What to Know About Reiki Healing for Self-Care

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow Reiki Healing WorksBenefits of Reiki Healing for Self-CarePrecautions and ConsiderationsCommon Misconceptions

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

How Reiki Healing Works

Benefits of Reiki Healing for Self-Care

Precautions and Considerations

Common Misconceptions

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You’ve probably heard of it from your decidedly woo-woo aunt, or maybe someone in your yoga class shared details of their last session, which sparked your interest. You knew aboutmindfulness, acupuncture and cupping, but what is Reiki…exactly? And does it even work?

The origins of this energy healing practice can be traced back to the teachings of Mikao Usui, who developed Reiki as a system of spiritual healing in the early 1920s. It’s based on the principle of life force or universal energy, which, according to Eastern philosophy, refers to the psychophysical energy or natural force that permeates the universe and all living beings.

Here’s what you need to know before booking a Reiki appointment for your mental health.

DisclaimerHolistic or “alternative” modalities of healing aren’t for everyone, nor should they replace mainstream medical treatment, but there is research that supports the complementary benefits of therapies like Reiki.

Disclaimer

Holistic or “alternative” modalities of healing aren’t for everyone, nor should they replace mainstream medical treatment, but there is research that supports the complementary benefits of therapies like Reiki.

What Are Alternative Therapies?

To better understand Reiki, let’s first look at what energy healing is.

Energy healing is aholistic practicerooted in the Japanese philosophical belief that a universal life force flows through all living things. And that a disruption or an imbalance in this flow of energy within the body leads to physical, mental, or emotional distress.

—BROOKS BETTS, USUI REIKI MASTER

When a client seeks healing, their intention to receive this energy initiates their own healing process. The practitioner simply facilitates the flow of Reiki energy into them, helping them return to their natural state of balance, Fiore explains.

Next, “I get the client comfortable on a massage table. They stay fully clothed. I provide blankets and bolster for comfort. I always offer my clients the option for hands-on or hover above,” says Betts.

She uses a pendulum to read theirchakrasor energy centers to identify specific areas where she might need to spend more time during the session. “As I get started with the healing, I guide the client through some gentlebreathworkand a short guided meditation to scan their physical and energetic body and drop into the parasympathetic nervous system,” says Betts.

She works along their chakra system from crown to root. “When complete, I’ll cue the client to drop back into their body and follow some breathwork prompts,” Betts adds.

Then, they sit down and review the client’s experience and discuss any questions the client may have, after which Betts offers guidance based on the input.

“I personally implement several complementary modalities such as breathwork, tapping, tuning forks, frequencies, inner child work, and belief work into my sessions,” says Fiore.

A Reiki healing session can last anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the recipient’s needs and the practitioner’s techniques.

Incorporating Reiki into your self-care routine can have several physical, mental, and emotional benefits. For example:

It Promotes Relaxation

“When you receive energy healing, it brings all the systems into a state of peace,” says Johanna Berry, Holy Fire Reiki Master and registered nurse specializing in holistic healing. Your mind is able to quieten. Your body shifts from the sympathetic nervous system, aka “fight-or-flight” response, to the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation, counterbalancing the effects of stress on your body, she explains.

A pilot study published in theAlternative and Complementary Therapiesjournal found that participants who received a 20-minute Reiki healing treatment experienced greater physical relaxation than those who listened to calming music or meditation tape.

It May Boost Confidence

According to Berry, Reiki can help replace negative emotions such as doubt, mistrust, fear, self-loathing, worry, andshamewith positive or “higher vibrational” feelings such as trust, self-acceptance, forgiveness, self-esteem, kindness, peace, joy, love, and clarity of purpose. All of which can help improve one’sself-confidence.

It May Lower Blood Pressure

A controlled study published in theActa Paulista de Enfermagemjournal found that patients with hypertension who were provided a single Reiki session for 20 minutes saw the greatest reduction in blood pressure than other groups.The researchers concluded that “Reiki had a positive effect on reducing abnormal blood pressure, suggesting to be a complementary technique for the control of hypertension.”

It May Enhance Intuition

It May Stimulate Creativity

Children at play are in a wonderful state ofcreativity. Reiki fosters emotional and mental flexibility that can help you move into this state of mind in which you connect with your feelings and have the curiosity and initiative to try new things without fear blocking you, says Berry.

When you’re able to feel safe and relaxed, your creativity can expand as your body and mind aren’t so focused on survival, she adds.

It May Improve Mood

A research study published in theEvidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicinejournal notes that participants who received Reiki “showed a progressive improvement in overall mood,” particularly those with high anxiety and depression.

It May Help Patients Undergoing Surgery

According to a 2017 study, patients undergoing knee replacement surgery who took Reiki healing sessions showed “significant reductions” in pain, blood pressure, breathing rate, and anxiety levels.

