Reiki as a Practice
What is Reiki?
The word Reiki (pronounced ray-kee) is a Japanese term meaning “universal life force energy.” It refers to the vital, non-invasive energy that supports all living things. As a systematic and gentle Japanese healing technique developed by Mikao Usui in the early 1900s, Reiki is fundamentally a hands-on therapy focused on restoring balance.
During a Reiki treatment, a trained practitioner acts as a conduit, transferring this balancing energy through their hands. This process is inherently simple and accessible. Clients often report feeling a gentle warmth or a pleasant tingling sensation, which helps to immediately aid relaxation and promote a deep sense of calmness.
The beauty of Reiki lies in its holistic healing approach: it addresses the whole person (the body, mind, and spirit) rather than just symptoms. It is important to know that Reiki Association members practise Reiki in a manner compatible with all belief systems, making it a universally welcoming pathway to wellness.
To fully understand how this simple practice works and how it can benefit you, we invite you to explore the sections below on our official Treatments, Reiki Principles, and local Reiki Share Groups.
A Typical Reiki Session
Your Reiki session begins with a brief introduction to ensure you feel comfortable. You will then be invited to relax on a comfortable treatment table. For your ease, you remain fully clothed and in a supine position (laying on your back), throughout the entire session; only shoes and any heavy outer layers are generally removed.
Following the traditional Usui hands on healing technique, the practitioner follows a gentle sequence of hand positions. Crucially, these hand placements may be adjusted to accommodate your individual needs, health, age, or mobility, ensuring the session is completely suitable and supportive for you.
After the comfortable, hour-long session, your practitioner will allow you time to slowly return to awareness and may offer a glass of water. Our focus is on the deep sense of relaxation, so there is generally no mandatory discussion of issues or topics that may have surfaced during the session, respecting your space and experience.
It is important to note: Because Reiki is a gentle, supportive energy, Reiki sessions have no contra-indications and are safe to receive alongside any medical treatment or therapeutic care.
The Reiki Principles (The Gokai)
The Reiki Principles, known in Japan as the Gokai, are gentle yet profound guides for daily living. They were formulated by Mikao Usui, the founder of Reiki, in the early 1920s. Usui Sensei taught that Reiki was not just a healing technique, but a complete system for personal and spiritual development.
He believed that lasting physical healing is most effective when the mind and emotions are balanced. Therefore, the Principles were always central to the practice. They encourage us to make small, conscious choices each day that foster peace, gratitude, mindfulness, and compassion, enabling practitioners to live with greater harmony and ease.
Finding a Trusted Practitioner or Teacher
The Reiki Association of Western Australia is dedicated to connecting the community with highly qualified professionals. Our Referred Practitioners and Teachers represent our network of members who adhere to the highest standards of ethics, training, and practice, based on the Usui Shiki Ryoho and Jikiden Reiki lineages. Whether you are seeking your first Reiki session or looking to embark on the journey of Reiki training, our referral service ensures you can easily connect with a practitioner or teacher whose systematic and professional approach aligns with your personal needs.
Sharing Groups
The heart of the Reiki Association WA lies in our supportive community. Reiki Share Groups offer an invaluable opportunity for all practitioners, regardless of their level of experience, to deepen their skills and share healing energy in a collaborative, welcoming environment.
The Reiki Association WA officially organises a dedicated Reiki Share session on the last Saturday of each month. Furthermore, many of our members and Teachers kindly provide additional opportunities for shares throughout the month. This is a relaxed and supportive space where everyone benefits from giving and receiving energy.
If you are interested in attending a group, please contact the coordinator listed below in advance to let them know of your intention to join:
- Cottesloe – The Reiki Association of WA meets on the last Saturday of each month from noon to 4pm
- Merriwa – This group meets on flexible monthly dates. For details, contact Zofia at 0423 187 305
- Bunbury – Meets on the third Saturday of each month. Contact Vera on 0418 940 102
- Wanneroo – Meets every second Sunday from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. For attendance, contact Kathy at 0405 045 886