If you’ve been curious about Reiki but aren’t quite sure what it is or how it works, you’re in the right place. Maybe you’ve heard the term before, seen someone practicing it, or even felt the calming effects of a Reiki session but still wonder, “Is Reiki for me?”
For about five years now, I’ve been a Reiki practitioner, and it’s been a beautiful journey. Reiki has helped me with severe back pain relief and anxiety in ways I never expected (but happily welcomed). After less than a year of practicing privately and with family, I knew I had to share Reiki with others.
That’s partially how Mindful Frequency—a healing community and my 1-on-1 Reiki practice began. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to share more about Reiki with you so you can decide if it’s something you’d like to explore it further.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid grasp on what Reiki is, how it can benefit you, and whether it’s something worth exploring on your own healing journey. Let’s take a closer look at the world of Reiki.
Jump To:
- What is Reiki?
- Who Started Reiki?
- What is Reiki Used for?
- What & Who is Reiki Good for?
- How to Determine if Reiki is for You
- How to Get Started with Reiki
- Wrapping Up: Is Reiki Calling You?
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a form of energy healing that originated in Japan. The word itself comes from two Japanese terms: rei, meaning “universal,” and ki, which refers to life force energy. It’s the energy that flows through all living things and is essential for health and well-being. Essentially, Reiki involves the transfer of Universal Life Force energy channeled through the hands of a practitioner to a person (or even animal) open to receive it.
You may have already experienced something similar without realizing it. For example, think back to a time when you were a child and hurt yourself. What did you do? Most likely, you instinctively placed your hand on the wound to soothe the pain. That action is a natural form of Reiki—a subtle exchange of energy. Similarly, parents might kiss a scraped knee to provide comfort and healing. It’s all an energetic connection.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history and origins of Reiki, a great place to start is the International Center for Reiki Training. It offers an in-depth look at the roots of Reiki, its founder, and how the practice has evolved over the years.
Who Started Reiki?
Reiki, as we know it today, is attributed to Dr. Mikao Usui in the early 1900s, but there are many stories about how he came to discover it. One well-known account tells of Usui being asked by one of his students how Jesus performed healing miracles. This question supposedly sparked his curiosity and sent him on a quest to uncover the secrets of hands-on healing.
Determined to find an answer, Usui traveled, studied ancient texts, and immersed himself in Buddhist teachings. Eventually, he undertook a 21-day fasting and meditation self-retreat on Mount Kurama, a sacred site in Japan.
On the final day on Mount Kurama, he had a spiritual experience—some say he was struck by a powerful energy that filled him with insight. In that moment, he understood how to channel healing energy, marking the beginning of Reiki as a structured practice.
Following this revelation, Usui first tested his newfound ability on himself when he stubbed his toe and instinctively placed his hands over it, finding that the pain subsided quickly. The next recorded instance was when he used Reiki to relieve a young girl’s severe mouth pain. Encouraged by these experiences, he then applied Reiki to a beggar suffering from illness in Kyoto, witnessing yet another instance of healing.
These three encounters solidified his belief in Reiki’s power, leading him to refine his techniques and share them with others. His healing touch worked—people reported relief from pain and emotional suffering. Seeing the impact, he refined his techniques and developed a system of hand positions and energy attunements, eventually teaching others to carry on the practice.
Although Usui named the practice “Reiki,” the concept of energy healing dates back far beyond him. For example, African traditional healing practices, like those of the sangomas in South Africa, have long focused on balancing energy for physical and spiritual well-being. Similarly, Native American tribes, have used spiritual practices to channel energy for healing and restore harmony within the body.
What is Reiki Used For?
Reiki can be used for various types of healing—emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual. Many people find that it helps to remove layers of emotional protection built over time. These layers may have developed as a result of life’s challenges, like emotional trauma, past hurts, or a need to protect oneself from outside stressors. Whether it’s anxiety, negative self-talk, or old wounds from childhood, Reiki helps release these energetic blocks.
Think about it this way: Protective layers form as we try to navigate life’s obstacles. If a child experiences teasing or bullying, they may carry emotional scars that affect them for years. Reiki helps clear those scars, allowing one to feel more open and aligned with their true self.
What & Who is Reiki Good For?
People
Reiki is beneficial for anyone seeking healing and relaxation. It’s a versatile tool, often used for stress relief, managing chronic pain, and promoting overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with grief, anxiety, or chronic health issues, Reiki can offer a sense of peace and and relief.
Animals
Did you know that Reiki can also benefit animals? Animals are highly sensitive to energy, and many pet owners find that Reiki helps their pets feel more relaxed, calm, and less stressed. Whether it’s a nervous pet or one recovering from an injury, Reiki can be a powerful aid. For more information, you can explore Animal Reiki here.
Situations
Reiki is not bound by space or time, meaning its energy can reach beyond the present moment. This quality allows practitioners to use Reiki for healing not only past experiences but also future situations. Many people turn to Reiki to clear energy from past traumas or to prepare for upcoming events, such as an important interview, surgery, or significant life changes. For example, a Reiki practitioner might send energy to help calm nerves before a big presentation or clear lingering stress from a past relationship.
Is Reiki Energy Healing Right For You?
Reiki is available to anyone who is open to receiving it. However, it’s important to know that you must be willing to accept the energy for it to be effective. Reiki is not about forcing or pushing energy—it only flows where it is needed and for your highest good. If at any time you decide that Reiki is not for you, you can simply state that internally, and the energy will stop flowing.
Reiki is not tied to any particular religious belief, so it can be explored by people of all faiths. If you have doubts or concerns, it might be helpful to pray or meditate on whether Reiki aligns with your personal values. Trust that your relationship with The Divine is personal, and only you can determine what is best for you.
How to Get Started with Reiki
I started to deepen my Reiki journey by exploring resources online. One of my favorite websites is Reiki Rays, which offers a wealth of knowledge in articles, free books and tutorials for beginners. Another wonderful resource is Reiki Mainstream on YouTube, where you can learn both the basics of Reiki and how to build a Reiki practice or business.
Once you feel comfortable with the fundamentals, you might want to explore formal training. Reiki is typically taught in three levels. Level I focuses on self-healing and learning to channel energy to others through hands-on techniques.
Level II introduces distant healing, allowing practitioners to send Reiki energy across time and space.
Level III is the Master level, where you learn to teach and pass on Reiki to others, as well as deepen your own connection to the energy. There are even college courses that offer Reiki as part of their curriculum. For example, you can explore the University of California – Davis’s Reiki Course.
Wrapping Up: Is Reiki Calling You?
Reiki offers an accessible and natural way to heal the body, mind, and spirit. Whether you’re a beginner or already familiar with energy healing, Reiki has the potential to help you release blocks, alleviate pain, and live a more peaceful life.
I hope this article has given you a deeper understanding of Reiki and its benefits. If you have any questions, feel free to share them in the comments. I’d love to chat with you.
