What is Reiki?

The practice of Reiki is an original method of healing, developed by Mikao Usui in Japan early in the 20th century. Reiki is a natural healing energy that works on every level, not just the physical, and is understood to promote the body’s regenerative self- healing ability.

‘Reiki’ (ray-key) is Japanese for ‘universal life energy’, a term used to describe a system of natural healing.
This healing tradition was founded by Mikao Usui in the early 20th century and evolved
as a result of his research, experience and dedication. A number of styles of Reiki are now practiced worldwide;
these are all Reiki provided they attune to the Reiki energy, have a direct lineage to Mikao Usui and give in-person training.

Everything has an energy and when this energy flows uninterrupted there is balance and harmony within and around us and we experience a sense of peace and well-being.

The energy variations of Reiki are experienced in many ways, each one being personal to both the giver and receiver of this energy.

Most people see Reiki energy as a healing process that works at bringing us into balance and reinforces the body’s natural ability to heal itself at all levels, whether physical, mental, emotional or spiritual. Although having its foundations in Buddhism, Reiki is open to, and practiced by many irrespective of their belief system.

Reiki becomes a way of life for some whilst others focus on the Reiki healing process. This is what most people think about when they
think of Reiki. Anyone and everyone can benefit from Reiki in the normal course of their life as it has been found to bring help and comfort to people suffering from a range of conditions.

Reiki should not, however, be regarded as a cure for such conditions.
As a natural, complementary form of healing Reiki can support and enhance other forms of treatment both conventional and other therapies.

The method of receiving a Reiki treatment from a practitioner is simple. The recipient remains clothed and lies on a couch or sits on a chair and relaxes. The practitioner gently places their hands, non-intrusively, on or near the body. The whole person is treated rather than specific symptoms.

As Reiki Healing is an energetic practice it is also able to send Reiki – this is called Distance Healing.

Reiki practitioners are not trained in diagnosis and will not offer any diagnosis or prognosis. If people are concerned about their symptoms they should see a doctor.

During a Reiki treatment a person may experience sensations such as heat from the Practitioners hands. With some people however this does not happen but this does not mean that the Reiki hasn’t worked. Reiki is a subtle energy and it could be the following day when the person notices changes.

In general people tend feel relaxed and at peace after a Reiki session. Very occasionally a treatment could stir up buried, deep seated emotions, emotions which are very quickly worked through leaving the person with a feeling of relief, and more at ease.

Reiki is taught by Reiki Masters who have trained in the tradition passed on in person from Master to student. Reiki students go through a process of initiation/attunement to the Reiki energy, enabling them to treat themselves and others, not only from a healing perspective, but also as an aid to personal development and spiritual growth.