Is Reiju, the Reiki Initiation Process, Safe?

Life brings physical challenges to everyone. Whether it’s chronic pain, inherited health conditions, anxiety, or simply the natural process of aging, our bodies inevitably face difficulties. During these times, many seek complementary healing approaches like Reiki, and within that we have a practice called Reiju.

A direct translation of Reiju is “spiritual blessing”. This is an initiation process that takes place between a teacher and student. We often think of it as an energetic experience, yet according to its name, it is also a spiritual one. If we are unwell, could something that is spiritual in nature like this practice affect us negatively? I believe it depends upon how we see our practices and what our intentions are behind them.

Looking at the word Reiju again, we recognise “Rei” because of the Japanese word, “Rei ki”. From “Rei” we draw upon the English word “spiritual”. The unknown kanji here is “ju” and this has numerous meanings. Commonly, we attach the translation of “blessing” , yet it can also mean “to receive”, and, more interestingly, “to give/grant/receive”. Here it would mean that we are giving and receiving at the same time. How can this be?

Reiju is is not about doing something to someone. I see it as sitting in a healing space together. I go into that space and invite you to sit there with me, and while there a spiritual communication of sorts takes place. I’m not doing anything to you, in fact I have no concept of doing anything to anyone. My intention is to simply be in this space together, this natural universal flow.

What then, are you doing? Think of Reiju like sunbathing. When you sit in the sun, you’re not actively trying to absorb its warmth. You simply recline in a comfortable chair, letting the sunlight naturally wash over you. Your body instinctively knows how to receive the sun’s energy. Similarly, Reiju is about being present in a healing space, allowing natural processes to unfold without force or intervention.

You don’t need to move your arms, or even your breath! When we truly let go into this space, the breath is freed to move into every cell and deepens into the physical body. You don’t need to control or manipulate it. Over time, through regular practice, this unrestricted breathing pattern becomes more natural, replacing the shallow, tension-filled breathing many of us habitually maintain in our shoulders and chest.

Somedays, our breath may still be caught up in places in the body where it won’t release. Don’t force it because that goes against the experience of simply being in the healing space, of allowing ourselves to be a cog in the works of nature. That is what we are. Our purpose is to remember that and give over to finding our way home. Reiju is the path we take.

Is it then safe to experience Reiju when our bodies are “failing” us? Understanding our bodies’ challenges requires no explanation or narrative. While it’s easy to become discouraged about health issues, remember that physical change and degeneration are natural parts of being human. Our current state reflects both our life experiences and our genetic inheritance – the gifts passed down through generations. This perspective helps us accept that challenges are an inherent part of the human experience.

Everyone faces challenges, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. In a Reiju space, we’re letting go of holding onto the narrative of our challenges, rather than just wallowing in the fact that we’re not perfect. 

With Reiju, enjoy your time in the sun – For Today Only – as the rays bear down upon your perfect imperfections and trust that nature is the most sophisticated healer.