What Is Reiki? A Beginner’s Guide to Energy Healing

Welcome

If you’re new to Reiki, you might be curious — or even a little skeptical. Maybe you’ve heard a friend mention how relaxed they felt after a session, or you came across the word while exploring holistic practices like yoga, meditation, or acupuncture. Reiki is often described as a gentle energy healing technique, but what does that really mean?

This guide is here to answer your questions in simple, grounded language. Whether you’re exploring Reiki for the first time, considering booking a session, or just want to understand what all the buzz is about, this is the perfect place to begin.

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The Meaning of Reiki

Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a Japanese word made of two parts:

• Rei → universal, spiritual, higher wisdom

• Ki → life energy (the same concept as chi in Chinese medicine or prana in yoga)

Together, Reiki means “universal life energy.” It’s the natural, vital force that flows through all living things. A Reiki session helps balance and restore this flow, creating space for the body and mind to relax, release tension, and return to harmony.

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A Brief History

Reiki was founded in the early 20th century by Mikao Usui in Japan. After a period of spiritual practice and retreat, Usui experienced an awakening that gave him the ability to channel healing energy. He developed the system of Reiki to help people connect with universal life force and to support healing on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels.

Reiki was later brought to the West and has since spread worldwide. Today, it’s practiced in private studios, yoga spaces, and even hospitals and wellness centers as a complementary form of care.

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How Reiki Works in Practice

Reiki is simple. During a session:

• You remain fully clothed, lying comfortably on a massage table or seated in a chair.

• The practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above your body.

• Energy flows through the practitioner’s hands to where it’s needed most.

Every person experiences Reiki differently. Some people feel warmth or tingling, others see colors or drift into a meditative state, and some simply feel deeply rested. There’s no “right” way to experience Reiki — the energy always meets you exactly where you are.

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Benefits of Reiki

Reiki supports your whole being — body, mind, and spirit. Some of the most common benefits people report include:

• Stress relief & relaxation — Reiki helps shift the nervous system out of “fight or flight” into “rest and digest.”

• Better sleep — many clients feel deeply rested after a session and notice improved sleep in the days following.

• Emotional balance — Reiki can support clarity, calm, and the release of old emotional patterns.

• Support through life transitions — whether moving through grief, career shifts, or healing journeys, Reiki provides grounding and comfort.

• Spiritual connection — Reiki often deepens awareness, intuition, and connection to self.

It’s important to note: Reiki is complementary. It supports medical or therapeutic treatment but doesn’t replace it. Think of it as a layer of care that nurtures your natural capacity to heal.

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What to Expect in a Session

A typical Reiki session lasts between 60–90 minutes. Here’s a snapshot of what happens:

1. Arrival & intention → We’ll take a few minutes to check in, talk about what you’d like support with, and set an intention.

2. Settling in → You’ll rest comfortably on the Reiki table (fully clothed). A blanket, bolster, or pillow may be offered for comfort.

3. Guided relaxation → Often, I’ll begin with a short meditation or breath awareness to help you arrive fully in the space.

4. Energy flow → I’ll place my hands lightly on or above different areas of your body. You might notice warmth, tingling, or a sense of spaciousness.

5. Integration → After the session, you’ll have time to slowly return, share what you experienced (if you wish), and receive any reflections.

If you’d like more detail, I’ve written a full post on What to Expect in Your First Reiki Session.

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Reiki for Self-Care

One of the beautiful things about Reiki is that anyone can learn it. With just a Level I training, you can practice Reiki on yourself, loved ones, and even pets.

Many people begin with Reiki for self-healing, using it as a daily practice to reduce stress and connect with themselves. With higher levels of training, you can also learn how to share Reiki with others professionally or offer distance Reiki, which transcends time and space.

If you’re curious about learning, I offer Reiki Level I & II Trainings here in Bend, Oregon — perfect for anyone wanting to begin their own Reiki journey.

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Common Questions

Do I have to believe in Reiki for it to work?

No. Reiki isn’t about belief — it flows naturally. Even skeptical clients notice the calming, restorative effects.

Is Reiki a religion?

No. Reiki is a spiritual practice, but it isn’t tied to any religion. It can be practiced by anyone, regardless of beliefs.

Is it safe?

Yes. Reiki is safe for all ages and life stages. It’s gentle, non-invasive, and supportive.

Want to go deeper? Check out my post: 5 Myths About Reiki (and the Truths Behind Them).

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Getting Started with Reiki

If you’re curious about Reiki, the best way to understand it is to experience it. Try a session and notice how your body, mind, and spirit respond.

• Book a Reiki session here in Bend.

• Explore Distance Reiki if you’re outside the area.

• Start with a simple self-practice: place your hands gently over your heart, close your eyes, and breathe slowly for 3 minutes. Notice what shifts.

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Reiki is a reminder that healing doesn’t always mean “doing more.” Sometimes it’s about slowing down, receiving, and allowing your natural energy to return to balance.

Wherever you are on your path, Reiki meets you with gentleness. If you feel called to explore, I invite you to book a session or join one of my trainings.