Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a form of energy medicine or bio-field therapy that reduces stress and promotes healing. It is administered through laying on of the hands in person or remotely. Reiki originated in Japan nearly 100 years ago by Dr. Mikao Usui and is used worldwide today.  A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person; body, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing.  

Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of healing that everyone can use. It has been effective in helping a wide range of illnesses and conditions, and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery. Reiki emphasizes the body's innate ability to heal itself. It is a gentle, non-invasive practice.

The history of Reiki

The term comes from two Japanese words: “rei,” which means universal, and “ki,” which loosely translates to a flow of a life-force of energy that happens in all living things. The reiki healing system was founded by Dr. Mikao Usui in the early 1900s in Japan. It is believed that Mikao was guided to create Reiki during his spiritual experience on Mt. Kurama, likely inspired by Buddhist/Shinto traditions. He said that people should practice certain standards or values that bring about peace and harmony – ideals that most cultures practice. It was brought to the Western part of the world by Hawayo Hiromi Takata and become popular in the U.S. quickly. 

Dr. Usui incorporated sacred symbols—drawn from Japanese Kanji—to focus "spiritual life force energy" (Reiki) for healing, with the main ones being "Cho Ku Rei" (Power), "Sei Hei Ki" (Mental/Emotional), "Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen" (Distance), and "Dai Ko Myo" (Master), plus often "Raku" (Completion) in advanced levels, used as tools during attunements and sessions to direct energy for specific intentions like empowerment, harmony, or healing across time/space. Traditionally the symbols were kept confidential, revealed only to students as they progress through Reiki levels (usually Reiki II and III). They are considered keys or tools to focus inherent spiritual energy, not magical incantations.

Here are the core Usui Reiki symbols and their general meanings:

Cho Ku Rei (CKR): The "Power" symbol; turns on the Reiki energy, focuses it, and amplifies its strength, like a light switch.

Sei Hei Ki (SHK): The "Harmony" or "Mental/Emotional" symbol; used for emotional balance, stress relief, and bringing harmony to the mind and body.

Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen (HSZSN): The "Distance" symbol; allows energy to be sent across time and space, connecting with people or situations far away.

Dai Ko Myo (DKM): The "Master" symbol; represents enlightenment, spiritual awakening, and is used for deep healing and empowerment, often for attunements.

Raku: Sometimes taught as the "Completion" or "Grounding" symbol, used to seal energy and ground the practitioner.

How They're Used:

Focus: Practitioners draw them mentally or physically (with hands/fingers) to direct Reiki energy for specific purposes during healing sessions.

Attunements: They are crucial tools for Reiki Masters to initiate students, transmitting energy and connecting them to the Reiki source.

Chanting: Mantras (sounds) accompany the symbols to amplify their vibration and intention.

Is Reiki a religion?

No, it's not a religion. Reiki is a healing technique. Those who practice Reiki or receive Reiki treatment are free to follow their own beliefs and religious practices. Reiki is for everyone.

What happens during a Reiki session?

During a reiki therapy session, you lie on a massage table, fully dressed, while a practitioner places their palms on or just over areas of your body that are thought to be zones for energy. The practitioner will decide how long to leave their palms in each spot based on the flow of energy that they perceive through their hands at that given spot. A reiki session usually lasts about 60 to 90 minutes to make time for relaxing deeply and energy flow.

Even though you’re resting on a massage table, the practitioner isn’t giving a massage, using pressure, or moving your joints around, making reiki special compared to other touch-based treatments. They’re simply using gentle touch at most. You might feel sensations like heat, tingling, or pulsing where their hands are, or throughout your body. Some people get so relaxed that they fall asleep. 

As the session progresses, you will feel more relaxed. If you become uncomfortable, you can adjust your position at any time. Be sure to ask for anything that will add to your comfort, such as additional support under your knees or a blanket. This is your special time and your practitioner is there to help you.

