Reiki - Attempting an explanation

What’s the scientific foundation of Reiki?

Reiki is a non-invasive way that has empirically been known to balance out the human energy system. The underlying assumption and experience of millions of people is that, somehow, we are all connected, as in, part of the same energy field. Our bodies also have their own energy fields each. Properly trained Reiki practitioners access these energy fields via skill, symbols and mantras to channel Reiki-energy to the recipient. The Reiki energy then allows for the human self-healing capacity to gradually ease out of imbalances in body, mind and spirit.

Think of it like a communication via mobile phones or radio: there is an energy that carries information. We don’t see it around us. But we can hear (and see) the results if we have the proper receiving device. As Reiki practitioner, I am the sender, or rather the link between the energy source and the recipient, and the person requesting Reiki is the receiver. 

Properly set up scientific studies on the efficacy of Reiki are still hard to come by, simply due to the elusive nature of this energy. However, there are some, and dedicated Reiki practitioners around the world are working to increase the body of knowledge on this subject. 

Max Planck, the German theoretical physicist who won the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1918 for originating quantum theory, was seeking to define this all-empowering energy throughout his career. He has been known to say that every time he thought he got closer to defining the underlying energy that powers the universe, he discovered an even bigger energy that eluded definition.

Nikola Tesla, acclaimed Serbian-American physicist, inventor, mechanical & electrical engineer and futurist once said “if you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.”

Albert Einstein also firmly held that “everything is energy and that’s all there is to it. Match the frequency of the reality you want and you cannot help but get that reality. It can be no other way. This is not philosophy. This is physics.” 

If these acclaimed scientists spent their life times trying to find the answer and couldn't do it, and if we have thousands of years of anecdotal evidence about the effects of Reiki and other energetic healing modalities, that is clearly good enough for me.

So, no, I cannot give you a scientifically spotless definition of Reiki and explanation of how  it works. I am happy enough knowing that it works, because I can feel it. 

Einstein’s adage 

“imagination is more important than knowledge” 

has always been one of my favorites.

Love and light,


Solveig Caroline