Reiki
(ˈrā-kē)
Also Known As: Usui Reiki, Reiki energy healing, Universal life force healing, Hands-on healing
Reiki is a Japanese energy healing practice that works with universal life force energy to support balance, relaxation, and emotional well-being. The word “Reiki” combines Rei (universal wisdom) and Ki (life force energy). In a Reiki session, a practitioner lightly places their hands on or just above the body to help guide energy where it is needed.
Reiki is based on the belief that when your energy flows freely, your body and mind function more harmoniously. It is commonly used to reduce stress, promote deep relaxation, and support spiritual growth.
Reiki is gentle, non-invasive, and often experienced as calming and restorative.
How Reiki Works
Reiki practitioners are trained to channel universal life force energy through their hands. Rather than using personal energy, they act as a conduit.
During a session:
- The client lies fully clothed on a massage table
- The practitioner places hands in a series of positions
- Energy is directed to areas that feel blocked or depleted
- The nervous system shifts into a relaxed state
Many people report sensations such as warmth, tingling, emotional release, or a floating feeling. Others simply feel deeply relaxed.
The Spiritual Foundation of Reiki
Reiki originated in Japan in the early 20th century and was developed by Mikao Usui. It is rooted in the understanding that the body has an energetic system connected to emotional and spiritual health.
Reiki is often used alongside practices such as:
- Chakra balancing
- Meditation
- Breathwork
- Emotional healing
- Spiritual awakening
It is not a religion and does not require specific beliefs to receive or practice.
Someone experiencing burnout books a Reiki session. During the treatment, they feel waves of relaxation and unexpected emotional release. In the days following, they notice improved sleep and a calmer response to stress. The session didn’t “fix” their life — but it helped reset their nervous system and restore balance.
How Reiki Shows Up in Everyday Life:
- Feeling lighter after a session
- Improved sleep
- Emotional clarity
- Reduced anxiety
- Greater body awareness
- Increased intuition
Some practitioners also use Reiki on themselves for daily grounding and stress management.
Reiki Levels (Attunements)
Reiki is typically taught in stages:
Level 1 – Self-healing and hands-on practice.
Level 2 – Distance healing and energy symbols.
Level 3 (Master Level) – Teaching and advanced energetic work.
Each level deepens the practitioner’s ability to channel energy intentionally.
Why People Explore Reiki:
- To reduce stress and anxiety
- To support emotional healing
- To balance chakras
- To complement therapy or medical care
- To strengthen intuition
- To begin a spiritual practice
Reiki is often one of the first energy healing modalities people try because it is gentle and accessible.
Reiki offers a calm and supportive way to reconnect with your body’s natural ability to restore balance and strengthen intuitive awareness.
