The word Reiki can be translated from the Japanese to mean “Spiritual energy”. The word refers to energy rather than a system or teachings.

A Reiki practitioner who studies the system of Reiki is taught methods that were developed by the founder Mikao Usui in the early 1900s that utilize “Reiki” to heal the self and become whole.

Influences upon Mikao Usui (1865-1926), and consequently upon his teachings (which are known as the system of Reiki today), came from his Japanese martial arts practice, Shintoism (the traditional Japanese folk religion), Japanese Buddhism (namely Tendai), and Shugendo (a spiritual mountain practice). Naturally the Japanese culture and philosophy that was apparent during Mikao Usui’s lifetime was also a great influence upon what has developed as the system of Reiki.

“Hands-on healing, or ‘Tenohira’ as it’s known traditionally, has been used within the system of Reiki to heal since the early 1900′s. Tenohira is the act of supporting Ki (Energy) to emanate from the palms of the hands for healing purposes. The Ki is not pushed or forced from the hands, it is actually drawn through them by the receiving body. The reason for placing the hands on or near the body is to allow Ki to clear stagnant energy, ultimately resulting in free-flowing Ki. ” 1.

Reiki is becoming increasingly well known in the West for the array of outcomes it can facilitate. Reiki supports the body’s inherent wisdom, vitality and healing capability.

Other benefits to receiving a Reiki treatment, include:

• Relaxes the body and boosts overall vitality;
• Assists in managing stress, grief and life-transitions;
• Assists in breaking down outmoded behavior and self-limiting belief systems;
• Managing chronic/debilitating health issues;
• Pro-active use as a preventative therapy; and
• Bringing balance, harmony, strength and energy to your overall physical, mental and spiritual systems.

1. ‘The Japanese Art of Reiki’, Bronwen & Frans Stiene, 2005.