This is primarily a summary of Reiki from the book Psychic Empath: 5 Books in 1, published by the Spiritual Awakening Academy with some of our own comments in this font. (No copyright date or author is given in the book.) 

Introduction 

The opening words of the introduction are, “Reiki healing allows you to connect with the energies of the universe and use it in a way that encourages the body to heal itself. It can be used to treat aches and pains, overcome allergies and headaches, and even heal chronic or painful diseases. The results depend heavily on your abilities and your mindset, as it is important to be receptive to the Reiki energies for them to result. Often the emotional and physical health problems that we struggle with stem from blocked energy channels in the body.” 

A key phrase here is “Reiki energies.” And it is the nature of these “energies” that is a core concern. Also, in the introduction we read that Reiki “is actually a powerful energy that is inside all of us.” Of chief concern is the nature of these energies, and few clues are given in the Reiki section that describe or identify these energies nor what they are or where they come from. 

It is our conviction that these “energies” are demonic spirits. 

Reiki Healing 

“Reiki is a form of therapy that promotes healing and balance in life,” per the author of the book, and “The focus of Reiki is to improve or increase the flow of positive energy through the use of energy that flows from the hands of the practitioner.” 

The word Reiki originates from the Japanese word for Rei, referring to a “higher power,” “power of the universe,” “spirituality,” or “universal power,” and Ki refers to energy or life force. Reiki therefore is associated with power and energy. 

The origins of Reiki are unknown but are thought to be ancient. Dr. Usai, a Japanese Buddhist monk, studied Reiki and discovered its benefits and made it known to others. 

Reiki is developed through training sessions or classes in a series of attunements. The power of Reiki develops over time as it helps to clear and heal the mind, allowing a stronger flow of positive energy transferred from one place or person to another. 

There are several forms or types of Reiki. Jikiden Reiki is the most traditional and original form of Reiki practiced today. It is also known as Eastern Reiki, as it is closely related to the way it was initially used when first developed. It is known as the purest form of Reiki. It is said that the healing process is spiritual, yet it is claimed that it does not aim to change or conflict with the different beliefs of other people and is said to work regardless of a person’s religion or faith. The core of the process is channeling energy, which energy is supposedly universal and available to everyone. 

Usui Reiki is also known as Western Reiki and is said to be a spiritual healing but through physical means. This means that light or energy is “transferred or channeled through the hands from one person to the other.” It is a process, the author states, that involves the transference of universal energy. It is claimed that Usui “is used as a way to help those who have passed away to transition or move from the current physical existence to an afterlife or spiritual existence.” 

Frequently the unknown author of the piece on Reiki states something similar to this quote: “There is no conflict with other people’s faiths or beliefs” (p. 27). It is at minimum disingenuous and at worst a complete fabrication, especially as seen from a Biblical point of view. 

Karuna Reiki focuses on developing a “deep sense of love and spreading it to others through the practice. While the first two forms of Reiki focus on the physical healing process, along with the spiritual, Karuna Reiki aims to use more spiritual healing as a way to treat or improve others mentally and psychologically.” 

There are those who combine these three forms of Reiki and those who do find that Karuna Reiki is superior to the others. Its main goal is the “extension of love and care to yourself and the people around you. In doing this, the energy transfer is of a higher level and can promote healing more effectively as a result.” 

Sekehem Reiki (also known as Sichim Reiki) comes out of Egypt and is an extension of the worship of the Egyptian Goddess Sekhmet. Here the energy channeled is like vibrations full of light that reject negativity and pain. Essential oils are also used with Sekehem. It is said that the benefits of Sekehem are, one, “a deeper sense of awareness and focus in life;” two, “it promotes connections with other people, and gives a strong sense of enlightenment and spirituality along with inner peace and acceptance;” and three, “provides for stronger and faster healing” (p. 31). 

Lightarian Reiki makes use of both Usui and Karuna forms of Reiki. It is said there are eight bands or levels of energy in Reiki which create a path to higher awareness and spirituality. Usui and Karuna forms of Reiki focus on the first two bands and the other six are reached via Lightarian Reiki. These bands connect a person with the Ascended Masters, or a higher sense of being. 

The book’s author states that in Lightarian Reiki one can progress through higher forms or energy that will be of benefit for clients, since one is channeling a higher form of energy faster and stronger than other forms. 

