Reiki is a spiritual practice developed in 1922 by Japanese Buddhist Mikao Usui. It uses a technique commonly called palm healing as a form of alternative medicine. Through the use of this technique, practitioners believe that they are transferring healing energy in the form of Qi through the palms.

There are two main branches of Reiki, commonly referred to as Traditional Japanese Reiki and Western Reiki. In both Traditional and Western forms of Reiki, there are three forms of degrees, commonly referred to as the First, Second, and Master/Teacher degree. According to Reiki practitioners and Masters, at First Degree, a Reiki practitioner is able to heal himself and others, at Second Degree is able to heal others distantly (commonly called distant healing) with the use of specialized symbols, and at Master level (specifically Master/Teacher level) is able to teach and attune others to Reiki.

The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy". So Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy."

Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. Reiki is a simple, natura and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement.

Reiki can be used for many ailments like reducing stress, relieving pain, headaches, stomach upsets, back problems, asthma - respiratory problems, PMT, menstrual problems, sinus, anxiety and many more. There is no belief system attached to Reiki so anyone can receive a Reiki treatment or a Reiki attunement.

Benefits of Reiki

It promotes natural self-healing. It balances the energies, the organs and glands in the body. It strengthens the immune system. It relieves pain. It also enhances personal awareness and promotes creativity. It helps to release blocked and suppressed feelings. It acts as an aid to meditation and positive thinking.

Reiki Chakras

The word ‘chakra’ means a wheel. There are seven main chakras from the spine to the head in the body. Chakras connect us with the unlimited world of subtle energies. All the chakras in the body correlate to organs in the body. Reiki is the life force that flows within the physical body through the chakras.

The chakras have a direct connection to our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. They can be over active, under active and in balance. The chakras should be harmonized to increase the energy flow from the physical body to the ethereal body. Reiki is a healing technique, used to open the chakras and clear the blockages.

Reiki Symbols

The Reiki healing system uses meditation to transmit healing energy of ‘Ki’ or life force to the sick person, using hands to pass on the energy. Symbols in reiki are sacred and enhance the flow of life energy. They are drawn in Japanese script called Kanji. These symbols have metaphysical energy that is sent to the body, mind, soul, for healing.

1. Chou Ku Rei- It is the power symbol, which directs energy to the physical body. It is used to purify the recipient from negative influences, while offering protection from envy and manipulation.

2. Sei He Ki- It is the mental symbol, which directs energy to the emotional body or subconscious mind. It is used to treat the cause of disease within the emotional and mental bodies.

3. Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen- This is known as the distance symbol. It is used to send reiki to the past, present or future. It directs energy to the mental body, or conscious mind and assists in changing thought patterns. It is a symbol that helps to heal karma.

4. Dai Ko Myo- It is the master symbol, which means great shining light. It is considered to be the light of the Buddha, used to heal the soul. Only reiki Dumo masters can use this symbol, which assists in alleviating pain or disease.