This system has its origins in the early 1900s. It is believed that it was heavily influenced at that time by Tendai Buddhism, Mikkyô, Shugendô, Shintô and the general popularity of spiritual and healing systems that were blossoming at that time.
There are five elements within the system of Reiki. They are attunements or reiju, hand positions, the precepts, symbols and mantras (from Level 2 onward), and meditations and/or techniques.
It is believed that Mikao Usui did not call his teachings by this name. The word ‘Reiki’ appeared often in conjunction with his teachings but this was merely to point out that the teachings worked with Reiki, i.e., spiritual energy.
Professor Judith Rabinovitch states that the terms ‘rei’ and ‘reiki’ in Japan at the turn of the 20th century ‘were of course widely known and had many meanings in the healing world, connoting spiritual matters/spiritual forces of various sorts.’