Reiki Healing Classes, Training & Certification

What is Reiki and How Does It Work?

Reiki is an ancient healing technique that employs energy. Reiki is not originally Japanese but it’s an ancient healing energy from lost civilizations like Lemuria and Atlantis. Rediscovered by Mikao Usui in the 1800s, Reiki was named in Japan but its roots are universal.

The Japanese word Reiki is composed of two kanji: Rei and Ki. Rei refers to the universal aspect of consciousness present everywhere—but on a deeper level, it represents higher wisdom or spiritual awareness. Ki is the vital life force energy that flows through all living things; it is non-physical and animating in nature. In the practice of Reiki, it is the divine or God-consciousness (Rei) that guides the flow of this life energy (Ki). This is why Reiki is often described as a spiritually guided life force—similar to prana in Indian traditions or chi in Chinese systems.

The energy of Reiki has its own innate intelligence and does not rely on the practitioner’s direction. Instead, the practitioner serves as a clear channel through which the energy flows to the recipient. Reiki attunements help facilitate this by cleansing and opening the practitioner’s energetic pathways, allowing the energy to pass through without obstruction.

A professional Reiki practitioner channels universal life force energy through their hands, helping the recipient enter a deeply relaxed state. This relaxation supports the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Reiki’s effects can be surprisingly powerful—even in challenging situations. For example, one of my clients, a 91-year-old woman with numerous health issues, suddenly suffered a broken rib while simply sitting still. She was in considerable pain and had difficulty moving. I applied Reiki for 15 minutes a couple of days after the injury, and then again later that day. Remarkably, her pain eased, her mobility returned, and she was amazed by how quickly she felt better. Reiki works—even when its results seem hard to explain.

Reiki is a safe healing practice, and its effects often continue to unfold even after the session has ended—sometimes lasting for several days. To maximize the benefits, it’s recommended that the recipient take it easy for a day or two following a session.