What is Reiki
Reiki (pronounced “Ray-Key”) is a Japanese energy practice that works with universal life force energy, the energy that flows through and around all living things.
During Reiki, that energy is channelled through the practitioner and offered through gentle touch or with the hands held just above the body. You stay fully clothed, get comfortable and receive.
You don’t need to meditate, clear your mind or concentrate on anything while Reiki is happening. There really isn’t anything you need to do. You can relax and let the session unfold in whatever way it does for you.
How Does Reiki Work?
Reiki works with the energy in and around the body. The practitioner acts as a channel for Reiki rather than creating or directing the energy themselves, allowing it to flow where it’s needed.
You’ll sometimes hear Reiki described as helping to move energy that has become stuck or bringing the body's energy back into balance. You don't need to be able to feel or understand your own energy for this to happen and the practitioner isn't relying on you to consciously direct the Reiki anywhere.
This is also why you don't need to arrive knowing what needs attention. Reiki isn't dependent on you being able to explain what is going on or identify where something feels off.
What Happens During Reiki?
Reiki is usually received while lying on a massage table, although it can also be done while sitting comfortably in a chair.
The practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above different areas of your body, staying there for a period of time before moving to another area. There’s no massage, manipulation or pressure involved.
You can close your eyes and let your mind wander and if you happen to fall asleep, that’s completely fine. You don’t have to stay focused on the Reiki or pay attention to what’s happening the whole time.
There isn’t a right way to receive it.
What Does Reiki Feel Like?
Everyone experiences Reiki a little differently, and what you notice can vary from one session to the next.
You may feel warmth or tingling where the practitioner’s hands are, or notice sensations like heaviness, lightness or a sense of movement in your body. Some people see colours or images, become aware of emotions or find themselves drifting in and out of sleep.
You may also feel deeply relaxed without noticing much else, and sometimes you won’t feel very much during the session at all.
None of these experiences is more meaningful than another. You don’t need to feel energy moving or have something unusual happen for Reiki to be working. There’s no particular experience you’re supposed to have, so you can simply notice what happens for you.
Why Do People Receive Reiki?
There doesn’t have to be something wrong before you receive Reiki.
Some people come to Reiki because they’ve been feeling stressed, tired or overwhelmed and want time to slow down and rest. Others use it as an ongoing part of taking care of themselves or turn to it during periods of change when they could use some extra support.
You can also receive Reiki simply because you enjoy it. You don't need to be going through something difficult or have a particular reason for booking a session.
Do You Have to Believe in Reiki?
You don’t need to follow a particular religion or spiritual practice to receive Reiki. Reiki isn’t a religion, and there’s nothing you need to believe, say or practise during a session.
You also don’t need to understand exactly how Reiki works before experiencing it. It’s okay to be curious or have questions and simply see what the experience is like for you.
What Reiki Isn’t
Reiki is a complementary practice. It isn’t medical or mental health treatment and shouldn’t be used in place of care from qualified health professionals. It can be used alongside other forms of care and support.
Reiki also isn’t about the practitioner fixing or healing you. The practitioner acts as a channel for Reiki rather than being the source of the energy or the person responsible for your healing.
What Happens After Reiki?
Just as people experience Reiki differently during a session, what you notice afterward can vary too.
You may leave feeling relaxed or rested, or you might notice that you want a little more quiet than usual. Sometimes people notice a shift right away, while other things become more noticeable later.
There isn’t anything specific you need to look for afterward. Give yourself a little time to notice how you feel and carry on with your day in whatever way feels comfortable.
Want to Know More About Having a Session?
If you're wondering what happens before, during or after an appointment, I've put everything together on my Session Experience page.
Or, if you're curious about the Reiki sessions I offer: