by Veronique Frede
Healing unfolds in relationships, within ourselves, with others, and with the world around
us. It is a mysterious process that encompasses everything, extending far beyond what
the mind can fully grasp. It is a process that can shape communities from the inside out,
including ourselves.
Healing as Wholeness
In the traditional practice of Reiki, healing is understood as a return to wholeness.
Wholeness is not the absence of discomfort or feeling better; it is a deep remembering
of our innate connection – to our bodies, our thoughts and feelings, the people and the
world around us, and to life itself. When we meet life with openness and presence,
allowing what arises to flow naturally, healing unfolds, not as an isolated act, but as an
integrated process that embraces the full spectrum of existence. This process has the
power to ripple outward, quietly transforming communities from within.
Relationship at the Heart of Reiki
Relationship lies at the heart of the system of Reiki with the symbol Hon Sha Ze Sho
Nen (HSZSN). The 17th-century “Shoninki” describes HSZSN appearing in charms
intended to forge or dissolve relationships, using symbolic intent to affect bonds
between people. In the system of Reiki, HSZSN transforms this ancient wisdom into a
tool for harmonizing relationships between Heaven and Earth, space and time,
softening the boundaries of self and other, inviting recognition of our non-dual nature.
As our ego softens, a deeper sense of interconnectedness arises, fostering empathy,
kindness, compassion, and collective well-being.
The Five Precepts: Nurturing Community
The Five Precepts of the system of Reiki guide us toward wholeness through mindful
presence. They encourage freedom from the grip of anger and worry so we can find
greater clarity, cultivate gratitude, compassion, honesty, and integrity. These are more
than personal guidelines; they can help shape and nurture communities where people
feel seen, supported, safe, and valued. The Precepts can support the transformation of
isolated individuals and groups into ecosystems of care, where balance and emotional
well-being are nurtured collectively, and the Earth is considered, through harmonious
living grounded in mindful action, inclusion, and mutual respect.
Harmony and Collective Healing
The Japanese value 和 (wa), or harmony, reflects the Reiki Precepts and collective
healing. Harmony is a way of being in which individuals live in a balanced relationship
with one another and with the world around them, including nature. It is not about
uniformity or avoiding differences; rather, it is a dynamic state where each person’s
uniqueness can be expressed without disrupting the whole. Harmony honors
individuality while nourishing the collective, reminding us that true balance emerges
when all parts, each voice, each experience, each perspective, contribute to the shared
field with sincerity and respect. In this sense, Reiki embodies “wa” by encouraging
practices that foster calm, clarity, compassion, and mutual respect, ultimately inviting
communities to become spaces where people can feel held, included, and connected.
Community as a Healing Force
Modern healthcare often treats people as separate parts, but the practice of Reiki
reminds us that we are inherently whole and interconnected. In Reiki circles and group
gatherings, the community itself can become a healing force: presence deepens,
resilience strengthens, and compassion expands through mutual support and shared
understanding.
The elements of the system of Reiki, such as gentle touch, conscious breathing, and
mindful presence, etc., are not merely symbolic. They also reflect what modern science
now calls co-regulation, nervous-system soothing, and the healing power of human
connection. Thus, through steady practice, the system of Reiki can help regulate and
empower communities to cultivate harmonious living grounded in peace, connection,
and well-being. Over time, as practice becomes a shared rhythm of reflection and
renewal, it may also reveal a sense of belonging and shared values, strengthening the
very fabric of the community itself.
Reiki in Action
Emerging research supports Reiki’s impact on local communities. The Chicago-based
nonprofit Reiki Brigade, founded in 2011, exemplifies this work by offering hands-on
healing sessions and training to local communities to promote healing and peace. Their
first study, published in November 2025, demonstrates that a single 10-minute Reiki
session can reduce overall stress by 72.6% and pain by 63.34% among 1,724 members
of high-stress communities across Chicago. This is Reiki in action, and an encouraging
sign, as Reiki training is offered and made accessible at the grassroots level, and as we
continue to support each other and organizations like Reiki Brigade in their missions.
The Deeper Gift
While science continues to explore Reiki’s measurable effects on health, its greatest gift
may not be addressing illness but creating the conditions for people to remember their
true nature, strengthen their relationship with life and one another, and nurture a better
world.
It begins with kindness.
References
Community as Medicine: A Novel Approach to Improve Health Behaviors and Mental
Well-Being for Vulnerable Populations.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11871580/
Shoninki: The Secret Teachings of the Ninja: The 17th-Century Manual on the Art of
Concealment – https://a.co/d/7LzEweA
Investigating perceived stress and pain reduction following brief Reiki sessions in high-
stress communities: an exploratory study
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1625414/full
Center for Reiki Research: https://centerforreikiresearch.com
