What is Reiki?

“Reiki is not only a healing art but also a path to self-discovery and spiritual growth.” — Frank Arjava Petter

Energy work is difficult for lots of people that grow up in the Western world to get behind; it may seem like too much mumbo jumbo, too unfamiliar. My brother was one of my first Reiki attunements, he was very much skeptical and doesn't take many things too seriously but said he wanted to see what my new certification was all about.

I had him lie down on a daybed and laid a blanket over his body and a weighted eye cover on his eyes. I planned to do a chakra attunement and prepped myself by doing self-reiki. This portion of the work is so important in preparing the practioner to be clear and balance their energy, strengthen their connection to Chi, and prevention of energy depletion.

Before I let my clients tell me about their experience, I talk a little bit about the work we did. That session with my brother I had felt a coldness and heaviness around his throat chakra so I explained that I had done some extra work in placing power and emotional healing in that area.

My brother told me that he had felt such a strong warmth around his throat chakra throughout the session, he told me it felt like something heavy was sitting on his neck. We had talked a little more about how blockages in this chakra manifest and with his introspection, realized that he might have not been checking in with himself about his emotions lately. He was in awe that he had even felt anything, and I was in awe that even with his skepticism, we had done some positive work.

So let's walk through it together, what is Reiki and what does it actually do to benefit anyone?

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Kyoto, Japan

Where Reiki Comes From

Reiki comes from Japan and was founded by Mikao Usui in the early 1900s. Usui was a Buddhist monk and spiritual seeker who, after deep meditation on Mount Kurama, discovered a method of healing through energy. He passed this practice down to Chujiro Hayashi, who then taught Hawayo Takata, the woman who brought Reiki to the West. This direct teaching lineage is known as Usui Reiki, and it’s one of the most widely practiced forms of Reiki today.

At Wnderwell SPC, we practice Reiki in a way that honors its roots while making it accessible for modern healing.

What Happens in a Reiki Session?

Reiki sessions are designed to be relaxing and supportive. Each session includes:

• A short check-in to see what’s going on with you.

• Guided relaxation to help you settle in.

• Hands-on or distance Reiki, depending on what you prefer.

• Time afterward to reflect and process the experience.

• You don’t have to do anything during Reiki—just lay back, breathe, and receive. It works whether or not you “believe” in it.

Distance Reiki: How It Works

Energy isn’t bound by time or space, so Reiki can be done remotely just as effectively as in-person. If you choose a distance Reiki session, we’ll set an intention beforehand, and you’ll receive the energy wherever you are. You can relax, meditate, or even sleep while the session happens.

How Reiki Can Support You

Helps with stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm.

Aids in physical relaxation and energy flow.

Supports mental clarity and focus.

Deepens your sense of balance and connection to yourself.

Reiki isn’t a replacement for medical care, but it can be a great complement to other healing practices.

What If I’m Skeptical?

Totally understandable. A lot of people approach Reiki with doubt, and that’s okay! Here’s what we know:

• Reiki is a relaxation practice first and foremost. Whether or not you believe in energy work, Reiki creates a calm, meditative space that allows your body to rest and reset.

• Placebo or not, it works for a lot of people. Many feel lighter, clearer, or more at peace afterward. If it helps, does it matter why?

• Science backs the benefits of deep relaxation. Studies show that relaxation techniques—like Reiki—can lower stress hormones, improve sleep, and support overall well-being.

• You don’t have to believe in anything. Reiki doesn’t require faith or specific beliefs. Just an open mind and a willingness to try.

• If you’re curious, come in with no expectations and see how it feels.

  
  

What Science Says About Reiki

While Reiki is considered alternative healing, studies have looked at its effects:

1. A 2010 study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that Reiki helps reduce stress and anxiety, possibly by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.

2. Research at Hartford Hospital found that Reiki helped patients after surgery by reducing pain and improving sleep.

3. A 2018 review in Integrative Cancer Therapies showed that Reiki helped cancer patients feel less pain, fatigue, and stress.

4. Heart rate and EEG studies suggest Reiki induces deep relaxation, similar to meditation.

Cite

Joyce, Sara, and Mary E. Herbison. "Reiki Therapy for the Management of Pain and Anxiety in Adults: A Literature Review." Pain Management Nursing, vol. 16, no. 3, 2015, pp. 792-800.

Bossi, Lorraine M., et al. "Pilot Crossover Trial of Reiki Versus Rest for Treating Cancer-Related Fatigue." Integrative Cancer Therapies, vol. 7, no. 1, 2008, pp. 62-72.

Thrane, Susan, and Joan M. Cohen. "Effect of Reiki Therapy on Pain and Anxiety in Adults: An In-Depth Literature Review of Randomized Trials with Effect Size Calculations." Pain Management Nursing, vol. 15, no. 4, 2014, pp. 897-908.

Baldwin, Ann Linda, et al. "Reiki Improves Heart Rate Homeostasis in Laboratory Rats." Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, vol. 14, no. 4, 2008, pp. 417-422.