What is Reiki?

What is Reiki? So glad you asked.

If you’ve never experienced Reiki energy healing, it can be challenging to grasp what exactly Reiki is, or even what to expect from a session. I’ve outlined the most common questions I receive as a Reiki Master Teacher below, compiled over the years from students, clients, and even curious friends and family members.

So … What is Reiki?

Reiki is a light-based energy healing modality. It originated in Japan and made its way to the United States through Hawai’i. The light-based energy of Reiki is ever-present, meaning it’s around us at all times, and a Reiki session helps channel it to an individual person, pet, or community.

How Does Reiki Work?

Reiki is administered by someone certified in Reiki. These practitioners have received something called ‘attunements,’ which allow them to access and align with Reiki frequency. A practitioner does not create Reiki, but rather facilitates the ever-present light based energy to flow to the individual having a Reiki session.

What Does Reiki Feel Like?

The keywords I’d use to describe how Reiki feels are floaty, light, restful, and rejuvenating. Energy healing, including Reiki, works with each person’s intuition and body, so people don’t always experience it the same way. Some people feel like they spent an hour napping, others see visuals and colors, and many feel energy gently move through their bodies. Clients often declare, “I just feel so much better!”

Best way I can put it — it’s a vibe :)

Despite variation in how people feel during a Reiki session, you can expect to leave feeling grounded, rested, and clearer.

Can Reiki Help Anxiety and Depression?

Reiki is a wonderful support for anxiety and depression because it facilitates relaxation and mindful disconnect. This study published by the National Library of Medicine is a promising indicator that Reiki can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. It is important to keep in mind, however, that Reiki cannot cure anxiety or depression. No ethical practitioner will suggest that it does. Rather, Reiki offers non-invasive and medication-free options to support one’s overall health and wellness. Reiki partners wonderfully with therapy and other health treatments when it comes to managing anxiety and/or depression.

Can Reiki Help with Pain?

As a Reiki practitioner, I’ve witnessed firsthand how Reiki healing helps people dealing with chronic pain. In addition to the article referenced above, this study published by National Library of Medicine offers over-arching analysis of several other studies that looked at Reiki’s effectiveness. It found that, “there is evidence to suggest that Reiki therapy may be effective for pain and anxiety.” More research is needed but also underway, which is so exciting. I look forward to seeing science and medicine validate what so many people have come to personally experience as powerful energy healing from Reiki.

It is important to keep in mind, however, that Reiki cannot cure chronic pain. No ethical practitioner will suggest that it does. Rather, Reiki offers non-invasive and non-medication options to support someone’s overall health and wellness. Reiki partners wonderfully with other health modalities and can be used to further support one’s healing.

Is Reiki Safe?

Reiki is extremely safe, as it does not interact with medications or interfere with other health routines one may need to follow. There are some instances when accommodations need to be made to ensure physical comfort and health needs are met (for example, if a client is pregnant or otherwise cannot be on their back comfortably for the duration of the session).

If you are worried about safety during a Reiki session, I recommend the following steps:

• Ensure your practitioner is Reiki certified. Usually this can be found in their “About Me” section on their website.

• It is reasonable to look for references, either through Google or Yelp reviews, on their website, or through common acquaintances.

• Ask people you trust if they see anyone for energy healing; you might be surprised by who in your friend group is getting Reiki on the side!

• Contact a practitioner and see if they can talk you through their process and what you should expect.

• Wait to book until you feel good about the person you’re booking with. There’s no shame in waiting until something feels right.