What is Reiki?

The word Reiki is a combination of two Japanese words: “Rei” and “Ki”. Rei means “Universal” while Ki means “Vital Energy.” So, Reiki literally means “Universal Vital Energy.” The Ki has received many names throughout history. Today, Ki is the same as the Chinese word for “Chi” (as in Tai Chi) and it means the same as the “Prana” word in India. The vital energy flows trough our body. Sometimes, this energy flow is blocked or gets out of balance. This is when we get sick, according to reiki healing practitioners. Death occurs when the Ki stops flowing.

Reiki is an holistic system created in Japan by Mikao Usui, known as Master Usui. Today, many types of Reiki techniques have been developed. However, its essence remains unchanged. The whole Reiki system is based on learning, understanding, and practicing how to make the Reiki Energy move from the universal source, which has an unlimited amount of energy, to another living being (be it human, plant or animal).

Any person can receive or pass the Universal Vital Energy (Reiki) to anybody, including plants and animals. Specific training is needed to become a Reiki practitioner. However, some Reiki professionals believe that even a beginner can pass Reiki energy by only having the desire or intention to do it. Reiki Energy can be sent to yourself and to others. The intended Reiki energy receiver does not to be near the sender because Reiki energy can be sent over distances.

This is the introduction to an article series on Reiki. In the following article series I will review different aspects and types of Reiki as they are understood today. I expect to have the following articles on the series (but I will add more as I progress on the series):

Reiki Principles

Reiki Symbols

Health Benefits of Reiki

Reiki Training

Reiki Distant Healing

Different types of Reiki