Reiki is one of the most ancient healing methods known. It is a form of Natural Hands-On Energy Healing utilizing Universal Life Force Energy that every living thing inherently posesses. Its origin is ancient Tibet (2500-year old Sanscrit writings refer to it) and was rediscovered in the nineteenth century by Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese monk, leading to a Reiki clinic in Japan and eventually the United States.

Though we each possess Universal Life Force Energy or "ki," "chi," or "prana," this energy can become out of balance, blocked, depleted or negated. This leads to stress, anxiety, depression, illness, etc. A Reiki practitioner is attuned by a Reiki Master (each leading back to Dr. Usui himself) and acts as a channel to the Universal Life Force Energy and directs it to the person or animal who desires healing, revitalization or clearing of negative energy. The energy comes through pure and flows through the practitioner's hands into the receiver's body. Reiki energy balances the receiver's own energy centers (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual) and Life Force Energy. A balanced person is a healthy person.

Reiki is not a religion or religious. It is not magic. It is not a cult. Reiki cannot be forced on anyone. A person must be open and willing to receive it. (The receiver's willingness to receive is vital to the experience.) Reiki is safe for everyone, including children, babies, pregnant women, pets and plants. Reiki is natural and does not interfere with medications or medical treatments. In fact, it is often used in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Many people utilize Reiki before and after surgeries to speed up healing. But it is best known for revitalization, clearing out of negative energy and reducing stress.

The Five Ethical Principles of Reiki:

Just for today, do not anger.
Just for today, do not worry.
We shall count our blessings and honor our fathers and mothers, our teachers and neighbors and honor our food.
Make an honest living.
Be kind to everything that has life.

The Two Precepts of Reiki

The First Precept
The person must ask to be treated, and in asking, open the self up at the throat level. They vocalize and say, “I want to change where I am. I want to alter my state of existence.”

By asking, a person is putting forth a conscious decision to become involved in his/her own healing. The request may also be made on the soul level. It is from the Soul Level that the person actually asks for a healing.

The Second Precept
There must be an exchange of energy for services, not for healing. The healing energy belongs to the Universe. However, there needs to be a creative exchange from the recipient to the person whose time, training, expertise and services are being rendered so that there is a balance in the Universe.

An energy exchange can be anything from the stored concept of energy we call money to an exchange of services between the healing facilitator and the person asking to be healed. Often we heal loved ones and our family members. If there is an exchange taking place where one is doing for another consistently, then energy is always being exchanged.

Healing facilitators that offer services on a professional level establish a fee. This fee sets a value on the service and time, which is considered a concrete reality in the mindset of humankind. Wellness, likewise, has a value and ultimately reflects the feeling of worthiness and self-love of the person seeking to change their state of health and existence.