COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT
REIKI THERAPY
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GENERAL REIKI FAQS INDEX
1. GENERAL REIKI QUESTIONS
What Is Reiki?
Reiki is a Japanese healing practice that works with Universal Life Force Energy. The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words: 'Rei', meaning universal or vital, and 'Ki', meaning energy.
The core principles of Reiki are that:
• Reiki is facilitated through the hands of a trained Reiki Practitioner
• Reiki is passed from Teacher to student through an in-person process known as Reiju (Attunement)
• The Reiki Practitioner does not direct the Reiki but is trained (in the Traditional version of Reiki) to detect where the Reiki is needed in your body through detecting Byosen ('troubled areads.
• Reiki is not dependent upon religious belief, faith, or suggestion.
Traditionally, Reiki was far more than a relaxation practice. It was a complete system for supporting healing of the mind and body, cultivating energy, addressing suffering, and fostering spiritual development.
Many people seek Reiki to support relaxation, wellbeing, stress reduction, personal growth, and a deeper connection with themselves.
Who Founded Reiki?
Reiki was founded in Japan by Mikao Usui in the early 1920s.
Following a profound spiritual experience on Mount Kurama near Kyoto, Usui developed a system known as Shin Shin Kaizen Usui Reiki Ryōhō, which translates to "The Usui Method of Energy Healing for the Mind and Body." He went on to teach thousands of students and established the Usui Reiki Ryōhō Gakkai, the original Reiki association.
Today, Reiki is practised all around the world, with most modern Reiki systems tracing their lineage back to Mikao Usui through his students, most notably Chujiro Hayashi and Hawayo Takata.
You can read more about Mikao Usui and the History of Reiki here.
How Does Reiki Work?
The Reiki Practitioner is attuned to Reiki, allowing them to access Reiki much like an antenna on a radio tuning into the correct channel.
The Reiki Practitioner acts as a conduit between Reiki and the client, helping connect them to the Reiki through a series of hands-on positions, primarily on the torso and head.
In the traditional practice of Reiki, the Practitioner is trained to detect areas of imbalance, depletion, or stagnation within the body and mind. This is done through a technique known as Byosen, where different sensations felt through the hands provide information about areas that may require attention.
The Practitioner then places their hands in response to these sensations, allowing the client's own system to draw Reiki where it is needed most. In this way, Reiki supports the body's natural capacity for balance, restoration, and wellbeing.
What Does Reiki Feel Like?
Some people feel warmth, tingling, pulsing, waves of energy, heaviness or lightness in different parts of the body. Others experience emotional release, memories, insights, deep relaxation, or a profound sense of peace and stillness.
It is also quite common to feel very little at all during a session. This does not mean Reiki is not working. Many clients report noticing the effects of Reiki in the hours, days or weeks afterwards through improved sleep, reduced stress, pain reduction, greater clarity, shifts in long-standing patterns, a greater sense of wellbeing or improvements in the issues they originally sought support for.
Whether or not clients feel the sensations of the energy, it is common for clients to report feeling a sense of being 'held' by the loving energy of Reiki and a sense of feeling safe, deeply supported and loved through the energy.
Traditionally, Reiki is understood to be drawn by your own system according to your individual needs. As a result, no two Reiki sessions are exactly the same and there is no "correct" experience to have. The most important thing is not what you feel during the treatment itself, but the positive effects you experience in the days and weeks that follow.
What Happens During a Reiki Session?
A Reiki session begins with a discussion about your needs, expectations and any questions you may have. This is followed by a hands-on or distance Reiki treatment where you can simply relax while Reiki is facilitated.
During a hands-on Reiki session, you will lie comfortably on a treatment table, fully clothed and a blanket to keep you a comfortable temperature, while the Reiki Practitioner places their hands on a series of positions on the head and body. In a distance Reiki session, the process is very similar, except the Reiki is facilitated remotely via a proxy and sacred symbols.
Most people find the experience deeply relaxing and peaceful. At the conclusion of the session, there is an opportunity to discuss your experience, ask questions and receive any feedback that may be relevant to your healing journey.
Some Practitioners may receive intuitive or psychic impressions during a session and may ask whether you would like to receive them. Whilst this is not Reiki itself, some people find these insights helpful in supporting their healing journey, providing clarity, or offering a different perspective on challenges they may be facing.
You can read more about what to expect during a Hands-On Reiki Session and a Distance Reiki Session.
Is Reiki Safe?
Yes. Reiki is generally considered a gentle, non-invasive complementary therapy and is widely regarded as safe for people of all ages, including children, the elderly, and those receiving medical treatment.
Reiki does not involve physical manipulation, medication, supplements, or the ingestion of any substances. It can be received alongside conventional medical care but should never replace appropriate medical treatment or advice from your healthcare professional.
Whilst Reiki itself is considered safe, some people may experience temporary emotional or physical shifts following a session. You can read more about the possible side effects of Reiki here.
