What is Reiki Healing?

Written by The Blue Heron Clinic

Reiki is a method of healing the body using life force energy. It is a simple therapeutic technique with a goal of correcting imbalances in the body, mind and spirit. People from every walk of life can benefit from Reiki healing and most experience relaxation and an increases sense of well-being. Some report more dramatic results such as increased health or even cured medical conditions.

About Reiki Healing

The word Reiki is a combination of two Japanese words. "Rei" refers to a higher power and "Ki" refers to life energy. Sometimes confused with a form of massage therapy, it is important to note that it is instead an energy-based therapy. This type of spiritual treatment employs a very light touch and manipulates energy rather than muscle. Sometimes it can be used in conjunction with massage or other traditional therapies to assist in quicker and more effective recovery from illness or injury.

Ki energy is the energy that flows through our bodies and is the very definition of life itself. Having low life force energy can make us sick or weak. It can also cause stress, anxiety, even depression. High levels of this energy result in a healthier body and happier outlook. Keeping this energy balanced throughout the body for maximum health and wellness is the goal in Reiki healing.

What is a Reiki Healing Session Like?

Often the client will lie down or sit in a reclined position on a couch or massage table. Reiki is performed fully clothed, but jewelry, shoes, and belts are usually removed for easier breathing and increased comfort. The entire experience is designed to promote relaxation. Lights are usually dimmed and incense or candles may be burning to provide an aromatherapy element to the experience. Sometimes soft music or soothing nature sounds play throughout the session adding to the relaxed atmosphere.

Some practitioners will use a very light touch and other therapists simply hover their hands over their client's body, never actually touching, but simply allowing the energy to flow to the recipient from the palms of their hands. Life force energy knows how to pinpoint an imbalance in the body and will automatically flow to where it is needed most.

Energy flows through the hands of the practitioner and into the recipient's body. The procedure varies by practitioner. Some will use specific hand placements, treating each body part in a particular order. Others use an empathic approach by laying their hands over areas they feel need Reiki energy the most.

Becoming a Practitioner

Learning to perform Reiki healing is taught through classes. The classes go over three different levels and usually the first two can be completed during a weekend course. Level three requires a higher level of commitment. More than simply learning hand placement, the ability to tap into and direct energy is passed on to a student by a master through an attunement. Just as treatments can benefit all types of people, the same is true for using life force energy to heal. Anyone of any age or background can be taught the art of energy healing.

Is Energy Healing Religious or Spiritual?

Often when people ask "What is Reiki healing?" they expect to be inundated with religious teachings and dogma. This is not the case. Instead it is a spiritual healing practice rather than a religion. People with any religious outlook are able to use and benefit from it. As a spiritual healing method however, it is important to focus on trying to live a life of kindness and happiness. Part of a Reiki healing treatment is to be willing to accept the responsibility of self-improvement. The exchange of energy from practitioner to client is intended to promote physical health and emotional balance. Living a life of intentional happiness and gratitude, free from anger and worry allows the person to be more receptive to healing energies and they will reap the maximum benefits.

The Blue Heron Clinic provides Reiki Level 1 and Reiki Level two training workshops - contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  today.