- By Anushka Shalya
- Thu, 25 Jun 2026 10:45 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
From spiritual leaders to celebrities, Reiki has become one of the most important tools, which is believed to heal a person through the universe’s energy. You must have heard Phoebe from the popular sitcom FRIENDS talk about this technique. While it has been an ancient practice, it has been popularised more in recent years.
But what exactly is Reiki, and why are so many people turning to it for emotional and spiritual well-being?
What Is Reiki?
Reiki is a Japanese word which means mysterious or miraculous atmosphere. It comes from the Japanese words rei, meaning universal, and ki, meaning energy.
It is an energy healing practice that is used for stress reduction and to improve the emotional well-being of a person. In this practice, the Reiki master (a practitioner trained in Reiki) slightly places his hands on the person’s body or above the body. During the session, he actually channels the energy of the universe to the person. It is believed this energy, which is transferred in your body, helps to balance and heal.
Reiki is an energy healing practice that is used for stress reduction and improve emotional well-being (Image: Magnific)
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Where Did Reiki Come From And How It Got So Famous?
Reiki originated in Japan and was founded by Mikao Usui in the early 1900s. It was brought to the US by Hawayo Takata, who opened her clinic in the US to heal people. Takata then practised Reiki for 40 years and trained many Reiki masters who, after her death, spread her teachings.
Reiki has become very popular nowadays and is now practised and believed by thousands of people around the world.
How Does Reiki Work?
During a Reiki session, a Reiki master acts as a medium between a person and the universe. According to practitioners, all living things have a life force of energy that is travelling through them. When this energy gets disrupted or blocked, it leads to mental blockage and an unwell state of being.
Reiki helps to restore this energy by rebalancing the body's energy centres, leading to healing and well-being.
What Happens In A Reiki Session?
A Reiki session is held in a private and peaceful setting. During the session, the person is made to lie on the table or sit on a chair comfortably.
The practitioner then places their hand lightly over a specific area of the person, like the head, limbs or torso, the part which needs healing. If the person has an injury or wound, the practitioner then places their hand on that area.
It is said that they will do this drill till they feel that the energy has stopped flowing. During this time, the person can feel a tingling sensation or heat around that part. When the practitioner feels that the heat and tingling have gone, they remove their hands and place them on a different part of their body.
The whole treatment takes around 60 to 90 minutes. Some practitioners even use chakra and crystals to accelerate the healing process.
The practitioner places their hand lightly over a specific area like the head or the part which needs healing (Image:Magnific)
What Are The Health Benefits Of Reiki?
Some studies suggest that Reiki helps to reduce stress, anxiety and even improves the quality of life. Prcationers also believe that it can :
1. Help in relaxation
2. Help people to cope with emotional stress
3. Help in achieving mental clarity
4. Regulates and improves sleep
5. Post-surgery healing of bones and tissues
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Over the past few years, Reiki has gained immense popularity. Whether you view it as an energy healing practice or simply a tool for reducing stress and anxiety, its growing popularity among the masses has proved that it really works. If you want to have a better understanding of this, you may experience it for yourself.