What is Reiki? All about Reiki energy and its meaning

Reiki is a natural Japanese stress reduction and relaxation therapy that promotes healing. It is transmitted through the laying on of hands and the use of symbols and is based on the concept that Reiki is an invisible vital energy that flows through us and is what makes us alive.

If the vital energy level is low, we are more prone to illness or more stressed. If it’s high, we’re better able to feel happy and healthy.

Want to know everything about Reiki and its vital energy? To understand what Reiki is, let’s start with the meaning of her name.

What does the word reiki mean

“Reiki” is a word originated in the Japanese language divided into two kanji, “REI” and “KI”. Therefore, the meaning of Reiki is understood by explaining each of them separately.

all about reiki: word meaning

Image source: change of persective

“KING”: Universal Cosmic Energy

During the Reiki initiation, the individual is reconnected to what we call “REI”, whose meaning is universal energy, and which can be described in the most diverse ways: first source, primordial source or any other denomination that represents this primary creation, this vital energy of the universe. The “KING” represents divine wisdom.

“KI”: vital energy

The “KI” represents the vital force, the heat and energy radiated from the body, whether of a man or an animal, as this energy is present in all living beings.

It is known by different names depending on the culture, for example in Russia they call it “bioplasmic energy”, in Polynesia it is called “mana”, in India it is called “prana” and in China it is called “chi”. It so happens that, as Reiki was discovered in Japan by the Japanese Mikao Usui, the Japanese word “KI” was used, which means “life force” or “vital energy”.

Therefore, the literal translation of the Japanese word Reiki would be “universal vital energy”.

After all, what is reiki?

Reiki is a therapeutic method that allows anyone to awaken within themselves the universal cosmic energy (REI), connect with it and harmonize with it their own vital energy (KI), as well as that of any other person or living being. .

It is worth remembering that the correct and written form is Reiki. Heiki, reique and raique may sound similar, but they are just anglicizations of the word.

What is Reiki Life Energy?

As explained, Reiki is an extremely positive and beneficial healing energy that aids in the treatment of illness, increases a sense of well-being and even promotes the expansion of consciousness. Reiki works as a spiritual, physical and emotional treatment.

The ability to use Reiki is not taught in the usual sense, but transferred to the student during their initiation into the Reiki course. This skill is passed on by a Reiki Master and allows the student to tap into an unlimited supply of Reiki “life energy” to improve their health and quality of life.

Is Reiki linked to any religion?

Its use is not dependent on your intellectual capacity or your spiritual development and is therefore available to everyone. Reiki has been successfully taught and passed on to thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds.

Although Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. It has no dogma and there is nothing to believe in in order to receive, learn or use Reiki. In fact, Reiki is not dependent on belief and will flow the same whether you believe in its strength or not.

As Reiki comes from the Universe, many people feel that its use puts them in touch with the experience of their religion rather than just having an intellectual concept of it, but this is just a way of looking at this energy and understanding what Reiki is. .

Reiki is spiritual in nature but not religious, it does not have or teach any dogma, and its practitioners do not need to believe in anything to learn to use or receive it. There are, yes, the principles of Reiki, which are like lessons for a more harmonious life, but Reiki does not depend on belief, faith or religiosity to be effective.

How does Reiki treatment work?

In a Reiki treatment, the patient feels as if a wonderful flow of positive energy passes through and around their body. Reiki treats the whole person, including body, emotion, mind and spirit.

Its beneficial effects include relaxation, a deep sense of peace, security and well-being.

Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and improvement that everyone can use. It can also be used in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic treatments to alleviate side effects and promote faster recovery. There are no contraindications.

reiki benefits

Reiki treatment is indicated for any malaise, physical or emotional illness, with profoundly effective results for acting in all dimensions of the human being.

Widely used as an auxiliary therapy in hospitals, Reiki relieves the tension and pain of patients who receive it. This therapy is already being used in some hospitals of the SUS (Unified Health System).

Reiki treatments are true immersions in healing and creative energy, and their benefits go far beyond what you can imagine.

What can Reiki heal?

Reiki treatment can:

• Eliminate psychological blocks;
• Promote balance;
• Reverse negative feelings;
• Strengthen the individual to deal with internal and external conflicts;
• Relieve symptoms of stress and anxiety;
• Improve self-esteem;
• Better deal with mental disorders such as depression and panic disorder;
• Treat some physical problems such as headaches or backaches, nausea and insomnia.

