akashic records: Thought to exist in the etheric plane of reality; a record of all human events, including actions, thoughts, and intents from the past, present, and future, that can be psychically accessed
anandamaya kosha: The fifth of the five koshas; sometimes called the “bliss layer” that connects us to our divine nature and a larger sense of self
annamaya kosha: The first of the five koshas; connected to the element of earth and the physical body; the level at which our energy, including thoughts and emotions, is manifested into physical form
aromatherapy: The practice of using essential oils for healing
Ascension Reiki: A ten-level reiki system developed by Jayson Suttkus
astral plane: A non-physical plane of reality that can be psychically accessed; believed by some to contain energetic blueprints for all things in physical existence
attunement: A ritualized process that opens the recipient to the flow of reiki or strengthens an already existing flow
aura: An energetic sheath surrounding and interpenetrating the body; divided into different layers with different yet complementary functions
Blue Star Reiki: A two-level reiki system created by Gary Jirauch; based on teachings and energy that are said to have originated in ancient Egypt
Breath of the Fire Dragon: Breathing technique used to circulate energy throughout the body; utilizes visualization, reiki symbols, and mantras
byôsen reikan hô: A technique for scanning the body with the hands, sensing for energetic areas of imbalance
Celtic Reiki: A reiki system developed by Martyn Pentecost; incorporates the vibrations of certain trees and a personal development system
chakras: Energetic centers within the body that process and help distribute energy throughout the system
chakra kassei kokyû hô: A breathing technique designed to clear and balance the chakras
chiryô hô: A treatment, often used to refer to reiki healing techniques
Chiyoko Yamaguchi: A student of Chûjirô Hayashi; created Jikiden Reiki with her son, Tadao Yamaguchi
Choku Rei: The mantra associated with the first symbol in traditional Usui teachings; often connected to the qualities of power and focus and the element of earth
Chûjirô Hayashi: One of Usui’s original master-level students and founder of a branch of reiki known as Hayashi Reiki Kenkyû Kai; he trained Hawayo Takata, the woman responsible for bringing reiki to the West
clairaudience: Literally, “clear hearing”; psychic ability to perceive via non-ordinary hearing sense
claircognizance: Literally, “clear knowing”; psychic ability to know something outside of ordinary thought channels
clairsentience: Literally, “clear feeling”; psychic ability to perceive via non-ordinary feeling senses
clairvoyance: Literally, “clear seeing”; psychic ability to perceive via non-ordinary visual sense
correspondence: In the context of distance healing, an object designated as a substitute for a recipient who is not physically present (e.g., a photo or teddy bear)
crown chakra: From the Hindu system, an energetic center related to connection with the Divine and higher consciousness
crystal grid: An intentional arrangement of crystals designed to direct the flow of energy for specific intentions, such as healing or cleansing
Dai Kômyô: The mantra associated with the fourth symbol in the Usui reiki system (although some sources argue that the fourth symbol was added to the teachings after Usui’s death); sometimes referred to as the “master symbol” and associated with the quality of empowerment
Dento Reiki: Traditional reiki as taught by Mikao Usui
distance healing: The act of sending healing energy to recipients in another physical location or to situations in the past or future
dokukudashi: A technique used for detoxification of the body and energy system
energy channels: Pathways in the body and energy field for the transport of energy
energy cords: Energetic structures for transferring energy; typically used to refer to unhealthy energetic connections in which one or both parties are harmed by the energetic transfer
enkaku chiryô hô: A technique for sending reiki distantly
essential oils: Volatile, plant-derived aromatic oils used for healing and for their scents
extraordinary vessels: In Traditional Chinese Medicine, important energetic channels that connect the major meridians, organs, and other structures, facilitating a healthy flow of energy
