Many people try to describe or define Reiki, but words often do little justice to the experience of Reiki. NOTE: This post is related to the main All About Reiki post.

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a Japanese word (pronounced ray’ key). The meaning of each syllable of the word is as follows: Rei – universal. Ki – life energy. Therefore the word Reiki means Universal Life Energy, and is a natural healing method that balances energy in the body on multiple levels: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Believed to be based on ancient Tibetan healing techniques, Reiki was founded by a Japanese Buddhist named Dr. Mikao Usui. The source of Reiki energy is the Universe or the Creative Source – not the practitioner. Reiki can be used alone, or as a complement to other therapies.

Additionally, Reiki can be used for self-treatment. In fact, many people become Level I/First Degree Reiki Practitioners, in order to treat their own chronic ailments. David Vennells, the author of *Reiki for Beginners is an excellent example of someone who started this way.

Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through affiliate links (marked with asterisks) in this post.

Reiki Is Not:

>Reiki is not a religion, or a belief system. It does not require affiliation with a specific religion to become a practitioner or receive sessions
>Reiki does not conflict or interfere with the faith or religion of the client or practitioner
>Reiki does not require that the client, nor the practitioner believe in it, in order to be effective. Reiki works, even on the strongest of skeptics

What is Energy or Ki?

I have explored energy previously in the various posts on Qigong. However to review:
>Energy or Ki is the vital/universal life force that exists in every living thing
>Energy is known as “chi”/”Qi” in China, “prana” in India, “mana” in Hawaii, and “ni” to the Lakota Sioux Native American Tribe
>Energy is in and all around us: In trees, water, plants, wildlife, etc.