What is Reiki ?

Reiki (pronounced Ray-Key) is a method of energy-based hands-on healing which was developed in the early 1900's by Dr. Mikao Usui in Japan. It is a healing art which is passed on from master to student via "attunements", students can begin healing immediately and then progressively develop their skills over the years. The word "Reiki" comes from two Japanese words - "Rei" and "Ki", meaning "Universal life force energy". "Ki" (or "Chi") is the energy force which is within and around us all, the life force of the universe and everything within it. Reiki is not faith healing, it is not tied to any particular religion. It is an energy method of healing which simply requires that the recipient have the desire to be healed. The "attunement" process for a new student simply "switches on" the healing ability which we all have inside of us. Although normally "hands-on", the Reiki healer is "channeling" energy from the universe, and thus the healing process can even be performed even without the presence of the recipient ("distant healing"). Students and practicioners of Reiki try to live their lives by the five "principles" which Dr Usui developed when he first took Reiki into the working class areas of Kyoto, Japan.