Reikis

Reikis is a term sometimes used to refer to Reiki, a form of energy healing that originated in Japan in the early 20th century. The standard term is Reiki; "Reikis" is not an official plural. It is commonly used to describe multiple Reiki sessions, practitioners, or lineages.

Reiki was developed by Mikao Usui, drawing on elements of spirituality and beliefs about universal life energy. It gained worldwide popularity after Hawayo Takata introduced it to the United States and other countries in the mid-20th century. Today Reiki is practiced globally in various styles and organizations, often within complementary medicine settings.

In a typical session, the recipient remains clothed. The practitioner places hands lightly on or just above the body in a sequence of positions, aiming to channel universal life energy to support relaxation and balance. Sessions usually last 30 to 60 minutes and vary by tradition. Reiki is considered safe and non-invasive, though it is not a substitute for medical treatment.

Training usually involves attunements from a Reiki master and progression through levels, commonly described as Level 1, Level 2, and Master or Teacher training. Western versions of Reiki often emphasize distance healing in Level 2.

Scientific evidence for Reiki is mixed and generally limited. Some studies report reduced stress or anxiety, while others find no specific health benefits. It is typically categorized as complementary or alternative medicine and is regulated differently by country and organization. Critics note the need for rigorous research and warn against replacing conventional care with Reiki for serious conditions.