Reiki: Origin, Health Benefits, & What to Expect

In a world brimming with hustle and bustle, it’s no wonder that we all seek a little oasis of calm and healing amidst the chaos. Enter Reiki, a gentle yet powerful practice that’s been whispering its secrets for centuries.

With its roots tracing back to ancient Japan, Reiki is more than just a wellness trend; it’s a timeless art of healing that taps into the energies that flow within and around us. Exciting scientific breakthroughs and bold new theories are helping to integrate traditional Eastern spiritualism with contemporary medicinal practices.

So, if you’re ready to embark on a journey of holistic rejuvenation, this article is your ticket to uncovering the fascinating origins, myriad health benefits, and soothing sensations you can expect from the magical world of Reiki.

What is Reiki?

Reiki, originating from Japan, is a practice that might be the ancient secret to finding balance and healing in our modern world. The word Reiki itself translates to “spiritually guided life force energy.” It’s like a beautiful blend of Japanese words: “rei,” meaning universal or God’s wisdom, and “ki,” which refers to life energy.

This practice has been around for an astonishing 2,500 years, and it’s often compared to other healing arts like acupuncture and acupressure. The fundamental idea behind Reiki is that our bodies are like energetic landscapes, and sometimes, the flow of this energy can get stuck or blocked, leading to everything from stress to physical pain. That’s where Reiki comes in – it’s believed to help remove these energy blockages, promoting relaxation, pain relief, and healing.

Think of Reiki practitioners as energy conductors rather than magicians. They act as channels for this universal life force energy, promoting your body’s innate healing ability. This makes Reiki not just a treatment but a partnership between you, the practitioner, and the energy itself. To tap into this wonderful world of Reiki, you go through a Japanese tradition led by a sensei, which includes a special initiation ceremony called attunement. Once those energy channels are opened through attunement, they remain accessible for the rest of your life.

Here’s the beautiful part: While Reiki has deep spiritual roots and is often compared to meditation, it’s also incredibly adaptable. You can experience its therapeutic benefits without embracing a particular belief system. So, whether you want to soothe your soul or find peace in your hectic life, Reiki might be the key to unlocking your inner healing energy.

Where does Reiki come from?

Reiki history spans centuries and continents, dating back over 2,500 years to ancient Tibetan Sutras. 

In the 1920s, Mikao Usui, known as Usui-Sensei, developed Reiki as a spiritual practice in Japan. Usui’s revelation came after three weeks of fasting and meditation on Mount Kurama, a sacred Japanese mountain, igniting a burst of healing energy within him. He then opened a clinic in Tokyo to share this gift.

After Usui’s passing in the late 1920s, Chujiro Hayashi, one of his master students, founded Hayashi Reiki Kenkyukai, a distinct Reiki style. Hawayo Takata, a Japanese-Hawaiian Reiki master, introduced Usui’s gift to Hawaii in the 1930s, kickstarting its journey to the United States, where it thrived in the 1970s. 

By the mid-1990s, Reiki found its place in medical settings in the U.S., benefiting patients during surgeries, cancer treatments, and battles with AIDS. This journey reflects the enduring power of healing and humanity’s pursuit of well-being.

How does Reiki work?

Reiki, a gentle healing practice, operates on guiding a vital force known as “life force energy” through the body. This energy, believed to connect our bodies to the universal energy field, is channeled by a Reiki practitioner who has undergone formal training in this art. During a Reiki session, the practitioner becomes a conduit between the client and this universal energy, facilitating a unique healing process.

Within the realm of Reiki, the body is seen as a complex system with multiple energy centers, each capable of simultaneously existing in different states of balance or imbalance. The practitioner’s mission is to harmonize these energy centers, working to re-establish equilibrium and initiate the process of healing.

Reiki recognizes that external factors, from daily stressors to life’s challenges, can disrupt the delicate balance of body and mind. Therefore, one of Reiki’s primary objectives is to restore this balance, neutralizing and transforming the discordant energies that hinder our well-being.

A fundamental tenet of Reiki is the interconnectedness of the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of our being. Healing in Reiki isn’t limited to just one facet; it’s a holistic approach that aims to promote overall well-being by reinstating harmony and equilibrium across the body, mind, and soul.

While the exact mechanics of Reiki remain a subject of various theories and discussions, its essence lies in the gentle yet profound impact it has on the interconnected aspects of our existence. Ultimately, Reiki is an art that acknowledges the subtleties of our energy, our innermost being, and our connection to the universe, all working together to foster healing and inner peace.

Biofield theory

A particularly intriguing and exciting development has emerged: the concept of the biofield. This captivating theory proposes that an electromagnetic field envelops every living being, the biofield, extending as far as 15 feet from the physical body. This theory is compelling because it suggests the biofield serves as an energetic blueprint for the body, playing a pivotal role in regulating various physiological functions, according to a study on biofield therapies and psychoneuroimmunology.

Our bodies themselves contribute to the intrigue of the biofield theory. The heart and brain emit electrical fields, while every cell in our body generates magnetic fields. This interconnected web of electromagnetic energies raises fascinating questions about how these fields interact, potentially shedding light on the effectiveness of touch therapies like Reiki.

