What is Reiki?

Reki is a holistic healing art, a meditation technique, and a type of energy/bodywork. The Japanese word Reiki means universal life force energy. It is the life force that flows through everything in the universe - our essence. The word Reiki consists of two parts: "Rei," which pertains to the universal, infinite quality of this energy - that which we call Spirit - and "ki," which is a subset of "rei," referring to the vital life force energy that runs through all living beings. Many people may be more familiar with the Chinese word "chi," which holds the same meaning as "ki." Those acquainted with the martial arts have likely heard of chi. Hindus refer to this same life force energy as "prana." Numerous cultures and religions have named this energy. Reiki, however, is not attached to any specific philosophy or religion and is available to all who wish to learn it. This universal life energy can promote healing and wholeness in every part of one's life and bring balance and harmony to body, mind and spirit. Reiki is a 3,000-year-old healing technique that was rediscovered by Dr. Mikao Usui in the late 1800s.

Reiki energy is life energy in its most effective and vibrant form. This energy has a divine quality to it and includes everything in the world. Reiki energy is not divided into positive and negative energy. When a recipient undergoes a Reiki session, he/she is allowing the energy to be taken into their body and is benefited in the process. The recipients themselves subconsciously regulate the amount of lie energy that is taken in. People who practice Reiki regularly have more energy than others and lead their lives joyfully. Reiki helps the practitioner resolve conflicts that are present within the person making the person more relaxed and energetic. Practicing Reiki improves the over all health of the practitioner. The natural bodily processes of renewal and detoxification are enhanced by Reiki, which helps the body to become more receptive to life energy.

For an individual to channel Reiki he/she must undergo an initiation. Initiation, or attunement is the means by which universal life energy is bestowed on the recipient through a Reiki master. The Reiki master acts as a channel and a link with God to release the healing powers. After initiation if the recipient practices Reiki regularly then the protective power of his protective systems like the immune system is enhanced greatly. Initiation into Reiki allows the practitioner access to universal life energy and he/she uses this energy instead of his own life energy. Initiation/attunement gives the practitioner greater ability to use Reiki energy. After initiation, using Reiki energy does not tire the practitioner any more and protects him/her from any negative manifestations.