Reiki is a system of energy healing first formally developed in 1922 by Dr. Mikao Usui during a Buddhist retreat in Japan. In its modern form, Western Reiki, it was introduced by Hawayo Takata in the late 1930s and by the 1970s had become widespread across the US.
Reiki healing involves the use of “universal energy”, or chi, to heal the body and soul and bring both the patient and practitioner into greater attunement and understanding with the universe. Chi is the energy which exists in all things, the basis for all vitality to be found in life. In martial arts and healing it is the source of physical well-being, and in a more philosophical sense it is considered to be the force that drives creativity, enlightenment, and positive accomplishment.
Reiki healers, once attuned to the universal energy, can direct it as needed to heal the physical, emotional, spiritual and mental ailments of the patient. This can happen in person, guided by the laying on of hands, or from a distance. The energy fields of the patient can enhance the body’s natural healing process once the Reiki process has brought the chi into harmony.
To become a Reiki healer, one must become attuned. This is when a Reiki master lays hands on the prospective student and brings their chi into alignment with the Reiki energies, both strengthening their energy system and opening new pathways through which Reiki energy can flow. Then the healer is prepared to learn various ways of directing this energy to benefit themselves, the patient, and the universe.
A Reiki healer directs the Reiki energies to flow through the energy field of the patient, bringing their energy into balance. The healer can use their hands to direct the healing and guide the energies, either through direct touch or through touching the energy field from a distance. Usually the patient lies on a massage table and relaxes while their field is being adjusted. Many people experience warmth, tingling, and other pleasant physical sensations from the changes to their energy field.
The positive effects of Reiki can improve every aspect of a person’s being through the healing of their energy field and the harmonization of their chi!
