# Reiki meaning: what Reiki is and how it is practised > Reiki meaning: Japanese for "universal life energy". Reiki is a practice developed by Mikao Usui in the 1920s: a practitioner places hands lightly on or above the body. - Published by Holistic Tree: 2026-10-16; last reviewed 2026-10-16 - URL: https://holistictree.co.uk/guides/reiki-meaning ## Key points - Reiki is a Japanese practice developed by Mikao Usui in the early 1920s. - A practitioner places hands lightly on or just above a fully clothed person, in a set sequence. - The five Reiki principles each begin with "Just for today". - The four Usui symbols are traditionally taught by a Reiki Master at attunement. - Reiki needs no tools, but many practitioners set the scene with crystals, bowls and incense. ## What does Reiki mean? Reiki meaning, in short: the word is Japanese. "Rei" is usually translated as universal or spiritual, and "ki" as life energy, the same idea as Chinese "qi". Many practitioners also work with the chakras, so our [chakra stones and sets](/chakra) are a good first stop. Chakras are the seven energy centres described in Indian tradition. Usui Reiki, the form most people learn, was developed by Mikao Usui in Japan in the early 1920s. Chujiro Hayashi and Hawayo Takata later taught it, and Takata brought it to the West. In a session, you stay fully clothed. The practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above you, in a sequence of positions, usually a few minutes each. Many people also practise Reiki on themselves. There are three levels: First Degree (Shoden), Second Degree (Okuden) and Master/Teacher (Shinpiden). At each one, a Reiki Master gives the student an "attunement", the ceremony that passes the practice on. One plain note: Reiki is a complementary practice, never a substitute for medical care or your doctor's advice. Want a Reiki corner from day one? The [Orgonite Pyramid Midnight Reiki](/products/orgonite-pyramid-midnight-reiki-90mm) (from £20.99) sets gemstone chips, copper and metal filings in crystal resin, in 90mm or 70mm. Orgonite is a man-made mix of resin, metal and crystal chips. Pair it with [Satya Reiki Incense Sticks, Set of 12 Packs](/products/set-of-12-reiki-incense-sticks-by-satya-pack) (£11.99): a gentle scent, handmade in India. Add both to your basket now. - [Orgonite Pyramid Midnight Reiki](https://holistictree.co.uk/products/orgonite-pyramid-midnight-reiki-90mm): From £20.99 - [Satya Reiki Incense Sticks, Set of 12 Packs](https://holistictree.co.uk/products/set-of-12-reiki-incense-sticks-by-satya-pack): £11.99 ## What are the five Reiki principles? The five Reiki principles, also called the Reiki precepts or Gokai, are short rules for daily life. Most teachers give them like this: 1. Just for today, do not be angry. 2. Just for today, do not worry. 3. Just for today, be grateful. 4. Just for today, work honestly. 5. Just for today, be kind to every living thing. "Just for today" keeps each promise small. You commit to one day, then start again tomorrow. Usui taught that the principles be said morning and evening, hands in gassho. Gassho means palms pressed together in front of the chest. Many people say each line slowly, then begin their self-practice. Try it tomorrow: write the five lines on a card and keep it by your bed or on your altar. ## What are the Reiki hand positions? Reiki hand positions are the places you rest your hands, one after another, in a set order. Sequences vary between teachers, but a traditional self-practice runs from head to feet: 1. **Head:** over the eyes, the sides of the head, then the back of the head. 2. **Throat and chest:** the throat area, then the chest. 3. **Front of the body:** down the front, one placement at a time. 4. **Shoulders and back:** many sequences also cover these. 