The word ‘heal’ has many different interpretations with the word ‘whole’ often being used to describe it. ‘To make whole’ means to balance out all aspects of being human: mind, body and heart. It embraces the connectedness of each of these aspects and does not accept that one is more important than the other. The system of Reiki works at stimulating and strengthening each of these aspects of humanity and is therefore considered to be a system that supports and promotes healing.
One of the five elements of Reiki is hands-on healing. The other four elements of the system (symbols and mantras, precepts, attunements or reiju, techniques) also support healing. Together these elements create an entire and effective system.
By focusing only on one’s hands within the system of Reiki, the ability to heal and become whole is limited. By strengthening and balancing one’s inner energy, using all elements of the system of Reiki, not only is one’s life affected beneficially, but those of everyone the practitioner comes into contact with. This is healing in the microcosm (the human, the small universe) and, consequently, the macrocosm (the greater universe). Mikao Usui is quoted as saying in the Reiki Ryôhô Hikkei ‘Every existence has healing power. Plants, trees, animals, fish and insects but especially a human’.