There is a reason Reiki has found its way from the temples of 1920s Japan to the treatment rooms of modern hospitals, yoga studios, and wellness centers across the globe. Today, Reiki is offered in over 800 hospitals across the United States — including the Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and UCLA Medical Center, which have integrated Reiki into their wellness programs.
Whether you have heard about Reiki from a friend, seen it trending on social media, or simply felt drawn to learn more, you are in the right place. As a certified Reiki practitioner with a nursing background, I have witnessed firsthand how this gentle yet powerful practice can transform lives. In this guide, we will explore the origins of Reiki, how it works, what happens during a session, and the many benefits it offers.
Not sure where to start? Read our complete guide to energy healing for broader context.
What is Reiki?
“Reiki” is a Japanese word composed of two parts: rei (universal, spiritual, sacred) and ki (life force energy). Together they mean “spiritually guided life force energy.”
The practice was developed by Dr. Mikao Usui in Japan in the early 1920s following a spiritual awakening on Mount Kurama. Usui developed a system for channeling this universal energy for healing. The practice was then passed from Usui to Dr. Chujiro Hayashi, then to Hawayo Takata, who brought Reiki to the Western world in the late 1930s. Today, millions of practitioners worldwide practice various Reiki traditions.
Reiki operates on the principle that a universal life force energy flows through all living things. When this energy flows freely, we experience health and vitality. When it is disrupted, we may experience physical, emotional, or spiritual imbalance.
At the heart of Reiki practice are five guiding principles:
- Just for today, I will not be angry.
- Just for today, I will not worry.
- Just for today, I will be grateful.
- Just for today, I will do my work honestly.
- Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing.
Importantly, Reiki is not a religion or belief system. It is a practice that works regardless of your spiritual background.
How Does Reiki Work?
Reiki practitioners are trained and attuned to serve as channels for universal life force energy. The practitioner does not use their own personal energy — they are a conduit through which healing energy flows to the recipient.
In a typical session, the practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above specific areas of the body, following a sequence of 12–15 positions covering the head, torso, and back. Each position is held for 3–5 minutes. The energy is described as intelligent — it flows to wherever the recipient needs it most. The practitioner guides but does not direct; the energy itself responds to the recipient's needs.
Practitioners receive “attunements” from a Reiki Master, which open and align their energy channels to transmit Reiki. There are traditionally three levels: Level 1 (self-healing), Level 2 (healing others, including distance), and Level 3/Master (teaching and advanced practice).
On a scientific level, the human body generates and is surrounded by electromagnetic fields — the biofield. Reiki may work by influencing these fields. While the mechanism is not fully understood by Western science, the clinical effects — reduced pain, anxiety, and stress — are well-documented by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).
“In my practice, I describe Reiki as the body's reminder of its own wholeness. I am not healing you — I am holding space for your energy to remember how to heal itself.”
— Chandini Botre
What Happens During a Reiki Session?
Before the session begins, you will have a brief intake conversation. The practitioner asks about your intentions, areas of concern, and any health conditions. You remain fully clothed — only shoes are removed. You lie comfortably on a treatment table, or sit in a chair if preferred.
At Moon Healing Alchemy, Chandini creates a sacred space aligned with lunar energy and elemental balance — soft lighting, gentle music, and crystals that support your healing intention.
Every session follows a four-step framework:
- Connect — A conversation about your intentions and what brings you to healing.
- Discover — Scanning your energy field to identify areas of blockage or imbalance.
- Transform — The hands-on (or hands-above) healing work itself.
- Integrate — Post-session discussion, grounding, and guidance for continued healing.
After the session, you may feel deeply relaxed, emotionally lighter, or pleasantly energized. Chandini provides personalized aftercare guidance including grounding practices and hydration recommendations.
Ready to experience it yourself? Book a session or start with a healing session.
Benefits of Reiki Healing
These benefits are not theoretical — they are the lived experiences of thousands of Reiki recipients worldwide, including the clients Chandini has had the honor of working with.
- Deep Stress Reduction — Reiki activates the parasympathetic nervous system, shifting the body out of chronic stress mode. Many clients describe their first session as “the most relaxed they have ever felt.”
- Pain Relief — Clinical studies at Hartford Hospital and others have shown Reiki can reduce perception of pain and is increasingly used alongside conventional pain management.
- Emotional Balance & Release — Reiki creates a safe container for suppressed emotions to surface and release. Tears during a session are common and welcomed.
- Improved Sleep — By calming the mind and regulating the nervous system, Reiki often leads to deeper, more restorative sleep. Clients frequently report this as one of the first noticeable benefits.
- Spiritual Growth & Awakening — Regular Reiki practice often deepens intuition, heightens self-awareness, and catalyzes spiritual development.
- Immune System Support — Reduced stress means improved immune function. The body's natural healing mechanisms operate more efficiently when the energy body is balanced.
- Mental Clarity & Focus — Clearing energetic congestion can sharpen thinking and reduce the mental fog that often accompanies chronic stress.
- Support Through Life Transitions — Grief, divorce, career changes, pregnancy — Reiki provides gentle support through any major life shift.
- Accelerated Healing & Recovery — Many hospitals use Reiki to support post-surgical recovery and complement cancer treatment. It does not interfere with any medical treatment.
