About Reiki

Reiki (pronounced RAYkey) is the word used to describe the universal version of the energy that flows through each of us (and all living things) and gives us life. The word Reiki was created by Dr. Mikao Usui in the early 1900’s in Japan and is actually made up of two Japanese words:

Ki: Usui used this word to refer to the individualized life force energy which exists within each of us. You may have heard other words to describe this same life force energy; they include Prana, Chi or Qi, breath, spirit, and many others.

Rei: Usui used this word to qualify the life force energy being applied as universal; it is a form of life force energy which can be given to anyone. Think of it like Type O blood which can be given to anyone when they need blood.

The application of this Reiki energy in a therapeutic session has a broad healing effect on the body -- physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Reiki is a natural, gentle and relaxing form of healing that has no unpleasant side effects.

At a very simplified level, Reiki Practitioners receive attunements which allow them to access the supply of Reiki energy and apply it to a client through touch. So, keeping in mind the analogy to Type O Blood used above, a Reiki treatment is a session during which the practitioner provides the client with additional life force energy from that universal supply.

A Reiki Practitioner applies the Reiki Energy by gently touching or hovering their hands near the body. This touch activates the flow of the energy from the universal supply through the hands to the point on the body being touched.

The energy enters the person’s body where their own body determines the best use of the energy. The chakra system then disperses the energy accordingly. It is for this reason that a Reiki Practitioner refrains from any diagnosis, and from setting expectations for specific outcomes of the therapy.