Reiki is a universal life force energy that is freely available to every living being on the planet. It is an infinite, ever-flowing energy that moves through all things, sustaining life and promoting balance. Reiki is not bound by time or space and is believed to work on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels.
The modern practice of Reiki is traced back to Mikao Usui, who is said to have rediscovered this ancient healing method in 1922 after a 21-day period of fasting, prayer, and meditation on Mount Kurama in Japan. During this profound experience, he received divine insights into a system of energy healing that could be shared with others. This traditional system became known as Usui Reiki, named in his honor.
The original Reiki Principles
Translation is word for word from the Japanese version provided by Toshitaka Mochizuki, A Japanese Reiki Master.
The secret art of inviting happiness
The miraculous medicine of all diseases
Just for today, do not anger
Do not worry and be filled with gratitude
Devote yourself to your work. Be kind to people.
Every morning and evening, join your hands in prayer.
Pray these words to your heart
and chant these words with your mouth
Usui Reiki Treatment for the improvement of body and mind
The founder
Usui Mikao
Symbolism in Reiki
Reiki is deeply rooted in symbolism, with sacred symbols serving as tools to enhance energy flow, focus intention, and deepen spiritual connection. These symbols are traditionally passed down through Reiki attunements and are considered sacred. Some of the most widely recognized Reiki symbols include:
- Cho Ku Rei (The Power Symbol) – Often drawn as a coil or spiral, this symbol represents strength, focus, and increased energy flow. It is used to amplify Reiki energy, provide protection, and clear blockages.
- Sei He Ki (The Emotional & Mental Healing Symbol) – This symbol resembles a wave or flowing energy and is associated with emotional balance, healing trauma, and enhancing intuition. It is often used for mental clarity and emotional release.
- Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen (The Distance Healing Symbol) – Symbolizing timelessness and connection across space, this symbol allows practitioners to send healing energy to individuals or situations regardless of physical location. It is often used in remote healing sessions.
- Dai Ko Myo (The Master Symbol) – Known as the most sacred Reiki symbol, it represents spiritual enlightenment, divine wisdom, and empowerment. It is primarily used by Reiki Masters to enhance healing abilities and deepen spiritual awareness.
- Raku (The Completion Symbol) – This lightning-shaped symbol is used at the end of attunements to ground energy, seal the healing process, and provide a strong connection to Earth energy.
These symbols serve as spiritual keys that help Reiki practitioners align with the universal life force and channel energy more effectively. While they are not required for Reiki to function, they provide structure and intention, strengthening the healing process.
Differences in Reiki Practices
There are those practices that have created some elaborate symbols, hand gestures, and other physical actions to incorporate believing in the power assigned to each. This is the key to the power of Reiki, intention, imagination, and faith, by both the practitioner and the client. Without it, there is no positive result.
You do not have to use symbols. Your most powerful tool is you, your faith, imagination and dedication to setting healthy intentions for providing self and others energy. When you send you receive. Practicing Reiki provides benefits for both sides.
Those who claim it does not work, are those who do not have faith in the power of energy healing. Faith healing is as old as history. The essence of faith healing is the belief that the practitioner can provide the healing power. This includes faith in doctors and the medicines they prescribe. It is so powerful that a placebo can create the healing one seeks if the faith is strong enough.
What is an attunement?
The practice of providing an energy source, attuned to the individual. The practitioner of Reiki, no matter the form, offers an attunement to another who is eager to begin learning how to access this energy source. Intent and imagination remain key to this process.
The practitioner enters the meditative state, breath work and visualization. Setting the intent to provide this energy source to another. Depending on the practitioner, this remote or in person session, may take 2 minutes or 30 minutes.
A practitioner may use remote sending. The practitioner may ask for a photo of the individual, using it as an anchor and substitute for the person. Another choice for conducting sessions are in person, at the practitioner’s office or video. Each practitioner has developed her/his way of providing the attunement and the treatment to the intended individual.
By stating a simple statement: I accept the Reiki attunement provided to me by (person offering). Relaxing, opening to the flow you receive the energy offered. This works for both attunement and treatment.
Faith is the core to all healing and receiving energy from another. Both people must hold the intent and the willingness to provide/receive.
