Reiki is a complementary therapy that was developed in Japan, in the late nineteenth or early twentieth century, by Mikao Usui.  Reiki is based on an energy-model of the human body rather than the orthodox mechanical model used by western medicine; in this respect Reiki is similar to Acupuncture or Spiritual Healing.  Visually, Reiki is very similar to Spiritual Healing but there are some differences.  Reiki can be learned in a few days but it is a gift for life, even if not used for years.

The word REIKI is a combination of the Japanese Kanji: REI and KI.  REI represents the Spiritual force (God-force) of the Universe whilst KI represents the life-force pervading the Universe (known as PRANA in India).  Joining the two Kanji (ideograms) gives a simple definition of Reiki: Universal or Spiritual Life-force.

Reiki is a therapy, not a religion and does not depend on the beliefs, or lack of them, of either therapist or recipient.  It is not related to faith healing and works equally well on plants and animals, neither of whom are known for their faith or suggestibility.

Reiki works on all levels — mental, physical, emotional and spiritual — to balance, energise and heal the body.  Research studies have shown it to promote wound healing, lower blood pressure, reduce stress, ease chronic pain and also acute pain such as that suffered by people who have been badly burned, boost the immune system, and also reduce the side-effects of medical treatments such as chemotherapy.  It has been used successfully at a Cancer Clinic in Canada to manage pain in patients with terminal cancer giving them a better quality of life in their last days and reducing the need for opiates.  There are also anecdotal reports of it curing serious illness.  Basically, Reiki accelerates the healing process.  It is a very gentle therapy that works via the channelling of energy from a divine/universal source to promote healing and well-being; you can use it for your own benefit and that of others.