What is Reiki?

What is energy? One concept for the term energy that is often described by someone who performs energy work is that of universal life force energy. The Chinese refer to this as chi, the Hindus call it prana, Hawaiian shamans give it the name mana, and the Japanese call it Reiki, pronounced ray-key.  All living things possess and radiate this energy. Another way to explain the concept of universal life force energy is to use the analogy of The Force from the film Star Wars. The Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi explains to Luke Skywalker that The Force is “an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us, penetrates us; it binds the galaxy together.”

In our culture we have language to describe the energy in ourselves and our environment.  Often we hear people mention that a particular place has a good or bad vibe.  Even if you are talking to someone on the phone it’s possible to sense their mood without seeing the expression on their face. We all have the ability to sense energy.  Some people come by this ability naturally, and others with some training can learn to sense energy.  Really the only thing we need to do is quiet ourselves and open our awareness to what is around us.

So then what is Reiki? Reiki is both a system and an energy. Reiki, the system, is a healing method that manipulates energy flow in the body.  The energy that is Reiki is composed of two Japanese symbols; “rei” representing spiritual wisdom and “ki” meaning life force energy.  This refers to a spiritually guided energy often referred to as universal life force energy. 

The system and energy is combined when it flows through the Reiki practitioner to the client by placing the hands on or over the body. During a session the practitioner uses their hands to scan the client’s energy and to send Reiki.  The more a practitioner scans and sends energy the more sensitive they become to its sensations.  Common sensations for the practitioner and the client are warmth, coolness, tingling and vibration.  Everyone experiences energy in their own way.  A Reiki treatment reduces stress and facilitates healing on all levels (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual), thereby assisting the body’s own natural healing ability.  Reiki is to be used in conjunction with your traditional medical care.  This is not meant to replace your physician or diagnose disease.

By taking a class and learning to become a practitioner, a person learns the system of Reiki in order to send it to themselves, other people, animals, and plants to be used for healing and the highest good.

The International Center for Reiki Training has an extensive website and an excellent description to answer the question "What is Reiki?"

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