Reiki is an energy-based relaxation and healing technique of Japanese origin. It is based around the idea that we all have a ‘life force energy’ that keeps us alive and healthy. When this energy is low, we are more susceptible to illness and stress, and when it is high and flowing freely we are happier and healthier.

A typical treatment involves a reiki practitioner using their hands to either lightly touch the recipient, or to hover above the body and executing a series of hand positions. The practitioner works to facilitate the disruption of negative energy in the body and infusing the body with positive energy, increasing the flow and strength or the ‘Ki,’ or energy. Some clients report feeling a slight warming or tingling sensation throughout a session, and all sessions work toward a feeling of relaxation and stress release.

Woman receiving reiki treatment

This form of spiritual healing also relies heavily on the belief in chakras. There are seven major chakras in the body, with each corresponding to a particular organ as well as a different layer in the aura. It is believed that bad health comes when the chakras are out of balance, so reiki works to distribute Ki in order to balance the chakras.

Reiki is a holistic form of medicine in that it works to treat the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. While Reiki’s primary use it to treat stress, it is often used in addition to treatment of diseases or illnesses. It works to create an overall positive environment in the body, making healing easier. Because of this, it is often practiced in many hospitals. There is no way that reiki will harm a person, meaning that it is a risk-free way to assist in other kinds of treatment that may be harmful, such as chemotherapy. It is also believed that a practitioner benefits from a treatment also—instead of their energy being depleted, a practitioner will experience increased energy after a treatment—leaving both the client and the practitioner with feelings of well-being and relaxation.

Reiki is a great spiritual treatment that is based around some beautiful beliefs about the human body. If you’re feeling like you’re surrounded by negativity and feel in need of a bit of a reset to your emotions, it might be beneficial to look into a reiki session.