Holistic Therapy
Reiki, pronounced Ray-key, is described by its practitioners as a holistic therapy that promotes healing on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels. Introduced to the Western world in the mid-1970s, it has since gained global recognition.
Origins and Development
Reiki is a spiritual practice that originated in 1922, when Mikao Usui reported receiving the ability to heal without energy depletion after a three-week period of fasting and meditation on Mount Kurama in Japan. After Usui’s passing, one of his students, Chujiro Hayashi, established his own association, where he simplified Reiki teachings—placing greater emphasis on physical healing and introducing a more structured set of techniques.
Understanding Reiki Energy and its Healing Philosophy
The word Reiki comes from two Japanese terms: Rei, meaning “God’s wisdom” or “the higher power,” and Ki, meaning “life force energy.” Together, Reiki translates as “spiritually guided life force energy.” Strictly speaking, it refers to the energy itself, rather than any specific technique.
Reiki treats the whole person—body, emotions, mind, and spirit—promoting relaxation and a sense of peace, security, and well-being.
Reiki energy is regarded as one of the most powerful life energies, carrying the highest vibration. It is believed to be all-encompassing and is seen as a way to address disorders and imbalances arising from a perceived disconnection from the world.
Practice, Belief, and the Spiritual Foundations of Reiki
A key aspect of Reiki is tenohira or palm healing, which is considered a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Practitioners believe they channel healing energy—ki—through their palms. Mikao Usui claimed to have received this spiritual knowledge and healing ability through a mystical revelation, which he then used to both practise and attune others to what is now known as Reiki.
Although Reiki contains spiritual elements, it is not a religion. It has no dogma, and belief is not required to learn or practise it. Reiki is said to work regardless of one’s belief system.
Proponents suggest that an inexhaustible, universal life force energy exists, capable of promoting healing. This energy is believed to be accessible through an attunement process carried out by a Reiki Master. However, the scientific basis for this energy remains unproven.
Applications, Accessibility, and Ongoing Debates
Reiki is used for various health benefits, including pain relief, relaxation, detoxification, immune system support, and emotional and spiritual well-being.
Although Reiki lacks formal accreditation or regulation, courses—both in-person and online—are widely available. Traditional practitioners often insist that in-person attunement is essential for Reiki to be truly effective.
Reiki is accessible to anyone seeking healing, as it is not tied to any particular belief system. Its inclusive nature is rooted in the simple intention to receive healing.
Nonetheless, concerns persist regarding its safety and effectiveness. Many healthcare professionals warn against replacing clinically proven treatments with alternative therapies. As of 2008, research has not produced strong evidence supporting Reiki’s efficacy in treating medical conditions.