Where does Reiki come from?

Reiki comes from two Japanese words: “rei” = “spirit,” and “ki” or “chi” = life force energy” Reiki = “spiritual life force energy.” By definition, it is different from "chi" alone. Chi is the life force energy that runs through every living thing. It is the source energy for our "chakras," and flows through our "meridians" and "nadis."

Reiki is different from chi, in that it is life force energy that flows from Spirit/Source/God. It has the consciousness of Spirit in it. We don't have to tell it what to do - the Reiki energy already knows. We are simply the channels.

I teach my Reiki students that the way to channel the energy is to visualize themselves as an "open pipe," with the energy coming in the top of their heads, through their crown chakras, and out through their hands, breathe, or wherever it needs to be released. In fact, being the "open pipe," without adding your own intent to the process is necessary to maintaina pure flow of energy.

What makes the practice of Reiki unique among other energy healing techniques is that it does not involve the practitioner's energy, or chi at all. In fact, sending your chi to someone else can be both detrimental to them and draiing to you. As Reiki is "spiritual life force energy" - it is not your own energy.

Some Reiki teachers have said that Reiki comes from within us. I could not disagree more. Therefore, when I'm asked "Where does Reiki come from?" I answer that it comes from Source through us. In fact, when I receive a Reiki treatment, I want a pure flow of Reiki energy, and am not interested in receiving the practitioner's energy - no matter what a great person they may be!