five precepts: Also known as the “reiki precepts” or gokai; a set of maxims included in Usui’s original teachings to aid in spiritual and personal development
flower essence: Sometimes referred to as “flower remedies”; made by steeping flowers in water and preserving the resulting liquid with alcohol, vinegar, or glycerin; different flowers are said to aid in healing various health issues
gasshô: A posture with palms of the hands together at the heart
Gendai Reiki Hô: System of reiki developed by Hiroshi Doi; intended to be a blending of traditional Usui teachings and modern reiki practices
Gokai: See five precepts
Golden Age Reiki: A reiki system developed by Maggie Larson, also known as Shamara; includes new symbols and a variation of elemental energy
gyôsei: Poetry, or waka, written by the emperor
gyôshi hô: A technique for sending reiki by staring with the eyes
hado kokyû hô: A breathing technique designed to boost the immune system, detoxify the body, raise energy, and cultivate a sense of calm
hara: A physical and energetic center below the belly button
hatsurei hô: A technique for increasing the flow of spiritual energy through the body
Hawayo Takata: A student of Chujirô Hayashi; credited with introducing reiki to the West
Hayashi Reiki Kenkyû Kai: System of reiki developed by Chûrô Hayashi, one of Usui’s original master-level students
heart chakra: From the Hindu system, an energetic center related to love and relationships with self and others
Hermeticism: A philosophy and esoteric religious tradition based on writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus
heso chiryô hô: Healing technique centered on the navel (belly button)
Hiroshi Doi: Founder of the Gendai Reiki system
holographic model: A model of reality stating that each individual part of a thing contains the whole
Holy Fire Reiki: A system of reiki developed by William L. Rand; said to be a more refined energy from a higher level of consciousness
Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen: The mantra associated with the third symbol in traditional Usui teachings
Hui Yin Breath: A breathing technique designed to connect to the Hui Yin acupuncture point
human energy field: Also referred to as the “aura”; a field of energy surrounding and interpenetrating the body, responsible for protecting the organism and mediating exchange with others and the environment
Ida: In Hindu philosophy, one of the primary energetic channels, or nadis, in the body; associated with the feminine and moon energy
implicate order: Theory developed by theoretical physicist David Bohm; presupposes an underlying pattern or fundamental ordering to all existence, known as the implicate order
jakikiri jôka hô: A technique for purifying inanimate objects
Jikiden Reiki: A system of reiki created by Chiyoko and Tadao Yamaguchi with the aim of presenting Chûjirô Hayashi’s original teachings as accurately as possible
Jinlap Maitri Reiki: A five-level reiki system developed by Gary Jirauch; incorporates new symbols and the use of sounds, colors and elements for healing
Johrei Reiki: See Vajra Reiki
jôshin kokyû hô: A breathing technique used to purify the self, connect with reiki, and focus the mind
jumon: “Spell, incantation”; sometimes used synonymously with mantra or kotodama
kamiza: In a specific location, the area with the highest energy; in Jikiden Reiki, a scroll of the reiki precepts is placed in this spot
Karuna Ki: A system of reiki developed by Vincent P. Amador; incorporates new symbols, attunements, meditations, and mudras
Karuna Reiki: A system of reiki developed by William L. Rand meant to be taken after completing master-level training in a more traditional Usui system
kenyoku hô: Also known as “dry bathing”; a technique used to purify the body and energy field
Kirlian photography: A form of photography developed by Semyon Kirlian, said to capture the aura or energetic field surrounding living organisms and non-living objects
koketsuhô: Also known as “blood exchange”; a strengthening technique for chronic illness or recovery from a major illness or injury
koki hô: A technique for sending reiki using the breath
Komyo Reiki Kai/Komyo ReikiDo: A four-level system based on the teachings of Chûjirô Hayashi as taught by Chiyoko Yamaguchi; developed by Hyakuten Inamoto, a Pure Land Buddhist monk
kosha: In yogic philosophy, energetic sheaths or auras surrounding and interpenetrating the body
