Many people are curious about Reiki because they’re looking for relief from stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or simply a chance to slow down and reconnect with themselves. Others are interested in the mind-body connection but feel unsure about the spiritual or “energy healing” language often associated with Reiki.
This guide from our Reiki Master and Teacher Jodi Holmes explains Reiki in plain language, describes what you can realistically expect from a session, and answers some of the questions people most commonly ask before trying it for the first time.
What Is Reiki?
Reiki is a form of energy healing that originated in Japan. It is often described as “universal or spiritually-guided life force energy.” This energy supports healing on physical, emotional, mental, and energetic levels. Reiki helps facilitate the movement of stagnant energy and release limiting beliefs that no longer serve the individual, creating space for a deeper connection within. It supports the whole person and encourages balance.
What Happens During a Reiki Session?
A first Reiki session with me begins with a conversation about your health history and current concerns. This is also a time to ask questions and discuss any preferences or boundaries.
Clients remain fully clothed in comfortable clothing throughout the session. Most people receive Reiki while lying on a treatment table, although a seated session is also available if that feels more comfortable.
The session then begins with a brief guided meditation to help you settle and become more present. During the Reiki portion, the practitioner alternates between light hands-on touch and hands just above the body. Common areas of contact include the head, shoulders, abdomen, hips, hands, and feet.
An initial session is typically 90 minutes, while follow-up sessions may be 60 or 90 minutes.
Afterward, there is time for reflection, questions, and integration of anything that arose during the experience. During client sessions, I often receive intuitive insights and messages and I share these with clients during the debrief.
What Does Reiki Feel Like?
Reiki experiences vary widely from person to person. There’s no single Reiki experience. Some people feel subtle energetic movement, and others may experience more noticeable shifts and releases.
The most commonly reported experiences are:
- Deep relaxation
- A sense of calm
- Feeling centered or grounded
- Feeling more clarity
- Emotional releases
- Temperature fluctuations
- Warmth from the practitioner’s hands
Do I Have to Believe in Reiki for It to Work?
You do not need to hold any particular spiritual or religious belief to receive Reiki, but approaching the session with an open mind can help people relax and engage more fully with the experience.
For many, Reiki can be a deeply spiritual experience, but others may view it as a structured relaxation and self-care as part of a holistic well-being practice.
Can Reiki Help with Anxiety or Stress?
Reiki is a holistic healing practice offering numerous benefits, including stress reduction, anxiety alleviation, and support of emotional balance.
While Reiki is not a replacement for psychotherapy, medical care, or psychiatric treatment, it serves as a valuable complementary therapy.
When we are under chronic stress, the body often remains in a heightened state of alertness. Practices that encourage relaxation, body awareness, and present-moment attention may help create a greater sense of safety and ease, thus calming the nervous system and facilitating healing and emotional processing.
Many clients report feeling calmer, more grounded, and better able to cope with emotional overwhelm after a session. This may assist in releasing old patterns and limiting beliefs that no longer serve us and can also nurture spiritual growth and development.
In the United States, Reiki is used in many hospitals, doctors’ offices, clinics, and other healthcare settings as a valuable tool to support traditional healing practices and overall well-being.
Why Do People Seek Reiki?
People seek Reiki at all ages and stages of life and for many different reasons, including:
- stress and burnout
- anxiety and emotional overwhelm
- grief and loss
- major life transitions
- feeling disconnected from themselves
- wanting intentional quiet and rest
- supporting an existing wellness or therapy practice
Some people are drawn to Reiki because they want to awaken their intuition, connect more deeply with their purpose, or release old patterns, while others simply want a calming, restorative experience. Some feel a pull towards it they can’t quite explain.
Reiki is also great for our furry friends, our plants, and for lifting the energy in our physical spaces.
A Final Thought
Reiki does not require you to have all the answers or adopt a particular belief system.
For many people, the first session is simply an opportunity to pause, rest, and notice what happens when they are given dedicated time for themselves.
Whether you are seeking stress relief, emotional support, or a deeper connection with your mind and body, Reiki can be explored as one of many tools that may support overall well-being. If you’re curious about experiencing Reiki, you can learn more about Jodi or book a session here.