In today’s world of spiritual curiosity and alternative healing methods, Reiki has grown in popularity, especially among those seeking physical and emotional healing without turning to traditional medicine. It is often marketed as a harmless “energy healing” practice, but behind its peaceful exterior lies a spiritual deception that Christians must not ignore.
This post will unpack the origin of Reiki, its claims and practices, the spiritual dangers tied to it (including demonic strongholds), and what the Bible says about such practices.
What is Reiki?
Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a form of energy healing that originated in Japan in the early 20th century. The term comes from two Japanese words:
- “Rei” meaning “universal”
- “Ki” meaning “life force energy”
In practice, Reiki involves a practitioner placing their hands lightly on or over a person’s body to supposedly transfer healing energy. It’s claimed this energy helps balance the patient’s “life force,” promoting healing, stress relief, and emotional wellness.
Practitioners often say Reiki is not religious. But a deeper look reveals spiritual roots that are incompatible with the Christian faith.
The Origin: Occult Roots
Reiki was developed by a Japanese Buddhist named Mikao Usui in the early 1900s. Usui reportedly received his ability to heal after a 21-day Buddhist meditation and fasting ritual on Mount Kurama, where he claimed to receive a supernatural spiritual revelation and symbols for healing.
These symbols, used in attunements and healing sessions, carry esoteric meanings and are drawn from Eastern mysticism, not biblical truth. They act as spiritual portals and are invoked for connecting with energy forces not aligned with the God of the Bible.
Many Reiki practitioners also incorporate chakra healing, third-eye activation, and spirit guides, all practices rooted in New Age and occult philosophies.
Also Read: New Age and Astrology Beliefs: Can Christians practice them?
What Reiki Promises
Reiki promotes itself as:
- A natural way to reduce stress and anxiety
- A source of emotional healing
- A means of tapping into “universal life energy”
- A tool to promote spiritual enlightenment
- Non-invasive and “compatible with all belief systems”
For the unsuspecting, these promises sound harmless, even desirable. But the danger lies in the spiritual source of the power behind Reiki.
Also Read: Is the Labubu Doll a Spiritual Trap? A Christian Warning
The Spiritual Reality: Reiki and Demonic Influence
Reiki practitioners often claim to be channels for “universal energy.” But Scripture warns us that not all spirits are from God:
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God…”
1 John 4:1
Reiki taps into spiritual forces, but these are not the Holy Spirit. The “energy” being invoked is not from God, it is from demonic sources masquerading as light.
“And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:14
Many former Reiki practitioners have testified to:
- Demonic visitations and nightmares
- Mental oppression and anxiety
- Spiritual confusion and disconnection from God
- Difficulty praying or reading Scripture
- A loss of interest in Jesus Christ
These are signs of spiritual strongholds, areas of influence where demonic forces gain access due to open doors in the spirit realm.
Reiki “attunements” especially serve as rituals that open spiritual gateways, allowing practitioners to channel energies that may seem positive but are spiritually dangerous.
Can a Christian Practice Reiki?
The short answer is no. Reiki is incompatible with biblical Christianity. It directly violates God’s commands against seeking spiritual
power from occult or foreign sources.
“Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:31
“There shall not be found among you anyone who… practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer…” Deuteronomy 18:10
When Christians participate in Reiki, even unknowingly, they are opening themselves to spiritual deception. The Bible is clear: we are to rely solely on the Holy Spirit for healing, guidance, and power, not foreign energies or mystical rituals.
“You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.” 1 Corinthians 10:21
What to Do if You’ve Practiced Reiki
If you or someone you know has participated in Reiki (even once), here are biblical steps to break free:
- Repent – Confess it to God as sin and ask for forgiveness.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9
- Renounce – Verbally renounce all involvement in Reiki and any spirits or energy tied to it.
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” — James 4:7
- Destroy All Related Items – Remove and destroy Reiki certificates, books, symbols, or crystals.
“Many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all.” — Acts 19:19
- Seek Deliverance – Ask for prayer and support from mature believers who understand spiritual warfare.
- Stay in the Word – Fill yourself with the truth of Scripture daily and draw closer to Jesus.
Choose Christ, Not Counterfeits
Reiki may appear to offer healing and peace, but it is a spiritual counterfeit rooted in occult practices. As believers, we are called to discern spirits, reject the works of darkness, and cling to Jesus Christ alone as our source of healing and hope.
True healing comes only through the Holy Spirit, not through mystical energy. If you’re seeking healing, whether emotional, physical, or spiritual, go to the Great Physician, not the deceptive “light” of false spiritual practices.
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light… Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” Ephesians 5:8
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