What is Reiki? What is Reiki Ryōhō?

ABOUT

靈氣とは何ですか？靈氣療法とは何ですか？

If you are visiting this page, you are probably already familiar with the word Reiki (靈氣). What is much less commonly heard is its proper name: Usui Reiki Ryōhō (臼井靈氣療法). Even less known outside of Japan is its full traditional name: Shinshin Kaizen Usui Reiki Ryōhō (心身改善臼井靈氣療法).

When the practice spread to the West, the name was generally shortened to simply Reiki for convenience. Although the full name may still appear on certificates or in traditional Japanese organizations, most people today know the practice simply as Reiki.

So, what is the difference?

It is important to understand that Reiki and Reiki Ryōhō are not synonymous. Reiki is the spiritual energy itself, while Reiki Ryōhō is the traditional therapy or healing method that was developed by Usui Sensei for working with that energy.

Reiki (靈氣) refers to the spiritual energy or sacred essence itself. Ryōhō (療法) literally means "healing method" or "therapy." Together, Reiki Ryōhō (靈氣療法) means "the healing method that works with Reiki"—the complete therapeutic system developed by Usui Sensei.

This page is intended to clarify that distinction and to introduce traditional Japanese Reiki Ryōhō as it was originally developed and practiced by Usui Sensei and his early students. By understanding these foundations, we can better appreciate the practical healing art that he brought into the world.

Reiki — The Energy

Within the traditional understanding of Reiki Ryōhō, Reiki is regarded as a mysterious spiritual energy that permeates all of nature. It is present within all living things and is considered essential to life itself. It is believed that the Reiki energy is everywhere and touching everything.

Traditional Japanese teachings describe Reiki as the highest form of spiritual energy with which human beings can naturally interact. Beyond Reiki is Shin Ki (神氣), the divine energy associated with Kami (神), which is understood to exist beyond ordinary human reach.

According to this traditional understanding, when a person's connection with Reiki is clear and unobstructed, the mind and body naturally move toward health, balance, and harmony. When that connection becomes weakened or disturbed, physical and emotional imbalance may arise.

The word Reiki itself was not unique to Usui Sensei. It appeared in a variety of Japanese healing traditions and religions during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Some of these arts shared certain ideas or methods with Usui Reiki Ryōhō, while others were quite different.

Usui Sensei developed a unique system through which practitioners cultivate their relationship with Reiki for the improvement of mind and body. He believed that sincere practice of Usui Reiki Ryōhō — and receiving regular treatment — could help individuals lead happier, healthier lives. As each person improved themselves, society as a whole would also benefit, ultimately contributing to a more peaceful and harmonious world.

Reiki Ryōhō — The Therapy that Works with Reiki

While Reiki refers to the spiritual energy itself, Reiki Ryōhō is the practical method of working with that energy.

Usui Sensei did not claim to create Reiki. Rather, he developed a systematic approach that enables people to cultivate their natural ability to interact with it. His method is based on simple, natural human responses that we all recognize. When someone is injured, we instinctively look at the affected area, gently blow upon it, or place our hands over it to bring comfort. These natural expressions of compassion became important foundations within Usui Sensei's Reiki Ryōhō.

Rather than relying on complicated rituals or secret techniques, Usui Sensei organized these natural human tendencies into a practical system of training and treatment. Through regular practice, the practitioner develops both skill and character, while treatment naturally supports the recipient's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In this way, Reiki Ryōhō becomes more than a technique—it is a lifelong discipline of self-cultivation and compassionate care for others.