History of Reiki

Dr. Mikao Usui – The Founder

The system of Reiki was founded by Dr. Mikao Usui (1865–1926), a Japanese scholar and spiritual seeker. Deeply inspired by the lives of great saints, including Buddha and Jesus, Dr. Usui embarked on a quest to discover the secret of healing through touch as demonstrated by these great souls.

After years of study in Buddhism, Medicine, Theology, and Philosophy, his journey led him to a life-changing experience.

Dr. Mikao Usui – The Founder, 1865 – 1926

The 21-Day Fast on Mount Kurama

In 1922, Dr. Usui undertook a 21-day meditation and fasting retreat on Mount Kurama near Kyoto. On the final day, he received a powerful spiritual revelation—a flow of healing energy and symbols entered his consciousness. This was the birth of the Reiki healing system.

From this experience, he discovered that healing could be transmitted by channeling universal energy through the hands, with no need for personal energy or tools.

Mount Kurama, Kyoto

The First Reiki Clinic

Dr. Usui returned from the mountain with a sacred mission—to help others heal Physically, Emotionally, and Spiritually. In 1922, he founded the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai in Tokyo and began offering treatments and training others in this sacred art.

He helped countless people and was even invited by the Japanese military to treat soldiers and civilians after the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923.

Dr. Chujiro Hayashi – The Systematizer

Before his passing in 1926, Dr. Usui trained many students. Among them, Dr. Chujiro Hayashi, a retired naval officer, played a vital role in systematizing Reiki into levels and hand positions. He opened a clinic in Tokyo and further refined the practice for broader use.

Mrs. Hawayo Takata – The Bridge to the West

Reiki crossed the oceans through Mrs. Hawayo Takata, a Japanese-American woman who was healed of serious illness at Hayashi’s clinic in the 1930s. She became a devoted student and brought Reiki to Hawaii and the United States.

Mrs. Takata trained 22 Reiki Masters, thus planting the seeds of Reiki around the world.

Reiki Today – A Global Movement

Today, Reiki is practiced by millions across the globe, transcending cultures, religions, and borders. Many lineages exist, but all trace back to Dr. Usui’s original teachings.

It is used in Homes, Wellness centers, Hospitals, and even by Spiritually inclined seekers to connect with the divine energy for healing and peace.

Reiki: Ancient Yet Eternal

Although the formal system was introduced by Dr. Usui in the 20th century, the energy it channels is eternal and universal. Many believe it is the same divine energy that ancient sages, yogis, and healers tapped into for centuries.

Reiki is not just a technique—it is a Path of Compassion, Purity, and Spiritual Awakening.