5. **Knees and feet:** where the sequence finishes. Hands rest lightly, or hover just above the body. Each position usually lasts a few minutes, so many beginners start with the head positions and build up. A Reiki First Degree class is the usual place to learn the full sequence. ## What are the Reiki symbols in Usui Reiki? Reiki symbols are drawn shapes with Japanese names. Usui Reiki has four. Traditionally, they are taught by a Reiki Master at attunement, at Second Degree and Master level, not learned from a book. - **Cho Ku Rei:** the power symbol. - **Sei He Ki:** the mental and emotional symbol. - **Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen:** the distance symbol. - **Dai Ko Myo:** the Master symbol. Do you need the symbols to start? No. First Degree students practise with the hand positions and the five principles alone. The symbols come later, when you choose to go further. ## Which crystals are used in Reiki? Reiki itself needs no tools. Your hands are enough. Still, many practitioners keep a few stones in their practice space. Browse our full range of [crystals](/crystals) to see them all. **Clear quartz.** In crystal lore, clear quartz (also called rock crystal) is traditionally associated with clarity. The [Medium Rock Crystal Tumble Stones, Pack of 24](/products/medium-tumble-stones-rock-crystal-grade-a-pack-of-24) (£17.99) gives you 24 polished Grade A stones, enough for a bowl, your altar or sharing. Tumble stones are rough crystals rolled smooth. **Chakra stones.** Our [chakra meaning guide](/guides/chakra-meaning) covers all seven chakras and their colours. The [Seven Colour Titanium Chakra Stone](/products/enhanced-natural-titanium-seven-colour-chakra-stone) (£4.49) shows all seven on one stone, about 7 to 10 cm long. **Orgonite.** For a centrepiece, the [Large Chakra Orgonite Pyramid 70 mm](/products/large-chakra-orgonite-pyramid) (£32.99) sets chakra gemstone chips and copper in crystal resin. It is artisan made, so each design varies. **Selenite.** Selenite is a soft, white, pearly mineral, traditionally used as a plate to rest crystals on between sessions. Start with the quartz pack, then add the chakra piece that catches your eye. - [Medium Rock Crystal Tumble Stones, Pack of 24](https://holistictree.co.uk/products/medium-tumble-stones-rock-crystal-grade-a-pack-of-24): £17.99 - [Large Chakra Orgonite Pyramid 70 mm](https://holistictree.co.uk/products/large-chakra-orgonite-pyramid): £32.99 - [Seven Colour Titanium Chakra Stone](https://holistictree.co.uk/products/enhanced-natural-titanium-seven-colour-chakra-stone): £4.49 ## How do you choose Reiki tools: singing bowls, tingsha bells and incense? In the tradition, a singing bowl or tingsha is often rung to open and close a session. Find more sound tools in our [meditation and yoga](/meditation-and-yoga) range. **Tingsha bells.** Tingsha are two small cymbals on a cord that you tap together for one clear note. The [Tibetan Tingsha Bells Dragon 7.4 cm](/products/tibetan-tingsha-dragon) (£19.49) are brass, with an intricate dragon design and a bright, resonant tone. **Singing bowls.** A singing bowl is a metal bowl you strike or circle with a wooden stick so it rings. For a small first bowl, the [Throat Chakra Singing Bowl](/products/throat-chakra-singing-bowl-communication-creativity) (£23.49) is brass, 8 x 8 x 5 cm, with a wooden stick. In chakra lore the throat chakra is linked to communication and creativity. For more presence, the black [Moon Phase Singing Bowl Set](/products/moon-phase-singing-bowl-set) (from £41.99) comes in 10.7 cm, with striker, cushion and pouch, or Large 14cm. **Incense.