What Is Reiki?
Basics of the Word
Rei (霊) in Japanese often translates as “universal” or “spiritual,” and Ki (気) means “life force” or “energy.”
Put simply, Reiki is commonly described as “universal life-force energy.” Practitioners believe they can channel this energy to help balance and support a person’s own life force.
Origins
Developed in Japan in the early 20th century by Mikao Usui (1865–1926).
Usui is said to have received a spiritual “awakening” or “attunement” during a period of fasting, meditation, and study on Mount Kurama, after which he began teaching and practicing this healing method.
How a Reiki Session Typically Works
Non-invasive touch or near-touch: The practitioner lightly places hands on or just above various parts of your body (head, shoulders, torso, legs, feet, etc.).
Channeling energy: Through a combination of intention, relaxation, and what practitioners call “attunement,” the Reiki practitioner aims to let universal life energy flow through their hands into the client.
Relaxation and subtle sensations: Most people report feeling warmth, tingling, deep relaxation, or even falling asleep. Sometimes nothing is felt, and that’s okay — they say the energy can still be working beneath the surface.
Duration: Sessions usually run 30–60 minutes. Afterward, people often describe feeling calmer, more centered, or “lighter.”
Claims and Evidence
Supporters say: Reiki can reduce stress, promote relaxation, and help the body’s natural healing abilities. Because much of illness is exacerbated by chronic stress, proponents argue that anything that deepens relaxation is beneficial.
Skeptical perspective: There is very limited high-quality scientific evidence proving that Reiki “heals” in any measurable way beyond a placebo effect or relaxation response. Rigorous trials often struggle with control groups, blinding, and defining what “Reiki energy” actually is.
Practical takeaway: Even if you’re not convinced that an invisible energy field is shifting, the relaxation, human touch (or near-touch), and simple act of sitting quietly for a while can itself be restorative. Approaching Reiki as a gentle relaxation or stress-management tool is a reasonable middle ground.
A Few Common Questions and Clarifications
Do I need to be ‘spiritual’ or ‘religious’ to try Reiki?
No. Reiki has roots in Buddhist and Shinto ideas of energy, but modern teachers largely present it as a non-sectarian practice. You can treat it as a relaxation modality or an ethical framework without any metaphysical commitment.
Is Reiki a substitute for medical care?
Definitely not. The Reiki principles themselves encourage self-care and gratitude, but if you have any physical or mental health concerns, you should always consult a trained healthcare professional. Reiki is best seen as a complementary practice — something you might add to, not replace, your current routine.
How do I find a trustworthy Reiki practitioner?
Look for someone who has completed at least a Usui Reiki Level I or II certification under a recognized lineage (ask about who their teacher was).
Ask for a short phone call first to see if you feel comfortable with them. Good practitioners will be honest if they lack certain experience (for example, working with specific health issues).
Check reviews or personal referrals. If someone tells you “Reiki cured my cancer,” be very cautious —no reputable practitioner claims that. Look instead for testimonials around stress reduction, better sleep, more ease.
Won’t I just fall asleep if I lie still for 30 minutes?
Possibly! And that’s okay. Lots of people do. If deep relaxation is all you come away with, that alone can help lower stress hormones.