Furthermore, the biofield isn’t just a passive entity; it’s thought to guide bodily functions actively. In this context, Reiki energy enters the scene as an influential force. Armed with training and intention, Reiki practitioners are believed to gather and direct biofield energy to recipients. This process induces changes in the biofield’s vibrational qualities, subsequently impacting the recipient’s physiological and psychological functions.

Although more research is required in this field, the initial findings are encouraging, and the increasing application of Reiki as a complementary therapy in cancer treatment indicates its growing status among the scientific community. 

Quantum physics

The burgeoning field of quantum physics holds the potential to provide a compelling validation of the fundamental principles of Reiki. 

Quantum physics delves into the intricate behavior of subatomic particles, such as electrons, neutrons, protons, and photons, as well as their interactions with energy and matter. 

At its core, quantum physics explores the very essence of reality at the smallest scales, often revealing phenomena that defy classical physics, including the notion of particles existing in multiple states simultaneously. 

Remarkably, this concept mirrors a foundational belief in Reiki, which suggests that energy can be profoundly influenced by intention and thought, allowing the practitioner to direct energy in a manner that transcends conventional physical limitations.

One of the remarkable findings in quantum physics is the revelation that energy particles can occupy multiple positions simultaneously, a concept often referred to as superposition. Furthermore, it suggests that mere observation or intention can alter the behavior of these particles. In the context of Reiki, this notion aligns remarkably well with the practitioner’s role in channeling and directing energy. 

Just as quantum physics acknowledges that thought or intention can impact the behavior of particles, Reiki practitioners believe that their focused intention can guide and enhance the flow of healing energy.

This convergence between the principles of quantum physics and the practices of Reiki offers an intriguing avenue for validation. The profound effects observed in Reiki may not be purely metaphysical but could find resonance within the intricate world of quantum mechanics. 

As our understanding of quantum physics continues to deepen, it may provide a scientific framework that underscores the transformative power of intention, thought, and energy manipulation, ultimately offering a bridge between the mystical realm of Reiki and the empirical world of modern science.

What are the health benefits of Reiki?

Reiki is your holistic health ally, offering a range of physical and emotional benefits. Think better sleep, an improved mood, and sweet relief from pain – all wrapped up in one practice.

Imagine Reiki as your sleep whisperer, helping you drift into dreamland effortlessly. It’s your mood booster, melting stress away and leaving you feeling zen. And when it comes to pain, Reiki’s gentle touch is like a soothing balm.

What’s the secret to Reiki’s health benefits? Relaxation. Reiki’s specialty is promoting it, and that’s your ticket to healing from the wear and tear of stress, injuries, or illnesses. So whether it’s sleep, mood, or pain relief, Reiki invites you into a world of relaxation, rejuvenation, and overall well-being. Embrace the magic, and start reaping the benefits of Reiki!

Induces Relaxation

Reiki’s ability to induce relaxation can be understood scientifically by examining how it affects our body’s stress response. When we experience stress, our bodies release cortisol, which revs up our “fight or flight” response. When facing immediate danger, this is useful but not so great when stress becomes chronic.

Now, here’s where Reiki comes in. The findings from a study on Biological correlates of Reiki Touch healing suggest that biochemical and physiological changes occur during Reiki sessions leading to more relaxed states. 

So, from a scientific perspective, Reiki helps shift our bodies from a stress-induced state towards a more relaxed and balanced one. It’s like flipping a switch from panic mode to peace mode, allowing us to experience deep relaxation, reduced stress, and all the wonderful benefits of it, like improved mood and better sleep.

Another promising study by Nicola Mackay, Stig Hansen, and Oona McFarlane on the Autonomic Nervous System suggests that Reiki significantly affects this system, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac sensitivity.

Improves Mood 

The world needs mood-improving therapies like Reiki because today’s fast-paced and often stressful lifestyles can affect our mental well-being. 

Work, relationships, and daily life pressures can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mood-related issues. Therapies like Reiki provide holistic and natural ways to alleviate these emotional challenges, offering a much-needed balance and respite in our hectic world.

The 2019 study by Dyer, N., Baldwin, A., & Rand, W. Large-Scale Effectiveness Trial of Reiki for Physical and Psychological Health had very positive findings suggesting that a single session of Reiki improves multiple variables related to physical and psychological health.

Reiki can help individuals find inner peace, reduce stress, and improve their overall mental health, contributing to a happier, healthier, and more harmonious world.

Alleviates Pain

Reiki is a versatile practice for alleviating a wide range of pain types. It offers relief from chronic conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines, and acute pain stemming from injuries, surgeries, or recent traumas.

Moreover, Reiki extends its soothing touch to emotional pain, helping individuals cope with distress, anxiety, depression, and grief, often manifest as physical discomfort. It also effectively addresses stress-related pain resulting from chronic tension and muscular stress. 

A Meta-analysis of a previous study by the Center for Reiki Research was performed by Melike Demir Doğan in 2018. With 212 participants, the meta-analysis revealed that Reiki was an effective approach to relieving pain.

