10/11/2025
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a type of energetic therapy. The word comes from the Japanese words “rei,” meaning universal, and “ki,” meaning life force energy.
According to practitioners, energy can become stagnate in places where there has been physical injury or even emotional pain and cause blockages. Given time, these energy blocks can cause issues or illness. Reiki can work directly with the chakra centers.
Energy medicine helps the flow of energy to remove blocks in a similar way that acupuncture and acupressure does. Reiki practitioners believe that improving the flow of energy around the body can:
• enable relaxation
• relieve pain
• speed healing
• reduce other symptoms of illness
People have practiced Reiki for about 2,500 years. Reiki is also referred to as palm healing or hands-on healing.
Reiki is not a religion; it is a healing system. Those who practice it may or may not be religious.
Practitioners typically give Reiki treatment in a peaceful, private setting. However, Reiki can take place anywhere. During a session, the client may lay on a table similar to a massage table. The practitioners will then place their hands lightly on areas of the client’s head, limbs, torso, legs, and feet. They will typically keep their hands in these positions for up to 3 minutes.
If there is a particular injury, the practitioner may hold their hands above the wound. While the practitioner holds their hands lightly on the body, an energy transfer takes place. During this time, the person may report that the practitioners hands feel warm or are tingling. They will hold each hand position until they sense that the energy has stopped flowing and move them to a different body area.
A treatment typically takes around 60 to 90 minutes. Some practitioners may use crystals to enhance energy flow. The number of sessions will vary, depending on what a client wishes to accomplish. Some clients prefer to have one session, while others have a series of sessions to work on particular issues.
Some techniques that Reiki uses have names such as:
• centering
• clearing
• scanning
• removing stagnant energies
• balancing
According to Reiki practitioners, Reiki channels universal energy known as ki, pronounced “chi.” This is the same energy involved in tai chi exercises. This energy permeates through the body.
Reiki can:
• aid relaxation
• assist in the body’s natural healing processes
• help with emotional, mental well-being
• induce deep relaxation
• help people cope with emotional stress
• improve overall well-being
Some people may include Reiki into their wellness plan for conditions such as:
• cancer
• heart disease
• anxiety
• depression
• chronic pain
• insomnia
• infertility
• neurodegenerative disorders
• fatigue
It is important to note, Reiki should never take the place of sounds medical treatments or advice.