Ektaya
When people ask me “what is Reiki?”, I usually see one of two reactions: curious but a little wary, or a firm belief that it's just “magical thinking.”
The reality is more nuanced, and more interesting.
This guide gives you an honest look at Reiki: what it is, what it isn't, how a session goes, and who might want to try it.
Where Reiki comes from
Reiki is an energy practice developed in Japan in the 1920s by Mikao Usui. The word comes from the Japanese rei (universal, spiritual) and ki (life energy, the equivalent of Chinese chi or Indian prana).
The basic idea: a trained practitioner uses their hands (resting on the body or a few inches above it) to help life energy move through the receiver's body. The traditional aim is to release blockages, bring balance to the energy centers (chakras), and support the body's natural balance.
What Reiki is not
Let's start with a few important clarifications, because they set realistic expectations:
Reiki is not medicine. It doesn't diagnose or treat diseases in the medical sense. It's not a substitute for medical care when you have a health condition.
Reiki is not magic. Reputable practitioners don't promise miraculous results.
Reiki is not tied to a religion. It can fit any belief, or no belief at all. It's a practice, not a system of faith.
Reiki doesn't work the same way for everyone. Sensations vary a lot from one person to the next.
What people report feeling
Here's what some people say they felt after a session. These are personal accounts, not guaranteed results:
- Deep relaxation: a calm that some describe as deeper than sleep
- A sense of peace: some people say it lasts for several days
- Tension easing: some people feel it in the shoulders, back, or neck
- A feeling of “lightness”: an emotional weight lifting, hard to put into words
- Clearer thinking: a sense of having a quieter, clearer mind after the session
Scientifically speaking, researchers have looked at the possible effects of Reiki on things like heart rate, stress markers, and chronic pain. But the studies are few, often small, and their results are disputed. To date, there is no solid evidence that Reiki treats anything.
What happens during a session
A Reiki session usually lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.
Before the session: The practitioner takes time to listen. Why are you here? What's on your mind, physically or emotionally? This conversation matters. A session isn't mechanical.
During the session: You lie down, fully clothed, in a calm space. The practitioner places their hands (or holds them a few inches away) on different areas of the body, usually starting with the head. How long each position lasts depends on the area and on what's felt.
You might feel warmth, tingling, a light vibration, a heaviness lifting, a sense of lightness. Or simply relaxation and sleepiness.
After the session: A conversation about what each of you noticed. A few simple suggestions (drink water, rest if you can).
Effects can show up later
One thing worth knowing about Reiki: some effects can show up within 24 to 48 hours after a session. Feelings you've been holding on to can come up. That's common, and it isn't necessarily a problem.
Who might want to try it
Reiki may appeal to people who:
- Are going through a stressful or tiring period and want a moment for themselves
- Are going through a hard transition (grief, a breakup, a big life change)
- Feel physical tension they link to their emotions
- Want to add a gentle practice alongside medical or therapeutic care
- Are simply curious about a different approach
How to choose a practitioner
The quality of a session depends a lot on the practitioner. A few things to look for:
- Complete training (attunement, practice, then master level for teaching)
- Transparency about what Reiki can and can't do
- No promises of miraculous results
- Time to talk before and after the session
If you'd like a moment for yourself between sessions, or before trying one, the programs you can follow at home offer breathing exercises, guided meditations, and writing exercises at your own pace.
I've practiced Reiki since 2010 and I'm a certified Usui Reiki practitioner. If you're curious about trying a first session, write to me for a no-obligation chat.
Keep reading: learn how I work with energy, the three practices I draw on, and how a remote session unfolds.
