Reiki for Healing and Relaxation: What You Need to Know

Reiki is a Japanese spiritual practice, in its modern form developed by Mikao Usui in the 1920s, in which a practitioner places their hands on or near a person while focusing on "life energy". People who try it usually describe it as a quiet, meditative ritual.

Reiki practitioners describe this life energy as something that can flow or become blocked. This is a spiritual belief, not a scientific one.

Learn more about reiki and how some practitioners include crystals in a session in this post. For stones to browse, see our chakra stones and polished points.

What Is Reiki?

The term Reiki comes from the Japanese words rei (universal) and ki (life energy). Combined, reiki means mysterious atmosphere, miraculous sign. Reiki practitioners believe that their hands can guide energy flow around the body.

How did this practice come about?

The best-known form of Reiki today, the Usui Reiki Ryoho, was developed in the 1920s by Mikao Usui. Usui, a spiritual aspirant and a married lay monk, conceived his practice at a time where Buddhist, Shinto, and Taoist practices were the prevailing themes in Japanese spirituality.

Usui travelled extensively across Japan in the last 4 years of his life. During this time, he taught Reiki to 2,000 students and trained 16 individuals as Reiki masters. One of these master students was Chujiro Hayashi who would be responsible for bringing the Reiki practice to other parts of Japan. Hayashi's student, Hawayo Takata, later brought the practice to Hawaii and the US mainland in 1937.

Reiki is a hands-on practice: the practitioner places their hands on or just above various parts of the recipient's body. The techniques described in reiki are The techniques involved are beaming, centering, clearing, extracting harmful energies, infusing, and smoothing and raking the aura.

Reiki is a spiritual practice, and there is little scientific evidence for the effects some people claim for it. Anyone with a health concern should see a doctor.

How Does Reiki Work?

So how do practitioners explain reiki?

Practitioners explain reiki as an interaction between the energy field of the practitioner and the energy field of the recipient. This is a spiritual idea rather than a scientifically established mechanism.

People who try reiki usually describe it as a quiet hour of rest and stillness, much like a meditation session.

Whether it is useful to you is a matter of personal experience and belief.

Why Do People Try Reiki?

People try reiki for many personal reasons. Some are curious about energy work, some enjoy the stillness and attention of a session, and some want a ritual that marks a stressful or emotional time.

Reiki is gentle and non-invasive, and people also turn to it during big life moments, such as the loss of a loved one. It is a spiritual practice, so it is always best to talk to a doctor about any health concern.

People dealing with troubling situations sometimes seek out reiki for the gentle touch or the quiet company it provides.

Reiki should never be used in place of professional advice.

Experts warn against relying on reiki in place of professional advice. It's always best to see a doctor or qualified professional about any health concern. Reiki is a spiritual practice and nothing more.

How Are Crystals Used in Reiki?

Some reiki practitioners also bring crystals into a session. In crystal lore, stones are linked with the chakras, and practitioners use them as a focus for the idea of balanced chakras and a smooth flow of energy.

To do this, practitioners place crystals on or around your body. You may also be asked to hold a crystal. Some of the crystals that are often used in Reiki are:

• Amethyst
• Rose quartz
• Moonstone
• Aquamarine
• Tourmaline
• Topaz

What Happens During a Reiki Session?

A session with a certified Reiki practitioner often lasts 60 to 90 minutes, although this can vary from practitioner to practitioner. This is what a typical session looks like:

• The practitioner will have you lie on your back (and onto your stomach at some point) fully clothed on a table. If you can't lie flat due to pregnancy or for some other reason, the session will be done on a recliner.
• Throughout the session, the practitioner may work with their hands on or off your body. But they will never touch your private parts.
• Expect the entire session to be quiet with little to no talking since the session is meant to be quiet. However, you can always speak up at any point if you need any adjustments or if something is uncomfortable to you (e.g., your lying position, body temperature, or if you're feeling certain sensations).
• Some people describe a warm or pulsing sensation coming from the practitioner's hands.
• Many people describe the session as quiet and restful. Some people fall asleep. Others enter a meditative state. The practitioner will gently awaken you as the session wraps up.
• Your practitioner will ask you to sit for a few minutes and drink a glass of water before you leave. As much as possible, head straight home after your Reiki session. Try not to rush to do tasks or errands that require more of your energy. Settle down and ease your way into your usual routine.

How many sessions people book varies. Some try one, others book regular follow-ups, and your practitioner will talk through what suits you.

Sessions are spaced out depending on your needs and the time you're willing to commit to it. And since it's a spiritual practice, you can schedule a session as often as you'd like.

To find a Reiki practitioner, try searching within your area online or get a recommendation from your doctor. You can also get leads from massage clinics or yoga studios.