What is Reiki?

Chapter 1

Reiki is a Japanese word for “universal life energy” or “spiritual life force.” “Rei” means mysterious, spirit, or universal, and “ki” is the life energy or animating force flowing through all living things (in Chinese, this is known as chi or qi). Reiki is a non-invasive relaxation technique that utilizes the flow of ki/chi to return the body, mind, and spirit to its natural integrated state of health and well-being.

Reiki, being the life force, flows through all living things and can be accessed as a personal tool for healing. With some training and receiving the Reiki attunements, you can self-administer Reiki, empowering yourself to maintain your health and balance. Reiki may also be given by a Reiki practitioner—one who has undergone a series of attunements, training, and an extended period of transformative self-healing so they can effectively transmit this energy to others. The professional practitioner has attained what is known as Reiki III training and may be designated as a Reiki Practitioner, Reiki Master, or Reiki Master Teacher.

Although there are dozens of forms of Reiki, what is most commonly known as Reiki in the Western world comes to us through the lineage of its founder, Dr. Mikao Usui. In March 1922, Dr. Usui (known as Usui Sensei in Japan) received Reiki through Divine enlightenment on Mt. Kurama, a sacred mountain located just north of Kyoto, after an intense extended period of meditation and fasting. He learned to use and transmit this energy to others for spiritual growth and physical healing. Dr. Usui went on to create a system to work with this spiritual energy, which he called Reiki, to heal and teach the work to others.

In the early twentieth century, other forms of hands-on energy healing were already being used in Japan, and some of those systems were even called Reiki. However, the roots of the “laying on of hands” for healing go back much further and find their place in sacred texts and ancient belief systems throughout history. It is not as new age as you might think, as it could be argued that Reiki is a return to ancient traditions of self-empowerment, traditional medicine, and our direct personal relationship with the Divine.

Japanese kanji for Reiki (MLTorok/CanvaPro)

Reiki is not a religious belief, and specific beliefs are not required for the recipient or the practitioner. People of any religious beliefs or no belief may find Reiki a supportive practice. Even skeptics find that a Reiki practice, or even a single session, provides relaxation and calm beyond what the mind can create for itself.

Reiki does not need us to believe in it for it to work. However, if someone is determined to fight the flow of Reiki energy, they will likely succeed, as resistance to energy is also energy. Being of a Divine loving nature, Reiki will never force its way and flow where it is unwanted. That is simply the law of free will, which Reiki will always honor. Reiki, being energy, will flow easily through the open door of the one who invited it. It is highest and best to approach Reiki with an open heart and mind. Nothing more is needed.

The Reiki Principles or Reiki Gokai

Dr. Usui taught five simple Reiki principles, or precepts, known in Japanese as Reiki Gokai (“go,” meaning five; “kai,” meaning shell, principle, society) to assist practitioners, recipients, and students on their Reiki paths. These are not about the words themselves or beliefs in the words, but they are spiritual affirmations that support greater health and vitality and invite happiness through an uplifted mindset:

Just for today, do not anger or worry.
Just for today, be humble.
Today, I will count my many blessings.
Today, I will do my work honestly.
Today, I will be kind to every living creature.
The Reiki Gokai, Dr. Mikao Usui