What is Jikiden Reiki®? The Rich Culture Behind Japanese Holistic Healing
- The Softest Heart
- Jun 13
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 5
Reiki, a form of energetic balancing which originated in Japan, involves a practitioner channeling energy into the client's body to facilitate healing. Its founder, Sensei Mikao Usui, introduced reiki to the world in 1922 after receiving divine insight atop a sacred mountain in Kyoto. Since its introduction, reiki has gained global popularity in healthcare and wellness settings.
Among the many forms available, Jikiden Reiki® stands out for its adherence to traditional Japanese practices. It is a gentle, natural way to support the body without side-effects or long term repercussions.
In this article, we'll discuss this ancient Japanese branch of reiki, its unique qualities, and applications in health and wellness settings.
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What Exactly Is Reiki?
Reiki translates into soul energy. During a reiki session, universal energy is channeled through a practitioner's hands and guided into the energetic and physical body of the client. This can be envisioned akin to turning on the warming feature in a car on a chilly winter morning. Just as the warmer delivers comforting heat, energy transferred to a client gently soothes the physical and causal (energetic body).
Reiki is a safe treatment for all, regardless of age or pre-existing health conditions. Energy can be directed toward a specific target area, or applied generally to rid the body of emotional heaviness and negativity. It can be delivered in person or from a distance (virtually), although in Jikiden Reiki, in-person is preferred.
Jikiden Reiki® - How is it Different?
Jikiden Reiki® is the most traditional form of Usui Sensei's legacy. When reiki was first introduced to the public as a holistic healing method, its widespread popularity caused a deviation between its traditional Japanese roots, and the incorporation of other forms of energetic balancing. This, in combination with other contributing factors such as post-war cultural shifts in Japan, caused the original teachings to nearly become extinct.
The graphic shown above, sourced from the NPO International Japanese Reiki Association, illustrates the lineage of modern-day reiki practitioners. Jikiden Reiki retains the purity of Usui Sensei's teachings, ensuring full benefits for the client are received.
My teacher, who shares my Japanese heritage, is a direct disciple of the current president of the NPO Jikiden Reiki Association, Tadao Yamaguchi.
What Can I Expect During a Reiki Session?
A client begins a session lying down in a comfortable position with their eyes closed. While many forms of reiki are delivered virtually, in Jikiden Reiki, hands-on sessions are preferred. Sessions open with a practitioner reciting an opening prayer as well as an incantation in Japanese specific to the illness being treated. The practitioner's hands are placed on the client's target area, and energy is transferred over the course of an hour. The session closes with gentle body percussion, to facilitate energy flow.
Virtual sessions deliver similar results and are equally effective. The practitioner uses their own body along with sacred symbols to virtually deliver energy to the client. No percussion occurs, as the entire session is conducted remotely.
In both virtual and in-person reiki sessions, harmless sensations may be experienced as energy circulates within the body. These are temporary, and usually subside within 24 hours. Common sensations include: warmth, tingling, sleepiness, and relaxation.
Some clients may experience temporary headache, gas, and mildly increased pain at a treatment site followed by relief. If the individual receives reiki following a traumatic emotional encounter, pent-up emotions may be released.
No specific spiritual belief system or religion is required to receive reiki. Anyone, including skeptics) can benefit from the healing energy received.
Reiki Used as a Supportive Treatment for Clinical Illnesses
Reiki has been successfully used as a holistic complement to clinical illnesses, and its use is well-documented in clinical studies. While other methods of reiki are known to be able to cleanse homes, objects, and auras, Jikiden Reiki was specifically designed to support clinical illnesses. It has unique applications, specifically as a supportive treatment for psychiatric illnesses.
Research articles published in academic journals have shown reiki is an effective treatment for anxiety, pain management (for both new and chronic conditions), pregnancy, surgery, and epilepsy. Palliative care and oncology patients in particular, have been known to benefit from reiki. The clinical applications are not limited to humans - pets too, can benefit from receiving healing energy.
With its proven benefits and personalized approach, reiki is a safe and effective treatment for anyone's healthcare needs.
Discover the Soothing Power of Jikiden Reiki - Schedule Your Session Today
Jikiden Reiki offers a unique opportunity to support the body's ability to heal itself through time-honored Japanese traditions. Whether you're managing chronic pain, navigating emotional challenges, or simply want to promote overall wellbeing, a Jikiden Reiki session can provide support. To schedule a session, click here.
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