Are There Any Side Effects Of a Reiki Treatment
Whilst most people find Reiki deeply relaxing and uplifting, some clients may experience temporary emotional, mental or physical detoxification or releases following a session.
These can include tiredness, vivid dreams, emotional release, increased awareness of thoughts or feelings, changes in energy levels, or a temporary intensification of symptoms before improvement occurs.
Traditionally, these experiences are understood as part of the body's natural process of restoring balance and working through areas that require attention. Whilst they are usually short-lived, every person responds differently to Reiki.
You can read more about the possible side effects of Reiki here.
Is Reiki Scientifically Proven?
A growing body of research suggests Reiki may support relaxation, stress management, nervous system regulation, and overall wellbeing. As a result, Reiki has been incorporated into a range of healthcare settings around the world as a complementary therapy, including cancer care, palliative care, cardiac care, emergency medicine, paediatric settings, and pre- and post-operative support.
Is Reiki a Religion?
No. Reiki is not a religion, nor does it require any particular spiritual belief system, faith, or worldview.
Just as oxygen exists whether we believe in it or not, Reiki is understood to be a natural energy that is available to everyone. People of all faiths, as well as those with no religious beliefs whatsoever, can receive Reiki.
Do I Need to Believe in Reiki for It to Work?
No. Reiki does not require belief, faith, or suggestion in order to be received.
Just as you do not need to believe in oxygen in order to breathe it, Reiki is understood to be available regardless of your personal beliefs. In traditional Reiki, it is your own system that draws the Reiki according to its needs.
Having an open mind and a positive attitude towards your healing can certainly support your overall healing journey, but you do not need to "believe" in Reiki for a Reiki session to take place.
How Many Reiki Sessions Will I Need?
There is no fixed number of Reiki sessions that is right for everyone. Much depends on what you are seeking support for, how long the issue has been present, and how your own system responds to the Reiki.
Traditionally, Reiki was often facilitated daily until the condition or issue being worked with had improved or resolved. Whilst this is not practical for most people today, it does give us some insight into how Reiki was originally used.
As a general guide, if time and finances permit, many people find it beneficial to begin with two or three sessions fairly close together before reassessing how they feel. Many Practitioners offer session bundles (with reduced prices) for this reason, as it is common for clients to receive a series of treatments over a relatively short period of time.
From there, you are encouraged to trust your own experience, instinct and intuition as to whether you would like or need further sessions.
Some people come for ongoing support, whilst others simply seek a deep reset, relaxation or a different perspective on a situation and find that a single session every now and then meets their needs.
2. REIKI TREATMENTS
What Types of Reiki Treatments Are Available?
There are two ways you can receive Reiki:
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Hands-On Reiki (In-Person Reiki), where you attend your Reiki session in person and receive Reiki through a series of hands-on positions.
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Distance Reiki, where Reiki is facilitated remotely and you can receive your session from anywhere in the world.
Both approaches utilise the same Reiki energy and many people report similar benefits from each. The choice often comes down to personal preference, capacity to attend in person or not, convenience, personal circumstances and whether you prefer to be physically present with your Practitioner.
You can learn more about Hands-On Reiki and Distance Reiki by visiting the dedicated pages on this website.
You can also read the Hands-On-Reiki FAQs here and Distance Reiki FAQs here.
Is Distance Reiki as Effective as In-Person Reiki?
Yes. Distance Reiki is generally considered to be just as effective as Hands-On Reiki. This is reflected in client reviews which you can read here.
One of the unique aspects of Reiki is that it is not limited by physical proximity. Through the use of traditional symbols and techniques, Reiki can be facilitated across distance, allowing a person to receive Reiki regardless of where they are in the world.
Some people prefer Hands-On Reiki because they enjoy the physical presence of the Practitioner and the experience of attending a dedicated healing space. Others prefer Distance Reiki because it allows them to receive Reiki in the comfort of their own home, hospital, or care facility, or because they live too far away to attend in person, including interstate or overseas. Others, due to health circumstances, cannot attend in person.
Ultimately, the choice between Hands-On Reiki and Distance Reiki often comes down to personal preference, convenience, and individual circumstances rather than effectiveness.
3. REIKI FOR SPECIFIC CONDITIONS & CIRCUMSTANCES
Can Reiki Help with Anxiety or Depression?
Reiki can be a valuable complementary therapy for people experiencing anxiety or depression. Many people report that Reiki helps them feel calmer, more balanced, less overwhelmed and better able to cope with the challenges they are facing.
Rather than being used as a replacement for appropriate medical or mental health care, Reiki often works effectively alongside these modalities. Clients who are taking medication or working with a Psychologist, Counsellor, Psychiatrist, GP, or other healthcare professional are encouraged to continue doing so whilst receiving Reiki.
If you are considering making any changes to your medications or treatment plan, it is important that you first discuss this with your treating healthcare professional.
Can Reiki Be Used Alongside Treatment for Chronic or Life-Limiting Illness?
Yes. Reiki is commonly used as a complementary therapy alongside conventional medical treatment for people living with chronic, serious or life-limiting illnesses.
