Reiki/Energy Work

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a form of energy healing that originated in Japan in the early 20th century, founded by Mikao Usui. The word Reiki (霊気) comes from two Japanese words:

Rei (spiritual or universal)
Ki (life force energy — similar to chi in Chinese or prana in Sanskrit).

So Reiki roughly translates to “universal life energy.”

It involves the practitioner gently placing their hands or near the recipient's body to channel healing energy, promoting relaxation and balance. . This gentle practice is based on the belief that energy flows through us and can be harnessed to support physical and emotional healing.

Reiki can be understood as:

Spiritually, a way to restore energetic flow and harmony.
Psychologically, a form of somatic and relational healing.
Physiologically, a method to trigger the body’s innate self-healing mechanisms.

How does it work?

Life force energy flows through and around all living beings. When this energy becomes weak, blocked, or imbalanced (due to stress, trauma, illness, or emotional pain), it can manifest as physical or emotional symptoms.

During a Reiki session:

The practitioner channels this universal energy through their hands, typically placed lightly on or just above the body.
The energy is said to flow wherever it’s needed most — physically, emotionally, or spiritually — to restore balance.
Recipients often feel warmth, tingling, or waves of calm energy, and many experience deep relaxation or even emotional release.

Importantly, Reiki practitioners don’t “give” their own energy — they act as conduits for a higher, universal energy source.

How can Reiki help me?

Reiki supports healing by restoring balance to the body’s energy and calming the nervous system. It helps on several levels:

Physically: Relaxes the body, eases pain and tension, improves sleep, and supports recovery or stress-related fatigue.
Emotionally: Soothes anxiety, grief, and overwhelm; helps release stored emotions; brings a sense of peace and lightness.
Mentally: Quiets racing thoughts, improves clarity, and strengthens intuition.
Spiritually: Reconnects you to a sense of meaning, inner calm, and wholeness.

The gentle energy flow can assist in releasing emotional blockages, allowing for a clearer mindset and a more positive outlook. Embracing Reiki can lead to a deeper understanding of one's emotions, fostering healing and personal growth.

The Energetic Body

Scientific / Psychological Perspective

There are well-documented physiological and psychological effects that help explain why people benefit:

Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system: Reiki induces a deep relaxation response, slowing heart rate and breathing, lowering blood pressure, and helping the body shift from “fight-or-flight” to “rest-and-repair.”
Reduction in stress hormones: Studies show decreases in cortisol and increases in endorphins and oxytocin, promoting feelings of peace and safety.
Improved emotional regulation: The meditative, caring presence of the practitioner can help clients process stored emotions and trauma.
Expectancy effects: The ritual, intention, and gentle touch can enhance the body’s own capacity for healing — which is not “fake,” but part of the mind-body connection.