What Is Reiki?

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What A Reiki Session Is Like

Reiki sessions are gentle, non-invasive, and designed to support deep rest and regulation. Reiki may be received either in person or at a distance, depending on preference, accessibility, and individual needs. In both formats, the intention is the same: To create conditions that allow the nervous system to settle and the body to move toward balance.

In-Person Reiki Sessions

For in-person sessions, clients remain fully clothed and are typically positioned lying comfortably on a massage table or seated in a chair, depending on preference and physical needs. Pillows, bolsters, and blankets are used as needed to ensure warmth and ease throughout the session.

During the session, the practitioner places their hands lightly on specific areas of the body or, at times, just above the body. Touch, when used, is still and intentional rather than manipulative, and pressure is minimal or absent. There is no need to actively participate, concentrate, or “do” anything. The experience is receptive and unhurried, allowing the body and nervous system to settle at their own pace.

Many clients report sensations such as warmth, gentle pulsing, or a feeling of heaviness or lightness. Others may simply notice a deep sense of calm or drift into a meditative or sleep-like state. Experiences vary, and there is no “right” way to feel during a Reiki session.

Distant Reiki Sessions

Distant Reiki sessions follow the same principles as in-person sessions, without physical contact or shared location. In this setting, Reiki is facilitated while the recipient is in their own space, often resting quietly at home. This option is commonly chosen by those who are unable to attend in person or prefer receiving Reiki remotely.

The exact manner in which the practitioner communicates with the receiver and conducts the session varies greatly. Common methods include video conferencing, telephone, written correspondence, or a combination. 

Clients often describe distant Reiki as similarly calming and supportive, with experiences ranging from deep relaxation to subtle physical or emotional sensations. As with in-person sessions, experiences vary and unfold uniquely for each individual.

After a Reiki Session

After either an in-person or distant session, clients commonly report feeling more relaxed, grounded, and clear. Some notice a lingering sense of calm or emotional steadiness that continues beyond the session itself. Reiki sessions are quiet, respectful, and individualized, with the focus on creating a safe, supportive environment for rest, balance, and restoration.

Reiki is often sought for support during times of physical, emotional, or energetic strain, including:

• Ongoing stress, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm
• Difficulty relaxing or feeling “settled” in the body
• Fatigue, burnout, or feeling energetically depleted
• Life transitions, grief, or periods of change
• A desire for chakra balancing or energetic clearing
• Complementary support alongside other wellness or medical care, such as chemotherapy or surgery recovery
• Personal growth, self-awareness, and spiritual exploration

There are actually very few (if any) conditions, circumstances, or ailments that Reiki cannot provide support for on some level.

Commonly reported outcomes of Reiki sessions include:

• A deep sense of calm and nervous system relaxation
• Reduced pain, anxiety, or symptom discomfort
• Emotional easing and a greater sense of inner steadiness
• A feeling of energetic clearing or release
• Improved sleep quality and mental clarity
• A renewed sense of balance within the body and energy field
• Greater awareness of subtle sensations and inner states
• Feeling more aligned, open, or connected after the session

Reiki may be offered as a stand-alone service or paired with other modalities, such as massage, reflexology, sound healing, crystal healing, aromatherapy - just to name a few.

Professional requirements for practicing Reiki vary by location. In Florida, hands-on Reiki services are provided by practitioners licensed through the Florida Department of Health as massage therapists, while other states may have different requirements or none at all.

You Already Have It - You Just Need to Learn How to Use Reiki

Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of Reiki is that it is not only something you can receive from a practitioner, but also something you can learn to use for yourself. Unlike many energetic or body-based modalities that require another person to apply the work, Reiki was originally developed as a self-practice, rooted in personal awareness, self-treatment, and spiritual growth.

In fact, the original system of Reiki, founded by Mikao Usui in the early 1920s in Japan, was first taught as a means of cultivating balance, clarity, and presence within one’s own life. From that foundation, the practice naturally extended outward into caring for others. This dual nature, both personal and professional, is one of the reasons Reiki continues to resonate so deeply with people across cultures and generations.

Personal Use and Professional Applications

Reiki can be used in a wide variety of settings. Many people learn Reiki purely for personal support, incorporating it into daily life as a self-care and self-regulation practice, as well as sharing Reiki on a personal level with family members and close friends. Others go on to integrate Reiki into professional roles such as massage therapy, reflexology, healthcare, hospice care, social work, education, first responder support, and wellness-based practices.

Licensing requirements for professional Reiki practice vary by location. In Florida, hands-on Reiki services are practiced under a massage therapy license issued by the Florida Department of Health and overseen by the Florida Board of Massage Therapy. Other states and jurisdictions may have different requirements or none at all. 

No licensure is required to use Reiki for personal self-treatment or for sharing Reiki informally with friends, family, or loved ones.

Reiki as Energy vs. Reiki as a System

It’s important to understand the distinction between reiki as an energy and Reiki as a system for working with that energy.

The term “reiki” is often used broadly to describe universal life energy or subtle energetic awareness, something that is already inside of us, a natural part of all living things. The term “Reiki” is also casually used to refer to a system to utilize that energy, and there are many different systems of Reiki. 

All legitimate forms of Reiki can be traced back to the founder, Mikao Usui, and will include specific methods, principles, techniques, and a lineage-based approach to learning and teaching. There are many systems of Reiki in use today, each with its own framework, emphasis, and methods.

For anyone considering Reiki training, understanding which system you are learning is essential. The system shapes how reiki is practiced, taught, and integrated into daily life.

Who Chooses to Learn Reiki and Why

People are drawn to Reiki training for many reasons. Some are seeking a structured way to support their own nervous system, emotional balance, physical and mental well-being, and/or spiritual growth. Others are bodywork or healthcare professionals looking to complement existing skills. Some feel called to teach, while others simply want a reliable, accessible practice they can return to throughout life.

No prior experience with energy work is required. What matters most is curiosity, openness, and a willingness to practice.

Commonly Reported Benefits of Learning Reiki

Students often describe Reiki training as something that quietly reshapes how they relate to themselves and the world around them. Reported benefits include:

• A greater sense of calm and self-regulation
• Increased body awareness and emotional steadiness
• A reliable self-care practice that can be used anywhere
• Improved clarity, focus, and presence
• A deeper sense of connection to self and others
• Confidence in offering support to loved ones
• A meaningful framework for personal and spiritual growth

Reiki is not about becoming someone else or gaining special abilities. It is about learning to work with awareness, intention, and balance in a way that is practical, grounded, and deeply human.