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Reiki FAQ

What is Reiki?

Reiki is the name given to an ancient hands on system of natural healing for the body, mind, and spirit. It is a system used for stress reduction and relaxation.

What does the name Reiki mean?

The term Reiki is derived from two Japanese syllables, Rei and ki. It is pronounced "Ray Key" and it means universal life force energy. Rei represents the source of this energy, and Ki represents the energy movement within and around us.

Where did Reiki come from?

Reiki as we know it today came from Japan. Dr. Mikao Usui is credited with teaching and developing a system of teaching and practicing Reiki in Japan. In the mid 1920's Dr Usui met Dr. Chujiro Hayashi and together they worked to spread the use of Reiki and treated many. Hawayo Takata, who was born in Hawaii to Japanese parents brought Reikii to the west.

Who discovered Reiki?

No one had to invent or discover Reiki. It has always been readily available but credit to making it known and used again is given to Dr. Mikao Usui in which after 21 days of fasting and meditation on Mt. Kurama in Japan became reacquainted with this energy.

Is Reiki a religion?

No. Reiki does not require you to change or modify your religious beliefs. People from all religious backgrounds make up the body of reiki practitioners, teachers, and receivers of Reiki treatments.

How does one receive Reiki?

Receiving Reiki is pleasant and simple. If you have given permission to your Reiki practitioner to give you a Reiki session, you just need to relax, lie, or sit down comfortably and fully clothed. Your Reiki practitioner will go through a series of hand placements throughout your body and energy fields.

Do you feel anything while receiving Reiki?

Receiving a Reiki treatment is a wonderful, personal experience. Depending on your needs and intention, your session can be different from that of others. The most common experience is feeling deeply relaxed. Some people feel sleepy as Reiki addresses their feelings of stress and worries. You may feel your practitioner's hands heating up, and sometimes they may vibrate. Some people report seeing colors or lights. Regardless of the experience, a Reiki treatment should be a wonderful and soothing experience. Do not think that if you do not experience any of these sensations, the treatment is not working. We are all different and wonderfully made by our Creator. Fortunately, Reiki works for you whether you feel it or not and will always flow to where it is most needed.

Can Reiki do harm?

Reiki can never cause you harm and works to bring about positive changes.

Does Reiki interfere with any doctor's treatments?

No! Reiki is a complementary therapy that is being used by many doctors and cancer centers. It is in no way, shape or form a substitute for your doctor's treatments. Your Reiki practitioner cannot treat, diagnose, or recommend a particular way of action for your particular condition. It is always urged to consult, receive treatment, and follow your doctor's recommendations.

How does Reiki work?

Reiki is like a river flowing. Your Reiki practitioner, by the placement of his or her hands, activates the flow of this beautiful, vibrant, and soothing universal energy to flow to where it is needed the most. Reiki will work whether or not a person believes it. However, if you are not open or receptive of this energy you may not receive its full benefit. It is this energy to do for you, rather than what you expect this energy to do for you. When you set an intention, the treatment will address that specific need.

Who can receive Reiki?

Reiki can help and benefit all including children, pets, and plants. This gift of increased energy and vitality is available to all.

Can animals and plants benefit from receiving Reiki?

Yes! Animals love to be treated with Reiki and are not shy about asking for it when they need it. They are quick to terminate the treatment when they feel that they have received what they need. Plants seem to thrive when they receive Reiki, and there are several studies conducted that examine this.

Where do you learn to practice Reiki?

For you to become a Reiki practitioner, you must receive instruction from a properly trained, attuned teacher. There are many schools worldwide teaching Reiki on the internet. I personally have trained in New Orleans, La. with a Reiki master teacher associated with the International Center for Reiki Training (IRCT).

Where is Reiki used?

Reiki is used in many hospitals and cancer centers. There are also Riki practitioners that offer Reiki in private sessions.