What is Reiki?

heatherannkoehn
Apr 27
3 min read

A Reiki-initiated practitioner conducting a session.

In today’s fast-paced world, many people are seeking ways to reconnect with themselves, find balance, and heal — physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

One practice that’s quietly grown in popularity for its gentle yet profound effects is Reiki. But what exactly is Reiki? And why are so many people turning to it for support? Let’s dive into the basics.

Reiki: A Simple Definition

Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a Japanese technique for stress reduction, relaxation, and healing. The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words:

Rei meaning “universal life”
Ki meaning “energy”

Together, Reiki translates to "universal life energy." It's based on the idea that an unseen life force energy flows through all living things.

When this energy is low or blocked, we’re more likely to feel stress, illness, or emotional imbalance. When it's high and flowing freely, we’re more capable of being happy, healthy, and resilient.

How Does Reiki Work?

A Reiki practitioner serves as a channel for this universal energy. During a session, they place their hands lightly on or just above the recipient’s body, focusing on different energy centers (sometimes called chakras) or areas of discomfort.

The energy naturally flows where it's needed most, helping to:

Release energetic blockages
Stimulate the body’s natural healing processes
Restore balance physically, mentally, and spiritually
Promote a deep state of relaxation and peace

Many describe a Reiki session as feeling like a warm, comforting, peaceful bath for the soul.

A Brief History of Reiki

Reiki was founded in Japan by Mikao Usui in the early 20th century.

After a deep spiritual experience during a retreat on Mount Kurama, Usui received Reiki from the Creator, to teach as a healing practice and a path for personal development.

He later taught others, and the practice spread across Japan and eventually to the West, evolving into several lineages and styles that exist today.

Despite the variations, all forms of Reiki maintain the same fundamental principles: using universal energy to promote healing and well-being.

What Happens in a Reiki Session?

If you’re new to Reiki, you might wonder what to expect. Typically, a session involves:

A brief conversation with the practitioner about your goals or concerns
Lying fully clothed on a comfortable treatment table or seated in a chair
Gentle music or silence to help you relax
The practitioner placing their hands lightly on or above different areas of your body

You might feel sensations like warmth, tingling, gentle pressure, or emotional release.

Or you might simply feel very relaxed. Every experience is unique — and every session may feel different.

What Are the Benefits of Reiki?

While Reiki is not a substitute for medical treatment, many people find it complements traditional care beautifully. Some reported benefits include:

Reduced stress and anxiety
Improved sleep
Pain relief
Enhanced emotional clarity
Accelerated recovery from surgery or illness
A greater sense of spiritual connection

The real magic of Reiki is that it meets you exactly where you are — supporting your body’s innate wisdom to heal itself.

Is Reiki for Everyone?

Reiki is safe, gentle, and non-invasive.

It can be used by people of all ages and walks of life, including those who are healthy and simply looking for balance, as well as those facing more serious health challenges.

You don’t have to believe in Reiki for it to work — you just have to be open to the experience.

Final Thought:Reiki reminds us that healing doesn’t always have to be forceful or complicated.

Sometimes, the simplest act of reconnecting with the universal flow of life energy can awaken deep inner shifts. Whether you are seeking relaxation, healing, or spiritual growth, Reiki offers a soft yet powerful path to rediscovering your natural state of balance and wholeness.

Feeling Ready and Inspired?

If you feel inspired to direct your life path toward a deeper knowing, connect with Divine Black Sheep to learn more about healing arts and business workshops, community experiences, building your expertise as a teacher, or receiving private practitioner services. You're invited to email, message or schedule online today.

Reach out to us at info@divineblacksheep.com to learn more about our training programs and workshops. Unlock your potential as a high-frequency lightworker today!