Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also supports healing. It is practiced through gentle, hands-on (or hands-near) energy work and is based on the belief that a universal “life force energy” flows through all living beings. When this energy is low, we may feel stressed, unwell, or emotionally off-balance. When it is high, we are more likely to feel healthy, calm, and resilient.
What does the word “Reiki” mean?
The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words:
- Rei, meaning God’s Wisdom or Higher Power
- Ki, meaning life force energy
Together, Reiki translates to “spiritually guided life force energy.”
What does a Reiki session feel like?
A Reiki session often feels deeply calming and restorative. Many people describe sensations of warmth, gentle energy, or a glowing radiance flowing through and around the body. Reiki works holistically—addressing the body, emotions, mind, and spirit—and may create feelings of peace, safety, relaxation, and overall wellbeing.
What are the benefits of Reiki?
Reiki is known to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support the body’s natural healing processes. People often report improved emotional balance, reduced anxiety, better sleep, and a greater sense of inner calm. Reiki can also complement medical or therapeutic treatments by helping ease side effects and support recovery.
Is Reiki safe?
Yes. Reiki is a simple, natural, and safe method of healing and self-improvement. It is non-invasive and can be used alongside other medical or therapeutic approaches. Reiki always works for the highest good and creates a beneficial effect.
Can Reiki help with illness or emotional challenges?
Reiki has been used to support people through a wide range of physical, emotional, and mental challenges. While it is not a substitute for medical care, it can be a powerful complementary practice that supports overall healing and wellbeing.
Who can learn Reiki?
Reiki is available to everyone, regardless of age, background, intellectual ability, or spiritual experience. It has been successfully taught to thousands of people across the world.
How is Reiki learned?
Reiki is not learned in the traditional sense. Instead, the ability to channel Reiki energy is passed on during a Reiki class through a process called an attunement, given by a Reiki Master. This attunement allows the student to access an unlimited supply of life force energy to support healing and personal growth.
Is Reiki a religion?
No. Reiki is spiritual in nature, but it is not a religion. It has no dogma, and there is nothing you need to believe in for Reiki to work. Reiki functions independently of belief and can be practiced by people of all faiths—or none at all. Many people find that Reiki deepens their connection to their own spiritual or religious experience rather than replacing it.
Does Reiki have ethical or spiritual guidelines?
Yes. Mikao Usui, the founder of the Reiki system, introduced the Reiki Ideals—simple ethical principles designed to promote peace, harmony, and spiritual balance. These ideals are nearly universal and echo values found across many cultures.
What are the Reiki Ideals and why are they important?
The Reiki Ideals were added by Mikao Usui after years of practice and meditation. Inspired in part by the principles of the Meiji Emperor of Japan, the ideals emphasize personal responsibility, self-awareness, and conscious self-improvement. They remind us that lasting healing involves not only receiving energy, but also actively participating in our own growth.
Is Reiki more than just energy healing?
Yes. The Usui system of Reiki is both an energetic practice and a path of personal development. While Reiki energy supports healing, the ideals encourage clients and practitioners alike to take an active role in improving their thoughts, actions, and way of living. Together, they form a complete system for holistic wellbeing.