As a Reiki Healer one of the first questions, I often encounter is “What is that?” and although Reiki has continued to gain recognition over the past 30+ years I still find myself explaining what Reiki is and what the true Reiki is not. To understand Reiki is to understand the lineage of Reiki as well as the symbolism
The lineage of my Reiki training leads directly back to the founder Dr. Mikao Usuui and is as follows:
Dr. Mikao Usuui
Dr Chujiro Hayashi
Hawayo Takata
Iris Ishikuro
Arthur Robertson
Rick & Emma Ferguson
Margarette L. Shelton
Kathleen Ann Milner
Roxanne Louise
Elaine Panuski
Sharon Sullivan
Joanne G. Dupre
Jacqueline O. Vincelette
Barbara A. Fontaine
The Rei symbol:

In short, the lines in the Rei are symbolic of bringing the Life Force, spiritual energy that flows down from Heaven through clouds of illusion and represents Sight. The 3 squares are symbolic of mouths praying, asking for blessings from Heaven and represents Sound. The lower horizontal line represents under Heaven and the 2 figures represent shamans dancing. The vertical line represents the connection between Heaven and earth. It is through the dance that they connect Heaven and earth bringing the blessings of Heaven to earth in Gesture.
The Ki symbol

The 2 horizontal lines are representative of moisture vapor and life force energy. The horizontal vertical line represents the earths crust. The figure beneath the earth’s crust is the seed. The life force energy penetrates the earth’s crust and is absorbed by the seed; as energy, it explodes with growth and bursts through the covering of the earth. Nothing can deter the power of the growing seed. When you take in Reiki energy, nothing can stop the growth, promoting Change.
Reiki is not a cult, religion, or a form of hypnosis. It is not a form of mind control or a method of faith healing.
Reiki is easy to learn, safe, requires no equipment, demands no altering of consciousness, and works well with any other healing modality. It is gentle, non-invasive, relaxing, calming, and useful in stress reduction. Reiki restores the life force energy and is an important part of maintaining overall wellness.
Reiki is the universal life force energy . A non-visible energy that surrounds, flows through, and extends outward from the human body. It is essential for body function and life. It is composed of three major parts:The Aura or energy field that surrounds everyone.
- The Aura or energy field that surrounds everyone.
- The Meridians or energy tracts which are the pathways to healing (also used in Accupuncture)
- The Chakras or energy centers. There are 7 major Chakras each one has metaphysical quality and color.
There are 5 Reiki Principals defined by Frank Arjava Petter, 1999.
Kyo dake wa | Just today |
Okoru-na | Don’t get angry |
Shinpai suna | Don’t worry |
Kansha shite | Show appreciation / Be grateful |
Goo hage me | Work hard |
The 3 Pillars of Reiki:
- Gasso-our 2 hands coming together in prayer and meditation become 1 with treatment; become one with God.
- Reiji-the control, even though you have a goal or intention the sense of Reiki is in control.
- Chiryo-the treatment focuses on the highest good, letting love and caring flow. The Reiki and the client are in control.
In many cultures across the globe hand movement is a form of dialogue, hence the phrase “talking with your hands”, and touch has been symbolic of healing. When we experience physical injury, we instinctively touch the area to make it feel better. When we are emotionally injured, we seek to be hugged or held. The human body is uniquely capable of self-healing. When we get cut a scab is formed over the injured area and our cellular system begins the process of repairing and restoring the area to wellness. Reiki healing uses hand movement to encourage the life force energy and assist the body intuitively and instinctively in the promotion of self-healing.
This Reiki energy passes through one person to the other. It is the client that draws the energy in the exact amount needed for healing. It restores the depleted life force energy and balances it promoting healing, positive wellness, and higher consciousness.
Reiki is safe to use daily to activate and amplify the life force energy within, and can be useful for physical ailments, emotional/mental responses, chronic ailments, and acute or emergency situations. It eases anxiety and discomfort, relieves pain, promotes relaxation, and assists in the maintenance of positive wellness.
Reiki must be experienced to truly be appreciated. Ask us how to book a warm and welcoming Reiki experience!!