No, reiki is a spiritual practice but is not considered a religion. It has no specific dogma and is compatible with various religious beliefs.

Does reiki involve physical manipulation?

No, it typically involves very light touch or the practitioner's hands held just above the body. It is not a form of massage or physical manipulation.

Is there scientific evidence for reiki?

Evidence is mixed and often considered preliminary. Some studies suggest benefits for relaxation, pain, and anxiety, but mechanisms are not understood within conventional Western science, leading many to classify it as a complementary therapy.

How is reiki different from therapeutic touch?

Both are energy therapies, but reiki originates from early 20th-century Japan and involves specific hand positions and symbols. Therapeutic touch is a more modern Western derivative developed by nurses in the 1970s.

Is “reiki” formal?

Reiki is usually specialized/new age/alternative medicine in register.

How do you pronounce “reiki”?

Reiki: in British English it is pronounced /ˈreɪ.ki/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈreɪ.ki/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

reiki: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Low

UK/ˈreɪ.ki/US/ˈreɪ.ki/

Specialized/New Age/Alternative medicine

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “reiki” mean?

A Japanese spiritual practice or form of alternative therapy in which the practitioner channels universal life energy ('ki') into a patient by means of light touch, with the intention of promoting healing and balance.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

The energy or spiritual force used in this healing practice, sometimes described as universal life force energy.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Usage is identical, though British English may show a marginally greater tendency towards capitalisation (Reiki) due to stronger influence from style guides treating it as a trademarked system. No significant difference in meaning or application.

Connotations

Both regions associate it with complementary/alternative medicine (CAM), holistic healing, spirituality, and New Age practices. In some mainstream medical contexts, it may carry connotations of pseudoscience.

Frequency

Similar low frequency in both dialects, slightly higher in urban and wellness-focused communities.

Grammar

How to Use “reiki” in a Sentence

[subject] performs/practises reiki on [recipient][subject] receives/has reiki[subject] is trained/attuned in reiki

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

practise reikireiki masterreiki sessionreiki treatmentreiki energyreiki practitioner

medium

learn reikiteach reikireiki healingreiki therapyreiki coursereiki level

weak

gentle reikipowerful reikidistance reikitraditional reikireiki for stress

Examples

Examples of “reiki” in a Sentence

verb

British English

The therapist will reiki the affected area.
She reikis her clients remotely.

American English

He reikied my shoulders during the session.
I reiki myself every morning.

adjective

British English

She is a reiki master.
He attended a reiki workshop.

American English

They offer reiki sessions at the spa.
She follows reiki principles.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rare. May appear in the context of wellness startups, spa services, or holistic health coaching.

Academic

Appears in papers on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), sociology of religion, or anthropological studies of New Age practices.

Everyday

Used when discussing alternative health, personal wellness routines, or spiritual practices. Not part of core daily vocabulary.

Technical

Specific to literature on energy medicine, some psychotherapy integrations (e.g., holistic psychology), and CAM certification programmes.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “reiki”

Strong

energy therapyki healing

Neutral

energy healinghands-on healingspiritual healing

Weak

holistic therapyvibrational medicinecomplementary therapy

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “reiki”

conventional medicineallopathypharmaceutical treatmentsurgery

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “reiki”

Incorrect capitalisation in mid-sentence (Reiki vs. reiki) – both are acceptable, but consistency is key.
Misspelling as 'rieki', 'reke', or 'rike'.
Using as a verb for general healing (e.g., 'She reikied my back' is non-standard). The standard verb is 'perform/practise reiki'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, reiki is a spiritual practice but is not considered a religion. It has no specific dogma and is compatible with various religious beliefs.
: No, it typically involves very light touch or the practitioner's hands held just above the body. It is not a form of massage or physical manipulation.
: Evidence is mixed and often considered preliminary. Some studies suggest benefits for relaxation, pain, and anxiety, but mechanisms are not understood within conventional Western science, leading many to classify it as a complementary therapy.
: Both are energy therapies, but reiki originates from early 20th-century Japan and involves specific hand positions and symbols. Therapeutic touch is a more modern Western derivative developed by nurses in the 1970s.
: A Japanese spiritual practice or form of alternative therapy in which the practitioner channels universal life energy ('ki') into a patient by means of light touch, with the intention of promoting healing and balance.
: Reiki is usually specialized/new age/alternative medicine in register.
: Reiki: in British English it is pronounced /ˈreɪ.ki/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈreɪ.ki/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'REI' (as in 'ray' of energy) + 'KI' (like 'key' to healing) = a ray of energy that is the key to healing.

Conceptual Metaphor

HEALING IS ENERGY TRANSFER, THE BODY IS AN ENERGY SYSTEM, HEALTH IS ENERGETIC BALANCE.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

After her surgery, she found that sessions helped manage her pain and anxiety.

Multiple Choice

What is the core concept behind reiki?