What Is Reiki?
Discover the Healing Power of Energy
Reiki is a holistic healing practice that channels universal life energy to support balance, healing, and emotional well-being. Originating in Japan in the early 20th century, Reiki has become one of the most popular complementary therapies in the world — praised for its gentle yet deeply restorative effects.
The word Reiki (pronounced ray-key) comes from two Japanese words: rei meaning “universal” and ki meaning “life force energy.” This life force — known as chi in Chinese and prana in Indian traditions — flows through all living things. When it’s strong and balanced, we experience health and vitality. When it’s blocked or depleted, we may feel stressed, tired, anxious, or unwell. Reiki helps to restore that balance.
The Origins of Reiki
Reiki was developed in Japan by Dr. Mikao Usui in 1922 after a period of deep meditation and spiritual practice on Mount Kurama. Usui realised that he could channel a healing energy through his hands to help others — a form of natural healing that worked beyond the physical body to harmonise mind, body, and spirit.
Usui’s teachings spread across Japan and were later introduced to the West by Hawayo Takata, a Japanese-American woman who learned Reiki in the 1930s and brought it to Hawaii. From there, Reiki spread globally, evolving into several styles but retaining the same foundation — healing through touch and intention.
How Reiki Works
Reiki is not based on belief or religion — it is a practice of energy flow and balance. During a session, the practitioner gently places their hands either lightly on or just above the recipient’s body. The energy flows intuitively to where it’s needed most, helping to dissolve energetic blockages and restore harmony.
Reiki does not manipulate muscles or tissues like massage, nor does it diagnose or treat illness in the medical sense. Instead, it activates the body’s natural healing processes, promoting deep relaxation and balance across all levels — physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.
Most people describe Reiki as deeply soothing and peaceful. Some experience warmth, tingling, or pulsing sensations where the practitioner’s hands rest. Others report seeing colours, feeling waves of energy, or drifting into a meditative or sleep-like state.
The Benefits of Reiki
Reiki is a gentle yet powerful tool for self-healing and transformation. Its benefits can be experienced on multiple levels — physical, emotional, and spiritual.
1. Deep Relaxation and Stress Relief
One of the most immediate and noticeable effects of Reiki is a deep sense of calm. The treatment activates the body’s parasympathetic nervous system — the “rest and digest” mode — counteracting the effects of chronic stress and anxiety.
As the mind quiets and the body relaxes, breathing slows, heart rate decreases, and muscle tension releases. This natural relaxation response allows the body to focus its energy on healing and repair.
Many clients describe Reiki sessions as feeling “like a meditation without effort” — a rare moment of stillness in an otherwise busy life.
2. Pain Relief and Physical Healing
While Reiki should not replace medical treatment, many people find it reduces pain and discomfort associated with various conditions. It is often used to complement treatments for:
Chronic pain (such as arthritis or fibromyalgia)
Post-operative recovery
Migraines and headaches
Muscle tension and fatigue
Side effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy
Studies and hospital programmes — including some in the NHS and US medical centres — have found that Reiki can help patients experience less pain, anxiety, and nausea, while improving overall comfort and recovery times.
Reiki helps the body’s natural healing mechanisms function more efficiently by restoring energetic balance and reducing the impact of stress on physical health.
3. Emotional Balance and Mental Clarity
Reiki is not just a physical treatment; it works powerfully on the emotional and mental levels. It can help to release suppressed emotions, clear mental fog, and restore a sense of inner peace.
Recipients often describe feeling “lighter” after a session — as if emotional burdens have been lifted. Reiki can:
Reduce anxiety and depression
Improve focus and concentration
Help manage grief, anger, or fear
Boost self-esteem and emotional resilience
Support greater emotional stability during challenging times
Regular sessions can bring a sense of clarity and calm that makes it easier to handle stress and make balanced decisions.
4. Improved Sleep and Energy Levels
Because Reiki helps the body and mind relax deeply, it often improves sleep quality. Many clients report sleeping better after just one session. Over time, Reiki can help reset natural rhythms — leading to more restorative rest and consistent energy throughout the day.
By releasing energetic blockages and encouraging flow, Reiki can also increase vitality. People frequently say they feel refreshed, rebalanced, and more “in tune” with themselves following treatment.
5. Spiritual Growth and Self-Awareness
For many, Reiki becomes more than a therapy — it’s a pathway to personal growth and self-awareness. As the energy clears emotional blockages, recipients may experience a stronger connection to their inner self, intuition, and sense of purpose.
Reiki encourages mindfulness, compassion, and acceptance — helping individuals live more consciously and harmoniously. It nurtures the understanding that healing is not only about the body but about restoring balance across all aspects of life.
What to Expect During a Reiki Session
A typical Reiki session lasts 45 to 60 minutes. You’ll lie fully clothed on a treatment table while soft music plays to create a calming environment. The practitioner will begin by placing their hands gently on or just above your body, moving through a series of positions — usually starting at the head and working toward the feet.
There’s no effort required from you. Simply close your eyes, relax, and allow the energy to flow. Every session is different — sometimes the experience feels deeply emotional or physical; other times it is subtle yet profoundly grounding.
Afterward, many people report feeling deeply relaxed, centred, and peaceful. Some experience emotional release, increased energy, or new insight. It’s common to continue feeling the benefits for several days as your body and mind integrate the effects of the treatment.
Reiki as a Complementary Therapy
Reiki integrates easily with other healing modalities. It is used alongside medical treatments, counselling, physiotherapy, and alternative therapies such as yoga, acupuncture, or massage.
Many hospitals and hospices now include Reiki practitioners in their care teams, recognising its role in improving comfort, reducing stress, and supporting emotional well-being.
Because it’s non-invasive and safe for all ages, Reiki can be beneficial for everyone — from infants to the elderly, from those facing illness to those simply seeking balance.
In Summary
Reiki is far more than just a relaxation technique — it is a holistic healing practice that helps restore harmony within the body, mind, and spirit.
By encouraging deep rest, emotional release, and energetic alignment, Reiki supports the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Whether you’re seeking relief from stress or pain, emotional support, or a moment of peace in your day, Reiki offers a gentle yet powerful path back to balance.
In a world where so many people feel disconnected and overwhelmed, Reiki serves as a reminder of the body’s innate intelligence — and the simple, profound truth that healing begins within.