What is Reiki
Reiki is a Japanese word, which refers to the active "life force" of the universe.
For a long time it has been acknowledged by many eastern and ethnic cultures, that the universe is not just empty space, but that it is filled with a dynamic, conscious energy. Names given to this energy include "Chi" in China, "Ki" in Japan, and "Prana"
in India and Tibet. Nearly every known culture has healing traditions and practices based on this life force; and it is clear that there is only one energy, known by different names.
Throughout history, there have been individuals who have had the ability to channel extra amounts of this energy through their hands to those in need. Often these people were known as spiritual healers, who claimed that it was not they who healed, but the result of the healing life force that flowed through their hands.
Until recently, it appeared that only those born with this particular gift were able to convey this energy to any degree. However, in the early 1900's, a Japanese man named Mikao Usui, was inspired to find a way to work with this healing energy. Through extensive travels and a series of events, he discovered how to do that.
He applied these practices to his patients with great success, and taught other committed people to do the same.
The word "Reiki" is now commonly used to refer to Mikao Usui's System of Reiki Healing, by the channelling of the Universal Life Energy through the hands. Reiki helps to heal mind, body and spirit, by accelerating the body's own ability to heal itself physically, and by opening the mind to the emotional and mental causes of disease and pain.