Reiki can be used exclusively or in conjunction with other treatments and therapies, whether holistic or not.

Different types of Reiki

Usui Traditional Reiki

This type of Reiki is nothing more than that taught by the father of Reiki, Mikao Usui and has a strong philosophy, based on the principles of Reiki and the poems of Emperor Meiji. The course is divided into 4 levels:

• Level 1 – Shoden;
• Level 2 – Okuden;
• Level 3 – Shinpiden;
• Level 3B – Gokukaiden.

Usui Tibetan Reiki

The biggest difference from Tibetan Reiki is its different types of healing, such as psychic surgery.

In addition, it has unique Tibetan Usui Reiki symbols such as the Tibetan Dai-Ko-Myo.

For those who want to practice, it is necessary to go through 4 levels: awakening, transformation, realization and mastery.

Reiki Karuna

Another well-known type of Reiki is Karuna, which, like all types of Reiki, is based on the Usui system and channels the same energy from the universe, however, as a differential, it uses a wide range of symbols in addition to the three traditional ones.

Karuna Reiki Level 1:

• Zonar – represents connection to the source and infinite compassion
• Halu – widely used in cleansing energies
• Harth – one of the pillars of karuna reiki, represents love and compassion
• Rama – The Connector with Earth and Reality

Karuna Reiki Level 2:

• Gnosa – symbolizes wisdom through consciousness
• Kriya – also known as Cho Ku Rei double, assists in manifesting goals
• Iava – represents the expansion of the Higher Self’s will and personal power
• Shanti – helps to find inner peace and harmony.

Shamanic Reiki

In the case of Shamanic Reiki, the base and essence once again come from Mikao Usui’s traditional Reiki, but with a shamanic approach, more experiential and using, for example, crystals as instruments and some sounds as stimuli.

In this article on Shamanic Reiki, you will learn more about its benefits and its connection to indigenous traditions.

Essential Reiki

Unlike Traditional Reiki, Essential Reiki is divided into 3 levels: I, II and III. The practice is less systematized, more intuitive. Another difference from Traditional Reiki is that the philosophy is not based on the poems of Emperor Meiji.

Stellar Reiki

Stellar Reiki is based on the system of Reiki master and founder Mikao Usui, but he adds his own things to his methodology, such as different energy cleaning and protection techniques and the use of the vibration of colors through the rays of light.

Osho Reiki

Also known as Osho Neo Reiki, it is based on the Usui system of Reiki and Osho’s teachings.

egyptian reiki

Also known as Seichim or Sekhem, this modality is an integration of Reiki with the Ancient Egyptian healing system.

How is Reiki applied?

The sessions of Reiki treatments usually last about an hour, the patient is lying on a stretcher the whole time and it is not necessary to remove any clothing, at most take glasses, cell phones and keys from their pockets.

During the Reiki consultation, the therapist will place his hands on the regions of the patient’s body that most need healing energy, and the focuses of application of Reiki treatment are the most important chakras in the body, known as the seven main chakras.

Chakras are the energy centers responsible for the exchange and assimilation of energies that feed our integrated whole: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Learn all about the chakras and better understand their relationship with Reiki treatment.

The most recommended treatment consists of at least four Reiki sessions, a number considered ideal for the effects of Reiki to be deeply implanted in the person’s body and emotional state and begin to produce a definitive cure.

How does distance Reiki work?

Reiki distance healing treatments can be performed anywhere in the world and at any distance. The energy sent at a distance is the same applied locally with the presence of the person, what changes is only the technique and the form of connection.

To heal the distance with Reiki, simply connect with the person who will receive it mentally. No physical contact is required to complete the session.

The reikian establishes this contact by thinking about the person, visualizing him between his hands. The sender needs to be focused and imagine Reiki coming to this person, filling their body and surroundings. Just stay mentally connected with this person for a few minutes, and that’s it, Reiki will do its thing.

To facilitate concentration, it is recommended to stay in a secluded and quiet place while sending Reiki from a distance. It is also possible to use a doll, pillow or even a photo to help mentalize the receiver and do the healing at a distance.

Through the Reiki symbol Hon-Sha-Ze-Sho-Nen, the Reiki practitioner can also send positive energies that go beyond the limits of time, directing them to the future or the past.

Here at you can consult with several holistic therapists, several of whom specialize in Reiki. Ready to get started? Our specialists are available remotely, via chat, phone or email. Schedule a consultation!