The word Reiki is Japanese and loosely translates to mean “universal life-force energy”. Reiki is an ancient Tibetan form of energy healing rediscovered by a Japanese man called Mikao Usui in the late 19th century. It is a healing modality which helps to promote healing as well as helping to maintain good health. It is a non-intrusive method of providing healing so there is no risk of aggravating any existing physical injury. It is not a massage therapy, but involves only light touch. The premise of Reiki is that the healing energy travels to you, the recipient, through the practitioner’s hands.

Mikao Usui, first rediscovered Reiki when he had a satori (spiritual epiphany) after a 21- day retreat into meditation. Upon discovering that he was able to heal, he began teaching others. There are many stories about Reiki, but they usually trace the lineage back to Usui. Once Reiki arrived in North America through Hawayo Takata, a Japanese woman living in Hawaii, it grew in popularity. (Reiki found its way to Europe as well but the lineage may be different from North America’s.) Reiki is now practiced all over the world.

As stated already, Reiki is not a massage therapy. Reiki is energy that is passed to you through the practitioner during a treatment. Reiki works on all levels – physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual – and therefore heals on all levels.

Physical ailments are often symptoms of problems in the emotional, mental and spiritual selves. Addressing these problems aids physical healing. This is why it is important to heal on all levels. This is also why Reiki treatments are beneficial to everyone. It is not just for those with physical ailments. Reiki can help lift your spirits and make you feel happier.

Receiving Reiki treatments regularly can help you achieve a balance in life and good overall wellbeing. Reiki used on a daily basis can bring you peace and tranquility. A Reiki practitioner will generally use Reiki on themselves as well as on their clients. I have received inspiration at times when I used Reiki on myself. Of course, I receive healing each time as well!

A Reiki practitioner is a channel for Reiki to pass through and heal the recipient. A Reiki practitioner has undergone  an attunement process to open various energy centers in the body through which Reiki passes. They are taught the various hand positions used during treatments.

Essentially, Reiki travels through the practitioner’s head and out through the hands. Since the Reiki practitioner is only a channel for the energy, the practitioner does not use their own energy to aid in treatment. Reiki simply passes through the practitioner. Giving Reiki is an intuitive process. A practitioner may be able to scan and sense where Reiki is needed and will apply Reiki in those areas. Reiki helps both you and me as the energy travels through both of us.