kotodama: “Words carrying spirit”; sometimes used synonymously with mantra or jumon
kyu: Degree; level of attainment
manomaya kosha: The third of five koshas; regulates and expresses emotional energy
MariEL: A system of reiki developed by Ethel Lombardi and named after Mary in the Christian tradition
meridian: In Traditional Chinese Medicine, a channel or pathway for energy to travel within the body
Mikao Usui: The founder of the healing system of reiki
morphogenetic field: Theory developed by Dr. Rupert Sheldrake; informational fields of energy, specific to individual species, that assist in directing development of the organism
mudra: A symbolic hand gesture
nadete chiryô hô: A stroking technique designed to treat the meridians and organs
nadi: In Hindu philosophy, energetic channels within the body responsible for distributing prana and other energies throughout the system
nadi shodhana: Alternate nostril breathing technique using a finger to seal one nostril while breathing in through the other and repeating on the opposite side
navel chakra: From the Hindu system, an energetic center related to the emotions, desire and sexuality
nentatsu: A technique for sending thoughts to a recipient with the intention of strengthening their willpower and ability to heal
Newlife Reiki Seichim: Seven-level reiki system developed by Margot Deepa Slater; inspired by spiritual visions of Mikao Usui and Quan Yin
oshite chiryô hô: A technique useful on stiff or tense areas; hand pressure is applied to the area while reiki is transmitted
Osho Neo Reiki: A three-level reiki system developed by Himani H. Gerber; incorporates chakra healing and Osho (an Indian philosopher and mystic) meditations
pingala: In Hindu philosophy, one of the primary energetic channels, or nadis, in the body; associated with the masculine and sun energy
pranamaya kosha: One of the five koshas; composed of prana or vital life force and intimately connected with the breath
Radiance Technique: A seven-level system of reiki created by Barbara Weber Ray, author of The Reiki Factor, who claims to be Hawayo Takata’s successor
Rainbow Reiki: A system of reiki developed by Walter Lübeck; incorporates Zen Buddhism, Sufism, shamanism, Hermeticism, and other philosophies
Raku Kei Reiki: Also known as “the Way of the Fire Dragon,” a four-level system of reiki created by Iris Ishikuro and Arthur Robertson
reflexology: The application of pressure to certain points on the hands and feet, said to correspond with different areas of and systems in the body to facilitate healing and energy flow
Reido Reiki: A seven-level system of reiki developed by Fuminori Aoki, a student of Barbara Weber Ray; a blending of traditional Usui teachings and Western practices
reiju: A spiritual offering or blessing; used to strengthen one’s connection to and ability to channel spiritual energy; the basis for modern-day attunements
reiki: Spiritual energy; alternately thought to be the energy of all things, the energy of life, and the energy of love; the basis for the reiki system of healing
reiki boost: A technique for opening and balancing the chakras, promoting healthy energy flow throughout the entire body
Reiki Jin Kei Do: A system of reiki developed by Ranga Premaratna, who claims lineage from Chûjirô Hayashi via two Buddhist monks who were said to be students of Hayashi
reiki mawashi: The practice of creating an energetic current through practitioners, typically seated in a circle with hands touching or floating in close proximity
Reiki Ryôhô: Spiritual Energy Method
Reiki Ryôhô Hikkei: Spiritual Energy Method Manual; a sixty-eight-page manual divided into four sections published by the Usui Reiki Ryôhô Gakkai given to level one students of the Gakkai
Reiki Undô: The process of letting the body move naturally and uncontrolled, allowing any sounds, emotions, and other expressions to arise spontaneously
root chakra: From the Hindu system, an energetic center related to the physical body and tangible experience, and a sense of grounding and safety
Ryôhô Shishin: A healing guide; two of importance in reiki teachings are, one, the Ryôhô Shishin published by the Usui Reiki Ryôhô Gakkai and, two, the Ryôhô Shishin written by Chûjirô Hayashi
saibo kassei kokyû hô: A technique of scanning the body for imbalance and sending healing gratitude and reiki to those areas
