Reiki is not simply a healing technique, but a path to Satori

In the serene embrace of Kurama, Kyoto—the sacred birthplace of Reiki—I am Neu, a guide on this path of healing and self-discovery.​

If you've ever felt the gentle nudge of curiosity about Reiki, pondered the mysteries of attunement, or envisioned yourself as a conduit of this ancient energy, let's embark on this journey together.

Reiki Healing is a hands-on healing method that originated in Japan about 100 years ago.
It gained immense popularity during the Taisho era (1912–1926), with the Usui Reiki Healing Society attracting more than 3,000 students at its peak.

However, due to the impact of war and other historical circumstances, Reiki Ryōhō was eventually banned in Japan. Fortunately, before the war, Reiki had already been brought to Hawaii as “Reiki Healing,” which allowed it to spread internationally. Today, it is known and loved around the world as REIKI—a globally recognized method of healing.

Although it once seemed that the original Japanese Reiki (Reiki Ryōhō) had disappeared from Japan, it was reintroduced in the late 1980s through a process of "reimportation"—returning from abroad as Reiki Healing (REIKI). This marked the beginning of a renewed interest in the roots of traditional Reiki within Japan.

However, as we can see from the history of Reiki, the Reiki Healing practiced today is something that once left Japan, evolved overseas, and then returned. Because of this, I feel that the original Japanese spiritual essence and the true message that Mikao Usui Sensei sought to convey have been lost or diluted along the way.

In this article, I’d like to take a more relaxed and open approach than usual to explore the deeper questions: “What is the true essence of Reiki Healing?” and “Why do we practice and pursue Reiki in the first place?” Let’s reflect together on the heart of Reiki through a more personal and intuitive lens.

Reiki is a Path

It has been several years since I began studying Reiki.
During this time, I have continuously returned to one fundamental question: “What is Reiki, truly?”
I’ve found it difficult to fully accept the commonly accepted explanations of Reiki often found in the mainstream. I couldn’t simply leave it at “that’s just the way it is.” Instead, I have chosen to face this question head-on—again and again, with sincerity and persistence.
To be honest, I believe there may be very few Reiki Masters who have devoted themselves so deeply and thoroughly to understanding the true essence of Reiki as I have.

As I’ve continued to face Reiki sincerely—sometimes even questioning its very existence and holding space for doubt—I’ve come to a deeply felt realization of my own.

What I’ve come to realize is this:

Reiki is not just a technique—it is “a Path”.

So, what exactly is meant by this “Path” (道：Dō)?

Let me take a moment to share a meaningful episode from my past—one that may not seem directly related to Reiki at first, but taught me something profound about the concept of the “Path.”

Japan’s ancient tradition of ‘Dō’ (The Path)

When I was in elementary school, I practiced Aikido at my parents’ suggestion.

My instructor at the time was an elderly man—probably over 80 years old. One day, I asked him, “Why do Aikido, the tea ceremony, and Kendo all include the word ‘Dō’ (道) in their names?”

For a moment, he looked surprised by the question, but then he smiled softly, lowering his eyebrows, and said, “That’s a very good question,” before answering me.

Not only in Aikido, but in various traditional Japanese martial arts, the word ‘Dō’ (道) is attached because these practices themselves are the ‘Path’ (Michi).

In other words, these disciplines have a destination to reach. Whether it’s Aikido, Kyudo (archery), the tea ceremony, calligraphy, Kendo, or Bushido, everyone who chooses a path (‘michi’) is walking toward the same destination. Through each practice, the very act of walking toward this destination—the ‘path’ itself—holds meaning.

How do we walk that path?
With what attitude and way of being do we face the path?
And how do we reach the destination—the state of “enlightenment” that lies at the end of walking the path?

Martial arts such as Aikido are not about simply defeating an opponent like Western boxing. For those who seek to master the path (michi) of Aikido or Kendo, victory is merely a process and a result, not the true purpose. Beneath any practice or discipline with “Dō” (the path) in its name lies a deeper purpose and goal. It is a place that cannot be reached merely by improving strength or technical skill. It is not about physical power or technique—it is about confronting one’s own heart. All disciplines with “Dō” in their name ultimately lead to “one’s own heart.” Every lesson learned, every movement and fluctuation of the mind and body along the way, becomes part of the path (michi) for the practitioner.

Aikido is, in essence, the “path (Dō)” of “Aiki.” To learn Aikido means that life itself becomes the “path (Dō)” of “Aiki.” It is a lifelong pursuit, with no end. This is the same for all other martial arts and teachings that carry the word “Dō” (path) in their name. That’s why all Japanese martial arts have “Dō” attached to their names.

*Aiki: 合気 refers to the concept of harmonizing or blending with the energy of an opponent or situation. In the context of Aikido, it involves using the opponent’s energy and movements to redirect or neutralize them, rather than confronting them head-on with force. It is about finding balance and harmony rather than domination. So, “Aiki” is about uniting with or harmonizing the energy of the moment, turning conflict into peace or understanding.

The master taught me something like this when I was still a child.
Over time, I forgot what he taught me without fully understanding it. Later, while studying ancient Shinto, Japanese Bushido, Zen philosophy, and ways of being to understand Reiki better, I recalled those teachings and came to understand them anew.

Originally, Reiki was ‘Reiki-Dō’

Alongside studying ancient Shinto, traditional Japanese Bushido, and Zen philosophy and ways of being, I also deepened my learning about Usui Sensei and Mount Kurama. When all these various studies connected to form a larger picture, I became convinced that Reiki was originally meant to be “Reiki-Dō”.

In other words, the “Usui Reiki Therapy” that Usui Sensei taught and spread certainly had aspects as a healing method. However, just like Aikido and other disciplines with “-dō” (the Path) in their names, it was merely a process—not the true ultimate purpose itself.

In fact, Usui Sensei himself retreated to Mount Kurama in Kyoto to attain enlightenment. After 21 days of fasting and meditation, he achieved Satori. That was the true purpose and the ultimate goal. What is now known worldwide as the healing method called "Reiki" was originally just a part of the process on the path to enlightenment.

The true essence and inner spirit that Usui Sensei sought to convey through “Usui Reiki Therapy” might have been the “guts” of the Japanese people and their attitude toward life and all things in nature—qualities that were already gradually fading during the Taisho era. In other words, it means to live firmly grounded in one’s own life. This is precisely the concept of Anshin Ritsumei (安心立命), which is highly emphasized in Reiki teachings.

In traditional Reiki, great importance is placed on breathing. Practices such as Hatsurei-hō, which Reiki healers are encouraged to do daily, can be understood as meditation and training methods that combine tanden breathing with the flow of Reiki energy.

To transcend the ego (the small self, the ordinary self) and become one with the greater flow of the universe itself—this is the state of selflessness (muga). In this state, one is united with nature, where everything happens and moves just as it is. Reaching this state has long been the ultimate goal pursued through training by samurai, Zen monks, and many others.

What Usui-sensei aimed to convey to his students through Reiki therapy was also a “path” (michi) to reach this state of enlightenment—a way of thinking, a way of being, and an attitude toward living.

I deeply wish to share the true essence of Reiki that Usui-sensei wanted to convey without leaving anything out. With that intention, I teach my original “Traditional Reiki-dō” at Kurama Mountain—the very place where Usui-sensei attained his mastery of Reiki.

If any part of this resonates with you or touches your heart, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Reiki practitioners who have already been attuned are also very welcome to revisit and deepen their learning.

◎Explore the Reiki Healer Training Course and begin your journey here.