** Many practitioners light a stick before they begin. Choose a gentle scent that stays in the background. How to choose: tingsha for one quick note, the small bowl for a soft ring in a small room, the moon phase set if the bowl is the star of your space. Pick your sound and order today. - [Tibetan Tingsha Bells Dragon 7.4 cm](https://holistictree.co.uk/products/tibetan-tingsha-dragon): £19.49 - [Throat Chakra Singing Bowl](https://holistictree.co.uk/products/throat-chakra-singing-bowl-communication-creativity): £23.49 - [Moon Phase Singing Bowl Set](https://holistictree.co.uk/products/moon-phase-singing-bowl-set): From £41.99 ## How do you cleanse and care for Reiki crystals? In crystal tradition, cleansing means a simple ritual to refresh your stones between uses. These are the methods many people use: - **Moonlight:** leave crystals on a windowsill overnight, often at the full moon. - **Sound:** ring a singing bowl close to your stones for a minute. - **Selenite:** rest crystals on a selenite plate between sessions. - **Incense smoke:** pass each stone slowly through the smoke. The [Selenite Chakra Charging Plate](/products/selenite-chakra-charging-plate) (from £7.49) comes in five styles, from a small 8 cm plate to a 20 cm flat bar or a set of seven. Need a spare stick? The [Singing Bowl Striker 18 cm Double Ring](/products/singing-bowl-striker-double-ring) (£4.49) is natural wood in the medium double ring size. **Safety first:** - Some stones, such as amethyst and rose quartz, fade in strong sun. - Some stones dislike water. Selenite is soft, so keep it dry and dust it with a soft cloth. - Burn incense on a heatproof holder in a ventilated room, and never leave it unattended. Choose your selenite style and add a striker to the same order. - [Selenite Chakra Charging Plate](https://holistictree.co.uk/products/selenite-chakra-charging-plate): From £7.49 - [Singing Bowl Striker 18 cm Double Ring](https://holistictree.co.uk/products/singing-bowl-striker-double-ring): £4.49 ## What should you pair together to set up a Reiki space? A Reiki space can be a shelf, a corner or a small table. Pair these four things and you are ready: 1. **For the wall:** the [Chakra Wall Hanging, Rainbow Dream Catcher](/products/chakra-wall-hanging) (£19.49), 86 cm tall, in wood, in rainbow chakra colours. 2. **For the table:** your crystals on a selenite plate, plus your Reiki incense. Our guide on [how to set up an altar](/guides/how-to-set-up-an-altar) walks you through the layout. 3. **For your hand:** the [Faceted Rock Quartz Pendulum](/products/facted-gemstone-pendulum-rock-quartz) (£13.49). A pendulum is a weighted stone on a chain, traditionally used for dowsing: asking yes or no questions and watching the swing. See [how to use a pendulum](/guides/how-to-use-a-pendulum). 4. **For sound:** a bowl or tingsha to open and close. Every order goes by tracked UK delivery, standard £3.95. On orders over £60 we pay the first £6 of delivery, and you get 14-day returns. The Reiki incense and the chakra wall hanging are fast: order by noon, Monday to Friday, and they leave the same working day. Every other product dispatches in 1–2 working days. Shop the [chakra range](/chakra) now, add the wall hanging and incense to your basket, and order before noon on a weekday so they leave the same working day. - [Chakra Wall Hanging, Rainbow Dream Catcher](https://holistictree.co.uk/products/chakra-wall-hanging): £19.49 - [Faceted Rock Quartz Pendulum](https://holistictree.co.uk/products/facted-gemstone-pendulum-rock-quartz): £13.49 ## Questions ### What is Reiki in simple words? Reiki is a Japanese practice developed by Mikao Usui in the early 1920s. A practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above a fully clothed person, in a sequence of positions, usually a few minutes each. ### Can you practise Reiki on yourself? Yes. Many people practise Reiki on themselves, working through hand positions from the head down to the knees and feet. Most learn self-practice at a First Degree class. ### Do you need Reiki crystals or stones to practise? No. Reiki itself needs no tools. Many practitioners still keep clear quartz, chakra stones, selenite, a singing bowl and incense in their space to set the scene. ### What are the levels of Reiki? First Degree (Shoden), Second Degree (Okuden) and Master/Teacher (Shinpiden). At each level, a student receives an attunement from a Reiki Master. ### What is Reiki incense? Reiki incense is incense chosen for a Reiki or meditation space. Many practitioners light a stick before a session. Burn it on a heatproof holder in a ventilated room.