The Encyclopedia of Crystals, Herbs, and New Age Elements: An A to Z Guide to New Age Elements and How to Use Them - Adams Media 2016

Reiki
The Power of Touch

ORIGINS

Reiki is a Japanese alternative medicine technique in which a practitioner places the palms of his or her hands on (or above) specific areas of the patient’s body as a way of transferring energy to the patient for the purposes of healing. The practice is based on the Chinese principle of chi (or qi), the “life force.” The word Reiki comes from the Mandarin língqì, which is a combination of “numinous spirit” and “energy.”

HISTORY/LORE

The Japanese Buddhist Mikao Usui (1865—1926) is known as the creator of Reiki. According to the inscription on his memorial stone, erected in 1927, Usui taught Reiki to more than 2,000 people during his lifetime. Hawayo Takata (1900—1980), a Japanese-American woman born in Hawaii, is credited with introducing Reiki to the Western world. Her teacher, Dr. Chujiro Hayashi (1880—1940), was trained by Usui in the early 1900s.

USES

The practice of Reiki is available to anyone and can be learned with time and practice. There are many self-treatment methods you can try, or you can visit a certified Reiki practitioner. A Reiki session is similar to a massage: The patient lies on a table and spends time both face up and face down so the practitioner can access both sides of the body. Unlike massage, the patient is typically fully clothed. Reiki treats the whole person, including the body, mind, emotions, and spirit. In addition to the myriad health benefits, it is also a wonderful relaxation technique.