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21/2/2026 What is Reiki?Reiki is a system of energy healing using methods transmitted to and received by Japanese Buddhist monk Mikao Usui, legendarily at the end of a 21 day fast and meditation on Mount Kurama in Japan. The simplest translation/definition of the word Reiki is:
A common misconception of Reiki is that it is a practice of ‘doing’ healing to another, or from a receiver or student’s perspective, being ‘done to’ – especially as it’s often thought about these days. Many authors and Reiki practitioners have stated that Mikao Usui did not intend the practice to be a healing practice (to be done to others) but a practice that helps us become more aware of the Reiki (Universal Life Force) energy that already exists within us. One of the first things we learn is that when translated the Japanese word Reiki means 'universal life force' and that:
Over time, the healing aspects of Reiki energy have become more widely acknowledged and practiced in the West. This healing practice is done by placing the hands on or near the recipient with the intention of 'allowing' Reiki energy to flow freely to assist mental, emotional spiritual and/or physical healing. The practitioner acts as a channel for the Reiki energy while placing their hands on or over a series of locations on the recipient’s body. This energy is the life force that permeates the universe. Practitioners can also work remotely (distance healing). Remote techniques are usually taught at the second-degree level. The Usui System of natural healing was introduced to the West by Mrs Hawayo Takata, from Hawaii, who received Reiki training and attunements from Dr Hayashi. Dr Hayashi was trained and attuned by Mikao Usui. Dr Hayashi had a Reiki clinic in Tokyo. Mrs Takata was visiting relatives in Japan and had successful treatments for a chronic illness at Dr Hayashi’s Clinic. Medically trained, Dr Hayashi is credited with formalizing the system of hand positions and levels for use in a more clinical health-oriented practice. Reiki has elements based on the traditions of Asian medicine and martial arts which have given rise to acupuncture, chi gong, tai chi and similar practices, as well as various holistic medicine and healing modes. Therefore, Reiki is somewhat of a fusion of spiritual healing and some traditional Asian medical, spiritual and health practices. The hand placements correspond to some of those points used in Acupuncture and other practices, but no needles, pressure or massage are used. The Usui system of natural healing has undergone many changes since being introduced to the West, and these days there are many different ‘forms’ of Reiki. The ability to heal physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual imbalances with energy channelled through the hands has historically been viewed as a rare and mystical gift requiring great spiritual achievement. However, this simply is not true. The Usui Reiki system is a simple and powerful system of energy work that anyone can learn to use for developing physical, emotional, mental and spiritual harmony and wholeness in themselves firstly, and for assisting others. There are usually 3 levels of Reiki teachings. The first, Reiki I, introduces students to working with the energy for self healing. This includes specific meditation practices that help deepen awareness of the energy, hand positions for healing self and others, as well as the five Reiki Precepts that guide our practice.
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