It is concluded that Usui Reiki is the most popular method practiced in North America. But then comes praise for Karuna Reiki and for those who practice that version. Those who do so “often need to report to their Spirit Guides, Angels, and their Higher Self, and then afterwards they feel their presences at times” (p. 34). 

Two points: First, we find the connection with the Akashic Records (see the following chapter on the Akashic Records,) the Lords, Masters, Teachers, and Loved Ones. “Connection” is a deceptive concept, as it really is possession by demonic spirits. The Ascended Masters, Lords, Masters, Teachers, Loved Ones are all evil spirits ruled over by the master deceiver Satan. Some who practice Reiki and the Records are aware of this but feel trapped and helpless. These sad people are forced to cope with the ravages that come from demonic invasion and will have a strong repulsion for anything that is actually holy. 

Second, over the last fifty or so years, we have engaged in the casting out of demons, and this not by elaborate rituals but by simple ministry as we see in Scripture. I have three books on this subject. The most recent and shortest is The Deliverance Handbook, which describes how demons are cast out of those who want this deliverance. 

Over the years, many hundreds of people have received this common and biblical ministry, and some via Zoom. This work is necessary, because the so-called spirit guides, angels, higher selves, spirit animals, etc. are demons in disguise. How many are caught up in this unscientific, unverified charade conducted by channelers, psychic therapists, energy workers, mediums, and life coaches who employ methods like Reiki and work with Akashic Records? Their “clients” are unaware of what they are getting into and are taken advantage of by evil spirits that only bring everlasting tragedy.

Benefits of Reiki 

Now a listing of the so-called benefits of the various forms of Reiki that are sprinkled throughout the book, with our comments in italics. 

1. Does not require you to convert into another religion. 

It is often said in the book that Reiki is not a religion. But no Bible-faithful Christian would practice Reiki, as it is not only another religion, but it is based on occult practices. 

1. Helps you deal with past-life issues. 
2. Helps you be more mindful and in the moment. 
3. Noninvasive. 

Nothing could be further from the truth. 

1. Can help ease panic attacks, fatigue, and muscle pain. 
2. Heals the body on a cellular level. 
3. Helps with self–image problems. 
4. Assist in the manifestation of goals. 
5. Improves your ‘inner light’ and your ability to sense the energy around you. 
6. Can assist a dying person’s soul transcend peacefully to the afterlife. 
7. Can balance the chakras in the body. 
8. No need to convert to other religions. 
9. Promotes wholistic health and well–being. 
10. Is sage for use by pregnant women. 
11. Gives a person the ability to heal others. 

It is made plain that Reiki will not work on someone who cannot open their mind and body to the flow of energy. This, of course, opens the door for demonic possession, as all the natural safeguards against an evil spiritual world are closed down or rejected. The passive state of consciousness, the altered state of consciousness, the shamanistic state of consciousness—these are all terms for opening up the mind and body to spiritual entities, all of which are of a demonic nature. After some period of time, the Reike practitioner realizes this, but most will not back away or attempt to protect their clients. A large motivation is greed, as many channelers and mediums and Reike counselors make a great deal of money from their clients. 

Symbols of Reiki 

There are five traditional symbols of Reiki. These were developed in 1922 by Dr. Mikao Usui who received the revelation of the symbols following a 21-day fast. The symbols will be drawn or displayed by the Reiki master during treatments. 

Those who advocate Reiki healing methods believe that these symbols are essential tools in the world of Reiki healing. They are considered to be the keys to open the doors to higher levels of awareness, and thus are considered holy and sacred. The symbols are said to be “guiding tools,” so students and masters can focus on the energy they hold within them. 

First is the power symbol. It is also known as cho ku rei and represents the increase and decrease of one’s power and appears as a coil. This symbol regulates the energy as it contracts and expands. This symbol is used to begin a Reiki healing session, which is said to increase the practitioner’s power. Also, it is the power symbol to get rid of negative energy. 

Second is the harmony symbol, also known as sei hi ki, and has to do with mental and emotional healing and appears as a bird’s wing dashing on the wave flowing across the ocean. This symbol is used to help people recover from traumas and for treating addictions and depression. 

Third is the distance symbol, also know as sha ze sha, and is displayed as a tower or pagoda. It has to do with sending energy across distances. This is said to help people go over their personal issues, and also to bring energy from great distances and heal at distances. 

