What is Reiki?
Reiki is a Japanese energy healing practice that promotes balance and harmony within the mind, body, and spirit. Rooted in spirituality but embraced by many for its practical benefits, Reiki is a non-invasive, gentle technique that clears energy blockages and restores the natural flow of life force energy (known as “chi” or “ki”).
If you’re looking for a way to reduce stress, ease physical discomfort, or support emotional healing, Reiki offers a powerful yet calming approach to wellness.
The Origins of Reiki
Reiki was founded by Mikao Usui in Japan in the early 1920s. Usui discovered this healing technique during a 21-day meditation retreat on Mount Kurama, where he experienced an awakening to the universal energy that connects all living things. From there, he developed the Reiki system to help people access and channel this energy for healing purposes.
Mikao Usui
Founder of Usui Reiki
Today, Reiki is practiced worldwide and continues to bring peace and healing to millions.1
How Does Reiki Work?
Reiki works by tapping into the universal life force energy that flows through and around us. A trained Reiki practitioner serves as a conduit, channeling this healing energy into the recipient through gentle hand placements or focused intention (even remotely).
This process helps balance the body’s energy centers, also known as chakras, and supports the natural healing process. During a session, you may feel sensations like warmth, tingling, or deep relaxation as your energy realigns.
Reiki and Scientific Evidence
While Reiki has spiritual roots, it is increasingly recognized for its benefits in modern wellness practices. Several studies have shown promising results for Reiki’s ability to reduce stress, improve sleep, and alleviate pain.
For example, a systematic review published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine found that Reiki can significantly reduce stress and anxiety in both clinical and non-clinical settings. Moreover, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Reiki programs for frontline healthcare workers demonstrated substantial benefits, including reduced stress, anxiety, and pain, as well as improved well-being. (Richardson et al., 2023)2
Reiki in Hospitals
Reiki isn’t just for spas or private practices—it’s also making its way into hospitals across America. Renowned institutions like the Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, and Johns Hopkins Hospital have incorporated Reiki into their complementary medicine programs to support patients undergoing surgery, cancer treatments, or dealing with chronic pain.34
Reiki is often used to:
- Reduce anxiety before medical procedures.
- Improve recovery after surgery.
- Relieve pain and tension associated with chronic illnesses.
- Support emotional well-being for patients and their families.
This growing acceptance highlights Reiki’s effectiveness as a tool for holistic healing, even in clinical settings.5
The Benefits of Reiki
Whether you’re exploring Reiki for the first time or are a seasoned practitioner, the benefits are profound:
- Stress Reduction: Reiki calms the nervous system, helping you relax and release tension.
- Emotional Healing: By clearing energy blockages, Reiki can help release old emotional wounds, anxiety, and even depression.
- Physical Relief: Reiki is often used to reduce chronic pain, ease tension, and support recovery from illness or injury.
- Improved Sleep: Many recipients report deeper, more restful sleep after Reiki sessions.
My Personal Reiki Journey
When I first heard about Reiki, I was skeptical. How could something so gentle and non-invasive really help with stress and discomfort? But after experiencing my first session, I was amazed. During the session, I felt a warmth radiating through my body and an overwhelming sense of peace—as if a weight I didn’t even realize I was carrying had been lifted.
That’s what makes Reiki so special. It’s not just a physical experience; it’s a healing practice for the mind, body, and spirit.
Is Reiki Right for You?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress, struggling with physical discomfort, or simply looking for a way to restore balance, Reiki might be exactly what you need. At Serenity Reiki & Wellness Center, I specialize in helping women manage chronic health issues and find peace through this incredible practice.
Whether you choose an in-person session or Distance Reiki, the healing power of energy is accessible to you.
Ready to Experience the Power of Reiki?
Book your session today at Serenity Reiki & Wellness Center and discover the transformative benefits of energy healing for yourself. Let’s work together to bring balance, clarity, and healing into your life.
- Usui, M. (1922). History of Reiki. International Association of Reiki Professionals (IARP). Retrieved from https://iarp.org/history-of-reiki/ ↩︎
- Jain, S., & Mills, P. J. (2010). Biofield therapies: Helpful or full of hype? A best evidence synthesis. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 15(2), 59-66. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4147026/ ↩︎
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Integrative Medicine Services: Reiki Therapy. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org ↩︎
- Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Reiki as Complementary Medicine. Retrieved from https://mayoclinic.org
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Complementary Medicine: Reiki. Retrieved from https://hopkinsmedicine.org ↩︎ - Richeson, N. E., Spross, J. A., Lutz, K., & Peng, C. (2024). Effectiveness of Reiki in managing anxiety and pain: A meta-analysis. BMC Palliative Care. Retrieved from https://bmcpalliatcare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12904-024-01439-x ↩︎