Reiki: Frequently Asked Questions

This page is written by my teacher and Master Reiki Practitioner, Marianne Streich. Thank you, Marianne.

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a Japanese relaxation technique that facilitates the body’s ability to heal itself. It is accomplished
through a gentle laying-on of hands, or with the hands slightly above the body. A warm and soothing energy
flows from the hands of the practitioner into the recipient, releasing tension, creating relaxation, and
facilitating healing. The energy used is not the practitioner’s, but the subtle life force energy that flows through
and around all of life.

How does it work?

Reiki works through the energy field that surrounds and flows through the body. A person is healthier when
energy flows freely throughout his/her energy field. Energy can become blocked as a result of many factors.
These blockages can cause or contribute to unhealthy physical, mental, or emotional conditions. Reiki
removes blockages and helps to create a healthy flow of energy, resulting in improved health and well-being.

As with any health or lifestyle choice, the greatest benefits from Reiki are realized through consistent use over
time.

How do I know it works?

Although numerous benefits of Reiki have been widely reported, most evidence of its effectiveness is
anecdotal. Scientific studies have been conducted in recent years, and the research now available will be
summarized in a future issue of Reiki News Magazine (probably the Winter 2009 issue) and posted on
www.reikiinhospitals.org. (The magazine is available at Barnes & Noble and other news outlets.)

The best way to know that Reiki works is to experience it.

What are the benefits?

Some frequently reported benefits are: relaxation, stress reduction, alleviation of insomnia, pain relief, mental
clarity, a sense of peacefulness, and decease in anxiety.

A brief history of Reiki:

The system of natural healing known in the West as Reiki was developed in Japan early in the last century by
Mikao Usui, a widely traveled man who was educated in many disciplines. Usui established Reiki clinics in
Tokyo and traveled throughout Japan, treating the sick and teaching Reiki. He died in 1926 at the age of 62.

In the mid-1930s, Hawayo Takata, an American of Japanese descent, visited the Tokyo clinic of one of Usui’s
students, Dr. Chujiro Hayashi. Following her complete recovery from several serious health conditions, she
remained in Japan to study with Dr. Hayashi.

Mrs. Takata returned to Hawaii in the late 1930s and established a clinic there. She began teaching Reiki on
the U.S. mainland in the 1970’s and before her death in 1980 had trained 22 teachers (Masters). Reiki has
spread rapidly throughout the world in the years since, and practitioners are now found in almost every
country.

Marianne Streich
Reiki Master Teacher/Practitioner
Director, Reiki for Living Internship Program Seattle Children’s Hospital
Editor Reiki News Magazine
206.523.4456; www.reikiforliving.com