What Is Reiki?

Reiki is a form of complementary therapy that originated in Japan. Reiki practitioners believe they can channel a form of life force or subtle energy by positioning their hands on different parts of a client’s body. Reiki treatments are intended to heal physical and mental illnesses and to promote relaxation and good health.

The word reiki (pronounced RAY-kee) comes from two Japanese words: rei, meaning “universal,” and ki, meaning “life energy.” Practitioners believe that Reiki involves tapping into the life energy, or spirit, that flows through all things. The term Reiki is used to refer to both life energy and the technique of tapping into that energy. It is mainly used as a noun, as in “I will give Reiki to her.” However, some also use it as a verb, as in “I will Reiki her.”

Unlike several other alternative or complementary therapies, such as acupuncture and qigong, Reiki isn’t rooted in an ancient tradition. It is a fairly recent practice that began about a hundred years ago in Japan.

Reiki was founded in the early 1900s by Mikao Usui (1865–1926), a Japanese spiritualist. While meditating at Mt. Kurama, a sacred site in Japan, he experienced subtle energy at the top of his head. He believed this experience awakened within him the power to heal. Usui later tried to tap into these vibrations with his hands and attempted to use therapeutic touch on members of his family. Believing he had discovered a new healing technique, he decided to share it with others.

Soon, Usui had 2,000 students who wanted to learn his new healing system. Some of them adapted his technique and brought it to different parts of the world. A Hawaiian woman named Hawayo Takata helped bring Reiki to the West, where she trained other practitioners.

Today, Reiki has several branches that are variations on Usui’s original system. This guide covers the most common form of Reiki practiced in the West. It combines Japanese Reiki with Western Reiki as adapted by Hawayo Takata.

Practitioners use Reiki primarily to help alleviate physical illnesses. Reiki isn’t a cure but rather a complement to conventional medicine. Practitioners believe it clears energy pathways, assists the healing process, and helps with recovery from many diseases, conditions, and injuries, including:

Reiki is also sometimes used to aid those suffering from emotional or mental ailments, including the following:

Reiki has even been used to treat pets. One branch of it was created specifically for animals.

Reiki is not scientifically proven. Though many people find that it provides soothing comfort and relief, research has not affirmed the validity of the technique. It is important to consult with your doctor before starting Reiki treatments.

Some clients find that Reiki helps them heal completely after just a session or two. Others find that ongoing treatments simply give them the relaxation and strength to endure or confront a chronic or terminal condition.