Fourth is the master symbol, also known as dai ko myo, and represents everything about Reiki. The symbol looks like a combination of multiple symbols and shows the users who have ascended their levels to finally becoming masters. It is used to gain enlightenment, especially for those who desire to become Reiki masters. 

Fifth is the completion symbol, also known as raku, and symbolizes the intention of closure. A lightning bolt is the picture of this symbol. At this point a person is “attuned,” the process to become a Reiki healer is complete and they will see this symbol. This symbol is used to bring closure and rise with the awakened energy. This symbol can be visualized at the ending of a Reiki session. 

Reiki and the Chakras 

It is said that Reiki is chakra work. It means that Reiki masters work on the seven main energy centers they think lie along the spine in the subtle body. Beginning with the crown chakra at the head, where light energy is absorbed, this energy then travels to the core where light is absorbed through the feet. 

Chakras are not static points but are moving light wheels, and Chakra means “wheel.” The theory is that light and energy are compromised, blocked, etc., and then physical and mental and spiritual harmony are disturbed. So, the Reiki master then goes about aligning and cleansing the chakras. 

The goal is for a free flow of energy travelling up to the crown chakra. This is also referred to as Unio Mystica and is the mystical union of yin and yang. And it is only here where Reiki folks believe is the summit of synthesis, where lasting fulfillment is possible. 

The benefits of balanced chakras are said to be the following: 

1. It releases blocked emotional and physical energy. 
2. Eliminates confusion and gives one confidence and motivation. 
3. Makes one feel and look younger. 
4. Makes one feel more in touch with your intuition. 
5. Provides for stronger emotional connection with others. 
6. Helps to overcome lying in favor of telling the truth. 
7. Makes one more comfortable and self-confident. 
8. Produces a better memory. 
9. Gives more energy and motivation. 
10. Helps one connect with their subconscious mind. 
11. Helps with dealing with stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression, etc. 
12. Helps to think more clearly and promotes creativity. 
13. Gives one mental toughness. 
14. Improves one’s overall health. 

The core idea here is this: The trouble is always negative energy, and it is everywhere. And a balancing of the chakras means a path to a more balanced life. 

Levels of Reiki 

Reiki comes in different levels or degrees, of which it is claimed, there are three. 

The First Level is the practitioner’s initiation. Here comes the basic instruction of what Reiki is, its history, and the methods used, along with group practice sessions. This is followed by the attunement, which must take place before moving to the second level. This state is done through the working of the Reiki master. 

Here now is the possession of the practitioner by demonic spirits, commonly known as demons. It is a spiritual experience and will not usually seem dark and dangerous by the practitioner, but it will rather be a startling and powerful experience that captivates. It is all about power, the fundamental draw of the demonic and occult world. Even the power to heal and comfort is central. This ‘otherness’ makes it all appear beneficial and good. 

The Second Level is where first level Reiki people practice on others, all the while making use of the symbols and gradually “expanding or opening more energy channels” (p. 60). 

In this level the Reiki masters provide those attuned with the symbols for power harmony, and distance. 

It is thought that some Reiki masters combine levels one and two. 

Channeling is a key component of Reiki. In the second level is where prospective masters learn various techniques to channel energy. It is really all about how to open a person to invasion by evil spirits. 

The Third Degree, otherwise known as Inner Master or Master Attunement, represents a student’s mastery and who becomes then a teacher of Reiki as well as a practitioner, and therefore acquires the means to attune others and can then open up energy channels on a much deeper level. And at this point, “you can even put up your own practice and become a practitioner like the other Reiki masters across the globe” (p. 61). 

Reike Healing Hand Positions 

How does Reiki lower stress and help the body heal? Largely it has to do with the power of the energetic vibrations in the Reiki practitioner’s hands. “These vibrations are then passed from the practitioner to the client to induce healing.” (p. 64-65) It is also true that yoga, acupuncture, qugong, and shiatsu, to name a few, do much the same. The focus of Reiki is to restore the biofield’s or unified field’s balance like those practices named above. Some say that Reiki is more similar to meditation than these other energy therapies. 

The base concept is that we humans have types of energy that run through us and around us. These can get out of balance or blocked, and Reiki, along with other processes, like those named above, are said to restore and correct these energy flows and balances. 

