Reiki

The Energy

The Japanese word Reiki can be translated as Universal Life Energy. This energy can be found all around you: in your living body, in the seed that grows into a strong tree, in the seasons, the animals, daily life, and so much more. Everything flows within the dance of life, and everything is connected.

When this life energy stagnates, imbalance arises. This may manifest as tension, illness, or discomfort. Reiki helps to bring the energy back in motion and to release blockages. This allows a return to the natural state of balance and wellbeing.

The Practice

The practice of Reiki was developed in Japan in the early twentieth century by its founder, Dr Mikao Usui. After a long search, he found a way to connect directly with this universal life energy.

Initially, Reiki was practised only in Japan, where the original form was carefully preserved thanks to the Japanese reverence for tradition. After the Second World War, Reiki was first introduced to the US and Canada. In the 1980's, Reiki reached the rest of the world. Along the way, new variations of the practice emerged, some of them so diluted that they show little resemblance to the original practice. This can lead to confusion, as many of these variations still use the name Reiki (or even the Usui System of Reiki).

The original form, which I practise, is called the Usui System of Reiki (Usui Shiki Ryoho). It is described through four aspects and nine elements, which provide clarity and consistency in the practice. If you would like to learn more, please visit the website of the Office of the Grandmaster: usuishikiryohoreiki.com.

The Effects

Reiki has many dimensions and works on many levels. At the same time, every person is unique, and Reiki supports each individual in their own way. For this reason, it is difficult to predict exactly what it will do for someone. The best way to get to know Reiki is to experience it yourself.

In daily practice, it becomes clear that Reiki brings healing on all levels: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Reiki restores the natural state of wellbeing. This means, among other things, activating the body’s self-healing ability, releasing blockages, calming or energising the system, bringing insights, and letting go of learned conditioning that does not belong to you. Reiki brings to light what has been hidden in the subconscious. This unfolds at your own pace. In a gentle, yet clear way, Reiki supports you in processing and/or releasing suppressed emotions. In doing so, it helps to create a strong foundation and the ability to walk your own life’s path with joy and (self-)confidence.

Reiki treatments can also offer valuable support during times of change, illness, and in coming to terms with life’s transience.