Ö., & Taşcı, S. (2021). Effect of Reiki on the stress level of caregivers of patients with cancer: Qualitative and single-blind randomized controlled trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 58, 102708.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229921000492
A Large-Scale Effectiveness Trial of Reiki for Physical and Psychological Health Natalie L. Dyer, Ann L. Baldwin, and William L. Rand.The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.Dec 2019.1156-1162.http://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2019.0022
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2019.0022
The secret art of inviting happiness
The miraculous medicine of all diseases
Just for today, do not anger
Do not worry and be filled with gratitude
Devote yourself to your work. Be kind to people.
Every morning and evening, join your hands in prayer.
Pray these words to your heart
and chant these words with your mouth
Usui Reiki Treatment for the improvement of body and mind
The founder,
Usui Mikao