Reiki practice is very passive. The master’s hand does not even move for most of the period of treatment. The hands are held steady on or over and above a chakra or place of pain, and then energy flows are corrected—this is the working concept. 

The practitioner is mostly meditating as is the patient while forces work on the vibrations and energy flows. The patient, prior to this, is taught how to move into a passive state of mind and depend on unseen forces to bring about the desired result. 

Again, we call attention to the passive, altered, or shamanistic state of mind, which is what is really going on in Reiki as well as a number of other wholistic healing practices. There is no Biblical precedent for this. Christianity does not speak of mindlessness or mindfulness, but rather a simple prayer for healing and nothing more. Some will “lay hands on” but this is no transfer of power nor is it magical in any way. It is simply a time-honored way of praying. 

What is involved in a Reiki Session? 

At the outset, the “recipient” is lying down or upright in a comfortable chair. The practitioner’s hands are placed in multiple locations like the head, back, and belly, and never on any private parts. Injured areas are concentrated on. 

It is said to be a realignment of energy, unblocking flows of energy, which are thought to bring healing. 

The experience of the patient varies. Sometimes there is little to be felt, other times there is a warmness, or coolness, sometimes a pulsating effect supposedly caused by energy flows. The patient’s role is to relax and trust in the practitioner’s skills. 

The Reiki session is meant to infuse the patient with love. It is said that Reiki opens one up to the power of the universe’s unconditional love. A person is said to sense a connection to everyone and everything around them. 

It is also said that “Reiki chooses you” (p. 7). No one then consciously decides to become a Reiki healer, they are called to this by a higher power. And there are a whole host of blessings that then come to this chosen person. 

Reiki and Meditation 

Meditation is a major part of Reiki and there are two basic forms of it. One is to clear the mind of all thoughts, and the second is to focus on a specific question, concern, or situation. “With Reiki meditation, the focus is on Reiki energy rather than any other subject. During a Reiki meditation, you focus on the universal energy as it is within you, around you, and within everything around you. You want to feel connected to that energy to create a feeling of tranquility, connection, and peace” (p. 80). 

Reiki meditation also works with “affirmations,” said to be “a positive sentence that will affect your conscious and subconscious mind” (p. 93). These are to be repeated continuously and visualized so that the affirmation will become reality. Reiki meditation is also used to “heal the auric field,” which “surrounds human energetic bodies” or “energy field” and must be in sync with chakras, as well as mental, spiritual, etheric, emotional, and physical bodies. “When all the chakras and energy bodies are in harmony and are working well together you will be full of vitality and have a sense of wellness” (p. 83). 

Reiki depends upon feelings and a highly subjective and complex set of internal circumstances. There is absolutely no scientific validation for the existence of energy fields, either large ones or small ones, plus the mental, spiritual, etheric, emotional, and physical bodies. Both the Reiki practitioner and the patient must commit to a very strange and esoteric formula, and this necessity will result in demonization. It is the devil’s playground. 

Meditation to heal the karmic past 

This is intended to heal deep emotional wounds and other family patterns of dysfunction. It is intended to continue for at least two weeks. 

It begins with lying down, then bringing attention to your breathing and offer thanks to Reiki for your healing. Then ask Reiki and Universal life-force energy to guide you on your healing path. Then ask for guidance and assistance from your spirit guides and any other Masters of healing in the Universe. Close your eyes and relax, inhale and exhale. Then use your third eye to feel that Reiki energy beaming through your crown and filling your whole body. . .and it goes on and at the end the instruction is to “release the meditation and give gratitude to Reiki with a gassho” (p. 101). 

Notice the phrase “your spirit guides.” Of course, those committed to Reiki would not understand that these entities are actually demonic spirits. People committed to Reiki and other forms of occultic practices will most often state they have a spirit guide and also a spirit animal living inside of them. So at least two spirits indwell them, often more, and these are merely evil spirits. I know this, because over the decades I and many others have cast these out of people. This is well known by those who have been involved in deliverance ministry. 

Where does the Reiki energy originate? 

It comes from the Higher Power, which is found on a dimension, which is higher than the physical world that people have come to know. However, the real source of the Reiki energy is within oneself. “The energy comes from a transcendental part of oneself, which is linked to an inexhaustible healing energy supply” (p. 102). 

