A Brief History of Reiki

The healing method known in the West as Reiki was developed in Japan early in the last century by Mikao Usui (1865-1926 )

Usui was a seeker of knowledge and spiritual understanding. He studied disciplines such as history, religion, medicine, psychology, and metaphysics, and broadened his world view through travel to Europe and China. Although he faced many challenges in life, he is said to have met them with equanimity and perseverance.

Reiki tradition holds that Usui received the vibration of energy called Reiki in 1922 while meditating on Mt. Kurama, a mountain sacred to both Buddhism and Shinto. He is said to have achieved enlightenment, or “a state of no fear” at this time.

Although Usui asserted Reiki to be a spiritual method of healing, it is not dependent upon, or affiliated with, any religious organization, dogma, or doctrine. Today it is practiced throughout the world by people of many faiths and cultures.

Usui Sensei (Teacher Usui, as he was called by his students) established clinics in Tokyo and traveled throughout Japan healing the sick and teaching his healing method. He became known throughout the country for his service to the injured following the massive Tokyo earthquake of 1923. Usui initiated more than 2000 students into Reiki and trained twenty Shihans (teachers) prior to his death in 1926 at the age of 62.