Evolution and Modern Reiki Modalities
Since the first Reiki healing session conducted by Sensei Usui, Reiki has evolved into numerous branches and modalities. Some of the most well-known styles include:
- Usui Reiki – The original form, passed down through a lineage of practitioners.
- Karuna Reiki – Developed by William Lee Rand, this system focuses on deep emotional healing and compassion.
- Gendai Reiki – A modernized Japanese Reiki system integrating traditional methods with contemporary practices.
- Rainbow Reiki – An advanced system incorporating chakra work and spiritual growth techniques.
- Kundalini Reiki – A style that combines Reiki energy with Kundalini awakening principles.
- Practical Reiki – A simplified, intuitive approach that removes the need for traditional symbols and rituals.
These are just a few of the many Reiki modalities that exist today. As this practice continues to expand across cultures and spiritual traditions, new styles and techniques emerge, each offering unique perspectives on channeling this divine energy. Despite the variations, all Reiki systems share the core belief in using universal energy to promote healing, balance, and personal transformation.
Reiki use in Traditional Medicine
Over the past 20 years or so Reiki has been incorporated as a complimentary treatment in various traditional medical settings. The practice of energy healing has offered many benefits for treating diseases.
According to Medical News Today, it is used in over 800 hospitals in the United States. Patients find it relaxing, calming, and reduction in pain, anxiety, and emotional stress. There is no direct scientific research to support the claims of patients.
Research conducted over the years regarding faith healing has shown the same benefits in treatment of chronic diseases. Though there are those who readily disclaim the results, citing misdiagnosis as the most common reason for healing.
Because the practice of Reiki includes meditation, relaxation, and a grounding to calm, it is beneficial to those with anxiety, stress disorders, depression, and those with trauma related anxiety. Teaching someone how to sit, breathe and focus is a great skill to utilize.
Ethics
A practitioner/teacher/master should never provide healing energy to anyone without their permission. This is a violation against another’s life choices. We do not take those choices from them.
Nor should any “healer” claim a cure or healing. The practitioner is not the healer, the client/patient is the healer. The practitioner is the provider and guide of the energy source.
There are those who hold the belief that Reiki is sold and used for personal gain. When personal gain enters the practice, the spiritual purpose is destroyed. This can bring harm to all involved. Karma is an energetic force of her own.
However, the practitioner may charge for her/his time. Personally I like to include a lifestyle coaching session with the treatment. My reasoning is simple: you cannot continue the same practice that caused the damage. Repeating the same mistakes, you are undoing the energy healing that occurred. Think of it as continuously picking the scab from a wound. It will never heal.
I like business as well as the next, however, I am not the permanent solution, I am your guide to teach you how to harness your healing power from within.
Final Thoughts
Reiki is a powerful and accessible tool for self-care, healing, and spiritual growth. Whether experienced as a hands-on healing session, remote or practiced independently, Reiki allows individuals to connect with the universal flow of energy for balance, clarity, and renewal.
For those interested in learning more, there are countless books, websites, and training courses dedicated to Sensei Usui’s teachings and the evolution of Reiki as a holistic healing practice. Whether you seek physical healing, emotional release, or spiritual awakening, Reiki remains a timeless and universal practice open to all.
As a practitioner I have an extensive library, staying on top of the research, skills, and even the negative press that you will find when you do your research. I offer a complimentary session, full instructions, after which we can schedule appointments to set up for the coaching. Use this link to contact me.
Disclaimer:
Reiki is not a cure for disease. Do not stop seeing your medical professionals. Do not stop taking your medications. Reiki is simply the use of energy, always flowing and cleansing your energy field.
As a Reiki practitioner I hold to the creed: Do no harm. For me this means I will never say that I can offer you a cure, a miracle, or provide you with false facts.
Resources to further your education
Reiki Rays offers podcast, education, and other resources. (I am not affiliated, however, I have taken advantage of the information and education offered for the last 25 years.)
Harvard Medical School: Faith and healing
Or Google, Yahoo and Bing Search for Reiki. The resources, information is endless. Loads of Books are available. Alibris & Thrift Books both offer reduced price titles.
Reiki Sessions and Attunement
Ready to experience Reiki for yourself, or would you like to become a practitioner? Contact me for purchase details. Or you can go to my ASP on Patreon to purchase your first 3 session package.
