Reiki is an ancient system of healing that is believed to have its origins with the Mu people. Subsequently it was passed down to the Tibetan monks and rediscovered in the late 19th century by Mikao Usui. The words 'Rei' and 'Kei' are thought to have originated from 'Raku-Ki' from the Japanese language. Raku is the vertical energy flow through the body, and Kei, the horizontal flow. Raku-Kei is the art and science of self improvement used by Tibetan Lammas and dating back thousands of years.

The modern Japanese interpretation of Rei-Ki is as follows: Rei means universal spiritual wisdom: the higher spiritual consciousness; or all knowing, all pervading force that understands the cause of all disease. Ki means life force; the vital life-force energy that pervades all living things; it is the primary source of our thoughts, emotions, and spiritual existence. Ki has been known by various names: Chi in Chinese, Prana in Sanskrit, and Mana in Hawaiian.

The attunement process makes Reiki different from other healing systems. Tthe healers body, both physical and etheric, are attuned to a higher vibration; thereby allowing a clear channel for the energy to flow. The attunement remains for life.