What is Reiki?

Reiki is a spiritual healing art, but the easiest way to explain Reiki, is that it a stress reduction/relaxation technique.

It is not massage nor is it based on belief or suggestion. A Reiki session usually is between 60 and 90 minutes in length. The session is performed by a Reiki Practitioner using specific Reiki hand positions. During a Reiki session, the client is fully clothed while comfortably reclining on a massage table or seated in a chair. A Reiki session aids in stress reduction and it is almost always a very relaxing experience.

Reiki is:
  • A subtle and effective form of energy healing using spiritually guided life force energy 
  • Practiced in every country of the world
  • Being used in many settings including hospitals, hospice, as well as in private practice and in self-care
  • A wonderful complementary modality in a personal wellness or healing program
Reiki is not:
  • Affiliated with any particular religion or religious practice
  • New, it is thousands of years old (at least)
Reiki (pronounced ray-key) comes from two Japanese words, Rei and Ki. "Rei" means universal, but a more specific definition would be God-Consciencenes or Spiritual Wisdom. "Ki" means life energy; it is also known as 'Chi' in Chinese, 'Prana' in Sanskrit, and 'Ti' or 'Ki' in Hawaiian. When combined the two words form, spiritually guided life force. The system was created to give us this full life experience so that we may remember our connection to life and live in alignment with it.

There is much discussion over the history of Mikao Usui. Who he was, how he came to re-discover Reiki, how he taught. If you are interested in this information I recommend that you read:
  • The Japanese Art of Reiki, Bronwen & Frank Stiene, ISBN 1-905047-02-9
  • The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui, Dr. Mikao Usui & Frank Arjava Petter, 
    ISBN 978-0-9149-5557-3
There is a great deal of information also available on the web. I am not going into that much detail here. Although it is important to understand where Reiki comes from, it is not as important as understanding the priniciples and being able to implement them.

There are five (5) principles in Reiki. The wording is different according to which tradition and/or teacher you have. I prefer this one as it is stated in a positive context and may be used as a daily affirmation.

  1. Just for today, I will let go of anger.
  2. Just for today, I will let go of worry.
  3. Today, I will count my many blessings.
  4. Today, I will do my work honestly.
  5. Today, I will be kind to every living creature.