What is Reiki? 

Reiki is essentially broken down into two parts: "Rei" and "Ki". Rei represents- Universal, Spirit, mystery and gift.  And Ki represents Energy, life force, talent and feeling.  These two parts combined form the word or ‘Kanji’, which represents universal life force energy. So Reiki is a union with the ‘Universal Spirit’ and your life force energy and in many respects describes what actually occurs when someone is practicing Reiki. 

Reiki is a Japanese healing technique based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. Reiki practitioners believe that everything – the universe, and all sentient beings - consist of spiritual energy. This is our life force – what animates us, interconnects us to each other and is what we tap into for our healing work. Reiki practitioners believe that when a person’s “ki” or energy is strong and free flowing, their body and mind is in a positive state of health. The ultimate goal and benefits associated with Reiki are to feel more balanced, healthier and happier and progress toward a state of self-awareness. 

Reiki practitioners are compassionate facilitators. They work by acting as a channel, allowing the energy present within and around us to flow through themselves and into the recipient. Ultimately, the recipient is the one who does the healing by taking in and assimilating the energy as needed. Part of the healing journey requires that the person to be healed take responsibility for their part in the process.  

This quote by Misa Hopkins (The Root of All Healing) illustrates this point beautifully:  “The human being’s ability to heal is extraordinary. The power of love and intention a person can generate for healing is remarkable. Using the power of your mind and heart is in complete alignment with the law of nature. Bodies regenerate themselves naturally. Sometimes we need to help our bodies remember how to do that healthily and if we choose to do this consciously, we embark on a healing journey.”  

A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including mind, body & spirit.  It creates many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and a sense well being. Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of healing and self-improvement that anyone can use. It has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and always creates a beneficial effect. Reiki is a wonderful tool to use as a complement to traditional and alternative medicine, and is practiced in many hospitals, medical care and therapeutic settings. It should not be a substitute for regular medical care from a qualified professional. However, it can help counteract the side effects of medication, such as nausea and fatigue from chemotherapy, or make it possible to reduce dosages of painkillers because of its own ability to minimize or alleviate discomfort. 

The ability to use Reiki is not taught in the usual sense, but is transferred to the student during a Reiki class. This ability is passed on during an "attunement" given by a Reiki master and allows the student to effortlessly tap into an unlimited supply of "life force energy" to improve one's health and enhance the quality of life.  

While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. It has no dogma, and there is nothing you must believe in order to learn and use Reiki. In fact, Reiki is not dependent on belief at all and will work whether you believe in it or not. Because Reiki comes from God, many people find that using Reiki puts them more in touch with the experience of their religion rather than having only an intellectual concept of it.

While Reiki is not a religion, it is still important to live and act in a way that promotes harmony with others. Dr. Mikao Usui, the founder of the Reiki system of natural healing, recommended that one practice certain simple ethical ideals to promote peace and harmony, which are nearly universal across all cultures.

During a meditation several years after developing Reiki, Dr. Usui decided to add the Reiki Principles to the practice of Reiki. The principles came in part from the five principles of the Meiji emperor of Japan whom Dr. Usui admired. The Ideals were developed to add spiritual balance to Usui Reiki. Their purpose is to help people realize that healing the spirit by consciously deciding to improve oneself is a necessary part of the Reiki healing experience. In order for the Reiki healing energies to have lasting results, the client must accept responsibility for his or her healing and take an active part in it. Therefore, the Usui system of Reiki is more than the use of the Reiki energy. It must also include an active commitment to improve oneself in order for it to be a complete system. The ideals are both guidelines for living a gracious life and virtues worthy of practice for their inherent value.

By:  Jacqueline Windon

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