Reiki is a form of energy healing where universal energy is channeled through the practitioner to the recipient.  "The practitioner is unattached to the outcome, and simply offers Reiki energy to the recipient for his or her highest good." Reiki energy will flow where it is needed to go in the recipient's body. The practice of Reiki can be done with hands on the body or hovering above the body. I generally practice hovering above the body. Reiki can also be practiced at a distance. 

History of Reiki

Reiki was founded by Dr. Mikao Usui who lived in Kyoto, Japan. Dr. Usui is said to have been a Christian minister and teacher, who began his quest in the late 1800s. He was on a journey to discover the healing techniques used by Jesus as well as the Buddha by laying hands on others. At the end of  a 21-day solitary retreat spent by meditating, praying, chanting, drinking water and listening, Dr. Usui received the golden symbols of healing. Dr. Usui practiced Reiki in the slums of Kyoto for several years providing healing to those in need. He later trained Dr. Chujiro Hayashi whom he met in 1925 and then later became his successor. Hayashi later trained Hawayo Takata, a Hawaiian born to two Japanese immigrants. Hayashi is attributed for creating the different Reiki levels, attunements, and specific hand positions.  Reiki was first introduced by Takata to the United States, Europe and Australia and trained several Reiki Masters. As a tradition, Reiki is passed on from one person to another through the attunement process. Reiki is a fairly modern system that continues to adapt and grow. 

Reiki Principles 

The basic philosophy of Reiki is known as the Reiki principles. There are many different versions of the principles.  The way I was taught was: 

Just for today, I will not be angry

Just for today, I will not worry

Just for today, I will be grateful

Just for today, I will for my work honestly. 

Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing. 

The focus is on the "just for today," reminding us to always be in the moment. We are unable to control the past and the future. We can be in the moment and we can be reminded of the five principles in the moment.