The History of Reiki: From Ancient Healing to Modern Hospitals
Reiki isn’t just a trendy wellness practice, it has a rich, fascinating history that stretches back over a century. Let’s take a fun dive into where Reiki came from, how it evolved and why you might even find it in hospitals today!
The Origins: A Mystical Beginning
The history of Reiki begins in early 20th-century Japan with a man named Dr. Mikao Usui. Legend says he embarked on a spiritual quest after a student asked him, “How did Jesus heal?” Determined to find answers, Usui meditated for 21 days on Mount Kurama. On the final day, he experienced a powerful spiritual awakening; Reiki energy flowed through him and he suddenly knew how to heal.
Usui then developed Reiki Ryoho (Reiki healing method) and began teaching others. One of his students, Dr. Chujiro Hayashi, later refined the practice, creating hand positions and a more structured system.
Reiki Goes Global
Reiki might have stayed in Japan if not for Hawayo Takata, a Japanese-American woman who brought it to Hawaii in the 1930s after Hayashi healed her of serious illnesses. Takata became a Reiki master and trained 22 teachers in the West, ensuring Reiki’s spread worldwide.
By the 1980s, Reiki had exploded in popularity. Today, millions of people practice it, from holistic healers to… wait for it, mainstream medical centres!
Reiki in Hospitals? Yes, Really!
Once seen as alternative woo-woo, Reiki is now gaining respect in medical settings. Hospitals like University College London Hospital and others offer Reiki to help patients with:
Pain relief, stress and anxiety reduction (because hospital stays are no picnic), faster recovery (Reiki may boost the body’s natural healing) and pain relief.
Nurses even learn Reiki to support patients during chemo, surgery prep, and post-op care. Science is still studying how it works, but many swear by its calming effects.
Reiki Today: More Than Just a Trend
From Usui’s mountain revelation to hospital rooms worldwide, the history of Reiki proves this practice has serious staying power. Whether you’re into energy healing or just curious, one thing’s clear, Reiki’s journey is far from over!
Want to try it? Give me a shout! You can also find a practitioner here. Who knows? You might just feel that warm, tingly Reiki magic.