Receiving Reiki is a wonderfully passive experience. Don't try to relax, just let the Reiki relax you. Your state will shift quite naturally as the session proceeds. Meanwhile feel free to daydream, enjoy the music, or simply observe your breath or the sensations of the therapy.

What happens after the session?

Most people feel a deep sense of calm and peace after a Reiki session. Usually there is a post treatment conversation where you and the Practitioner can discuss what was experienced during the session. Some practitioners may make suggestions for after-care, such as drinking water and following your body's needs.

Although people typically leave a Reiki session feeling refreshed, sometimes they notice feeling more tired in the evening than usual. This is not viewed as an adverse reaction, but rather as the body's natural healing response, something to be heeded. People commonly report a sense of calm and mental clarity and sleeping well after Reiki.

Helpful aftercare:

Drink Water: Hydration helps flush out toxins and supports the energy shift.

Rest: Allow yourself to relax and integrate the treatment.

Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to what it needs, whether it's sleep or quiet.

Avoid Stimulants: Cut back on caffeine and alcohol.

Talk to Your Practitioner: If you have concerns, reach out to them.

Are there different types of Reiki?

Yes, there are several types of Reiki. 

The most widely known form of Reiki is Usui Reiki, named after its founder, Mikao Usui, who established the system in the early 20th century in Japan. Usui Reiki focuses on the laying on of hands and the transmission of Universal life energy to the client. Practitioners serve as channels for this energy, which helps to restore balance and promote healing on all levels: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Other common types of Reiki are: Usui Shiki Ryoho, Usui Reiki Ryoho, Holy Fire® Reiki, Karuna Reiki®, Tibetan Reiki, Jikiden Reiki, Reiki Tummo®, Gendai Reiki Ho, Seichim or Sekhem Reiki, Crystal Reiki, Rainbow Reiki, Kundalini Reiki. 

There are many other forms of Reiki still being practiced and evolving today, each adapting to meet the needs of different practitioners and clients. Each form of Reiki has its unique qualities, techniques, and areas of focus, offering different pathways to healing and spiritual development. Finding a practitioner that you feel comfortable with is the best place to start. 

What is Holy Fire Reiki?

Holy Fire Reiki is a modern, refined form of Reiki energy introduced by William Lee Rand, combining traditional Usui Reiki with a more powerful, gentle, and intuitive spiritual energy that provides purification, healing, empowerment, and guidance, often felt as a deep sense of peace, safety, and love, with its "holy" referring to wholeness, not religion, and using "Ignitions" (upgrades) instead of traditional attunements. I (Heather) was trained using both Usui and Holy Fire Reiki. My first three levels of Reiki are Usui, and my Master level training is Holy Fire Reiki. Holy Fire feels like a very clean and pure high vibration to me, almost angelic. I always see bright white light during my sessions. 

The energy is seen as a divine source, often associated with the Holy Spirit but understood spiritually, not religiously. Practitioners and recipients often report immediate clarity, deep peace, and effortless clearing of emotional blocks and ancestral patterns. Holy Fire® energy has been described as more refined and coming from a higher level of consciousness. 

Holy Fire always respects free will. It is gentle & powerful; both deeply nurturing and potent, working to clear issues without causing distress. It offers safety & guidance; releases worry, and fosters a profound sense of being loved and safe. One of the most reported effects is a feeling of being loved. This is a deep and refined feeling that is very nurturing.

What Are the Side Effects of Reiki?

Reiki is very safe, and adverse reactions are rare. Most common after a Reiki session you will feel deeply relaxed, but some experience temporary "detox" or "healing crisis" effects like fatigue, headaches, or emotional sensitivity as your body adjusts energy. These symptoms are temporary and not harmful. The adjustments are normal as your energy system balances and are usually signs of the energy working. Any adverse reactions can often be resolved by drinking water, resting, and being gentle with yourself. Always continue with your regular medical care for health conditions, as Reiki complements, but doesn't replace, conventional treatment.