What is Reiki? The Complete Guide to Energy Healing

Have you ever felt completely drained after a stressful day, wishing there was a reset button for your energy levels? Or maybe you've experienced physical pain that conventional treatments haven't quite addressed? There's something fascinating about how our bodies respond to different healing approaches, and Reiki might just be the missing piece you haven't explored yet.

Reiki (pronounced ray-key) has been gaining popularity in the wellness world, but it's actually been around for nearly a century. As a gentle, non-invasive healing technique, it's helping thousands of people find relief from stress, pain, and emotional challenges. But what exactly is this practice, and how does it work?

The Origins of Reiki: More Than Just a Trend

Contrary to what some might think, Reiki isn't some new age fad. It was developed in Japan in the early 1900s by Mikao Usui, who discovered this healing method during a spiritual awakening. The word "Reiki" itself combines two Japanese concepts: "Rei," meaning universal, and "Ki," referring to life energy (similar to "Chi" in Chinese traditions or "Prana" in Sanskrit).

This life energy is believed to flow through all living things. When this energy flows freely, we experience wellness and vitality. But when it becomes blocked or imbalanced? That's when health problems—both physical and emotional—can start to appear.

Usui Sensei developed a method to channel this universal energy through the practitioner's hands to the recipient, helping to remove blockages and restore balance. His teachings were passed down through a lineage of masters, eventually spreading worldwide.

What makes Reiki special is that while it has ancient wisdom at its core, it's completely compatible with modern medical treatments. In fact, it's now offered in hundreds of hospitals alongside conventional care, including prestigious institutions like Johns Hopkins and the Cleveland Clinic.

How Reiki Energy Healing Actually Works

"But how can someone else's hands affect my energy?" It's a fair question, and one I hear often.

Reiki works on the principle that we're more than just physical bodies—we have subtle energy systems flowing through us. These include:

• Chakras: Seven main energy centers along the spine

• Meridians: Energy pathways throughout the body

• Biofields: The electromagnetic field surrounding the body

During a Reiki session, the practitioner places their hands either directly on or slightly above different parts of your body. They act as a conduit for life force energy, which naturally flows to where it's needed most. The practitioner doesn't direct the energy—they simply open the channel and let your body draw what it needs.

Interestingly, you don't need to believe in Reiki for it to work (though an open mind never hurts). It's like gravity—it works whether you believe in it or not. Your body naturally knows how to use the energy being offered.

From a scientific perspective, researchers are beginning to understand how Reiki might function. Some studies suggest it may:

• Activate the parasympathetic nervous system (your "rest and digest" mode)

• Reduce stress hormones like cortisol

• Increase endorphin levels

• Affect the body's electromagnetic field

A 2016 Harvard University study found that even a single Reiki session significantly improved various ailments, including pain, anxiety, and depression, while boosting overall wellbeing.

What Happens During a Reiki Treatment?

Wondering what to expect if you try Reiki? Let me walk you through a typical session.

First, you'll remain fully clothed and either sit comfortably or lie on a massage table. There's no need to remove any items except maybe your shoes for comfort. The practitioner might begin with a brief discussion about what brought you in and any specific concerns you have.

As the session begins, the atmosphere is peaceful—often with gentle music playing in the background. The practitioner will place their hands in various positions on or above your body, typically holding each position for several minutes. Many people report feeling sensations like:

• Warmth or tingling where the practitioner's hands are

• A gentle pulsing sensation

• Deep relaxation or a feeling of floating

• Sometimes emotional releases (it's perfectly normal to laugh or cry)

Some people fall asleep during treatment—which is completely fine! Your body is still receiving the energy. Others remain awake but enter a deeply meditative state.

A session typically lasts 60-90 minutes, and afterward, you might feel refreshed, peaceful, or sometimes a bit emotional as energy shifts continue. Drinking plenty of water afterward helps support the healing process.

The Benefits of Reiki: What Can It Help With?

While Reiki isn't a substitute for medical care, it can be a powerful complement to conventional treatments. The beauty of Reiki is that it works on multiple levels simultaneously—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.

Physical Benefits

On the physical level, many people experience:

• Reduced pain and inflammation

• Better sleep quality

• Faster healing from injuries or surgery

• Reduced side effects from medical treatments

• Strengthened immune response

• Lower blood pressure

I've seen clients with chronic backaches find relief after years of discomfort, and others who finally get a good night's sleep after struggling with insomnia.

Emotional and Mental Benefits

Emotionally, Reiki can help:

• Reduce anxiety and stress

• Ease depression symptoms

• Process grief and emotional trauma

• Increase feelings of peace and wellbeing

• Improve mental clarity

• Release emotional blocks

One client told me she felt like "years of emotional baggage had been lifted" after just a few sessions. Another described it as "finally being able to take a deep breath after holding alot of trauma in for years."

