Usui Reiki: A Brief Overview of the Reiki Experience

Maybe you’ve heard of Reiki before, and maybe you haven’t. The truth is, even most that have heard of it still don’t really know what it is. As a Reiki practitioner I’d like to help give you a quick overview that may help answer some of your initial questions about Reiki.

Before we go any further I would like to stress that neither a Reiki practitioner nor a Reiki Master are a doctor or medical practitioner of any sort. They cannot diagnose, treat, nor prescribe anything for any client. Reiki is not a substitute for a medical examination, diagnosis, or any other type of medical care. Reiki is much closer related to faith healing, energy healing, and the laying on of hands. While many people swear by these techniques, no specific results can ever be guaranteed.

What is Reiki?

“Reiki” is a Japanese term that’s first syllable, rei, means spirit and second, ki, means energy or power. The word is pronounced like “ray-key”. Many different cultures and spiritual paths recognize this “spirit energy”. Some examples of this are Qi, shakti, prana, lifeforce, divine energy, cosmic consciousness or universal energy.

How does Reiki work?

Reiki is a system for channeling the universal energy. The practitioner channels energy through the body and it is released to the client, most often through the hands. The practitioner treats a client by performing a sequence of hand positions either lightly touching or hovering just above the client’s body. A Reiki Master has attuned a Reiki practitioner to be a channel for this energy. The Usui Reiki system has three levels of attunement. Only Reiki Masters may perform attunements.

How long has Reiki been practiced?

Reiki has been used as a healing method dating back around 2500 years. The rediscovery of the method occurred late in the nineteenth century by a Japanese man named Dr. Mikao Usui. Reiki did not come to the US until 1938.

What does Reiki do?