What is Reiki?

In its most basic sense, Reiki is a form of Japanese energy healing that promotes rest, relaxation, and the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Reiki is a specific type of energy, derived from the Japanese words "Rei" (higher consciousness or divine intelligence) and "Ki" (life force energy that animates all living beings). When these come together, Reiki becomes a divinely intelligent form of life force energy.

How does Reiki heal?

Our bodies and energetic systems are made up of "Ki," or life force energy. When this energy is dysregulated, we experience emotional, physical, or spiritual distress—manifesting as aches, pains, disease, stored trauma, or unprocessed emotions. Reiki works by smoothing out these imbalances, restoring the natural, free-flowing state of Ki, and creating an environment for health and wellness to thrive.

What does a Reiki session look like?

During a Reiki session, the Reiki practitioner channels Reiki energy to the client through gentle hand placements, either directly on the body or slightly hovering above. The Reiki flows from the universe, down through the practitioner, and is delivered to the client via these hand placements. Just like massage, Reiki sessions can vary in length—from 30 minutes to an hour or even an hour and a half—depending on the client’s needs and the practitioner’s approach.

What does a Reiki session feel like?

Everyone experiences Reiki differently. But here are some of the most common sensations my clients experience:

• A deep sense of relaxation
  I often hear things like, “I can’t remember the last time my brain shut off like that,” or “I was in that in-between state right before falling asleep—like I was floating on a cloud.”

• A gentle, calming presence of warmth and safety
  It’s common to feel a soft, soothing energy that creates a sense of emotional and energetic comfort.

• Little twitches in the body
  I see these as energetic releases—your body “shaking out” what it’s ready to let go of.

• Emotional release
  It’s not uncommon for clients to cry on my table. The safety and comfort created in session often gives stored emotions the space they need to finally move through and release.

• Visions, colors, or intuitive downloads
  Remember—Reiki comes from a divine intelligence. When you receive Reiki, you're plugging directly into that source. Many clients see colors, visions, or receive intuitive insights during the session.

• Feeling energy move through the body
  Some clients report tingling, warmth, or waves of energy circulating throughout their system.
  

The most important thing to remember: There’s no right or wrong way to experience Reiki. Even if you don’t consciously feel much, the energy is always working—and it’s always doing exactly what’s needed for you in that moment.