Okay, let’s be real—when you first hear the word Reiki, you might picture someone waving their hands over another person like a Jedi. And honestly? You’re not entirely wrong. But there’s a lot more to Reiki than just “woo-woo” energy work, and it’s worth taking a closer look—especially if you’re into holistic healing, stress relief, or just curious about different ways to feel better.
So, what is Reiki, really?
Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a Japanese energy healing practice that’s been around since the early 1900s. The word itself translates roughly to “universal life force energy.” The idea is that we all have energy flowing through us, and when that energy gets blocked or out of balance, we feel it—physically, emotionally, or mentally. Reiki practitioners use gentle hand movements, either hovering above or lightly touching the body, to help get that energy flowing again.
How does it work?
Think of Reiki as a kind of energetic tune-up. The practitioner isn’t using their own energy—they’re more like a channel, letting this universal life force flow through them and into you. It’s a bit like jump-starting a car battery. The energy helps your body relax deeply, which can kickstart its own healing processes.
People often describe the experience as calming, warm, and sometimes even emotional. You might feel tingling, heat, or just a deep sense of peace. And sometimes… nothing dramatic happens at all—but you walk away feeling lighter anyway. Every person’s experience with Reiki is their own and it can vary from each session, with different types of Reiki or even from one practitioner to another.
What happens in a Reiki session?
If you’ve never had a session, here’s what to expect: You’ll lie down, fully clothed, in a peaceful setting (think quiet space, dim lighting—very spa vibes). The practitioner will place their hands on or just above different parts of your body, often starting at the head and moving down. Sessions can last about 30 minutes to an hour. It’s not uncommon to drift off, feel emotional, or even have a few random thoughts pop up. It’s all part of the process. There’s no “right” way to experience Reiki.
Why do people love it?
While Reiki isn’t a replacement for medical care, many people turn to it for stress reduction, emotional healing, pain relief, better sleep or just to feel more centered. It’s also used alongside other treatments to help the body recover or cope with anxiety and fatigue.
Some people go weekly, others only when they’re feeling off. There’s no rulebook—just whatever feels right for you. At the very least, you’ll get an hour of peace and quiet—and honestly, who doesn’t need more of that?
Final thoughts
Whether you’re dealing with stress, looking for clarity, or just want a new way to relax, Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive option that might surprise you.
As a Reiki Master Practitioner and End of Life Death Doula, I’ve witnessed firsthand how powerful this energy work can be. I became certified in Reiki after experiencing a session over a decade ago. At the time, I didn’t know what to expect or how Reiki worked, but I knew I felt renewed by it. Now, as a Reiki Practitioner I not only feel energetic shifts in myself during sessions but also with my clients. Whether someone is navigating a major transition, processing grief, or simply trying to reconnect with themselves, Reiki has a way of holding space that feels safe, supportive, and deeply human. It’s not about fixing—it’s about allowing healing. It’s about presence.
Curious to experience Reiki for yourself?Start small. Book a session with a local practitioner you feel drawn to. Ask questions. See how it feels in your body. You don’t need to have all the answers—or believe in anything specific. Just come with an open mind and let the energy do what it does best: support your healing in whatever way you need most. Message me to experience your own Reiki session.
And if you’ve already experienced Reiki, I’d love to hear—what was it like for you? Drop a comment or share your story. You never know who it might inspire!
#soulsticebynikki , #reiki , #holistichealing , #energyhealingpractitioner
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