After a 3 week fasting retreat on Mount Kumara in Japan in the early 1920s, Mikao Usui developed Reiki. Two Japanese symbols make up the word Reiki, they are Rei, which is Spirit and Ki, which is life force. Therefore, the practice of Reiki is the channeling of the universal Spirit energy, life force. It involves the Reiki practitioner lying on of their hands to channel this energy into the recipients body. During a Reiki treatment, the recipient lies fully clothed upon a couch, the practitioner will then make gentle contact along various parts of the body. There are times when the energy flow channels without actually touching the body. Some practitioners hold a distance of just a few centimeters away from the body. However, Reiki treatments are applicable remotely or by long distance. At these times, the flow of energy focuses on a symbol, which represents the recipient, who is located in a different area.



Reiki practitioners believe that this energy is universal, and does not originate from the practitioner rather it flows freely from the Universe into the top of the head or the crown chakra and continues to flow out through the hands and into the recipient. Since this is Universal energy at work, it can be practiced on oneself as well as learned and used by any number of individuals, no matter their intellect or other abilities.

Reiki is classified as an alternative, harmonizing therapy it is not a religion. By attuning these energy flows within the body, while clearing any blockage of energy, it has a holistic influence. Reiki has no claim of providing immediate relief of any individual pains; there is personal evidence that Reiki is helpful for a vast number of ailments. Reiki works by supporting and stimulating the natural healing process of the body. The recipient must be a willing participant, in order for Reiki to work efficiently, sin any resistance by the recipient will cancel out the effects of a treatment. A variety of physical reactions during Reiki treatments have been reported, such as twitching while no one else may feel a thing, warmth, cold and tingling. Very often, a Reiki treatment provides you with a feeling of relaxation and mental calmness.

Typically, a Reiki session involves the lying on of hands to particular areas of the body for about 3 to 5 minutes, before moving on to the next area. There may be up to 20 different areas to covered, such as the head, the back and front of the torso, the knees and feet. The whole treatment can last anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour and a half. If there is a particular complaint or problem, the treatment can be localized in its focus and intent. Reiki can be practiced in a formal setting as well as an informal setting, which combines with social interaction. At these times, each practitioner may take a turn at being the recipient of such treatments.

Reiki practices may include:

- Kenyoku Ho

This is a practice of cleansing the body, heart and spirit. It involves the sweeping movements of the hands to alternate from the right shoulder to the left hip and then from the left shoulder to the right hip.

- Hatsurei Ho

This is a practice of unifying the body and mind, while purifying the mind. It involves sitting still or the seiza position, while reciting precise, calming verses of poetry.

Keep in mind that it is not recommendable to discontinue any form of treatment in lieu of Reiki treatments, since it does not claim to be a substitute for any form of treatment. Reiki does however, offer various potential benefits. It has been graciously received, since its introduction to the west, in 1938, but Hawayo Takata. Reiki has many powerful advantages, such as being simple to learn and practice, while being non-invasive, with little to no bad side effects and it can be self-administered.

Although, Reiki is not a religion, it does promote more than a few principles of origin, these are attributed to Emperor Meiji, and they include:

Just for today - Be compassionate and honest with yourself and with others.

Just for today - Avoid worrisome anger.

Following these principles are very beneficial and helpful, regardless of the other benefits provided by the practice of Reiki.