The History of Reiki: A Journey of Healing Through Energy
In today’s world, Reiki is widely practiced in wellness centers, hospitals, and private healing spaces. But where did this gentle, energy-based healing modality begin? To truly understand the power of Reiki, it helps to explore its origins—and how this ancient yet modern practice continues to support healing across cultures and generations.
Reiki Begins: The Discovery by Mikao Usui
Reiki, as it is known today, was founded by Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese spiritual seeker, in the early 20th century. Though the concept of life force energy existed long before Usui’s time (appearing in traditions like Qi in Chinese medicine and Prana in Indian Ayurveda), Usui developed a structured practice that could be taught and shared with others.
After years of studying sacred texts, energy practices, and healing techniques, Usui underwent a 21-day spiritual retreat on Mount Kurama in Japan. It was during this intense period of fasting, meditation, and prayer that he experienced a profound spiritual awakening—receiving what he came to understand as the ability to channel universal life energy for healing.
From this awakening, Reiki was born.
🕊️ The Spread of Reiki in Japan
Usui began teaching and practicing Reiki throughout Japan in the early 1920s. He emphasized the importance of living a spiritually balanced life and created five foundational Reiki principles to guide daily living:
Just for today, I will not worry.
Just for today, I will not be angry.
Just for today, I will do my work honestly.
Just for today, I will be grateful.
Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing.
These principles are just as relevant today as they were then—inviting mindfulness, compassion, and simplicity into our lives.
🌏 Reiki Comes to the West
One of Usui’s students, Dr. Chujiro Hayashi, played a key role in systematizing Reiki and passing it on to Hawayo Takata, a Japanese-American woman from Hawaii. After receiving healing from Dr. Hayashi in the 1930s, Takata became a passionate student and eventually a Reiki Master.
She brought Reiki to the United States and began teaching others, ensuring that the practice would spread across the Western world. Thanks to Takata’s work, Reiki crossed cultural boundaries and became accessible to a wide range of people seeking gentle, energetic healing.
Reiki Today: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Healing
Today, Reiki is practiced globally and continues to evolve. While many practitioners honor the traditional Usui Reiki lineage, others incorporate complementary tools such as crystals, sound healing, or intuitive energy work—much like we do at Realign.
Though Reiki's roots are in early 20th-century Japan, its foundation is timeless: the belief that healing is possible when we reconnect with the energy that flows through all living things.
Why This Matters
At Realign Your Mind Counseling Services, we honor the origins of Reiki while blending it into a modern, holistic healing approach. Understanding the history helps us ground our practice in respect, tradition, and purpose. It reminds us that healing doesn’t have to be complicated—sometimes, it starts with simply being open to receive.
✨ Whether you’re just discovering Reiki or deepening your journey, you’re part of a healing lineage that spans continents and generations.
Ready to experience the ancient healing power of Reiki for yourself?
Book a session today or contact us to learn more about how Reiki can support your mind, body, and soul.
