Reiki

Reiki is a gentle wellbeing practice that began in Japan in the early twentieth century. Today, it is used around the world by people who are looking for relaxation, balance, and a greater sense of calm.

The word Reiki is often translated as universal life energy. It is based on the idea that there is a natural energy flowing through all living things. Reiki practitioners use light touch, or hold their hands just above the body, with the intention of supporting relaxation and wellbeing.

Mikao Usui and the Origins of Reiki

Modern Reiki is usually linked to Mikao Usui, a Japanese teacher who lived from 1865 to 1926.

According to the traditional Reiki story, Usui spent time in meditation and spiritual practice on Mount Kurama in Japan. After this experience, he developed a healing method that became known as Usui Reiki Ryoho, which means Usui’s Reiki healing method.

In 1922, Usui began teaching and offering Reiki in Tokyo. His approach combined hands-on healing, meditation, personal development, and simple spiritual principles for daily life.

How Reiki Spread

One of Usui’s students was Chujiro Hayashi, a retired Japanese naval officer. Hayashi helped develop Reiki as a more structured treatment system and opened a Reiki clinic in Tokyo.

Reiki later reached the West through Hawayo Takata, a Japanese-American woman from Hawaii. She learned Reiki in Japan from Hayashi and brought the practice back to Hawaii in the 1930s.

Takata taught Reiki for many years and trained others to become Reiki masters. After her death in 1980, Reiki continued to spread across the United States, Europe, and many other parts of the world.

Reiki Today

Reiki is now practised internationally in many different styles. Some people see it as a spiritual practice. Others use it mainly as a way to relax, reduce stress, and support emotional wellbeing.

A Reiki session is usually calm, quiet, and non-invasive. The client remains fully clothed, and the practitioner gently places their hands either on or near the body.

Reiki is not a replacement for medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. It is best understood as a complementary wellbeing practice that may help people feel calmer, more relaxed, and more centred.

The Five Reiki Principles

Many Reiki traditions also include five simple principles for daily living. These are often used as a focus for reflection and mindfulness:

1. Just for today, do not worry.
2. Just for today, do not anger.
3. Just for today, be grateful.
4. Just for today, work honestly.
5. Just for today, be kind to yourself and others.

These principles reflect the peaceful and mindful nature of Reiki. They remind us to take life one day at a time and to approach ourselves and others with kindness.

A Gentle Practice with Japanese Roots

Although Reiki has developed in many ways since its beginnings, its roots remain connected to Japanese spiritual practice, meditation, and the search for inner balance.

For many people, Reiki offers a quiet space to pause, breathe, and reconnect with a sense of peace.