- Greater Self-Compassion — Reiki sessions often cultivate a kinder, more compassionate relationship with yourself — a benefit that ripples into every area of life.
What Does Reiki Feel Like?
Every person's experience is unique — there is no “correct” sensation. Common experiences during a Reiki session include:
- Warmth or heat in specific areas of the body
- Tingling, pulsing, or gentle vibration
- A sense of floating or deep stillness
- Seeing colors or patterns behind closed eyes (especially indigo, violet, gold, or white)
- Emotional waves — tears, laughter, or a profound sense of peace
- A heaviness that gradually lifts, like a weight being removed
- Falling into a deeply relaxed state between waking and sleeping
Some people feel nothing dramatic during the session — and that is completely normal. The energy is still working. Benefits often become apparent in the hours and days that follow: better sleep, clearer thinking, lighter emotions.
“Trust your experience. There is no failing at receiving Reiki. The energy meets you exactly where you are.”
— Chandini Botre
Reiki vs Other Healing Modalities
Reiki vs Pranic Healing
Reiki uses light touch; Pranic Healing is entirely no-touch. Pranic Healing has a more systematic protocol; Reiki is more intuitive. Both work with life force energy. Read our full Pranic Healing vs Reiki comparison.
Reiki vs Massage
Massage addresses the physical body through tissue manipulation. Reiki addresses the energy body without physical pressure. You remain fully clothed during Reiki.
Reiki vs Acupuncture
Both work with energy pathways, but acupuncture uses needles on specific meridian points while Reiki uses gentle hand positions over the body. Reiki is entirely non-invasive.
Reiki vs Meditation
Meditation is a self-directed practice; Reiki is facilitated by a practitioner. Reiki often induces deeply meditative states, and the two complement each other beautifully.
Who Can Benefit from Reiki?
Reiki is for everyone. No prerequisite exists — no spiritual belief, no previous experience, no specific health condition required. It is particularly beneficial for:
- People experiencing chronic stress, burnout, or overwhelm
- Those navigating grief, loss, or major life transitions
- Individuals seeking relief from anxiety or depression (as a complement to therapy)
- Anyone dealing with chronic pain or illness (alongside medical care)
- People on a spiritual growth path
- Highly sensitive or empathic individuals who absorb others' energy
- Pregnant women seeking gentle, non-invasive support
- Children and even pets
“Reiki does not require belief to work — only willingness to receive.”
How to Prepare for Your First Reiki Session
A few simple steps ensure you get the most from your first session:
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- Eat a light meal beforehand — avoid heavy food or alcohol
- Drink plenty of water before and after
- Set a simple intention, such as “I am open to receiving healing”
- Arrive with an open mind — release expectations about what “should” happen
- Prepare any questions you have for your practitioner
Or, if you are ready to take the first step, book a healing session.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reiki Healing
How many Reiki sessions do I need?
The number of sessions varies based on your needs. Many people feel meaningful shifts after a single session. For chronic conditions or deeper emotional work, a series of 4–6 weekly sessions is often recommended. After that, many clients transition to monthly maintenance sessions, often aligned with the lunar cycle. Chandini will discuss a personalized plan during your initial session.
Can Reiki help with anxiety and depression?
Reiki has shown promising results for reducing anxiety and depression symptoms. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing cortisol levels. Many clients report feeling lighter, calmer, and more emotionally balanced after sessions. While Reiki is not a substitute for mental health treatment, it is an excellent complementary therapy alongside professional care.
Does Reiki work for everyone?
Reiki is a universal energy that flows wherever it is most needed, regardless of beliefs, religion, or health status. Individual experiences vary — some people feel dramatic shifts immediately, while others notice subtler changes over time. An open mind helps, but belief is not required. Children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and even animals can benefit from Reiki.
What is the difference between Reiki and massage?
Massage uses physical manipulation of muscles and soft tissue to relieve tension. Reiki works with the body's energy field — the practitioner places hands lightly on or above the body with no physical pressure or tissue manipulation. You remain fully clothed during Reiki. Massage addresses the physical body directly; Reiki addresses the energy body, which influences physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Is distance Reiki as effective as in-person Reiki?
Yes. Distance Reiki is considered equally effective by experienced practitioners worldwide. Reiki energy is not limited by physical distance — practitioners use specific symbols and techniques to connect with your energy field remotely. Many clients report the same sensations during distance sessions: warmth, tingling, deep relaxation, and emotional release. Moon Healing Alchemy offers distance Reiki for clients worldwide.
Reiki is a gentle, profound practice that reminds your body, mind, and spirit of their innate ability to heal. In every session, I am humbled by the wisdom of this practice. Reiki does not ask you to be anything other than who you are — it simply invites you to come home to yourself.
If you are curious about Reiki, I invite you to begin with a healing session. We will explore your intentions, answer your questions, and discover the right healing path for you.
Chandini Botre
Certified Reiki Practitioner, Registered Nurse & Founder of Moon Healing Alchemy
Chandini Botre is a certified Reiki practitioner and registered nurse who bridges modern medicine and ancient healing wisdom. With deep training in Reiki, Pranic Healing, and Crystal Energy Work, she guides clients through transformative healing experiences tailored to their unique energy needs. Based in Florida, Chandini offers both in-person and distance Reiki sessions.
Learn more about Chandini →