Spiritual Benefits

For those on a spiritual path, Reiki often:

• Deepens meditation practice

• Increases intuition

• Helps clarify life purpose

• Creates a greater sense of connection

• Supports personal growth

It's important to note that while many people experience immediate benefits, Reiki also works cumulatively. Regular sessions tend to bring more profound and lasting changes.

Is Reiki Right for Everyone?

Here's the thing about Reiki—it's incredibly gentle and non-invasive, making it suitable for virtually anyone. From those in perfect health to people facing serious illnesses, Reiki can be adapted to meet individual needs.

It's particularly helpful for:

• People with chronic pain conditions

• Those undergoing cancer treatments

• Individuals with anxiety or stress-related disorders

• Anyone recovering from surgery or injury

• People seeking emotional healing

• Those looking for complementary support alongside conventional medical care

Reiki is also completely compatible with all religions and belief systems. You don't need to adopt any particular spiritual view to benefit from it—it's simply energy work that supports your body's natural healing abilities.

Distance Reiki: Energy Healing Without Boundaries

"Wait, you can do Reiki from a distance!?" Yes, absolutely! One of the most fascinating aspects of Reiki is that it can be sent across any distance—whether you're in the next room or on the other side of the world.

This might sound strange if you're new to energy work, but think about it this way: we already accept that radio waves, cell phone signals, and the internet function across vast distances. Energy doesn't recognize the same boundaries that physical objects do.

During a distance Reiki session, the practitioner uses specific techniques to connect with your energy field remotely. Many clients report that distance sessions feel just as powerful as in-person treatments—sometimes even more so, as they're in the comfort of their own familiar space.

Distance Reiki is perfect for:

• People who can't travel due to health issues

• Those with busy schedules

• Anyone feeling too unwell to attend an in-person session

• People living in areas without local Reiki practitioners

• Those who prefer to receive healing in their own space

The process is simple—you'll schedule a time with your practitioner, find a quiet space where you won't be disturbed, and relax while the practitioner sends the energy. You might have a brief call before and after to discuss the experience.

Common Questions About Reiki Energy Healing

If you're new to Reiki, you probably have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most common ones:

1. Is Reiki religious? No, Reiki is spiritual but not religious. It doesn't require any particular belief system and is practiced by people of all faiths and backgrounds.

2. How is Reiki different from massage? Unlike massage, Reiki doesn't involve manipulating muscles or tissues. The touch is light and still, and you remain fully clothed. Reiki focuses on energy rather than physical manipulation.

3. How many sessions will I need? This varies widely depending on what you're addressing. Some people experience significant relief after one session, while chronic conditions might benefit from regular ongoing treatments. Many practitioners recommend starting with 3-4 sessions to evaluate how you respond.

4. Can Reiki help with serious medical conditions? While Reiki can support healing for serious conditions, it should be used as a complement to medical care, not a replacement. Always consult your healthcare provider for serious health concerns.

5. Will my health insurance cover Reiki? Some insurance plans now cover complementary therapies like Reiki, particularly when prescribed by a doctor. Check with your provider for specific coverage details.

   
   

Finding the Right Reiki Practitioner

If Reiki sounds like something you'd like to explore, finding the right practitioner is important. Here are some tips:

• Look for someone with proper training and certification

• Check reviews or ask for testimonials from past clients

• Have a conversation before booking to ensure you feel comfortable with them

• Ask about their experience and approach

• Trust your intuition—the right practitioner should feel like someone you can relax with

A good practitioner will be happy to answer your questions and will never pressure you. They should also be clear about what Reiki can and cannot do, and should always encourage you to continue with conventional medical care when needed.

Ready to Experience Reiki for Yourself?

Reiki is one of those things that's difficult to fully understand until you experience it firsthand. While I can describe the sensations and benefits, there's nothing quite like feeling that deep relaxation and energy movement yourself.

If you're curious about how Reiki might help you with stress, pain, emotional healing, or simply enhancing your wellbeing, I encourage you to give it a try. Many people are surprised by just how powerful this gentle practice can be.

At Rewild Healing & Wellness, we offer both in-person Reiki sessions at our NSW Mid-north coast location, and distance Reiki treatments for clients worldwide. Our practitioners are Licensed and Certified Usui/Tibetan & Holy Fire III Reiki Masters with over 11 years of experience supporting clients through a variety of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual challenges.

Not sure if Reiki is right for you? We understand—trying something new can sometimes feel a bit daunting. That's why we offer a free 15-minute discovery call to answer your questions and help you decide if Reiki might benefit you.

Ready to take the first step on your healing journey? Book your free discovery call today and experience the gentle healing benefits of Reiki for yourself.

Matt is a Licensed and Certified Usui/Tibetan & Holy Fire III Reiki Master, Personal Trainer, and Wellness specialist based on the NSW Mid-North Coast. With 11+ years of experience, he combines effective, holistic wellness practices to help clients improve their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.