A brief historyof Reiki
From a quiet mountain retreat in Japan to living rooms and wellness studios around the world — the story of how Reiki found us all.
Reiki is a gentle, hands-on energy healing art that has touched millions of lives across the globe. Its roots are surprisingly modern — and its journey from a Japanese mountainside to the Western world is as remarkable as the practice itself.
The Beginning
Mikao Usui & the discovery
Reiki was founded in the early 20th century by Mikao Usui, a Japanese Buddhist practitioner and spiritual seeker. After years of studying ancient texts and spiritual teachings, Usui undertook a 21-day meditation and fasting retreat on Mount Kurama near Kyoto, Japan, in 1922. On the final day of his retreat, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening — an intense energy entered the crown of his head, and he discovered the healing ability that would become Reiki.
Usui named this energy “Reiki,” a Japanese word combining rei (universal, spiritual wisdom) and ki (life force energy). He spent the rest of his life sharing this gift, opening a clinic in Tokyo and training over 2,000 students before his passing in 1926.
“Rei — universal spiritual wisdom. Ki — life force energy. Together, the force that connects and heals all living things.”
How Reiki Spread
A living tradition
Mikao Usui founds Reiki
Following his retreat on Mount Kurama, Usui establishes the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai (Usui Reiki Healing Society) in Tokyo and begins teaching and treating patients.
Dr. Hayashi brings Reiki West
Dr. Chujiro Hayashi, one of Usui’s senior students, refines the hand positions and attunement process. He later trains Hawayo Takata, a Japanese-American woman from Hawaii, who becomes instrumental in bringing Reiki to the Western world.
Reiki reaches the West
Hawayo Takata spends decades teaching across North America, training 22 Reiki Masters before her passing in 1980. Her students spread the practice across the US, Canada, and eventually Europe.
Holy Fire® Reiki emerges
William Lee Rand of the International Center for Reiki Training begins developing Holy Fire® Reiki — a refined, spiritually advanced form of Reiki. It is described as coming from a higher level of consciousness and is known for its gentle yet powerful healing energy.
Reiki practiced worldwide
Reiki is now practised in hospitals, wellness centres, and private sessions across every continent. The World Health Organization recognizes it as a complementary therapy, and millions rely on it for stress relief, emotional balance, and spiritual growth.
The Traditions We Practice
Three paths, one intention
At JP Clothing & Yoga, our Reiki Master Prodromos Antonoglou is certified in three complementary Reiki traditions — each adding its own depth and quality to the healing experience.
Usui Reiki
The original foundation. Usui Reiki works with universal life force energy through gentle hand placements to promote balance, reduce stress, and activate the body’s natural healing capacity.
Holy Fire® Reiki
A spiritually refined evolution of Usui Reiki. Holy Fire® energy is known for its deeply purifying, healing, and empowering qualities — working continuously, independent of the practitioner’s focus.
Tibetan Reiki
Drawing on ancient Tibetan healing arts, this tradition introduces powerful symbols and techniques that amplify energy flow and deepen the connection between practitioner and recipient.
A 60-minute session to restore balance, release tension, and reconnect with yourself. $75 per session.