Reiki: A Journey of Healing and Energy

by

Austin Perris

Reiki is a spiritual healing practice that originated in Japan in the early 20th century. It is known as a gentle and noninvasive form of energy healing that focuses on transferring universal life force energy through the hands of the practitioner to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Based on ancient philosophies of balance and harmony, Reiki has become a popular complementary therapy for enhancing health and inner peace.

Mikao Usui, a Japanese Buddhist, developed Reiki in the early 1920s. He sought a simple, accessible, and profoundly spiritual healing method. After years of meditation, study, and reflection, he experienced a profound moment of enlightenment on Mount Kurama, where he is said to have learned how to channel healing energy.

The term "Reiki" is derived from two Japanese words:

Rei, meaning "universal" or "spiritual wisdom."

Ki, meaning "life force energy."

Together, Reiki translates to "universal life force energy." It emphasizes that this energy flows through all living beings and can be harnessed for healing.

After Usui developed Reiki, he began teaching and sharing it, eventually spreading beyond Japan. Today, Reiki is practiced globally and continues to evolve while remaining true to its core principles.

At the heart of Reiki is the belief in a universal energy that sustains all life. This energy flows through the body, mind, and spirit, maintaining balance and harmony. When stress, trauma, or illness disrupts or blocks this energy, it can lead to discomfort or disease.

Reiki restores the flow of energy and promotes the body's natural ability to heal itself. It is not tied to any specific religion but is deeply spiritual, focusing on mindfulness, compassion, and connection with universal energy.

The practice is also guided by the Five Principles of Reiki, which serve as a foundation for living a balanced and harmonious life:

Just for today, do not anger.

Just for today, do not worry.

Just for today, be grateful.

Just for today, work hard.

Just for today, be kind to yourself and others.

These principles encourage practitioners to cultivate inner peace and a sense of responsibility for their own well-being.

Reiki is a hands-on healing technique in which the practitioner channels energy through their hands to the recipient. The energy is believed to flow to where it is needed most, promoting balance and healing. Sessions typically involve the following steps:


A Reiki session usually takes place in a quiet, comfortable space. The recipient lies down fully clothed while the practitioner centers themselves, often through meditation, to create a calm and focused state.


The practitioner transfers their energy by placing their hands lightly on or just above the recipient's body, moving through a series of positions corresponding to major energy centers or areas of concern. These positions are often aligned with the body's chakras, the energy centers identified in Eastern traditions.


During the session, the practitioner acts as a conduit for the universal energy, directing it into the recipient's energy field. Recipients may feel warmth, tingling, or deep relaxation, although experiences can vary.


After the session, many people report feeling lighter, calmer, or more balanced. The effects of Reiki may continue to unfold in the days following the session. Reiki is not a replacement for medical treatment but is often used alongside conventional medicine to support healing and recovery.

Reiki is renowned for its holistic approach, addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of well-being. Its benefits include inducing a state of deep relaxation, calming the nervous system, and reducing stress hormones.


By clearing energetic blockages, Reiki helps release negative emotions such as anxiety, anger, or sadness. Reiki supports the body's natural ability to heal by boosting the immune system and promoting circulation.


Many recipients experience relief from chronic pain, headaches, or tension during and after a Reiki session.


Reiki can help alleviate insomnia and promote restful sleep by calming the mind and body. For those on a spiritual path, Reiki deepens self-awareness and fosters a sense of connection with the universe.

Reiki training is divided into three levels, each building on the previous:

Reiki Level 1 (Shoden)
Focuses on self-healing and healing others through direct contact. Practitioners learn basic hand positions and techniques.

Reiki Level 2 (Okuden)
Introduces symbols and mantras to enhance the flow of energy. Practitioners learn how to perform distance healing.

Reiki Level 3/Master Level (Shinpiden)
The highest level focuses on mastery of the practice and teaching others. Practitioners receive the attunements necessary to train new Reiki students.

Reiki has become an increasingly popular complementary therapy offered in wellness centers, hospitals, and private practices worldwide. Many healthcare providers recognize its potential to support patients, particularly in managing chronic conditions, stress, and post-operative recovery.

Scientific studies on Reiki are ongoing, and while its mechanisms are not fully understood, its benefits are widely acknowledged by practitioners and recipients alike.

Reiki is more than just a healing technique; it is a way of life that promotes harmony, self-awareness, and connection with universal energy. Whether you seek relief from stress, support during illness, or simply a moment of peace, Reiki offers a gentle yet powerful path to balance and well-being. As an art and practice, it invites us to embrace the flow of life force energy and trust in the body's innate ability to heal.

For the video "The Untold History of Reiki," click here.