REIKI (ray-key) is a Japanese word meaning "Universal Life Energy". The word 'Rei' can be more accurately interpreted to mean higher knowledge or spiritual consciousness. This is the wisdom that comes from God or the Higher Self. It understands each person completely. It knows the cause of all problems and difficulties and knows how to heal them. The word 'ki' means the same as 'chi' in Chinese. It is the vital life force in all living things. It is present all around us and can be guided by the mind. It is the God Consciousness called Rei that guides the life energy called Ki in the practice we call Reiki.
The origin of this healing art uses the same techniques as did the Lamas of ancient Tibet. Thousands of years old, it was a hidden art until rediscovered by Dr. Mikao Usui, a Christian minister living in Japan. He practiced and taught the Reiki principles and healing methods throughout his life. The knowledge was preserved and passed on to others and eventually was brought to the West in the 1970's. Many Reiki Practitioners are now trained by Certified Reiki Masters to carry on the tradition of the Usui System of Natural Healing.
