Reiki is a healing practice that many people find profoundly calming and supportive, often describing it as “universal life energy” gently restoring their natural balance. It’s widely recognized worldwide for promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and complementing other healthcare approaches.

The word Reiki comes from the Japanese words Rei (universal) and Ki (life energy). Its roots trace back to Mikao Usui, born in 1865 in Taniai, Japan. Educated in Buddhist traditions, Usui explored various spiritual disciplines, including Japanese energy practices (Kiko), Zen, and Tendai Buddhism. In 1922, during a 21-day fasting and meditation retreat on Mount Kurama, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening. This moment, where he felt a powerful flow of light-filled energy, is considered the discovery of Reiki.

Following this realization, Usui founded the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai (Usui Reiki Healing Method Society) in Tokyo, teaching thousands of students and training future Reiki teachers. He also emphasized five guiding principles—simple yet profound lessons that encourage personal harmony, compassion, and mindful living. To this day, these principles resonate with many who say Reiki helps them feel “lighter,” “more present,” and more in tune with their emotional well-being.

In 1935, Hawayo Takata, a Japanese-American woman studying under Dr. Chujiro Hayashi (one of Usui’s direct students), became a Reiki Master and introduced Reiki to the United States. Her dedication helped Reiki gain recognition beyond Japan’s borders. Today, Reiki is practiced in hospitals, wellness centers, and private sessions around the globe, reflecting its adaptability to various cultures and belief systems.

You may come across different Reiki schools and lineages—some with strong opinions about authenticity and practice. However, it’s important to remember that Dr. Usui himself believed Reiki should be accessible to everyone, regardless of lineage. Many who explore Reiki find comfort in knowing it’s not confined to one tradition or teacher—it is seen as a universal gift meant to nurture our innate capacity for healing and balance.

Understanding Reiki’s history can help you appreciate its depth and versatility. Whether you’re new and feeling a bit skeptical, or curious about its roots, Reiki’s story reminds us that the energy we tap into today is part of a continuum—a quiet but enduring current of healing that has evolved over time and found its way to people all over the world.