I didn’t go into my first Reiki session expecting fireworks. Honestly, I was mostly just curious. I'd heard people talk about feeling “lighter,” “more balanced,” even “emotionally reset” afterward—but it all sounded a little mystical to me. Still, between the stress headaches and the restless nights, I figured… why not?
What happened surprised me—not because it was dramatic, but because it was deeply subtle in a way my body clearly needed.
If you’ve ever been curious about Reiki, this is the full story of what it is, what it felt like, and why I think more people should give it a try—even if you're a little skeptical like I was.
Before my session, I did a little digging (and a lot of Googling). Reiki is a Japanese healing practice that works with the idea of “universal life energy.” Practitioners don’t use pressure or needles or manipulate the body—instead, they gently place their hands on or just above specific points, with the intention of helping that life energy flow more freely.
It’s not religious. It doesn’t require belief in anything specific. But it is energetic—meaning it works with what you feel, not necessarily what you see.
Some say it helps the body heal itself. Others use it to ease anxiety, sleep better, or feel more emotionally grounded. I wasn’t sure what it would do for me—but I was open to finding out.
I walked into a peaceful room with soft music playing, dim lighting, and that gentle lavender smell every wellness space seems to have. The practitioner, Sarah, was warm and calming. She asked a few questions about my stress levels, sleep, and general well-being. Then she had me lie down fully clothed on a massage table and close my eyes.
What happened next wasn’t dramatic—but it was powerful.
As Sarah moved her hands lightly over different parts of my body—my head, chest, stomach, knees—I felt heat. Gentle warmth, sometimes even a tingly buzz, like my body was waking up from the inside. My breathing slowed. My shoulders softened. And about 20 minutes in, my mind went quiet—like really quiet—for the first time in weeks.
By the end of the session, I felt lighter. Clearer. Like someone had dusted off my insides.
I’ve had massages. I’ve done yoga. I’ve meditated. But Reiki felt different. It wasn’t about doing—it was about receiving. And that’s something I didn’t realize I’d been craving.
Here’s what stood out most:
Reiki gave me permission to rest in a way I hadn’t let myself in a long time.
After that first session, I wanted to learn more. Turns out, Reiki is used for way more than just relaxation. Here’s what it can support:
Modern life is constant. Reiki helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system—the “rest and restore” mode—so your body gets a break from that wired, fight-or-flight feeling.
Some people use Reiki to complement treatment for chronic pain conditions like migraines, arthritis, or fibromyalgia. It’s not a replacement for medical care, but it can support pain relief by calming the nervous system and helping tension release.
Grief, anxiety, big life transitions—Reiki can help regulate emotions and promote internal balance. I found that it helped me process stress I didn’t even know I was carrying.
I slept so well after my first session. If you deal with insomnia or have a restless mind, Reiki may help you unwind and transition into deeper rest.
You don’t need to be “spiritual” to experience Reiki, but many people say it deepens their intuition or helps them feel more connected to something bigger than themselves.
Reiki practitioners act as a channel for universal life force energy—it’s not their energy, but something they help direct. They place their hands over key points (often aligned with chakras or energy centers), allowing that energy to flow to areas that feel blocked or depleted.
You may feel heat, tingling, emotional release, or just a deep sense of peace. Some people cry. Others nap. It’s all valid.
Reiki isn’t about fixing you—it’s about supporting your body’s own ability to rebalance and heal.
You don’t need to be “into energy work” to benefit from Reiki. It’s safe, gentle, and can support people of all ages and health backgrounds.
Consider trying it if you’re:
Let’s clear a few things up:
Maybe—but if feeling better, calmer, and more grounded is the result, does it matter?
Not at all. You can benefit from Reiki whether you’re spiritual, skeptical, or somewhere in between.
Research is growing, and while Reiki isn’t a magic cure, studies show it may help reduce pain, anxiety, and stress.
Nope. Reiki is complementary, not a substitute. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical issues.
Yes. 100%.
It might not be for everyone. And that’s okay. But if you’re feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or just want a new way to care for your body and mind, Reiki can be a beautiful, grounding tool.
It won’t give you instant enlightenment—but it will remind you what it feels like to rest deeply and reconnect with yourself.
I didn’t go into Reiki expecting to be transformed. But what I found was a kind of quiet power I hadn’t felt in a long time. Not loud. Not flashy. Just peaceful, grounded presence.
And in a world that constantly demands our energy, having a practice that gives energy back? That’s a gift.
So if you’ve been curious—go for it. At the very least, you’ll get an hour of pure stillness. And at best? You might walk away feeling more you than you have in a while.
