Healing Benefits of Reiki: Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Reiki is a transformative practice that can offer significant stress relief, increase happiness, and enhance overall health. As more people become aware of the healing benefits of reiki, many have questions about what it is and how it works. As a reiki teacher, I’m here to address some of the most frequently asked questions about reiki.

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a Japanese healing technique designed to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Developed by Mikao Usui in the early 20th century, reiki involves channeling universal life force energy through the hands of a practitioner to the recipient. The practitioner places their hands lightly on or near the receiver’s body. This energy is self guided by an innate intelligence and as it moves through the body it clears blockages and enhances the flow of healing vibrations.

The word “Reiki” is derived from two Japanese words: “Rei,” meaning universal spirit or creator, and “Ki,” meaning life force or energy. Combined, Reiki translates to “universal life force energy” or “creator inspired life energy”. This energy is thought to be the essence of all living things and the source of wisdom we possess. Reiki helps to improve the immune system, reduce stress, and bring balance to our mental and emotional states.

Every living being is imbued with this omnipresent energy. Ancient monks and sages understood and harnessed this life force through practices like qigong and meditation. When we are healthy, our “ki” or life force is flowing strongly. When we are weak or have blocked energy, it can lead to illness. Reiki healing works by removing blockages and stagnant energy, enhancing the flow of ki to restore balance and health to the mind, body, and spirit. In other cultures, this life force is known as prana or chi/ qi/ ki.

Where Does Reiki Come From?

Reiki was rediscovered by Mikao Usui in the early 1920s. He named his system of healing “Usui Shiki Ryoho.” After teaching others and initiating new practitioners, one of his students, Dr. Chujiro Hayashi, continued teaching and trained 16 additional reiki masters in his lineage. The practice eventually spread to the West, where it continues to flourish and benefit countless people.

Can Reiki Do Harm?

Reiki is inherently safe and cannot cause harm. The energy is channeled from a higher source for the greatest good of the recipient. Reiki energy operates on a higher plane of existence than the physical world and is directed to where healing is most needed. Therefore, reiki is suitable for everyone, including pregnant women, infants, pets, and the elderly.

What is a Reiki Attunement?

A reiki attunement is a special initiation ceremony conducted by a Reiki Master Teacher. During this ceremony, your energy field is opened to receive reiki energy, creating a shift that varies in intensity from person to person. Each level of reiki training includes an attunement process, during which sacred symbols for healing are imparted. Attunements enhance your ability to channel energy from a higher source and once received, they remain with you for life. There is no need for re-attunement later. Many people find attunements to be a profound and uplifting experience, raising their vibrational frequency.

Can Anyone Learn Reiki?

Absolutely, reiki can be learned by anyone interested in practicing it. There are no prerequisites or specific skills required to begin reiki training.

My reiki training is divided into three levels. Reiki Level 1 is open to all, with no prior experience needed. To progress to Reiki Level 2, you must have completed Level 1 training, and to advance to Level 3, you must have completed both Level 1 and Level 2 trainings.

Additionally, my reiki trainings are approved for continuing education for licensed massage therapists in Florida. However, you don’t need to be a massage therapist to benefit from reiki. I have taught students from various backgrounds who have experienced profound and life-changing benefits from their reiki practice. At the core of reiki, it is a practice to develop our awareness, deepen our connection to the Creator and to be of service to others in a compassionate way.

For more information on learning reiki and to find course dates, please check my reiki training schedule here.