Although Reiki has been around for over a thousand years, the current style, Usui Reiki Ryoho, was created in 1922 by Mikao Usui, a Japanese Buddhist who taught more than 2,000 people during his lifetime. Usui Sensei died on March 9, 1926 from a stroke at the age of 60. After his death, one of Usui Sensei’s disciples, Chujiro Hayashi, was a major factor in demystifying Reiki and helping to export the practice out of Japan by agreeing to teach Hawayo Takata. Prior to Takata Sensei being taught, no female had been allowed to learn Reiki. Takata Sensei is responsible for bringing Reiki to Hawaii and through her and her disciples, Reiki became known in the Western World.

Reiki is a spiritually guided life force energy that knows what a person needs and will adjust accordingly. Although Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion and does not conflict with religious beliefs. In fact, people of all religions practice Reiki and it is known to enhance the spiritual beliefs of the person.

Adults, children, and animals can receive Reiki. Reiki may be used for clearing negative energy and/or blockages in homes, offices, and land. It can also be applied to any situation in a person’s life.

Reiki is a form of energy healing that originated in Japan. It involves a practitioner using their hands to channel universal life energy (ki) into a patient’s body to promote balance, relaxation, and healing. In healthcare, Reiki is used as a complementary therapy to reduce stress, alleviate pain, support emotional well-being, and improve overall health outcomes. While it is not a substitute for medical treatment, it is often used alongside conventional medicine to enhance the healing process and improve patients' quality of life.

Yes, Reiki has been shown to help manage pain in some healthcare settings. Studies and patient reports suggest that Reiki can promote relaxation, reduce muscle tension, and trigger the body’s natural healing response, which may alleviate both acute and chronic pain. Reiki’s calming effects can also help reduce the need for pain medications, especially for patients undergoing surgery or managing conditions like cancer or fibromyalgia. However, it’s important to note that Reiki is typically used as a complementary treatment rather than a primary pain management method.

During a Reiki session, many patients report feeling deeply relaxed, with sensations of warmth, tingling, or a sense of calm throughout their bodies. Some may also experience a reduction in pain or anxiety. After a session, patients often feel more centered, peaceful, and emotionally balanced. For some, there may be a brief period of increased emotional release, where feelings of sadness or tension arise, followed by a sense of clarity or relief. The overall experience is highly individualized, and many people find it enhances their overall sense of well-being and healing.

Reiki should never be used in place of seeking medical attention. Reiki is a complementary alternative to be used with properly diagnosed medical or psychological treatment. It may assist a person in a quicker recovery and/or releasing stress which may exacerbate illness.

Reiki is generally considered safe with very few reported risks, especially when performed by trained and certified practitioners. Since Reiki does not involve physical manipulation or the use of invasive procedures, the risk of injury is minimal. However, as with any complementary therapy, it is important to inform healthcare providers about its use to ensure it doesn’t interfere with other treatments or medications. Some patients may experience emotional releases or heightened sensations during a session, which are typically temporary and not harmful.

A Reiki session may help with the following: Reduce stress; Enhance relaxation; Clear emotional blockages; Improve inner peace and spiritual harmony; Assist in spiritual growth; Release attachments; Clarify the mind; Empower the ability to forgive; Peaceful outlook; Reduce pain; Develop gratitude for friends and family; Restore physical and emotional health; Help alleviate negative moods; Help develop positive, healthy personality traits; Reduce inflammation; Aid in adjusting to medical treatment; Quicker recovery from surgery; Promote overall healing; Better ability to accept situations; Spiritual connection to Creator; and so much more.

There is a growing body of research examining the benefits of Reiki in healthcare. Some studies suggest that Reiki can have positive effects on stress reduction, anxiety, pain relief, and overall patient well-being. However, while many patients report positive experiences, more rigorous clinical trials are needed to establish its effectiveness definitively. As of now, Reiki is considered a complementary and integrative approach, and its use in healthcare is often based on patient preferences and anecdotal evidence rather than strong scientific consensus.

At least 24 hours prior to your session, you can try to eliminate or eat less meat and more vegetables. Do not drink alcohol or use any recreational drugs. Think about what you would like to achieve in your session and meditate for at least 10 minutes on your goal. You are not required to do any of these, but it helps increase the flow of energy on more important things in session.

During the actual session, you will lay face-up on a massage table, fully clothed. If needed, a chair may also be used. You will be asked to close your eyes and set your intentions. The session can be done hands-on or hands-off, it is always your choice. Touch of the physical body does not have to occur for Reiki energy to work. The healing begins with a body scan to pinpoint any specific areas that may be problematic. Whether hands-on or hands-off, Reiki energy will travel through the aura, chakras, and meridians of the body during the session to clear away blockages and remove stagnant energy. Once the session is over, there will be a discussion about everything that occurred, your feelings, and a plan will be made for you to keep the energy moving throughout your life.

