What Is Reiki? A Gentle Practice for Rest, Relief, and Resilience

Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive practice that supports the body’s natural ability to rest, restore, and heal. Originally developed in Japan in the early 20th century, Reiki is now used around the world — including in hospitals and wellness clinics — as a complementary approach to stress relief, emotional support, and overall well-being.

While it’s often described as an “energy healing” practice, Reiki doesn’t require any particular belief system, and it isn’t associated with a specific religion. It is simply a method of helping the body shift from a state of stress to a state of calm, where healing and recovery can naturally take place.

How Reiki Works

A Reiki session typically involves the practitioner placing their hands lightly on or just above the body in a series of positions. Clients remain fully clothed and are usually lying down or seated in a relaxed position.

The goal is to create a state of deep relaxation, which in turn:

• Supports the nervous system in moving out of “fight or flight” mode
• Encourages the body’s natural self-healing processes (restorative for PNS)
• Allows for the release of tension — physically and emotionally

Many people describe Reiki as feeling like warmth, calm, or a subtle flow of energy. Others simply feel deeply relaxed, often more so than they have in a long time.

Is There Science Behind Reiki?

Reiki is considered a complementary therapy, meaning it is used alongside — not instead of — medical care.

While the mechanisms behind Reiki are still being explored, several clinical studies have found that Reiki may help reduce:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Pain
• Fatigue in people undergoing cancer treatment

For example, hospitals and cancer centers in the U.S., UK, and Australia increasingly offer Reiki as part of integrative care, particularly for patients dealing with long-term illness, surgery recovery, or emotional trauma.

What Are the Benefits of Reiki?

While everyone’s experience is different, common benefits reported by clients include:

• Deep physical relaxation
• Reduction in stress and anxiety
• Better sleep
• Relief from physical tension or discomfort
• Emotional clarity or release
• A sense of grounding or inner calm

Over time, regular sessions may also help support emotional resilience, nervous system regulation, and a greater sense of connection with the body.

Who Is Reiki For?

Reiki is safe and suitable for people of all ages and backgrounds, including those:

• Coping with chronic illness, pain, or fatigue
• Experiencing burnout, anxiety, or overwhelm
• Seeking emotional healing or self-care during stressful times

Because Reiki is so gentle, it can be especially helpful for people who feel emotionally or physically depleted and don’t have the energy for more active forms of healing.

What to Expect During and After a Session

A session usually lasts between 45 and 60 minutes. Most people leave feeling relaxed, lighter, or more at ease. Some may experience emotional release, like tears or a sense of clarity, while others simply enjoy the quiet rest.

Occasionally, people report temporary sensations after a session such as:

• Feeling more tired or emotional
• Increased dreams or introspection
• Mild physical shifts like muscle soreness, headache and increased thirst

These are typically short-lived and part of the body’s natural rebalancing process.

Final Thoughts

Reiki is a gentle, accessible way to support your body and mind, especially during times of stress, transition, or healing.

If you’re looking for calm in the chaos, or a way to reconnect with your own capacity to heal, Reiki offers a quiet space to begin.