What is Reiki Healing and How does it Work?

Reiki Healing is a form of alternative therapy commonly referred to as energy healing. It emerged in Japan in the late 1800’s and is said to involve the transfer of universal energy from the practitioner’s palms to their patient.

Energy healing has been used for centuries in various forms. Advocates say it works with the energy fields around the body.

Fast facts on Reiki

• Reiki is a form of energy therapy.
• Despite scepticism in some circles, it is growing in popularity.
• It involves the transfer of energy by laying on hands.
• Reiki’s advocates say it can treat many conditions and emotional states.
• Small studies show that Reiki can reduce pain.
• Some hospitals in America and Europe offer Reiki.

What is Reiki?

In Reiki therapy, the practitioner transfers energy by placing their hands over or on the patient. The word “Reiki” means “mysterious atmosphere, miraculous sign.” It comes from the Japanese words “rei” (universal) and “ki” (life energy). Reiki is a type of energy healing. Energy healing targets the energy fields around the body.

According to practitioners, energy can stagnate in the body where there has been physical injury or possibly emotional pain. In time, these energy blocks can cause illness.

Energy medicine aims to help the flow of energy and remove blocks in a similar way to acupuncture or acupressure. Improving the flow of energy around the body, say practitioners, can enable relaxation, reduce pain, speed healing, and reduce other symptoms of illness.

Reiki has been around for thousands of years. Its current form was first developed in 1922 by a Japanese Buddhist called Mikao Usui, who reportedly taught 2,000 people the Reiki method during his lifetime. The practice spread to the U.S. through Hawaii in the 1940s, and then to Europe in the 1980s. It is commonly referred to as palm healing or hands-on healing.