Reiki Healing: Complete Guide to Universal Life Force Energy
By Nicole, Founder of Mystic Ryst
Reiki is a Japanese energy healing technique that channels universal life force energy (ki/chi) through the practitioner's hands to promote healing, balance, and wellness. Founded by Mikao Usui in the early 1900s, Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive healing modality that works on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels.
During a Reiki session, the practitioner places their hands lightly on or above the body, allowing healing energy to flow where it's needed most. Reiki promotes deep relaxation, reduces stress, accelerates healing, and restores energetic balance. Anyone can learn Reiki—it's not a religion or belief system, simply a healing technique.
This is your complete guide to Reiki healing—what it is, how it works, benefits, what to expect in a session, and how to learn Reiki yourself.
What Is Reiki?
Reiki (pronounced "ray-key") is a Japanese word meaning "universal life force energy."
- Rei: Universal, spiritual wisdom
- Ki: Life force energy (chi, prana)
Reiki is the practice of channeling this universal energy through the hands to promote healing and balance.
History of Reiki
- 1922: Mikao Usui founded Reiki in Japan
- 1930s-40s: Brought to Hawaii by Hawayo Takata
- 1970s-80s: Spread throughout Western world
- Today: Practiced worldwide, even in hospitals
How Reiki Works
The Concept
- Universal life force energy flows through all living things
- When energy is blocked or depleted, illness occurs
- Reiki clears blockages and restores energy flow
- Body's natural healing ability is activated
The Practice
- Practitioner acts as channel for universal energy
- Energy flows through practitioner to recipient
- Energy goes where it's needed most
- Practitioner doesn't use their own energy
- Recipient's body draws in what it needs
Benefits of Reiki Healing
Physical Benefits
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Accelerates healing process
- Boosts immune system
- Improves sleep quality
- Increases energy and vitality
- Supports recovery from illness/surgery
Emotional Benefits
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Releases emotional blockages
- Promotes emotional healing
- Brings peace and calm
- Helps process grief and trauma
Mental Benefits
- Clears mental fog
- Improves focus and clarity
- Reduces mental stress
- Promotes positive thinking
Spiritual Benefits
- Deepens spiritual connection
- Balances chakras
- Raises vibration
- Promotes spiritual growth
- Connects to higher self
What to Expect in a Reiki Session
Before the Session
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Set intention for healing
- Arrive with open mind
- Discuss any concerns with practitioner
During the Session
- Lie fully clothed on massage table
- Practitioner places hands on or above body
- Hands held in various positions (head, torso, limbs)
- Each position held 3-5 minutes
- You may feel warmth, tingling, or deep relaxation
- Some people see colors or have visions
- Session typically lasts 60-90 minutes
What You Might Feel
- Deep relaxation
- Warmth or coolness
- Tingling sensations
- Emotional release (tears, laughter)
- Falling asleep
- Nothing at all (energy still working!)
After the Session
- Drink plenty of water
- Rest if needed
- Notice shifts over next few days
- Healing continues after session
The Five Reiki Principles
Just for today:
- I will not worry
- I will not be angry
- I will be grateful
- I will do my work honestly
- I will be kind to every living thing
Reiki Levels & Training
Level 1 (Shoden)
Learn: Reiki history, hand positions, self-healing
Receive: First attunement
Can do: Reiki on self, family, friends, pets
Level 2 (Okuden)
Learn: Reiki symbols, distance healing, emotional healing
Receive: Second attunement
Can do: Professional practice, distance healing
Level 3 / Master (Shinpiden)
Learn: Master symbol, advanced techniques
Receive: Master attunement
Can do: Teach Reiki, attune others
Self-Reiki Practice
Hand Positions for Self-Healing
- Crown: Hands on top of head
- Eyes: Hands over eyes
- Throat: Hands on throat/neck
- Heart: Hands on chest
- Solar Plexus: Hands on upper abdomen
- Sacral: Hands on lower abdomen
- Root: Hands on hips/groin area
Hold each position 3-5 minutes, set intention for healing.
Reiki with Crystals
Enhance Reiki sessions with:
- Clear Quartz: Amplifies Reiki energy
- Amethyst: Spiritual healing
- Rose Quartz: Emotional healing
- Black Tourmaline: Grounding, protection
- Place crystals on chakras during session
Distance Reiki
Reiki can be sent across time and space!
- Practitioner sends Reiki remotely
- Recipient receives healing anywhere
- Just as effective as in-person
- Uses distance healing symbol
- Can send to past or future events
Is Reiki Right for You?
Reiki Is Great For:
- Stress and anxiety
- Chronic pain
- Emotional healing
- Spiritual growth
- Complementing medical treatment
- General wellness
Important Notes
- Reiki complements but doesn't replace medical care
- Safe for everyone (babies to elderly)
- No negative side effects
- Works even if you don't "believe" in it
Your Reiki Practice
Start today:
- Book a Reiki session to experience it
- Consider Reiki Level 1 training
- Practice self-Reiki daily
- Set intention for healing
- Trust the process
Final Thoughts
Reiki is a gentle, powerful healing modality that promotes wellness on all levels. Whether you receive Reiki sessions or learn to practice yourself, this universal life force energy can transform your health, reduce stress, and support your healing journey. Reiki is love, and love heals.
Welcome to Reiki healing. You are supported by universal energy.
Have you experienced Reiki? Are you a Reiki practitioner? I'd love to hear!