The word Reiki is comprised of two Kanji characters, Rei & Ki. Translated into English, Reiki means Universal Life Force Energy. Universal Life force permeates every object within the universe. ââ¦each and every thing that exists in the universe possesses universal life force⦠the essence of all that isâ¦â Mikao Usui, founder of Reiki. Universal life force within the Human body is called âlife energyâ. It is this energy within our bodies that gives us the ability to live our lives with strength, purpose, and the natural ability to heal.