It is heart breaking to read this sort of deception. We live in an era of an explosion of systems and practices like Reiki, and also an era when Christianity is on a major decline. The vacuum here is being filled in with practices, however spiritual, exciting, and helpful they may seem to be, but which lead to invasion by evil spirits and also result in a separation from reality, thus opening oneself up to mental illness. 

Is the Reiki system a type of religion? 

The book’s author(s) answer “No.” Though it is spiritual, it is not considered a religion, and to practice Reiki, one does not need to change religion. 

Perhaps some would buy this, but a Christian guided by the Scripture would not. A staunch atheist would not either. Some religious forms would accept this, however, two of these being Hinduism and Buddhism. My experience is that Buddhism is often the launching pad for practices like Reiki. 

It is interesting to find Reiki adherents say their practice is not a religion. Of course, it is; in fact, it is an all-consuming religious practice. The claim that it is not a religion and that anyone can be involved in it and not lose whatever faith they have is a false and dangerous idea. 

******* 

Excerpts from Wikipedia 

Wikipedia on December 21, 2021 

(This article is about the Japanese pseudoscientific healing practice.) 

Reiki is a Japanese form of energy healing, which is a subset of alternative medicine. Reiki practitioners use a technique called palm healing or hands-on healing through which a “universal energy” is said to be transferred through the palms of the practitioner to the patient in order to encourage emotional or physical healing. 

Reiki is a pseudoscience and is used as an illustrative example of pseudoscience in scholarly texts and academic journal articles. It is based on qi (“chi”), which practitioners say is a universal life force, although there is no empirical evidence that such a life force exists. 

Clinical research does not show reiki to be effective as a treatment for any medical condition, including cancer, diabetic neuropathy, or anxiety and depression; therefore it should not replace conventional medical treatment. There is no proof of the effectiveness of reiki therapy compared to placebo. Studies reporting positive effects have had methodological flaws. 60 

Scholarly evaluation 

Reiki is used as an illustrative example of pseudoscience in scholarly texts and academic journal articles. 

In criticizing the State University of New York for offering a continuing education course on reiki, one source stated, “reiki postulates the existence of a universal energy unknown to science and thus far undetectable surrounding the human body, which practitioners can learn to manipulate using their hands,” and others said, “In spite of its [reiki] diffusion, the baseline mechanism of action has not been demonstrated …” and, “Neither the forces involved nor the alleged therapeutic benefits have been demonstrated by scientific testing.” Several authors have pointed to the vitalistic energy which reiki is claimed to treat, with one saying, “Ironically, the only thing that distinguishes reiki from therapeutic touch is that it [reiki] involves actual touch,” and others stating that the International Center for Reiki Training “mimic[s] the institutional aspects of science” seeking legitimacy but holds no more promise than an alchemy society. 

A guideline published by the American Academy of Neurology, the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine, and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation states, “Reiki therapy should probably not be considered for the treatment of PDN [painful diabetic neuropathy].” Canadian sociologist Susan J. Palmer has listed reiki as among the pseudoscientific healing methods used by cults in France to attract members. 

Evidence quality 

A 2008 systematic review of nine randomized clinical trials found several shortcomings in the literature on reiki. Depending on the tools used to measure depression and anxiety, the results varied and were not reliable or valid. Furthermore, the scientific community has been unable to replicate the findings of studies that support reiki. The review also found issues in reporting methodology in some of the literature, in that often there were parts omitted completely or not clearly described. Frequently in these studies, sample sizes were not calculated, and adequate allocation and double-blind procedures were not followed. The review also reported that such studies exaggerated the effectiveness of treatment and there was no control for differences in experience of reiki practitioners or even the same practitioner at times produced different outcomes. None of the studies in the review provided a rationale for the treatment duration and no study reported adverse effects.  

Safety 

Safety concerns for reiki sessions are very low and are akin to those of many complementary and alternative medicine practices. Some physicians and health care providers, however, believe that patients may unadvisedly substitute proven treatments for life-threatening conditions with unproven alternative modalities including reiki, thus endangering their health. 

Obviously and unfortunately, this article does not identify demonic possession as a safety concern. 

Training, certification, and adoption 

There is no central authority controlling use of the words “reiki” or “reiki master.” Certificates can be purchased online for under $100. It is “not uncommon” for a course to offer attainment of reiki master in two weekends. There is no regulation of practitioners of reiki in the United States.