Founded in Japan in the 1920s by Mikao Usui, Reiki is a gentle energy healing practice that supports the body’s natural ability to restore balance. Once a niche therapy, it’s now gaining popularity around the world and is reportedly embraced by a number of high profile names.
So what is Reiki exactly?
Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is often translated as universal energy, which refers to the life force energy that flows through all living things. A Reiki practitioner channels this energy by placing their hands either on or just above the body, supporting the return to balance on a physical, emotional, and energetic level.
Here are six myths about Reiki and the truth behind this energy technique.
1/6
Myth: Reiki is only for relaxation
Fact: Many people report feeling very relaxed during (and after) a session, but Reiki can also support deep emotional release and give you clarity. It works by clearing energy that can build up for a variety of reasons, such as stored emotions from past experiences.
People have a variety of experiences during a treatment, from seeing vibrant colours to feeling tingling all over their body.
2/6
Myth: Reiki only works in person
Fact: While this is a concept that might be hard for the skeptics out there, Reiki isn’t limited by time or space, so you don’t need to be in the same room as the practitioner to receive it.
Energy isn’t bound by physical laws in the same way material things are so that Reiki can be sent across distance, and it can be just as powerful as in-person sessions. In fact, many people feel even more during distant sessions. Those trained in Reiki can also send energy to future events or to situations in the past that need healing.
"We’ve all heard the phrase ‘everything is energy’. If that’s true, then it makes sense that a practice like Reiki, which works with energy, can help ease pain, bring clarity, deepen connection, and offer the kind of self-care we often lack in today’s busy, noisy world.”
3/6
Myth: Only some people can become a Reiki Master
Fact: Anyone can become a Reiki Master if they’ve received the right attunements. An attunement is an energetic initiation that opens your ability to channel Reiki. With training and guidance, anyone can develop their practice and even go on to attune others.
Once you’re attuned, this connection to Reiki is always with you.
"I’m wary of calling it magical, but to me it is. I call it a practical magic as it is rooted in energy and intention."
4/6
Myth: Reiki Practitioners heal you
Fact: A Reiki Practitioner doesn’t do the healing, they act as a channel for the energy. Think of them as a vessel, holding and directing the Reiki energy to you so your own body and system can return to balance.
You’re the one doing the healing, and that’s one of the reasons it can feel so powerful.
5/6
Myth: Reiki is just for people
Fact: Reiki can be used on plants, animals, and even electrical devices. Yes, even electrical devices! The same principle that allows Reiki to support healing in people can be applied to anything because everything carries energy.
Practitioners can send Reiki to their pets, houseplants, or even to their technology when it’s acting up. It’s all about intention and energetic connection.
6/6
Myth: You have to believe in Reiki for it to work on you
Fact: Actually, you don’t need to believe in it or even understand how Reiki works to receive it or its benefits. It’s an energy practice that works whether or not you have full faith in it.
However, feeling relaxed and open might make you feel and integrate the effects more. As it can be very subtle, the more relaxed you are, the more tuned in you might be to feeling this energy.
“Reiki changed my life. It helped release stagnant energy and showed me how to move forward quietly and subtly, which was exactly what I needed. Now, as a Reiki Master, it’s a privilege to witness the realisations my clients experience after a session."
Frequently asked questions about Reiki
- Can Reiki help with anxiety? Yes, many people feel much calmer and more balanced after sessions.
- How long is a Reiki session? There is no fixed time. A typical session is between 30 minutes and an hour, but they can be longer or shorter.
- Can you practice Reiki on yourself? Yes! Self-Reiki is very popular, and many practitioners incorporate it into their self-care routines.
- Can you give Reiki healing if you haven’t been attuned? No, you will need to receive an attunement from a Reiki Master to channel this energy.
Isabella Peñaranda is a Certified Coach, Reiki Master and Meditation Guide who offers Moon Coaching, along with a variety of other services.