What is Jikiden Reiki?

And why I chose to practice this traditional Japanese approach to reiki

Over the last few months, I've received lots of questions about Jikiden Reiki and why I chose to train in this particular style of reiki. So I thought I'd explain a little about what reiki is and what drew me to this traditional Japanese approach.

Firstly, what is reiki?

Reiki is a gentle Japanese energy healing practice developed in the early twentieth century by Mikao Usui. The word reiki is often translated as "universal life energy", although you don't need to understand how it works or hold any particular beliefs to receive a treatment.

In practice, reiki is a non-invasive therapy that aims to support relaxation and help the body return to a state of balance and wellbeing. Treatments are carried out fully clothed, and people often describe feeling deeply relaxed, peaceful or restored afterwards.

What is Jikiden Reiki?

Jikiden Reiki means "direct transmission".

Founded in Japan by Chiyoko Yamaguchi and her son Tadao, Jikiden Reiki seeks to preserve the original teachings and practices that were passed down from Mikao Usui through a remarkably short lineage.

In a world where traditions naturally evolve over time, there is something rather special about receiving teachings that have been handed from teacher to student through such a small number of people.

Why I was drawn to Jikiden Reiki

There are many different approaches to reiki, and I don't believe there is one "right" way.

But what particularly appealed to me about Jikiden Reiki was its simplicity and its emphasis on touch. Unlike many Western styles of reiki, Jikiden Reiki is hands-on.

As a reflexologist, touch is central to how I support people so Jikiden Reiki feels like a natural extension of the way I already work.

What happens during a treatment?

You remain fully clothed and lie comfortably on the treatment couch, with a light cotton cloth covering your head and eyes. I place my hands gently on different areas of the body.

As I work, I'm paying attention to something known as byosen — subtle changes or sensations perceived beneath my hands. These help guide the treatment and allow me to spend longer in areas that seem to need a little more attention on that particular day.

You may notice sensations such as warmth, gentle pulsing, heaviness or a feeling of release and deep relaxation. Many people find that they become aware of the effects more gradually, noticing in the days that follow that they feel calmer, lighter or more at peace. Some sleep better, some feel more emotionally balanced, and some simply notice that they're responding to life's ups and downs with a little more ease. Every experience is different, and there is no right or wrong way to receive reiki.

Each treatment ends with something called kekko — a firm but comfortable massage performed through clothing that has been part of Jikiden Reiki since the early days of the practice. Many people find it deeply grounding and soothing, and it provides a gentle close to the session before you return to the rest of your day.

From July, I will be offering 60 and 90 minute Jikiden Reiki treatments, as well as my 90 minute R&R Ritual, which combines reflexology and reiki for the ultimate restorative experience.