What’s Reiki? How Does It Help? All Your Questions Answered
July 1, 2022
When it comes to health and healing, most of the time the focus is on your physical or material health. But healing is an equation – there’s a physical side and an energetic side. And you are a physical and non-physical being.
The energetic, non-physical side of health is rarely considered. In a world where more than half of the population is living with at least one chronic health issue, it’s way past time to integrate effective energetic healing modalities like reiki into traditional practice – which only focuses on physical health.
There is a lot of research that supports reiki, a Japanese energetic healing technique, for acute and chronic health issues. Eight peer-reviewed studies published between 1998 and 2016 showed reiki significantly improved a wide range of chronic health problems including pain, depression, and anxiety compared with a placebo.
As a research scientist, I love seeing powerful evidence that supports energetic healing modalities like reiki. And I love seeing them brought into mainstream health care practices where they belong.
Reiki and energy healing bridge the physical and non-physical parts of your health— and impacts them both.
What is reiki?
Reiki is a safe and natural energy practice that can be used for healing.
The word “Reiki” stems from two Japanese words: “Rei,” means “Universal” and “Ki,” means “life source energy.” Some resources or teachers may say “life force energy” instead.
The two phrases are interchangeable, I just prefer “life source energy” because it truly is a source and personally – “force” just sounds harsher and less benevolent. And I know this Universal source of energy is 100% benevolent.
Reiki not tied to any religion or religious practice. It will harmonize with and embrace your philosophical center point, no matter where you are in your life.
Reiki energy comes from the Universal Life Source. Reiki energy is powerful and facilitates healing to wherever it is needed most for you. It can speed the healing process and aid in any imbalances, stress, anxiety, pain, and other physical and emotional symptoms.
Reiki can also be used to simply balance your own energy centers, aka chakras and support optimal health and well-being. It’s is an effective complementary therapy that can be used with traditional medical treatments.
One of my favorite things about reiki is that it’s one of the few forms of healing that can be used for self-healing and self-improvement.
How does reiki feel?
How reiki feels is different for everyone. Your experience is unique to you – something else that makes reiki awesome. There are no side effects from this gentle healing process. For example, some of my clients have told me they feel warm, relaxed, slight tingles; some clients experience visualizations, colors, or light; while others feel no physical feelings and have no visual experiences. All clients feel open and relaxed during a reiki session.
How does reiki work?
Reiki “life source energy” is directed by the trained Reiki practitioner. The reiki practitioner is NOT the healer – if you ever come across one that calls themself the healer, you need to find a new practitioner.
The reiki practitioner is a channel for the Universal Life Source Energy to flow through. So it’s our job as practitioners to be clear, pure, genuine vessels.
Reiki energy flows to every part of the human being; the mind, the emotions, the spirit, and the physical body. In most cases, practitioners use their hands to allow the energy to flow in and around your body. Reiki does not have to be hands on, it can be practiced in and around your energy field too.
You can ask a reiki practitioner to focus on a specific area for healing, or a specific symptom or condition. You can also just allow the practitioner to complete a healing session, and trust that you will receive exactly what you need. (You will.)
Sometimes, Reiki practitioners include the use of crystals, sage, bells, singing bowls, and other items to aid them in their work. Every practitioner has their own unique way.
Distant and absent reiki healing are other options too, and they’re wonderful ways to receive healing anytime, anyplace because the individual receiving treatment doesn’t have to be with the practitioner in the present moment. Reiki penetrates beyond time and space to be able to facilitate healing even when you’re far away.
How can reiki help?
Reiki helps allow the body to relax, release stress, and heal to improve your health and well-being. It can be used to help with:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Loss
- Feeling off or low energy
- Chronic health issues
- And more
Let’s face it—we all want to heal and feel our best. But the western healthcare system is often designed to help us manage symptoms rather than address the deeper layers of health and healing.
More and more people are beginning to take their power back and take personal responsibility for their health—and that’s a beautiful thing to witness.
Reiki can be a supportive addition to a healing journey. Whether someone is navigating chronic health challenges, carrying the weight of stress, or simply seeking a moment of stillness and energetic balance, practices like Reiki can help create space for the body and nervous system to reset and receive.
Moments where we simply allow ourselves to be present—to pause, breathe, and receive—are deeply needed in today’s world.
XO,
Dr. Rodgers
P.S. If you’re interested in exploring healing practices that support connection, nervous system regulation, and whole-person health, I’d love to stay connected with you.
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Disclaimer Statement: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
