About Reiki

Reiki (ray-key), translated from the Japanese, means "universal life energy." Reiki is also the name given to a system of natural healing which came to us from Japan by way of a lineage of teachers beginning with Mikao Usui in the late 1800s.

Today, in nearly every country in the world, there exist many different traditions and schools of Reiki. But as different as some of the forms might be from one another, they all have one thing in common—the Reiki energy itself.

This energy is a sustaining, vibrational force of the universe and, in being so, it supports the healing of various conditions, situations, and thoughts. With the connection established by the practitioner, the receiver enters into his or her own individual experience with Reiki as the energy pulsates with the intelligence to go where it is needed, whether that is on a physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual level.

To try and define the experience of Reiki is like trying to capture the essence of love. It is uniquely personal and limitless in its description. That said, there are some benefits of a Reiki treatment which are commonly experienced. They include:

A general feeling of relaxation and well-being

Stress relief

Warmth

A sense of balance

Rejuvenation

Healing of body, mind, emotions, and spirit

The energy of Reiki is manifested according to its relationship with each individual. It might be expressed as a "dance" between the practitioner and her client. It could be understood as the commitment between an experienced and sincere Reiki Master and her student. If a person chooses to be initiated into the system of Reiki healing, she is choosing to open herself to unlimited potential for challenge and growth, because through self-treatment the healing of human experience is supported. Ultimately, whether manifested through a teacher, a student, a practitioner, or a client, Reiki healing, in all its variety of form and structure, is a deeply personal experience.

Mikao Usui developed a system of healing and taught his understanding of "universal life energy" to his students in Japan. One of those students was Chujiro Hayashi, a retired Naval officer and medical doctor. Dr. Hayashi, in turn, taught his particular system of healing to many students of his own, including an enthusiastic Japanese Hawaiian woman named Hawayo Takata. Mrs. Takata is the person responsible for bringing The Usui System of Natural Healing to the West.

As there are many different forms of Reiki being expressed and taught today, it's important that each person carefully inquire into the sincerity and experience of a Reiki practitioner, master, or teacher before embarking on his or her own Reiki journey. Reiki, even in its simplicity and beauty, is a powerful catalyst for change.