Reiki (/ˈreɪkiː/?) is a form of energy healing rediscovered in 1922 by Japanese Buddhist Mikao Usui. This Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation also promotes healing. It is administered by “laying on hands” and is based on the idea that an unseen “life force energy” flows through us and is what causes us to be alive.
The awareness of this unseen universal energy flowing through all living things and directly affecting the quality of a person’s health has been part of the wisdom of many cultures since ancient times. This life energy goes by many names: qi in China, ki in Japan, and prana in India. The ancient Hawaiians called it ti or ki. It has been called orgone energy and élan vital, and science refers to it as biofield energy.
When your life energy is low, you may not sleep well, you may be more susceptible to illness and it is more difficult to deal with stress. When your life energy is strong, you feel strong and more rested. You can more easily manage stress and are less likely to get sick.
Reiki uses gentle hands-on-healing to channel “universal life force energy” through the practitioner’s hands to the receiver. Reiki encourages healing by increasing your supply of universal life force energy. Reiki is wise and knows where to go, what to do and never causes harm. It is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. Reiki also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.