Reiki is a form of alternative therapy that originated in Japan in the early 20th century. The word “reiki” is a combination of two Japanese words: “rei,” which means universal, and “ki,” which means life energy or vital energy. Reiki is generally described as a healing technique that involves the channeling of universal life energy through the practitioner’s hands to the recipient in order to promote healing and relaxation.
Key Aspects of Reiki
Energy Healing: Reiki is based on the belief that there is a universal life force energy that flows through all living things. As a practitioner, I hold the space for—or channel—this energy and direct it to individuals who are in need of healing or balance.
Holistic Approach: Reiki is considered a holistic practice, addressing not only physical health but also emotional and spiritual aspects. It is often used as a complementary therapy alongside conventional medical treatment. As it promotes relaxation and a restorative response, it naturally helps the body’s autonomic nervous system to switch on the parasympathetic state that we commonly refer to as “rest and digest.” This helps move you into a state of balance, or homeostasis, which releases your body’s innate healing abilities. Many registered nurses are certified reiki practitioners, and often employ “healing touch” to patients.
As discussed on the American Nurse website, “Understanding how Reiki works begins by acknowledging that the human body is composed of energy. Remember Einstein’s equation (E = mc2)—all mass (or matter), including the human body, is equal to energy. Energies within the body make continual adjustments to maintain homeostasis.”
Hands-On or Distant Healing: Reiki practitioners use a series of hand positions, lightly touching or hovering over the recipient’s body. The energy flows through the practitioner’s hands and into the recipient’s energy field or body, promoting a sense of relaxation and well-being. Distance healing is also very effective and can be felt by recipients quite well.
Balancing and Clearing: Reiki is often used to balance and clear the recipient’s energy centers (chakras) and remove energy blockages. It is thought to help the body’s natural healing processes and promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Reiki is considered a non-invasive and gentle practice, with recipients lying fully clothed during a session. It is often sought out for stress reduction, relaxation, pain management, and overall well-being. As mentioned, reiki is often considered a complementary or alternative therapy rather than a primary medical treatment.
These articles on the International Association of Reiki Professionals’® website provide expansive discussions about reiki and its uses, benefits, and effectiveness for many situations.
How Does Reiki Work?
Below are some explanations of how reiki works.
Energy Balancing
Reiki works by balancing the recipient’s energy, particularly the flow of life force energy (ki or chi) within the body. It is thought that disruptions or blockages in the flow of this energy can lead to physical or emotional imbalances, and reiki aims to clear and harmonize this energy.
Chakra Alignment
Reiki is often associated with the concept of chakras, which are believed to be energy centers in the body. Practitioners may focus on these energy centers during a session to balance and align them, promoting physical and emotional well-being.
Relaxation Response
One of the immediate effects of a reiki session is often deep relaxation. It is believed that this relaxation response allows the body to activate its natural healing abilities, reduce stress, and release tension, which can contribute to overall well-being.
Intention and Mindfulness
Practitioners often emphasize the importance of intention and mindfulness during a reiki session. We use positive intentions and focused energy to facilitate your healing process.
What Is a Reiki Session Like?
A reiki session typically follows a structured format, although the specifics can vary somewhat depending on the practitioner’s style and the recipient’s preferences.
Here’s an overview of what a typical reiki session is like:
Setting the Environment: Reiki sessions are usually conducted in a quiet and peaceful environment to promote relaxation. The recipient is fully clothed, typically lying down on a massage table, but you can also be seated or reclining comfortably.
Initial Discussion: The session often begins with a brief discussion between you and your reiki practitioner. This conversation may include an explanation of reiki, the your reasons for seeking a session, and any specific concerns or goals you have.
Hand Positions: As a reiki practitioner, I typically use a series of hand positions, either lightly touching your body or holding my hands a short distance above your body. These hand positions cover various areas, including the head, neck, shoulders, chest, abdomen, legs, and feet.
Energy Transfer: As the life force channels through to you, may feel warmth, tingling, a cool sensation, or a sense of energy movement during the session, but experiences vary widely.
Relaxation and Meditation: You are encouraged to relax and let go of tension and stress during the session. Soft music and low lighting are often used to enhance the calming atmosphere.
Mindfulness, Intention, Intuition: These three are practiced in tandem, producing the best results for your session to promote your ultimate health, balance, well-being.
Full-Body Treatment: I typically work through all of the hand positions, spending several minutes at each one. At times, there may be an area that prefers extra attention, and I will spend more time guiding healthy energy there. You enjoy remaining still and relaxed throughout the process.
Closing the Session: At the end of the session, I place my hands on your shoulders or forehead to offer a sense of closure and grounding, offering gratitude for the time, space, and resources for you to achieve your ultimate health.
Post-Session Discussion: After the session, I welcome you to share your experiences and any sensations or insights that occurred during the treatment.
Session Length: The length of a Reiki session can vary, but it often lasts around 60 to 90 minutes.
Some people find reiki sessions deeply relaxing and report feeling a sense of calm, reduced stress, and improved well-being afterward. It’s important to remember that individual experiences with reiki can differ, and some may not feel any particular sensations during a session though still recognize results.
When seeking a reiki session, it’s essential to choose a reputable and qualified practitioner who has been properly trained and certified in reiki. I am a Reiki Master, with a decade of experience.
Make an appointment for a reiki session to continue on your well-being journey.