Saku Reiki: A six-level system of reiki developed by Eric Bott
Satya Reiki: A three-level system of reiki developed by Shingo Sakuma
Seichim: A system of reiki developed by Patrick Zeigler who claims to have received an energetic transmission while spending the night in the Pyramid of Giza
seiheki chiryô hô: Treatment for healing mental patterns; utilizes mantras and symbols
Sei Heki: The mantra associated with the second symbol in traditional Usui teachings; sometimes referred to as the “mental-emotional symbol” and associated with harmony and the energy of heaven
seishin toitsu: A breathing technique used to purify the self, connect with reiki, and focus the mind
sekizui jôka ibuki hô: A technique for clearing energy flow along the spine and balancing the entire body
seventh-level technique: A process for activating and sending energy via an important energetic gateway located at the base of the skull
Shamanic Reiki: Various systems of reiki incorporating shamanic techniques, such as accessing an altered state of consciousness for healing and spirit communication and the use of drums and rattles for healing
Shamballa Reiki: A system of reiki developed by John Armitage; claims to have been channeled from a High Priest of Atlantis
shihan: Teacher or instructor
Shintô: “Way of the gods”; indigenous Japanese religion with diverse rituals, mythology, and beliefs; connected to the use of shrines for worshipping spirits and deities
shoden: The first level of instruction in traditional Usui reiki
shûchû reiki: Multiple practitioners treating one recipient, concentrating the spiritual energy
: An esoteric form of Buddhism incorporating Taoist, Shintô, and shamanic practices; practitioners are known as yamabushi
six-point energy meditation: A technique to harmonize energy flow throughout the body
solar plexus chakra: From the Hindu system, an energetic center related to control, power, decision-making, and self-esteem
Sun Li Chung Reiki: A five-level system of reiki developed by Yosef Sharon with thousands of symbols, which are meant to be accessed via the student’s spirit guides
sushumna: The central energy channel, or nadi, in Hindu philosophy; the seven primary chakras are aligned along the sushumna, which runs up the spinal column
Tadao Yamaguchi: Son of Chiyoko Yamaguchi, who studied under Chûjirô Hayashi; with his mother, he founded the system of Jikiden Reiki
tanden: A physical and energetic center below the belly button
tanden chiryô hô: A technique for energizing and strengthening willpower
Tera Mai Reiki: A three-level reiki system developed by Kathleen Milner, who claims her teachings were channeled from Buddha
third eye chakra: From the Hindu system, an energetic center related to intuition and clear seeing; also called the brow chakra
throat chakra: From the Hindu system, an energetic center related to communication, verbal and non-verbal, internal and external, and creativity and connection
TUMMO Reiki: A system of reiki developed by Irmansyah Effendi; blends Usui teachings, Kundalini yoga, Tibetan meditation, and other spiritual practices
uchite chiryô hô: A technique employing patting with the hands to clear the meridians and facilitate healing
Usui Reiki Ryôhô: A system of reiki taught by Frans and Bronwen Stiene of the International House of Reiki who aim to present the teachings as originally taught by Usui
Usui Reiki Ryôhô Gakkai: Society of the Usui Spiritual Energy Healing Method; said to have been created by Mikao Usui in Japan in 1922; still in existence today
Usui Shiki Ryôhô: Usui Way Healing Method; title used by Hawayo Takata on her certificates; the name has also been used to denote branches of reiki as taught by Phyllis Lei Furumoto, Beth Gray, and others
Vajra Reiki: Formerly Johrei Reiki; a three-level system based on the teachings of Mokichi Okada, using new symbols and mudras
vijnanamaya kosha: The fourth of five sheaths; the knowledge or wisdom layer, governing our ability to discern reality and truth
violet breath: A technique utilizing breath, visualization, and reiki symbols to facilitate energy flow throughout the body
waka: Poetry; in traditional Usui teachings, waka were used as a contemplation tool for spiritual development
Wei Chi Tibetan Reiki: Six-level system of reiki developed by Thomas A. Hensel and Kevin Rodd Emery; said to be channeled through Wei Chi, a Tibetan monk living 5,000 years ago