Reiki Basics

Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a Japanese energy healing technique that facilitates stress reduction, relaxation, and healing. It’s based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us. When this energy is low or disrupted, we’re more likely to feel unwell. When it's flowing freely, we’re more vibrant and connected.

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The word Reiki is composed of two Japanese words:

• Rei – universal, divine wisdom or higher power

• Ki – life force energy

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Reiki is a gentle yet powerful practice that channels universal life force energy to move, cleanse, and attune the energetic body. By placing hands on or just above the body— or even at distance by thought while imagining the body—Reiki helps to clear stagnation, release emotional or energetic blockages, and restore balance across the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual layers. Practitioners often receive intuitive insights during a session, as areas of tension or flow reveal deeper stories stored in the body’s energy field. Guided by intention and compassion, Reiki becomes both a healing practice and a sacred listening—where the energy itself becomes a teacher.

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Origins of Reiki

Mikao Usui (1865–1926), a Japanese Buddhist, developed Reiki in the early 1920s. He sought spiritual enlightenment and healing through a 21-day fast and meditation on Mount Kurama, Japan and experienced a spiritual awakening, enabling him to channel healing energy through his hands.

Usui’s primary goal was not just physical healing but also spiritual development. Reiki was originally viewed as a path toward enlightenment, self-awareness, and inner peace.  Healing was considered a natural byproduct of aligning with the universal life force energy (Ki or Chi).
 

Usui established 5 guiding principles or pillars to align with Reiki.

5 Pillars of Reiki:

• Just for today, do not choose anger.

• Just for today, do not give in to worry.

• Just for today, be grateful.

• Just for today, be honest and committed in your work and in your way of being.

• Just for today, show compassion to all living beings (including yourself!).

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The Process of a Reiki Session

1. Grounding and Intention 

2. Scanning the Body – Practitioners use hands (either lightly touching or just above the body) to sense energetic imbalances.

3. Channeling Energy – Through hand positions over chakras or areas of need, the practitioner channels Reiki energy, allowing it to flow where needed.

4. Observing the experience – Both the practitioner and the one receiving may observe the energy movement, sensations, emotions, and information that comes up as the healing occurs.

5. Personal Integration and Rest – After the session, it's vital to rest, hydrate, and allow the energy to integrate.

Uses and Benefits of Reiki Treatments 

Phsyically, it can:

    - ease and relieve aches, pains, and tension.

    - accelerate the healing of injuries and wounds.

    - aid in detoxification of your system

    - prevent disease and sickness and strengthen your immune system

Emotionally and Mentally, it can:

    - lessen and clear worries and anxiety

    - provide clarity and quiet overthinking and excess mental chatter

    - promote an ongoing state of acceptance, calm, and contentment

    - aid in releasing emotional trauma and painful past events (even those you may not consciously remember)

    - minimize negative thought patterns and habits and make space for new behaviors

    - heal and release limiting beliefs

    - build lasting self-love and self-confidence

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Spiritually, it can:

    - help you return to alignment with your higher purpose

    - open up space for powerful manifestation and light work

    - connect you to your guides, ancestors, the source (also known as God, Spirit, or the Universe), and your higher intelligence

    - provide insights into past lives, cords and bindings, and your soul contract

    - re-establish or heighten your connection with the universal life energy ("the force") and open up intuitive and psychic abilities you may have pushed aside

    - offer messages from the divine and your guides

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While Reiki supports wellness for the physical, emotional and mental body, it is not a “magic cure” and is no replacement for licensed medical treatment.  Reiki practitioners do not diagnose or prescribe substances, nor interfere with treatment of a licensed medical professional. Reiki practitioners are not currently licensed in the US. Julie Jonas is not a licensed physician.  Reiki is complementary to and separate from medical services licensed by the state.