Reiki

The true historical origins of Reiki are unclear as 'hands-on' healing methods date back thousands of years. Reiki, as known today, originates from early 20th century Japan and attributed to Miako Usui. Usui had a number of professions during his life and is said to have rediscovered Reiki while studying as a Buddhist Monk.

Speculation about Usui's rediscovery of Reiki states that a 21 day period of meditation and enlightenment was his inspiration. However, many people theorise that Usui developed Reiki by incorporating other ancient Eastern healing systems and philosophies such as Chinese Medicine, Chi Gong and Acupuncture. On finding that Reiki worked well on a number of conditions and ailments, Usui opened the first Reiki School in Tokyo during 1922.

One of Usui's students of Reiki was ex-naval officer Dr. Chujiro Hayashi. Dr Hayashi developed the hand position system that is now commonly used in the West. On leaving Usui's school, Dr Hayashi set up his own clinic practising and teaching Reiki. During this time he initiated Hawayo Takata as a Reiki Master. Takata is attributed as bringing Reiki to the Western world after World War II. Reiki was introduced to the UK in the 1980s and has grown in popularity ever since.

Ancient Japanese philosophy states that Reiki is a universal life-energy known as Ki (similar to Chinese qi energy). When this spiritual energy becomes blocked in the body it can cause illness. Reiki therapy aims to restore the energy balance by stimulating the body's natural healing response and helping it to overcome physical, mental and emotional problems.

Reiki practitioners channel an energy source and transmit it through their hands to the person being treated. Rather than treating the symptoms, Reiki looks to the cause of the problem. Reiki practitioners believe that illness is rooted in the subconscious and the therapy treats the mind and body as one.

Reiki can be used as way to de-stress the mind and body as well as helping overcome physical problems. It can aid the body in the release of toxins and help stimulate hormone release (responses to injury and stress), circulation (blood pressure and heart rate) and digestion (secretion of gastric acid).

Be prepared - It is advisable to choose a Reiki practitioner who is a member of, or is accredited by, an association or professional body. This ensures your Reiki session is carried out in a suitable environment and by someone who has received formal training and ongoing development. Members are also bound to a code of ethics and practice. The main Reiki organisations are listed at the foot of this article. On finding a practitioner, ask about their expertise and testimonials from previous clients.

As Reiki is a spiritual method of treatment, most practitioners will give advice about preparing for your session. You may be asked to think about what you hope to accomplish, not only with Reiki but in your life in general. You may want to consider what is preventing you from achieving your goals. Are there any physical, mental or emotional problems you hope to overcome? Do you have any spiritual questions you wish to ask?

Make some notes before you attend about your expectations and concerns. Preparation may begin a few days before and your Reiki practitioner will advise you about these and any other ideas before you attend.

Before your appointment, take a relaxing bath and focus on the goals for your first Reiki session. Don't drink any alcohol. Avoid any activity that requires too much exertion and wear loose, comfortable clothing. Allow plenty of time to get to your appointment; hurrying will affect your physical and mental well-being and be detrimental to the effects of Reiki.


What to expect - At your first session, your Reiki practitioner will spend time discussing your preparation and explain the structure of the therapy. You will then be asked to remove your shoes and socks and any items of jewellery (metallic objects can interfere with Reiki energy). You will not need to undress during your session.

Reiki usually takes place with you lying down but if this proves difficult then it can be carried out with you in a sitting position. The most important thing is that you are comfortable. If you are able to lay down, the first half of the session takes place on your back and then you will turn over on to your front.

Many Reiki practitioners use soothing music, low lighting and natural fragrances to create a relaxing atmosphere. They will then begin to place their hands gently on, or just above, areas of the body. Reiki uses various predetermined hand positions to ensure coverage across the body. Experienced Reiki practitioners may deviate from these positions using their intuition to guide them to specific problem areas.


The Reiki experience differs from one person to the next. Many people have experienced hot and cold sensations on the skin. The practitioner's hands may become hot as the energy flows between them and you. Some people feel heavy while others feel a sense of floating on air. Most would agree that Reiki is deeply relaxing and peaceful.

As Reiki can aid toxin release, it is advisable to drink plenty of water after your session. If you feel tired, make sure you rest. You may experience emotional changes after Reiki and however disruptive this may feel, it is a sign of energy beginning to flow around your body.

Reiki sessions generally last an hour but your first appointment may last longer as the Reiki practitioner discusses the therapy with you.

Practitioner's costs vary from town to town but expect sessions to cost around £40. Check with your local practitioner before making an appointment. Some Reiki practitioners are able to do home visits but be aware this may incur and additional cost.

You may find that you feel the benefits of Reiki from your first treatment and attend on a weekly basis to alleviate stress and invigorate the body. If you have been suffering with a chronic problem over many months then expect the therapy to take longer to work.

Reiki is a safe, non-invasive and gentle therapy that can work alongside other alternative therapies and conventional medicine. Consult with your GP and Reiki practitioner about any problems or concerns you have as they are trained to recognise what can and cannot be treated with the therapy.