Reiki

Reiki is a Japanese healing art that was developed by Mikao Usui in Japan in the early 20th century. It is pronounced ray-key. You might also hear it called reiki energy, Usui system of reiki and therapeutic touch.

The Japanese word reiki means universal energy. Eastern medicine systems work with this energy, which they believe flows through all living things and is vital to well being. The energy is known as ‘Ki’ in Japan, ‘Chi’ in China and ‘prana’ in India. Reiki isn’t part of any type of religion or belief system.

A reiki practitioner puts their hands on or near your clothed body. One of the main aims is to help you relax. A reiki practitioner aims to change and balance the ‘energy fields’ in and around your body.

Some people with chronic illness may use reiki alongside their treatment, as a complementary therapy. Reiki practitioners say that it can:

• help you to feel deeply relaxed
• help you cope with difficult situations
• relieve emotional stress and tension
• help to improve wellbeing

Some people with health conditions say they feel more relaxed after using therapies such as reiki. Studies suggest that this is often because a therapist spends time with the person. Gentle touch in a calm setting can be relaxing. Reiki is sometimes used in palliative care, especially in hospices.

Although reiki might help you feel more relaxed and able to cope, it’s important to bear in mind reiki is not able to treat your condition.