Furthermore, Reiki serves as a valuable complement to conventional medical treatments, assisting individuals in managing pain associated with illnesses like cancer, autoimmune disorders, and chronic diseases.

What are the risks of Reiki?

While Reiki is generally considered very safe in complementary therapy, there are some potential risks to be aware of.

While Reiki is considered a safe practice, accidents and lawsuits could happen. Reiki insurance protects practitioners from the financial fallouts of lawsuits or claims like a client alleging side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or headaches from the session. Claims could also arise simply from a client falling on your premises and falling off of a table.

Reiki should never be invasive, and practitioners should have hands-on training with a qualified Reiki master to deliver the treatment effectively. Building trust with your Reiki practitioner and keeping them informed about any underlying health conditions you may have can also help mitigate potential issues during the session.

Some individuals might experience a temporary intensification of symptoms or an unexpected increase in nervous system activation during or after a Reiki session. Therefore, if you have known disorders like severe anxiety or PTSD, discussing Reiki with your primary mental health provider first is advisable.

Lastly, it’s essential to remember that mainstream medicine considers Reiki a complementary therapy intended to be used alongside standard medical care, not as a replacement. Maintaining ongoing medical treatments and consulting with your healthcare provider for a holistic approach to your well-being is vital.

What happens during a Reiki session?

A Reiki session is a wonderfully gentle and relaxing experience that unfolds with care and precision. Every treatment may vary, but typically you are lying on a comfy treatment table or sitting cozily in a chair, ready to relax. Your Reiki practitioner, a trained and empathetic guide, begins by gently moving their hands above your body or using a feather-light touch.

Their hands follow a series of positions, focusing on your head, shoulders, stomach, feet, and the front and back of your torso. Each hand position is held for a few minutes, usually around 3 to 10, tailored to your unique needs. The touch is delicate, never invasive, and there’s no pressure involved.

The palm of your practitioner’s hand could be placed on your forehead or resting gently at the sides of your face. They might also tend to those areas with extra care if you have an injury or surgical scar.

There is usually very little talking during the session, optimizing the tranquil space where you can unwind, with sessions typically lasting between 60 to 90 minutes. 

One key element in this practice is the presence and state of being of your Reiki practitioner. They’ve undergone training that includes methods to maintain their sense of grounding, ensuring that the healing energy flows smoothly and harmoniously.

So, in the soothing cocoon of a Reiki session, you’ll experience a gentle dance of energy where your well-being takes center stage. It’s a moment to relax, rejuvenate, and let the healing powers of Reiki work their magic.

What are some common Reiki techniques?

Reiki comes in various flavors, with six primary types of energy healing techniques at its core:

• Centering: Finding inner balance and calm.
• Clearing: Removing negative energies or blockages.
• Beaming: Sending focused healing energy to specific areas.
• Extracting harmful energy: Safely removing unhealthy energies.
• Infusing: Energizing the body with positive, healing energy.
• Smoothing and raking the aura: Cleansing and revitalizing the energetic field around the body.

These Reiki techniques, each with a unique approach, help Reiki practitioners tailor their sessions to individual needs, fostering physical and emotional well-being.

How should I prepare for a Reiki session?

Preparing for a Reiki session is simple and can enhance your experience. Here’s a handy checklist:

1. Wear clean and comfortable clothing: Opt for loose-fitting attire made of natural fabrics like cotton, linen, or silk. This helps you relax and allows for energy flow during the session.
2. Remove shoes, jewelry, and glasses: Take off your shoes for comfort, and remove jewelry and glasses to ensure they don’t interfere with the session.
3. Switch off your phone: To create a distraction-free zone, turn off your phone or consider leaving it behind. This will help you fully immerse yourself in the healing experience.

What Should I Expect After a Reiki Session?

Following a Reiki massage or session, here’s what you can anticipate experiencing:

1. Stay Hydrated: Just like after a massage, drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and support your body’s natural processes is a good practice.
2. Varied Feelings: Post-session feelings can vary widely. Some individuals may emerge from the session feeling profoundly calm and peaceful, while others might experience a boost of energy.
3. Possible Fatigue: Feeling a bit tired after Reiki isn’t uncommon. Your body might be processing the energy work, so it’s perfectly okay to rest.
4. Self-Reflection: Consider taking a moment for introspection after the session. Many people gain insights or experience emotional releases during or following Reiki.
5. Follow After-Care Instructions: To make the most of your experience, follow any specific after-care instructions provided by your Reiki practitioner. Individual experiences and needs can vary, so their guidance is valuable for your well-being.

Who Can Practice Reiki?

The beauty of Reiki is that it’s open to anyone who has an interest in learning, regardless of age, background, or prior experience. 

The key to becoming a Reiki practitioner is receiving attunement from a Reiki master. This attunement process is a sacred ceremony, believed to open the crown, heart, and palm chakras, establishing a unique and lifelong connection between the student and the teacher. Once an individual has received this attunement, they can practice Reiki for the rest of their life. 

Importantly, this ability remains strong over time; the attunement doesn’t wear off, and the art of practicing Reiki can never be lost. It’s a gift that endures, ready to be shared with those seeking healing and balance.

Learn more about reiki practitioners here