Reiki is a gentle Japanese energy healing practice that promotes deep relaxation, stress reduction, and holistic restoration by encouraging your body’s natural life force to flow freely.
Originating in early 20th-century Japan through Mikao Usui, Reiki is a non-invasive practice based on the concept of Ki (Chi, Qi – life force energy). When this energy is low or blocked, it can lead to stress, emotional imbalance, and physical discomfort. A Reiki practitioner acts as a conduit for universal energy, using a light touch or hands hovering above the body to encourage balance and support the body’s innate ability to heal itself.
The Origins and Principles of Reiki
Developed by Mikao Usui after a profound spiritual retreat, Reiki has evolved into a global practice. While spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. Its core lies in five simple principles for mindful living that encourage peace, gratitude, and compassion. This foundation makes it a versatile practice that complements various worldviews and healing modalities.
What Happens in a Reiki Session?
A typical session is a deeply relaxing experience. You remain fully clothed while lying on a massage table or sitting comfortably. The practitioner will gently place their hands on or just above specific areas of your body, often corresponding to energy centers (chakras) or pathways. The goal is to clear blockages and restore a harmonious flow of energy.
The Benefits of energy Healing
By promoting a state of deep calm, Reiki activates the parasympathetic nervous system—your body’s “rest and digest” mode. This shift facilitates numerous benefits, including:
- Profound relaxation and stress reduction
- Relief from anxiety and emotional overwhelm
- Improved sleep quality
- Support for emotional release and mental clarity
- Enhanced overall well-being and resilience
It’s important to note that Reiki is a complementary therapy, meaning it works alongside—not as a replacement for—conventional medical care.
Reiki in a Modern Holistic Practice
Reiki’s gentle nature makes it suitable for everyone, including children and those in recovery. At School of Touch, we value how Reiki integrates seamlessly with other holistic practices like massage, meditation, and yoga. It adds a dimension of energetic awareness and intentional presence that deepens the therapeutic experience.
Hungry for more lifechanging wisdom? Read more articles on intuitive massage, touch and holistic healing arts:
- Ma: The Japanese Art of Healing Space and Pause
- Ukeru & Reru: The Sacred Balance of Receiving and Giving
- Finding Balance: A Story of Yin and Yang in Modern Life