In 1924 Dr. Mikao Usui traveled to Mt. Kurama in Japan for a twenty-one day spiritual retreat that consisted of meditation, fasting and prayer. During his stay he acquired the remarkable gift of being able to transmit healing energy to others simply by placing his hands on them. He used this gift to help the poor people of Kyoto and Tokyo, especially after the great earthquake of 1923 where 140,000 people died.

Dr. Usui formed a healing society and taught others to give Reiki healing treatments. Reiki (pronounced "Ray Key") is a Japanese word that means "spiritually guided life force energy." When our life force is depleted we feel run down and are more susceptible to illness. Reiki gives a boost to our energy field. Improvements have been reported in many types of illnesses after a series of sessions (read the article "The Mystery of Reiki in a World of Science") but the most common experience is deep relaxation and renewed energy. Reiki often relieves physical and emotional pain.

During a typical session a client lies down on a Reiki table (similar to a massage table) fully clothed, while quiet music is playing. The Reiki practitioner places their hands on or directly above the client’s body. The practitioners hands may feel warm or even hot as healing energy flows through them and into the client. The client may arrive stressed out from daily responsibilities but after receiving twenty minutes of Reiki, is likely to slip into a light relaxed sleep.

Reiki is not just for people with illnesses or those who have experienced personal losses. It benefits everyone who lives in our busy society full of responsibilities and daily time pressures. Many of my clients learn to give Reiki to themselves and others by taking a one day class. (Please refer to the Reiki class description.)

I use Reiki on myself each morning after I wake. It helps the day flow more easily. My mind is more relaxed and my sense of humor is better. For me, Reiki is a small simple miracle that everyone can access.