The concept of a life energy, or subtle energy, permeates many areas of health care and holistic bodywork. Variously called chi, qi, ki, prana, the four humors, animal magnetism and cosmic aether, the scientific study of this purported biofield is just beginning. JBMT has commissioned this series in which Dr James Oschman will scrutinize the research to date.
Why Reiki?
Reiki is an ancient healing practice that manipulates energy flow in your body. Practitioners believe there’s an invisible universal life force in and around the body, and that reiki allows it to release blockages. This releases the energy and enables your own natural healing abilities to work.
Studies show that Reiki works by calming the nervous system and helping to release stress and anxiety. It also activates the parasympathetic nervous system—the “rest and digest” system—and encourages the body to heal itself.
During a session, the practitioner gently places their hands on or hover over the client’s body to channel universal life force energy. It’s a noninvasive treatment that can be done on the client fully clothed, at home or in a hospital setting.
The most common change is that a person’s breathing becomes deeper and less erratic, Miles says. Another is that a person’s heart rate variability improves, which is a good sign that their body is responding to Reiki and self-healing.
With the growing interest in holistic healing, many hospitals are adding Reiki to their in-patient therapies. But it’s important to understand the scientific basis of this hands-on healing technique, especially if you plan to incorporate it into your clinical or research work. The JBMT series of articles on energy medicine will provide this insight, as well as examine the therapeutic and diagnostic potential of these energies.
How Reiki Works
The practice of reiki is based on the belief that universal life energy flows through all living things and can be accessed by a practitioner through a series of hand placements. Reiki practitioners channel this energy to promote relaxation and reduce stress, as well as support the body’s natural healing process. During a session, the practitioner places their hands lightly on or above the body in a variety of hand positions, with varying durations depending on each individual’s needs. For example, longer hand placements on the head and shoulders are often used to address tension, while energy sweeping or beaming (where the practitioner projects Reiki energy from a distance without touching the client) can be helpful for emotional release.
In addition to hand placements, other techniques that can be utilized in a session include breathwork techniques and the use of symbols to help focus energy on particular issues or areas. The reiki master may also use meditation to help guide energy flow. Depending on the individual’s needs, a session may last 30 to 90 minutes.
Some individuals experience a range of sensations, including warmth or tingling during or after a session, and some even drift into a meditative state. It is important to communicate with the practitioner about any discomfort. While reiki is considered safe, it should always be complementary to traditional healthcare, not replace it.
As with other forms of alternative medicine, there is no scientific evidence to prove the effectiveness of reiki therapy. Despite this, many people report feeling calmer and more balanced after receiving sessions. While research is ongoing, some practitioners believe the results are due to a placebo effect, while others suggest that the energy transferred during the session actually has a therapeutic impact on the recipient’s body.
A reiki session is not for everyone, and it’s best to discuss any concerns with your physician before scheduling a treatment. If you’re interested in trying reiki, there are many ways to connect with a practitioner, from finding one online to attending an in-person workshop or receiving certification. The cost of a session can vary as well, with some practitioners offering sessions for free and others charging up to $100 or more.
What is Reiki?
Reiki is an ancient healing practice that promotes relaxation and supports the body’s natural ability to heal itself. The practitioner gently places his or her hands on or above the body at key points called chakras to channel universal life force energy. The energy flows to where it’s needed most, releasing blockages and balancing one’s energetic field. The sessions are non-invasive and comfortable, and clients remain fully clothed. Reiki practitioners can also perform sessions from a distance. The practice was founded by Mikao Usui, a Japanese seeker of spiritual truths who had a profound experience in 1922. It is a spiritual practice, not a religion, and practitioners do not use the technique to diagnose or treat disease.
Reiki works by triggering the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body and mind relax. It can ease tension, relieve pain, and improve sleep and overall well-being. While it is not a substitute for medical or psychological care, research suggests that it can help reduce stress and anxiety, enhance recovery, and improve resilience to chronic illness and emotional trauma.
The energy that moves through the body during a Reiki session is thought to be responsible for our emotional, mental, and physical health. If energy paths become blocked, it can lead to imbalance and illness. Practitioners believe that reiki restores balance by releasing the blocks and activating the body’s innate healing abilities.
A study found that people who receive Reiki treatments have improved heart rate variability, which is an indicator of a resilient cardiovascular system. Researchers say that these findings support the idea that Reiki may be able to help prevent or reduce the severity of future heart attacks in high-risk patients.
It’s important to talk with your doctor about any complementary medicine that you’re using, including Reiki. Ideally, you should share your entire holistic healing regimen with your health care provider so that they can give you their professional opinion and help manage any potential risks. In the case of reiki, it is believed to be safe for most people, including infants and the elderly.
How to Use Reiki
A professional Reiki session provides a dedicated space to slow down, reset, and reconnect with how you feel. It can be beneficial for anyone, regardless of spiritual beliefs. Reiki practitioners gently place their hands on or just above the body, allowing universal energy to flow naturally. It’s a perfect complement to acupuncture, massage, and other wellness treatments.
It’s easy to incorporate Reiki into your daily routine. Start by identifying the areas you carry tension and choose an intention to guide your practice. Adding a few minutes of Reiki to your morning ritual can set a calm and clear tone for the day ahead. Sending energy to your computer or workspace can help you find clarity and harmony, while offering Reiki to your bed and pillow before sleeping can create a peaceful rest sanctuary.
Reiki can also support the self-healing process by helping you manage stress and restoring balance. However, it works best alongside basic wellness practices like a nutritious diet, sleep habits, exercise, and healthy boundaries. And it’s important to follow your doctor’s guidance for any health concerns.
The most important aspect of using Reiki is your intention and the focus of your practice. When you’re ready to explore this complementary approach, start by setting an intention to become more present and noticing how Reiki can help you move into a more relaxed state of being. Then, simply sit comfortably and allow your intention to guide you as the universal healing energy flows through you.
Using Reiki on yourself is easy, and there are plenty of creative ways to bring this mindfulness-based energy healing into your daily life. Use the hand positions and timing suggestions below as a framework, but be sure to follow your intuition and listen to your own body’s guidance.
Some people may experience light tiredness or emotional releases after a session, which is normal and indicates that the body’s natural healing process is taking place. Other people might notice a shift in their energy, a sense of calm, or an increase in productivity and creativity. The point is to allow Reiki to work for you, and to keep it as a regular part of your daily routine to help you relax more often.