Reiki is an energy healing practice developed in the early 1900s by Mikao Usui in Japan. Often referred to as Reiki energy healing, it supports the idea that a universal life force energy flows through the body, The word Reiki comes from two ideas. Rei can be understood as universal, and Ki refers to life force energy. Together, Reiki is often described as universal life energy.
The philosophy behind Reiki is simple. When the body and mind feel supported and at ease, it becomes easier to rest, process emotions, and move through life with more stability. Reiki is intended to support that sense of balance, with attunement serving as the foundation for how practitioners engage with the energy. Many people use to support relaxation, emotional balance, and overall mind-body well-being.
Today, Reiki is widely practiced as a complementary therapy to overall health and wellness. It is important to note that it is not a substitute for medical care, but many people explore it as a way to support their nervous system, process stress, and reconnect and support their physical body.
If you have ever wondered what Reiki actually is or how it works, this guide will walk you through it in a clear and practical way.
During a session, the Reiki practitioner places his or her hands lightly on or just above the body in a calm and structured way. The intention is not to fix or direct specific outcomes, but to support balance within the body’s subtle system. In Reiki, the practitioner is understood to act as a channel for life force energy, with the hands serving as the point through which this energy transfer is directed.
From this perspective, the energy being channeled is thought to support the body in returning to a more balanced state. Some people describe this as a shift in how energy flows through the body and its energy field, or how certain areas begin to feel more open or settled. In Reiki and other energy-based practices, areas of tension or stagnation are sometimes described as energy blockages, which may be experienced as physical tightness, emotional heaviness, or a general sense of imbalance.
This is sometimes understood through the framework of the seven chakras, which are described as energy centers along the spine. In traditional teachings, these centers are thought to move or “spin” in relation to the flow of energy. When they feel more balanced, people may experience a greater sense of ease or stability. When they feel restricted or out of sync, it may be experienced as tension, emotional heaviness, or a general sense of imbalance.
A Reiki session is typically calm and quiet. You remain fully clothed and either lie down or sit comfortably.
At the same time, Reiki is often experienced in a very physical and noticeable way. As the session progresses, the body may begin to relax. Breathing slows. Muscles soften. The mind becomes quieter. Some people notice warmth, tingling, subtle sensations, or even involuntarily movements.
The Reiki therapist uses gentle hand placements or works slightly above the body. There is no pressure or manipulation.
People commonly describe experiences such as:
Some people notice a shift right away, while others simply experience the session as a time to rest.
People explore Reiki for many different reasons, but one of the most consistent themes is how it supports the experience of slowing down and resetting.
Reiki is often approached as an alternative therapy, meaning it is not focused on diagnosing or treating specific conditions, but rather supporting overall balance and well-being.
The healing power of Reiki is sometimes explored by individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, or low mood, including those navigating feelings commonly associated with depression.
Rather than directly addressing these conditions, Reiki sessions are often described as creating space for:
Some people find that this relaxed state supports how they process thoughts and emotions, while also creating space for more intentional self-care.
Reiki is also explored as a way to support the body in states of tension or discomfort.
While it is not a treatment for pain relief, some individuals report:
This is why Reiki is sometimes included in conversations around pain management support within a broader wellness approach.
Reiki can be understood as a form of somatic energy healing, meaning it brings attention to the connection between the body, sensations, and internal awareness.
During a session, individuals may notice:
This awareness can support a more grounded and present experience in the body.
People often describe feeling:
Rather than focusing on specific outcomes, Reiki is best understood as a practice that may support overall well-being, internal balance, and nervous system relaxation.
It’s no secret that people today feel constantly overstimulated, busy, or mentally overloaded for many reasons. As a collective, we are becoming more aware that we have become disconnected from their true nature, or from living in ways that don’t fully reflect who they are. There’s a growing awareness that this does not just cause a mental or emotional impact, but it’s something the body carries as well.
Across psychology, neuroscience, and somatic practices, there is increasing recognition that stress and emotional experiences can be reflected in the body’s physiology. Patterns of tension, reactivity, and chronic overwhelm are no longer seen as “just in the mind,” but as something that can live in the body over time.
Reiki fits naturally into this shift.
It offers something that is often missing in daily life:
In a world that constantly pulls attention outward, Reiki creates a moment to turn inward.
We are more than just physical systems. We are layers to our experience, including awareness, presence, and what some traditions describe as energy. Whether understood scientifically, somatically, or intuitively, this perspective points to a shared insight:
When we create space for the body to slow down, we often create space for deeper balance to emerge.
In this way, Reiki is less about doing more, and more about allowing the body and mind to settle into a state that is already available but often overlooked.
Reiki is sometimes included in hospitals, wellness centers, and integrative health settings as a complementary practice used alongside conventional care. It may be offered in coordination with other approaches such as massage, acupuncture, psychotherapy, or Healing Touch therapy to support relaxation and overall well-being.
Both Reiki and Healing Touch are considered energy-based practices, though they differ in their methods and frameworks. In integrative settings, they are often used to help create a calm, supportive experience rather than to address specific medical conditions directly.
Rather than targeting specific conditions, these approaches focus on supporting relaxation and a sense of balance, which may help the body settle into a more receptive state.
Distance Reiki healing, sometimes called remote Reiki, is practiced without physical contact and can be done as a remote healing. The Reiki master focuses their attention and intention to support the client energetically. The client may choose to be present online during the session or receive the healing independently at a scheduled time.
Some people are drawn to this option because it allows them to receive this energy work from home or from anywhere in the world.
Experiences vary. Some people feel a similar sense of relaxation as in person sessions, while others notice more subtle shifts.
Energy healing and holistic wellness sessions are guided by Lauren Mangelinckx, an RN-led energy healing practitioner, clinical herbalist, and intuitive reader, bringing a grounded, body-aware approach to each experience. Sessions may be focused on energy healing alone or integrated with complementary modalities such as herbal guidance and tarot or oracle readings, allowing for a more personalized and intuitive experience.
Each energy healing session includes a personalized Energy Healing Report, with intuitive insights into areas such as chakra awareness, patterns of tension, and overall energetic balance which is designed to support continued reflection and integration after your session.
You can choose:
If you’re ready to experience the Reiki for yourself, you can start with a free consultation or book a session directly.
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This article is informed by educational and research-based resources from established health and wellness organizations, including:
