Reiki is a Japanese word; Rei-meaning "higher power" and Ki-meaning "universal life force energy."
Reiki is an ancient healing art that may have been lost for eternity if not for Dr Mikaomi Usui (Japan) who re-discovered it in the late 19th century. After surviving cholera, Usui became involved with a group called Rei Jyutso Ka near Mount Kurama Yama and spent much time studying ancient spiritual, medical and Buddhist knowledge in Kyoto's monasteries and libraries. While there Dr Usui climbed Mt Kurama Yama on a retreat contemplating on the ancient knowledge he had gathered. It was during this time that Usui received instantaneous empowerments direct from the Universal Life Force. He spent several years studying, developing and further refining Reiki healing, giving it form and structure. Usui opened a Reiki clinic in Tokyo, founded a Reiki Society and incorporated the five principles propagated by the Emperor of Meiji for whom he had great respect.

Since then it has continued to be shared across the world. Almost anyone can learn to channel Reiki as it is handed down through lineage by an attunement process from Master Teacher to student.
 

The ancient Reiki healing art uses a particular frequency of Universal life force (or Source energy) channeled by a Reiki Practitioner to re-balance the recipients energy fields. Reiki is thought to help in the prevention and cure of illness, disease, anxiety and crisis and helps promote a feeling of relaxation. This healing energy works with the underlying cause of a problem which can result in quicker more effective healing. The energy can encourage healing by flowing to wherever needed in the body and aura to help you. The rate of healing depends not only upon the healing energy but also on the focus and ability of the Reiki Practitioner and a client's receptiveness to the Reiki energy and their acceptance of change. A treatment may result in emotional release, quickening of physical healing, release of stress, anxiety and tension, reduction in pain, increase in personal energy and a sense of deep relaxation.
Gordon Soutar is a qualified Reiki Master based in Edinburgh.