What is Reiki (霊気)?

Reiki is a Japanese technique, spiritual practice, and energy therapy developed in 1922 by Japanese Buddhist Mikao Usui that promotes healing through stress reduction and relaxation techniques. It is based on the belief that life force energy flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one’s energy is low, then our health is impacted negatively, and we are more prone to stress. Reiki is a “hands-on” healing technique. Reiki practitioners work to transfer universal energy in the form of qi through their palms, with the goal of self-healing and creation of a state of energy equilibrium.

There are two main branches of Reiki, referred to as Traditional Japanese Reiki and Western Reiki. Mary is a trained Traditional Reiki Master, as she relies on an intuitive sense of hand-positions.