Other than that, Reiki can help with conditions such asinsomnia, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, chronic inflammation, gout, arthritis, and asthma, says Berry.

“Just like exercise, benefits increase with regular sessions. It’s a cumulative therapy. With that being said, some people do benefit greatly from a single session when dealing with a specific issue,” says Berry. “Go with your gut on how often you need it. You know yourself best,” she advises.

“If you’re in good overall health, Reiki healing is safe as a complementary self-care practice,” saysDr. Brynna Connor, a board-certified family medicine physician.

“Reiki is a non-invasive and gentle modality. It’s widely regarded as safe for most individuals, including pregnant women, children, and the elderly. However, it’s crucial to understand that Reiki should not be viewed as a replacement for conventional medical treatment, especially in cases of serious illness or medical emergencies,” says Dr. Brandy Zachary, DC, IFMCP.

“There is limited data about Reiki. Any ailment should always be discussed with a physician as Reiki is an adjunctive treatment,” agreesDr. Sulagna Misra,MD, BCMAS.

While Reiki is generally safe, certain individuals should exercise caution or avoid it altogether. For example, those who have severe psychiatric disorders or a history ofpsychosis, as Reiki may potentially exacerbate these conditions, says Dr. Zachary.

“Reiki is a non-invasive and gentle modality. It’s widely regarded as safe for most individuals, including pregnant women, children, and the elderly. However, it’s crucial to understand that Reiki should not be viewed as a replacement for conventional medical treatment.”—DR. BRANDY ZACHARY, DC, IFMCP

“Reiki is a non-invasive and gentle modality. It’s widely regarded as safe for most individuals, including pregnant women, children, and the elderly. However, it’s crucial to understand that Reiki should not be viewed as a replacement for conventional medical treatment.”

—DR. BRANDY ZACHARY, DC, IFMCP

Additionally, those with pacemakers or other implanted medical devices should approach Reiki with caution, as its effects on these devices are not well understood, says Dr. Zachary. Also, individuals with severe burns or open wounds should avoid direct Reiki treatment in those areas, she adds.

If you are going for Reiki healing therapy and begin to experience new or worsening symptoms, talk to your physician as a precaution, Dr. Connor suggests.

While Reiki can be a valuable complementary practice for self-care, Dr. Zachary recommends seeking conventional medical treatment in the following situations:

As for considerations, it’s important to communicate clearly with your practitioner about your goals, preferences, and expectations from the session before getting started.

“Communication is crucial for trust, which is essential for any relationship between the healer and the client. A lot of the time, people unknowingly have energetic walls up, and it takes a bit for me to feel the Reiki flowing into them. Trust helps with this immensely,” says Fiore.

Also, note that a trained practitioner will never begin a session before getting your consent.

Common Misconceptions and Concerns About Reiki Healing

Because Reiki has aspiritualaspect, it’s sometimes misconstrued as a religion or even magic. However, Reiki healing is just a form of energy therapy. Just as massage isn’t a religion or magic but a therapy for healing, the same holds true for Reiki, says Berry.

It’s also important to remember that “in a Reiki session, the practitioner is not transferring their own energy to the receiver. Rather, they are serving as a channel for the Reiki energy to flow through them to the recipient,” says Betts.

Some people are also concerned about the effectiveness of virtual or distance Reiki compared to a one-on-one Reiki healing session. “I’ve personally received and provided virtual Reiki. It is just as effective,” says Berry. However, she adds, “I prefer the experience of an in-person session. It’s like the difference between remote versus in-person therapy. Having that designated safe space where you know you’ll be uninterrupted creates a deeper sense of peace.”

Keep in Mind

Reiki is a Japanese energy healing practice rooted in the principle of‘ki’or universal life force energy. Reiki healing aims to clear blocked or stagnant energy and improve energy flow to promote deep relaxation and healing of the body, mind, and spirit.

Though there’s limited scientific data to back its efficacy, experts agree it can be safely integrated into a healthy individual’s self-care routine as a complementary practice.

4 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.McManus, D. E.Reiki is better than placebo and has broad potential as a complementary health therapy.Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine. 2017. 22(4), 1051–1057.Salles LF, Vannucci L, Salles A, Silva MJP.The effect of Reiki on blood hypertension. Acta Paul Enferm. 2014;27(5):479-84.Bowden D, Goddard L, Gruzelier J. A randomised controlled single-blind trial of the efficacy of reiki at benefitting mood and well-being.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:381862.Baldwin AL, Vitale A, Brownell E, Kryak E, Rand W.Effects of reiki on pain, anxiety, and blood pressure in patients undergoing knee replacement: a pilot study.Holist Nurs Pract. 2017;31(2):80-89.Additional ReadingInternational Reiki Association.Reiki - Meaning of the Word.Witte D, Dundes L.Harnessing life energy or wishful thinking? Reiki, placebo reiki,meditation, and music.Alternative & Complementary Therapies7, 5 (2001). doi:10.1089/107628001753312158.Salles LF, Vannucci L, Salles A, Silva MJPD.The effect of Reiki on blood hypertension.Acta Paulista de Enfermagem27 (2014). doi:10.1590/1982-0194201400078.Bowden D, Goddard L, Gruzelier J.A Randomised Controlled Single-Blind Trial of the Efficacy of Reiki at Benefitting Mood and Well-Being.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine1 (2011). doi:10.1155/2011/381862.Baldwin AL, Vitale A, Brownell E, Kryak E, Rand W.Effects of Reiki on Pain, Anxiety, and Blood Pressure in Patients Undergoing Knee Replacement: A Pilot Study.Holistic Nursing Practice2 (2017). doi: 10.1097/HNP.0000000000000195.

