Each person will benefit from Reiki in a different way, however the most commonly reported benefits are:
The healing system we know as Reiki originated in Ancient Tibet, probably as long as 2500 years ago. It was re-discovered in the early 20th century by Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese scholar who lived in Japan in the last century.
After many years of study, research and meditation Dr Usui developed the system of natural healing, which today continues to be taught as an oral tradition by Reiki Masters trained in the tradition.
Reiki does not have any dogma or churches and whilst It is not religious, or linked to faith healing, many people find it to be spiritual in nature. In fact, Reiki will work whether you believe in it or not.
Originating in Japan Reiki is a gentle but powerful healing technique used for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. The work Reiki means REI = universal or spiritual; KI = life force energy and is pronounced "Ray Key".
Reiki is the channeling of 'life force energy' from the therapist to the receiver. This energy force exists in every living thing and is also known as Chi in Chinese, Ki in Japan and Prana in India. If you have practiced Tai Chi, Yoga or any martial arts you will have felt the power of this energy before through simple movements or breathing techniques.
During a Reiki session you will be fully clothed and the therapist will gently place their hands non-intrusively in a sequence of positions. A normal treatment would be one hour long and cover the whole body but many people gain excellent benefit from a half hour treatment that covers the head and upper torso and possibly the main chakras as required. Most commonly people feel the movement of energy as a warm, gentle comforting radiance that is able to work on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level. Other common descriptions are of a tingling feeling. Reiki is a healing system that also can work on plants and animals. The best way to understand the experience of Reiki is to try it.
I am a Reiki Master Practitioner and can provide details of my lineage from Dr. Mikao Usui.