You may experience a heat or cool sensation throughout your body as the energy works within it. There are emotions that may arise; accept them and allow the energy to remove anything that does not work for the greater good. Some clients have cried or felt a strong emotion release from deep within. Again, this is natural and okay. You may also feel nothing except a strong sense of relaxation and lightness. This is also a sign that the energy is clearing blockages and helping your body to heal. In addition, there may be a strong feeling of peace, calmness, lightness, and serenity. Some clients have stated that they had a sensory response, such as seeing colors, white lights, visions, or smelled a sweetness in the air. No matter the experience, know that you are in a safe space and everything is universally designed to help you.

Reiki is a form of alternative therapy that uses universal life force energy to help balance the chakras, auras, and meridians of the body by removing blockages and negative energy caused by physical injury or emotional pain. This method is similar to acupuncture and acupressure in that it improves the flow of energy around the body which causes it to go into a state of relaxation so deep that it can activate the body’s natural healing process. A person may also feel mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being with an overall sense of peace.

1. Cancer treatments (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation): Reiki helps manage side effects like nausea, fatigue, and pain while enhancing emotional well-being.
2. Surgical procedures: Reiki is often used pre- and post-operatively to reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and support recovery.
3. Pain management therapies: Reiki may be used alongside medications, physical therapy, and alternative treatments like acupuncture or massage to help alleviate chronic pain or postoperative discomfort.
4. Mental health treatments: Reiki can complement psychotherapy, counseling, and medications for conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, or chronic stress.
5. Cardiovascular treatments: Reiki may help manage stress and anxiety associated with heart conditions, reducing blood pressure and promoting emotional balance.

Reiki can be used to enhance the quality of life for residents and to help manage chronic conditions.

1. Pain management for arthritis, fibromyalgia, or neuropathy: Reiki can help reduce chronic pain and improve mobility by promoting relaxation and easing muscle tension.
2. Cognitive support treatments for dementia or Alzheimer's disease: Reiki is used to improve overall well-being, reduce agitation, and provide emotional comfort for patients with dementia.
3. Palliative and end-of-life care: Reiki supports emotional and spiritual peace during the final stages of life, offering comfort and reducing anxiety and pain.
4. Physical therapy: Reiki can be used alongside physical therapy to ease tension and promote relaxation, which can help with physical rehabilitation.

1. Pain and symptom management: Reiki can be paired with opioids or other medications to reduce pain, nausea, and discomfort without side effects.
2. Emotional and spiritual care: Reiki helps address anxiety, fear, and emotional distress, providing a sense of peace and closure.
3. Music therapy or art therapy: Reiki may be combined with these therapies to foster emotional expression, relaxation, and healing.
4. Meditation and mindfulness practices: Reiki enhances the effects of mindfulness, helping patients relax and connect to their inner peace.

Reiki is often integrated into broader holistic treatment plans focused on overall well-being, stress reduction, and preventive health. Reiki is frequently used alongside:

1. Massage therapy: Reiki and massage often complement each other by promoting deep relaxation, reducing stress, and releasing muscle tension.
2. Acupuncture: The two modalities can work together to balance energy, relieve pain, and improve the body’s natural healing processes.
3. Yoga and Tai Chi: Reiki can be paired with movement therapies to enhance flexibility, alleviate stress, and promote emotional balance.
4. Nutritional counseling: Reiki helps with stress reduction, which can support healthier lifestyle changes and improve the effects of a balanced diet.

While precise numbers are not specific, thousands of nurses across the United States practice Reiki, especially in settings that focus on holistic and integrative care. As more hospitals and healthcare institutions incorporate complementary therapies, the number of nurses trained in Reiki is expected to continue growing.

If you are in the hospital or undergoing certain medical treatment, insurance may pay for alternative healing methods like Reiki. Today, there are over 60,000 Reiki practitioners and Reiki Masters in the world. Reiki is increasingly offered in hospitals, hospice, and private practice settings. It is recommended that you contact your insurance carrier to confirm. Additionally, Reiki may be offered in your hospital or medical center as part of your treatment. Be sure to also ask your physician or nurse about alternative medical treatments.

The use of Reiki in hospitals has been growing over the past few decades, though it’s still not universally implemented. As of recent reports, over 800 hospitals in the United States alone have incorporated Reiki into their patient care programs. This includes both large academic medical centers and smaller community hospitals.

Many hospitals offer Reiki as a complementary or integrative therapy, alongside traditional medical treatments. While Reiki is not a mainstream medical treatment, its growing use in healthcare is driven by patient demand and evidence suggesting it can help improve well-being, reduce stress, and complement traditional medical care.

In addition to hospitals, Reiki is also becoming more common in nursing homes, hospices, and wellness centers.