4 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.McManus, D. E.Reiki is better than placebo and has broad potential as a complementary health therapy.Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine. 2017. 22(4), 1051–1057.Salles LF, Vannucci L, Salles A, Silva MJP.The effect of Reiki on blood hypertension. Acta Paul Enferm. 2014;27(5):479-84.Bowden D, Goddard L, Gruzelier J. A randomised controlled single-blind trial of the efficacy of reiki at benefitting mood and well-being.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:381862.Baldwin AL, Vitale A, Brownell E, Kryak E, Rand W.Effects of reiki on pain, anxiety, and blood pressure in patients undergoing knee replacement: a pilot study.Holist Nurs Pract. 2017;31(2):80-89.Additional ReadingInternational Reiki Association.Reiki - Meaning of the Word.Witte D, Dundes L.Harnessing life energy or wishful thinking? Reiki, placebo reiki,meditation, and music.Alternative & Complementary Therapies7, 5 (2001). doi:10.1089/107628001753312158.Salles LF, Vannucci L, Salles A, Silva MJPD.The effect of Reiki on blood hypertension.Acta Paulista de Enfermagem27 (2014). doi:10.1590/1982-0194201400078.Bowden D, Goddard L, Gruzelier J.A Randomised Controlled Single-Blind Trial of the Efficacy of Reiki at Benefitting Mood and Well-Being.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine1 (2011). doi:10.1155/2011/381862.Baldwin AL, Vitale A, Brownell E, Kryak E, Rand W.Effects of Reiki on Pain, Anxiety, and Blood Pressure in Patients Undergoing Knee Replacement: A Pilot Study.Holistic Nursing Practice2 (2017). doi: 10.1097/HNP.0000000000000195.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

McManus, D. E.Reiki is better than placebo and has broad potential as a complementary health therapy.Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine. 2017. 22(4), 1051–1057.Salles LF, Vannucci L, Salles A, Silva MJP.The effect of Reiki on blood hypertension. Acta Paul Enferm. 2014;27(5):479-84.Bowden D, Goddard L, Gruzelier J. A randomised controlled single-blind trial of the efficacy of reiki at benefitting mood and well-being.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:381862.Baldwin AL, Vitale A, Brownell E, Kryak E, Rand W.Effects of reiki on pain, anxiety, and blood pressure in patients undergoing knee replacement: a pilot study.Holist Nurs Pract. 2017;31(2):80-89.

McManus, D. E.Reiki is better than placebo and has broad potential as a complementary health therapy.Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine. 2017. 22(4), 1051–1057.

Salles LF, Vannucci L, Salles A, Silva MJP.The effect of Reiki on blood hypertension. Acta Paul Enferm. 2014;27(5):479-84.

Bowden D, Goddard L, Gruzelier J. A randomised controlled single-blind trial of the efficacy of reiki at benefitting mood and well-being.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:381862.

Baldwin AL, Vitale A, Brownell E, Kryak E, Rand W.Effects of reiki on pain, anxiety, and blood pressure in patients undergoing knee replacement: a pilot study.Holist Nurs Pract. 2017;31(2):80-89.

International Reiki Association.Reiki - Meaning of the Word.Witte D, Dundes L.Harnessing life energy or wishful thinking? Reiki, placebo reiki,meditation, and music.Alternative & Complementary Therapies7, 5 (2001). doi:10.1089/107628001753312158.Salles LF, Vannucci L, Salles A, Silva MJPD.The effect of Reiki on blood hypertension.Acta Paulista de Enfermagem27 (2014). doi:10.1590/1982-0194201400078.Bowden D, Goddard L, Gruzelier J.A Randomised Controlled Single-Blind Trial of the Efficacy of Reiki at Benefitting Mood and Well-Being.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine1 (2011). doi:10.1155/2011/381862.Baldwin AL, Vitale A, Brownell E, Kryak E, Rand W.Effects of Reiki on Pain, Anxiety, and Blood Pressure in Patients Undergoing Knee Replacement: A Pilot Study.Holistic Nursing Practice2 (2017). doi: 10.1097/HNP.0000000000000195.

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