What is Reiki? A Complete Guide to Energy Healing

Feeling stressed, unbalanced, or emotionally drained? You’re not alone. In today’s fast-paced world, many of us are searching for natural ways to relax, heal, and recharge. That’s where Reiki comes in, a gentle yet powerful Japanese energy healing technique that promotes deep relaxation, reduces stress, and supports emotional well-being.

This guide will explain everything you need to know. By the end, you’ll understand how Reiki works, its benefits, and how to experience it for yourself.

What Is Reiki? The Basics

Reiki (pronounced RAY-kee) is a form of energy healing developed in Japan in the early 20th century by Mikao Usui. After years of studying medicine, psychology, theology, and spiritual practices, Usui experienced a spiritual awakening during a 21-day meditation retreat on Mount Kurama in 1922. This profound experience led him to develop the Usui Reiki Ryoho system. The word itself comes from two Japanese words:

Rei = Universal life energy
Ki = The vital energy that flows through all living things (similar to chi in Chinese medicine)

In simple terms, Reiki is a non-invasive, hands-on (or hands-off) healing technique where a trained practitioner channels this universal energy to help balance your body’s natural energy flow. It is based on the belief that a vital life force flows through all living things. When this energy becomes blocked or imbalanced, it can manifest as physical or emotional illness. Reiki practitioners channel this universal energy through their hands to the recipient, supporting the body’s natural ability to heal.

Reiki is not a religion or belief system. It requires no particular spiritual or religious alignment, making it accessible to everyone. The practice can be used as a complementary therapy alongside conventional medicine or as a stand-alone holistic approach. Usui taught over 2,000 students during his lifetime. His teachings were passed on through a lineage that includes Chujiro Hayashi, who further systematised the practice, and Hawayo Takata, who introduced Reiki to the Western world in the 1930s.

How Does Reiki Work?

Reiki sessions are intentionally structured to create a calm, nurturing environment conducive to healing. A typical Reiki session lasts between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on the recipient’s needs and the practitioner’s approach. Sessions usually begin with a brief conversation where the client may share their goals, concerns, or areas of discomfort.

The recipient remains fully clothed and lies on a treatment table or sits comfortably in a chair. The practitioner then places their hands lightly on or just above the body in a sequence of positions that typically cover the head, torso, arms, legs, and feet. These hand positions are held for several minutes each, allowing Reiki energy to flow into specific areas that may be in need of balance. Some practitioners may also work intuitively, guided by their sense of where healing is most needed.

Recipients often report feeling sensations such as warmth, tingling, or gentle pulsing where the hands are placed. Others experience deep emotional release, a sense of lightness, or even visual imagery. It is also common to enter a meditative or sleep-like state during the session, which helps facilitate the body’s natural healing response.

Distance Reiki

Reiki can also be practised remotely, a method known as Distance Reiki. In this approach, the practitioner connects energetically with the recipient using specific symbols and intentions. Distance Reiki is based on the principle that energy transcends time and space, and many recipients report experiences just as powerful as in-person treatments. This is particularly beneficial for those who are physically unwell, live far away, or prefer to receive healing in the comfort of their own home.

Some practitioners integrate elements such as calming music, essential oils, or crystal healing into the session to enhance the experience, though these are optional. Regardless of the specific method, the core of Reiki practice remains the same: channelling universal life force energy to support balance and wellness in the body, mind, and spirit.

Reiki is accessible to individuals of all ages and conditions, and sessions are tailored to each person’s comfort and healing goals. Whether practised in person or from a distance, Reiki encourages a state of deep rest, emotional release, and energetic alignment that supports holistic well-being.

But is there any science behind it? While Reiki is considered a complementary therapy, some studies suggest it can help with:

Stress reduction (A 2011 study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine found Reiki significantly lowered anxiety and depression in participants).
Pain relief (Research in Pain Management Nursing showed Reiki helped reduce pain in post-surgical patients).
Improved sleep and relaxation (A 2015 study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine noted Reiki’s calming effects).

That said, Reiki isn’t a replacement for medical treatment – it’s a holistic support system that works alongside conventional care.

The Benefits of Reiki: Why Try It?

Reiki is known to support well-being on multiple levels:

Physical health: Reiki has been shown to ease pain, reduce inflammation, accelerate recovery from injuries or surgery, improve sleep quality, and support immune system function. By promoting deep relaxation, Reiki allows the body to enter a healing state where natural repair mechanisms can operate more effectively.
Emotional well-being: Reiki can help soothe feelings of anxiety, reduce stress hormones such as cortisol, and support individuals dealing with depression or emotional trauma. Regular Reiki sessions may enhance emotional clarity and help individuals feel more grounded and balanced.
Mental clarity: By calming the nervous system and promoting mindfulness, Reiki can sharpen focus, support better decision-making, and reduce mental fog. Many people report enhanced creativity and cognitive function following a session.
Spiritual growth: Reiki often leads to a deeper sense of inner peace and alignment. It can facilitate a connection to one’s higher self, increase feelings of purpose, and support spiritual exploration without requiring any specific belief system.

