What Is REIKI?

The Japanese Kanji for “REI” meaning universal or all inclusive:

The Japanese Kanji for “KI”
meaning energy or force

When a person experiences pain he usually puts his hand on the painful area. When a child brings his injury to his mother, he wants her to kiss it and “make it all better”. When a child is ill or feverish, maternal instinct tells a mother to place her hands on her child’s brow. When one offers comfort or sympathy to a friend, it almost always involves touch—a hand on the arm, holding a hand, or an arm around the shoulder. Human touch offers caring, love, warmth, and healing. This is the basis for all touch/healing techniques.

REIKI is based on an ancient form of healing described in several Eastern traditions. The name REIKI is Japanese and was applied to the practice in the late 1800’s by Mikao Usui after he rediscovered it and put it into practice in Kyoto, Japan. It is a two part word comprised of the Kanji “REI” meaning universal or all inclusive, and the Kanji “KI” meaning energy or force. This energy or force has been referred to as “chi” in Chinese medicine, “prana” in Yoga and Ayurvedic medicine, and in the West as “the vital force”.

REIKI is not a religion, nor is it associated with any religious organization. The energy of REIKI is much older than any religion. It is “out there,” available to everyone. A REIKI practitioner only focuses the energy: she is not the source or the creator of this energy. After being taught to focus or direct the energy, the REIKI practitioner needs only to place her hands in position, and the healing energy of REIKI flows from the source, through the practitioner, to the recipient.

Research has demonstrated that REIKI effectively lowers blood pressure, decreases anxiety, increases relaxation, and boosts the immune system. It is completely safe, non-invasive, and very easy to do. It does not require undressing beyond removing one’s shoes, and often does not even require that. It is usually done with the recipient lying down, but it can be done in the seated position when lying down is not possible.

REIKI is not intended as a substitute for medical or psychological health treatment. It is to be used as a complimentary practice. It does not interfere with medications or medical procedures, but increases their effectiveness in many cases.

REIKI is currently being offered in several local hospitals, especially in the oncology departments. However, as REIKI becomes more well known and gains respect as an alternative therapy, it will be used in all departments to soothe patients and to aid in their more rapid recovery.