“Reiki” (ray-key) is Japanese for ‘universal life energy’, a term used to describe a natural system to help bring about an improved sense of wellbeing and a positive feeling of spiritual renewal.
This tradition was founded by Dr Mikao Usui in the early 20th century and evolved as a result of his research, experience and dedication. It is a tradition that is open to any belief system and benefits may include deep relaxation and the promotion of a calm peaceful sense of wellbeing.
The method of receiving a Reiki treatment from a practitioner is simple. The recipient remains clothed and comfortably lies on a couch or sits on a chair. The practitioner gently places their hands non-intrusively, on or near the body using their intuition and training as a guide. There is no massage or manipulation. Reiki can be used on the person as a whole, or on specific parts of the body. It is also possible to receive Reiki at a distance.
Reiki is taught by Reiki Master/Teachers, who have trained in the tradition passed on, in person, from Master to student. Students go through a process of initiation/attunement to the Reiki energy. They are then able to treat themselves and others, not only from a personal and emotional perspective, but also as an aid to individual development and spiritual growth.
Reiki is deeply personal and unique to each individual. The most meaningful way to discover what it can offer you is simply to experience it yourself.
A Brief History of the Origin of Reiki
The origin of Reiki can be traced back to ancient Tibet, thousands of years ago. The technique was rediscovered in Japan in the late 1800’s-early 1900’s by Dr Mikao Usui, who founded the Usui Reiki healing system.
Usui Reiki was introduced to the Western world by Hawayo Takata in 1938 and has since been passed on to millions of people all over the world.
Karuna Reiki is a method that evolved from the original Usui Reiki. Karuna means Compassion. The method was developed by William Lee Rand, president of The International Center for Reiki Training in 1995. It is a deeply powerful, gentle healing energy that can only be taught to those who have trained in Usui Reiki.
For further information, go to: https://www.reiki.org/articles/discovering-roots-reiki
How does Karuna Reiki work?
Karuna Reiki is a deeply restorative energy healing practice that works through your energy field to promote profound relaxation and ease physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual discomfort. Much like how a painkiller targets areas of tension, Karuna Reiki intuitively flows to where it’s needed most—releasing stress, soothing discomfort, and nurturing inner balance.
With each session, Karuna energy helps:
- Calm the nervous system and melt away stress
- Ease physical pain and emotional tension
- Heal the heart and soothe the mind
- Support personal growth and emotional clarity
- Realign your energy system for renewed vitality
The energy works gently and intuitively at your own pace. With successive treatments, your body learns to relax more deeply, releasing long-held tension and restoring your natural state of well-being. Most people feel the benefits immediately—an inner peace and lightness that can last for days or even weeks afterward.
For lasting results, regular sessions are recommended, allowing Karuna Reiki to support you in your healing journey with grace and consistency.
Conventional Medicine and Reiki
Karuna Reiki® is a simple, natural and nurturing method of energy healing that’s accessible to everyone. Rooted in compassion, it offers a safe and effective way to support overall well-being, and can be used alongside conventional medical treatments and other therapeutic approaches.
This healing practice has shown beneficial effects in easing a wide range of conditions—promoting deep relaxation, reducing stress, and helping to restore balance. It is suitable for people with medical conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes and heart concerns, and can offer gentle support throughout pregnancy.
Whether you’re receiving NHS care or working with other health practitioners, Karuna Reiki complements your journey by bringing comfort, calm and care to every stage of life.
Reiki in the NHS
Complementary therapies are playing an increasingly valued role in patient care across the NHS, with many individuals now actively seeking supportive treatments alongside their conventional medical care. A growing body of research highlights the benefits of complementary therapies in helping patients navigate their treatment journey, both physically and emotionally.
Reiki is currently available at 16 NHS hospitals and hospices, including Royal Cornwall Hospital (Treliske), Derriford Hospital (Plymouth), and the Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre. These services support not only cancer patients, but also their families and the dedicated staff who care for them. In addition, Reiki Medic-Care offers distant healing sessions to frontline healthcare professionals—including nurses, doctors, and ambulance paramedics—providing essential moments of calm and support.
I am proud to offer Reiki therapy on a part-time basis at Royal Cornwall Hospital, where I work with oncology patients and relatives on Lowen Ward, individuals undergoing chemotherapy at the Headland Unit, and patients receiving care and support at The Cove Macmillan Support Centre.
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