What Is Reiki?

Reiki is a gentle energy healing practice that supports relaxation, emotional balance, and overall wellbeing. It works by encouraging the natural flow of energy throughout the body.

During a Reiki session, the practitioner lightly places their hands on or just above the body to support the body's natural healing processes. Reiki is deeply calming and many people experience a sense of peace, clarity, and relaxation during or after a session. Reiki is widely used throughout the world in wellness centers, private practices, hospitals, and hospice settings as a complementary approach to health and wellbeing.

Reiki was developed in Japan in the early 1900s by Dr. Mikao Usui. The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words:

Rei – universal
Ki – life energy

Together they describe the universal life energy that flows through all living things. Reiki practitioners are trained to work with this energy in a way that supports balance in the body, mind, and spirit.

Benefits of Reiki

Many people seek Reiki to support:

• deep relaxation
• stress reduction
• emotional balance
• improved sleep
• relief from tension and fatigue
• spiritual connection and personal growth

Reiki may also support people who are going through challenging life transitions or emotional stress.

Can Reiki Replace Medical Treatment?

Reiki is considered a complementary wellness practice and should not replace medical care or psychological treatment. Many people use Reiki alongside traditional medical care to support relaxation and emotional wellbeing. Always consult a qualified medical professional regarding health concerns.

What Happens During a Reiki Session?

During a Reiki session you will remain fully clothed and lie comfortably on a treatment table. The practitioner gently places their hands on or just above specific areas of the body to support the flow of energy. A typical session lasts 45–60 minutes.

Many people experience:

• warmth or tingling sensations
• deep relaxation
• emotional release
• a sense of calm and clarity

Some people simply feel peaceful and may even fall asleep during the session.

Reiki and Whole-Person Wellness

Reiki supports healing on multiple levels — physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Rather than treating a specific illness, Reiki works by helping the body return to a natural state of balance and harmony. Each person’s experience is unique, but many people find Reiki to be a deeply restorative and supportive practice.