While Reiki is not a replacement for medical care, it can be a valuable complementary tool that enhances overall health and quality of life. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for people of all ages and conditions, including those undergoing conventional medical treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery, or mental health therapies. As awareness of energy-based modalities grows, Reiki continues to gain recognition as a holistic option for those seeking a more integrated approach to wellness.

Reiki, Quantum Physics, and the Work of Dr Joe Dispenza

One of the most fascinating aspects of Reiki is how it resonates with certain principles in quantum physics. While Reiki is not yet fully explained by science, the following concepts offer intriguing parallels:

1. Quantum Entanglement

In quantum physics, entangled particles remain connected regardless of the distance between them. This mirrors the principle behind Distance Reiki, where practitioners report being able to transmit healing energy across vast distances. Entanglement suggests that everything in the universe is interconnected, a fundamental belief in Reiki.

2. Observer Effect

Quantum theory shows that the act of observation can alter the outcome of an experiment. Similarly, the intention of the Reiki practitioner is considered a powerful component of the healing process. Setting a focused, compassionate intention may influence the recipient’s energy field, aligning with this scientific idea.

3. Zero Point Field

Some physicists believe in a universal energy field, referred to as the Zero Point Field, that connects all living beings. Reiki practitioners often describe accessing a similar field of infinite, intelligent energy during sessions. This convergence of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge science opens the door to exciting possibilities for energy-based healing.

4. Parallels with Dr Joe Dispenza’s Work

Dr Joe Dispenza, a neuroscientist and author, has popularised the idea that thoughts and emotions can influence physical reality. Through meditation and heart-brain coherence, he teaches individuals to rewire their neural pathways, elevate emotional states, and create physiological change. This concept mirrors the Reiki principle that energy follows intention.

Dispenza’s research demonstrates measurable changes in brain waves, hormone levels, and genetic expression following focused meditation, echoing Reiki’s claims of transformation through energy work. Both approaches advocate tapping into a universal intelligence and activating the body’s innate capacity for healing. Like Reiki, Dispenza’s work emphasises stillness, mindfulness, and connection to a higher state of consciousness.

Scientific Research on Reiki

A range of studies over the past two decades has explored Reiki’s impact on pain reduction, stress management, emotional well-being, and even physiological markers such as heart rate variability.

One influential study, published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2010), found that Reiki significantly reduced pain and anxiety in hospitalised patients when compared to placebo or rest-only control groups. The researchers concluded that Reiki might be a viable, non-invasive addition to standard care, particularly in surgical or oncology settings. Another study, published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2015), found that participants receiving Reiki demonstrated improvements in heart rate variability and cortisol regulation, two key indicators of stress and autonomic nervous system function.

Systematic reviews of clinical trials have shown promising results. Reiki has been observed to help reduce postoperative pain and fatigue, ease symptoms associated with cancer treatments (such as nausea and anxiety), and support individuals with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia and arthritis. While some researchers remain cautious due to small sample sizes and challenges in creating double-blind studies in energy healing, the cumulative findings suggest that Reiki is more than a placebo for many recipients.

Reiki in Hospitals and Hospices

The real-world application of Reiki is perhaps best demonstrated by its increasing use in healthcare settings across the globe. In the UK, NHS hospitals such as St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have incorporated Reiki into their complementary therapy offerings. Similarly, institutions like the Christie Hospital in Manchester and the Royal Marsden in London offer access to Reiki for cancer patients alongside conventional medical treatments.

In the United States, leading medical centres have also embraced Reiki as part of their integrative care model. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the Cleveland Clinic have both implemented Reiki services to support patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or surgical procedures. Feedback from these programmes frequently cites improvements in relaxation, mood, and overall patient satisfaction.

Hospices and palliative care units have also welcomed Reiki as a tool to ease discomfort and provide emotional comfort to patients nearing the end of life. In these settings, Reiki is not only appreciated for its physical benefits, such as reducing pain and improving sleep, but also for the sense of peace and acceptance it can help foster during emotionally challenging times. Carers and family members often report feeling a calming presence in the room during sessions, adding to the overall support system of the patient.

Becoming a Reiki Practitioner

Reiki training is traditionally divided into three main levels, each designed to deepen the practitioner’s understanding, intuition, and ability to channel healing energy. Training is often taught in person by a qualified Reiki Master, although online and distance options are increasingly available. The learning process is experiential and holistic, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application and personal transformation.

Level 1 – Shoden (初伝): The Beginning of the Journey

The first level of Reiki, Shoden, focuses on self-healing and establishing a foundational connection with Reiki energy. Students are introduced to the history and principles of Reiki, basic energy anatomy (such as the chakra system), and how to perform hands-on healing for themselves and others.

Training includes learning the standard hand positions for treating the whole body and understanding how Reiki supports physical and emotional balance. This level emphasises self-treatment as a daily practice, encouraging students to integrate Reiki into their personal lives before working with others. Attunements received at this stage open the student’s energy channels, allowing them to access Reiki energy more directly. Many people report feeling an immediate sense of increased vitality, inner calm, and heightened awareness after their Level 1 attunement.

