What Exactly Is Reiki? A Beginner-Friendly Guide

Reiki: Discover the Healing Power of Energy Work

Reiki has become a well-known practice in the world of holistic health and wellness—and for good reason. More and more people are turning to it as a natural way to support their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. But what exactly is Reiki? How does it work, and what makes it so special?

In this post, we’ll explore the roots of Reiki, how it works, its core principles, and the benefits people often experience—whether they're new to energy healing or have been on a healing journey for years.

Where Did Reiki Come From?

Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a Japanese healing technique that was developed in the early 1900s by a man named Mikao Usui. Usui's journey began after a deeply spiritual experience, which led him to create a system of healing based on channeling what he called "universal life force energy." He believed that this energy flows through all living things. When it flows freely, we feel well—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. However, when that flow is blocked or unbalanced, we may experience pain, stress, or illness.

What started as a quiet practice in Japan has now spread across the world. Since the 1980s, Reiki has grown especially popular in the U.S. and Europe. Today, it’s estimated that over a million people in the U.S. practice Reiki in some form. It’s also increasingly offered in hospitals, wellness centers, and integrative clinics.

How Reiki Energy Works

Reiki is based on the idea that we are all made up of energy. Just like your phone or your computer can run low on battery, so too can your body and spirit. Reiki helps "recharge" that energy.

During a Reiki session, the practitioner gently places their hands either on or just above your body. This allows healing energy to flow through them into you. It’s a non-invasive practice—you remain fully clothed and simply relax in a peaceful setting.

Many people describe feelings of warmth, tingling, or a deep sense of calm during a session. Others may experience emotional release or even fall into a restful, meditative state. Each experience is personal and unique.

The Five Reiki Principles

Reiki isn’t just about receiving healing; it also encourages a way of living. Mikao Usui introduced five simple, yet powerful principles to help guide daily life. These principles aren’t rules but gentle reminders that promote balance, presence, and compassion:

1. Just for today, I will not be angry.

   Letting go of anger creates space for peace.

   
   

2. Just for today, I will not worry.

   Worry pulls us away from the present. Trusting the moment can be freeing.

   
   

3. Just for today, I will be grateful.

   Gratitude helps shift focus from what's lacking to what's abundant.

   
   

4. Just for today, I will do my work honestly.

   Living with integrity builds trust and inner alignment.

   
   

5. Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing.

   Kindness, to ourselves and others, ripples outward.

   
   

These principles invite us to return to ourselves—gently and without pressure—and to show up with more presence and compassion each day.

So… How Does Reiki Actually Help?

Reiki activates your body’s natural healing processes. It calms the nervous system, reduces energetic blockages, and brings the mind and body back into balance. While the mechanisms are still being studied, many people share powerful results after just one session.

Let’s break down some of the most common benefits people report.

Stress Relief

Life gets busy—and stress is something we all deal with. Reiki helps you slow down and reset. In fact, studies have shown that Reiki can reduce cortisol (the stress hormone), helping you feel more relaxed and emotionally centered.

Pain Management

Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, muscle tension, or recovering from an injury, Reiki can support your body’s natural healing. Some studies indicate that up to 60% of participants reported noticeable relief from discomfort after sessions.

Emotional Release

Have you ever felt like you were holding something in—grief, anxiety, or sadness—but didn’t know how to release it? Reiki can help you with that. Many clients experience emotional clarity, even breakthroughs, during or after a session. It's a safe space to let go of what no longer serves you.

Better Sleep

When your nervous system relaxes, better sleep tends to follow. People often report deeper, more restful sleep after Reiki—supporting overall health and wellness.

Spiritual Connection

Reiki often helps people feel more grounded and connected—to themselves, to others, or to something greater. While it’s not tied to any religion, many say it deepens their spiritual path or helps them feel more in tune with life.

Who Can Benefit from Reiki?

Reiki is gentle, safe, and accessible to almost anyone. Whether you’re navigating a tough season of life or simply want to feel more balanced, Reiki can support you.

It’s especially helpful for:

• People experiencing chronic stress, anxiety, or burnout

• Those recovering from illness or surgery

• Individuals managing emotional pain, grief, or trauma

• Empaths, caregivers, and healers who need to recharge

• Anyone seeking peace, clarity, or deeper self-awareness

  
  

Reiki is increasingly used in clinical settings—like hospitals and hospice care—to help patients manage pain, reduce anxiety, and support recovery. It beautifully complements traditional healthcare but is not a replacement for medical treatment.

Embracing Reiki as a Healing Journey

Reiki isn’t just a treatment; it’s a journey inward. It’s a chance to slow down, breathe, and return to yourself. Whether you’re curious about energy healing or already on a holistic wellness path, Reiki offers a simple yet profound way to realign with your inner peace.

It doesn’t ask much of you—just that you show up with an open mind and a willingness to receive. Often, that’s where the magic begins.

Ready to Experience Reiki for Yourself?

If you're feeling drawn to explore this gentle, transformative practice, I invite you to book a session with Bulan Healing Arts. Whether we meet in your home, online, or in our peaceful Tustin location, each session is a space to relax, release, and reconnect with your inner light.

You deserve to feel supported, grounded, and whole—exactly as you are.