What Is Reiki — And Why You Might Try It

Oct 30

Have you ever felt drawn to something you can’t fully explain — an energy, a whisper, a knowing — and simply wanted to lean in? Reiki is one of those invitations. An invitation that is open to all.

The word “Reiki” comes from two Japanese words: rei, meaning “universal,” and ki (or “chi” / “qi”), meaning “life-energy.” Reiki is often described as channeling universal life force to support balance, healing, and harmony in our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual systems. Over a century ago, Mikao Usui revived this system in Japan, and since then, many practitioners have carried it forward in their own intuitive ways.

Unlike massage or other physical therapies, Reiki works directly with energy. A practitioner becomes a channel for Reiki energy, guiding it to where it’s most needed in your body and energetic field. Many people describe Reiki as both grounding and uplifting — like taking a deep exhale after holding your breath for too long.

While Reiki is metaphysical in nature, there is a growing interest in how to understand or frame it in scientific or quasi-scientific ways.

Some people point to biofield science — the study of subtle electromagnetic fields surrounding living systems — as a possible bridge.
Others invoke ideas from quantum physics, particularly nonlocality and field interactions, to suggest how energy might flow beyond the immediate physical boundary.
And in all honesty, the placebo effect is also sometimes referenced: that intention, belief, and expectation can influence outcomes in healing. We’ve heard of the power of the pPlacebo effect is many medical studies to validate the truth of this.
Some models speak of the nervous system, vagus nerve, or limbic system being calmed by the experience of a Reiki session — which may yield real, measurable shifts in physiology (e.g. lowered stress hormones, heart rate, improved immune function).

I like to say: science hasn’t “proved” Reiki in the way we prove a new drug, but humankind is still learning how to peer into subtle energy, consciousness, and the interconnections behind what we call “healing.”

While Reiki is often described through personal experience, science is slowly beginning to catch up. A study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine explored Reiki’s impact on the autonomic nervous system. Forty-five volunteers were randomly divided into three groups: one received Reiki, one received a placebo “mock Reiki,” and one simply rested.

The results? Only the Reiki group showed statistically significant reductions in heart rate and diastolic blood pressure. Researchers linked this to an increase in cardiac vagal tone — the body’s natural shift into the parasympathetic “rest and digest” state. Participants also experienced a slight rise in skin temperature, a sign of improved circulation.

What makes this study important is that neither rest alone nor placebo touch created the same changes. Reiki appeared to trigger a genuine physiological response, beyond expectation or suggestion. For clients, this supports what many already know through experience: Reiki doesn’t just help you relax, it can truly create measurable shifts in your body toward balance and healing.

Reiki is deeply supportive for body, mind, and spirit. Clients often come seeking relief from stress, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm. Others are drawn to it for physical support — easing tension, complementing medical care, or assisting with recovery. On a spiritual level, Reiki helps you reconnect with your inner calm, clarity, and sense of wholeness.

Because Reiki works on the energetic system, its effects ripple outward. Clients frequently notice improved sleep, better emotional regulation, a lighter mood, and a renewed sense of resilience in everyday life.

Every Reiki session is unique, but common sensations include warmth, tingling, gentle pulsing, or waves of relaxation. Some people feel as though they are floating; others feel more rooted and grounded. It’s also perfectly normal to simply feel peaceful or to even fall asleep — your body will respond in the way it most needs.

Reiki also works subtly on an emotional level. Clients may feel emotions rise and release, a sudden clarity about something in their life, or a deep quiet in their thoughts.

You might be wondering: “Why should I try Reiki?” Here are a few reasons:

You feel disconnected, stagnant, blocked, or fragile internally.
You’re curious and want to explore your inner landscape.
You’re dealing with chronic stress, overwhelm, or burnout.
You’re in transition — grieving, healing, reclaiming, evolving.
You sense there’s more to life than what you see or feel now.

Because Reiki is gentle, noninvasive, it can be a supportive companion, not a demand. You don’t need to “believe” in it fully — only be open enough to notice what arises.

One of my metaphors I say to my students, “finding a practitioner is like trying on a new pair of shoes”: just because one Reiki practitioner resonates deeply with someone, doesn’t mean they are “better” in a universal sense. You are choosing a vibrational match.

Some practitioners feel strong in grounding, others in light, others in nurturing.
Some guide you inward; others outward; some deeply psychic, others more earth-based.
You might try more than one to see who feels like “home” under your energy.

When you find one that fits, the healing container feels safe, aligned, and uniquely “you.” That is where the magic comes in! You nervous system feels safe to explore the depth of your inner self.

We’d be honored to hold space for your growth. If you feel called:

Book a session with one or more of our Reiki Team (choose who resonates with you).
If you’re new, I can guide you in which practitioner might match best.
Approach it like trying on shoes: take that first step, rest in the energy, and see how it feels over time.