Level 2 – Okuden (奥伝): Deepening the Practice

Okuden, the second level of Reiki, translates as “inner teachings.” This stage introduces powerful symbols and mantras that amplify the flow of Reiki energy and enhance specific aspects of healing, such as emotional balance, mental clarity, and connection across space and time.

One of the most significant additions at this level is learning how to perform distance Reiki, sending healing energy to people, places, or situations that are not physically present. This is particularly useful for supporting loved ones at a distance, healing past traumas, or preparing for future events like surgery or interviews.

Students are also taught how to use the sacred Reiki symbols to focus and intensify energy, connect with emotional layers of healing, and clear spaces of stagnant energy. With these tools, practitioners are able to provide more targeted and intuitive treatments. The Level 2 attunement further enhances the practitioner’s sensitivity and ability to work with subtle energy fields.

Level 3 – Shinpiden (神秘伝): The Master Path

Shinpiden means “mystery teachings” and is often referred to as the Reiki Master level. This is the most advanced stage of Reiki training and includes instruction in the final Reiki symbol, often called the Master Symbol, which represents enlightenment and unity with universal life force energy.

At this level, practitioners deepen their energetic awareness, refine their technique, and learn how to perform attunements themselves. Those who choose to pursue the path of teaching receive guidance in how to lead Reiki courses, offer attunements, and support the growth of other students.

However, not all Reiki Masters go on to teach; many complete Level 3 for their own spiritual growth and healing. The energy of the Master level is said to be transformational, offering profound shifts in personal consciousness, intuition, and connection to higher purpose. It encourages practitioners to embody the Reiki principles in daily life and walk the path of service with humility and compassion.

The Role of Attunements

At each level of training, students receive one or more attunements: sacred ceremonial energy transmissions performed by the Reiki Master. These attunements are an essential part of the Reiki tradition. They serve to activate or strengthen the student’s ability to channel Reiki energy by clearing energetic blockages and aligning the individual more closely with the universal life force.

Attunements are often described as spiritual experiences. Some students report sensations such as heat, tingling, visual imagery, or a deep emotional release during the process. Others feel subtle shifts in awareness or simply a sense of calm and lightness. Regardless of the intensity of the experience, the effect of an attunement is lasting and permanent, enabling the recipient to practice Reiki for life.

The structure and content of Reiki training can vary depending on the lineage and the teacher. Some schools divide the training into more levels (e.g. separating Master and Teacher levels), while others offer accelerated courses. However, the essence remains the same: Reiki is passed from teacher to student in an unbroken lineage, blending technique with personal growth, and empowering individuals to become conduits for healing energy.

What to Expect in a Reiki Session

If you’ve never tried Reiki before, you might wonder: What actually happens? Here’s a quick breakdown:

Before Your Session

Wear comfortable clothing (you stay fully clothed).
Avoid caffeine beforehand to help your body relax.
Arrive a few minutes early to settle in.

During Your Session

You’ll lie on a massage table (or sit if preferred).
The practitioner will place their hands lightly on or above key energy points (head, shoulders, stomach, feet, etc.).
You might feel warmth, coolness, tingling, or just fall into a deep state of relaxation.

After Your Session

Many people feel immediately lighter, while others notice shifts over the next few days.
Drink plenty of water to help release toxins.
Rest if needed – your body is processing energy shifts!

Who Can Benefit From Reiki?

Reiki is safe for everyone, from children to seniors, and can help with:

Stress & burnout (perfect for busy professionals!)
Chronic pain or illness (supports conventional treatment)
Emotional healing (anxiety, grief, PTSD)
Spiritual exploration (deepens intuition and self-awareness)
Pre/post-surgery recovery (promotes faster healing)

Even if you’re sceptical, many people are surprised by how relaxed and rejuvenated they feel afterwards.

How to Find the Right Reiki Practitioner

Not all Reiki practitioners are the same! Here’s what to look for:

✔ Proper Certification – Find a trained Reiki master
✔ Experience & Reviews – Check testimonials from previous clients
✔ A Comfortable Environment – The studio should feel calming and welcoming.

Reiki isn’t magic, but it is a powerful tool for relaxation, healing, and self-discovery. Whether you’re dealing with stress, pain, or just feeling “off,” a Reiki session could help restore your balance.

Common Questions About Reiki

Is Reiki safe? Yes, Reiki is non-invasive and safe for people of all ages.

Do I need to believe in Reiki for it to work? No, Reiki does not require belief. Many report benefits even if they were initially sceptical.

Can Reiki be used alongside medical treatment? Absolutely. Reiki can complement traditional care by helping to reduce side effects and improve emotional well-being.

Is Reiki linked to a religion? No. Reiki is spiritual but not religious and is practised by people of many faiths and none.

If you would like to find out more about Reiki, just head over to our blogs or visit the FAQ page.

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What is Reiki? A Complete Guide to Energy Healing

What Is Reiki? The Basics