Reiki is the Japanese healing technique that promotes physical and emotional well being either through touch or the transference of pure Divine energy that is ever present in all beings and objects.  Reiki can be broken down into two words: Rei (Divine wisdom or higher power) and Ki (life force energy).

 

Many spiritual traditions have used their hands in prayer, ceremonies, blessings, and the like since the beginning of time, and Reiki is no different. A few Japanese mystics practiced their own version of Reiki; however, the most prominent was Makao Usui, who developed the Usui Reiki Ryoho method in 1922. Usui found that when using Reiki energy on family members, he found that they received swift healing from their physical and emotional ailments. He began teaching throughout Japan showing people how to use the Reiki technique in everyday life.

 

In the west, even though Reiki is not highly researched, medical professionals are beginning to use Reiki as a means to supplement pharmaceutical therapies. Reiki is not intrusive, can be administered in person or at a distance, and a great way to induce relaxation.