Many clients report Reiki as an effective way to help manage the side effects of treatment and the symptoms associated with many medical conditions, whilst helping you maintain a calm and peaceful state of mind throughout treatment and recovery.
Whilst Reiki is not a replacement for appropriate medical care, it can work alongside medical interventions to support your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
Can Reiki Be Used for Palliative Care and End Of Life Care?
Yes. Reiki can be a valuable complementary therapy in palliative and end-of-life care.
As Reiki works on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of a person, it can offer support on many different levels during what is often a deeply challenging time for both the individual and their loved ones.
Clients receiving Reiki during serious illness and end-of-life care have reported benefits including:
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Reduced pain and discomfort
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Reduced fear and anxiety
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Increased calm and relaxation
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A greater sense of peace and acceptance
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Increased energy, wellbeing and quality of life
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Feeling emotionally and spiritually supported
Reiki is commonly used alongside conventional medical and palliative care to support comfort, dignity and wellbeing throughout the end-of-life journey.
Can Reiki Interfere With My Prescribed Medication?
No. Reiki is complementary to any medical treatment you may be receiving and does not interfere with prescribed medications.
As a result of the improvements some clients experience following Reiki Therapy, they may wish to modify aspects of their treatment. In such cases, it is strongly recommended that any changes to medications or treatment plans only be made in consultation with the appropriate healthcare professional.
4. LEARNING REIKI
Can Anyone Learn Reiki?
Yes. Reiki can be learned by anyone regardless of age, background, occupation, religion, or previous experience with healing or spiritual practices.
Reiki is traditionally passed from Teacher to student through an in-person process known as Reiju (Attunement), which opens the student's capacity to access Reiki. Once this connection has been established, students learn how to facilitate Reiki for themselves and others.
Many people learn Reiki for their own personal healing and growth, whilst others go on to practise professionally or teach Reiki themselves. You can read more about learning Reiki in Melbourne here and the different Levels Reiki Course offered. Otherwise, if you have more questions, you can read Reiki Course FAQs.
Can Reiki Be Learned Online?
Many Reiki courses are now offered online. However, traditional Japanese Reiki was originally taught face-to-face and passed from Teacher to student through an in-person process known as Reiju (Attunement). This is the most important aspect of the teaching as it opens a student's capacity to channel Reiki. Some question whether this can be done effectively online.
Whilst Reiki theory can be learned online, many traditional Reiki Teachers believe that in-person Reiju and practical training are vital aspects of Reiki education. The major Reiki associations here in Australia also require in-person training for Practitioners and Teachers as a pre-requisite to membership.
5. CHOOSING A REIKI PRACTITIONER
What Qualifications Should a Reiki Practitioner Have?
A person may call themselves a Reiki Practitioner without having completed formal training, professional development, or recognised Reiki qualifications.
When choosing a Reiki Practitioner, it is worth considering whether they:
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Have completed an in-person Reiki training course
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Hold, at a minimum, a Reiki Level II (Practitioner) qualification or higher
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Can clearly explain their training, lineage, and the Reiki system they practice
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Engage in ongoing practice, professional development, and self-treatment
Many people also prefer to seek out Practitioners who have trained in traditional Reiki systems that preserve the original teachings and practices of Reiki.
For a more comprehensive guide, read this checklist on how to choose a Reiki Practitioner.
Do I Need a Reiki Master for a Reiki Treatment?
No. A Reiki Master (Shihan) is not required in order to receive an effective Reiki treatment.
In traditional Reiki, a Reiki Level II Practitioner has received the training and attunements necessary to facilitate Reiki professionally. The primary purpose of Master (Shihan) level training is to prepare the Practitioner to teach Reiki to others and pass Reiki on through Reiju (Attunement).
When seeking a Reiki Practitioner, it is generally recommended that they have completed at least Reiki Level II training, as this is the level traditionally associated with professional practice.
Why Is Reiki Lineage Important?
Reiki is traditionally passed down in person from Teacher to student through a process known as Reiju (Attunement). An authentic Reiki Practitioner should therefore be able to trace their training through a succession of Teachers back to the founder of the Reiki system they practice. This chain of Teachers is known as their Lineage.
Lineage can help you verify a Practitioner's training and better understand the form of Reiki they practice, for example, is it a traditional system of Reiki or has it been modified? At the very least, it is recommended that a Reiki Practitioner's lineage can be traced directly back to Mikao Usui, the founder of Reiki.
You can read more about Reiki lineage here.
How Can I Tell if a Reiki Practitioner Is Authentic?
A Reiki Practitioner should be able to clearly explain their training, qualifications, lineage, and the Reiki system they practice.
Many Practitioners today incorporate additional modalities, techniques, or healing systems into their work. There is nothing inherently wrong with this, provided they are transparent about what is Reiki and what is not.
To help ensure you are receiving authentic Reiki, it is recommended that you choose a Practitioner with verifiable training, a clear lineage, and a recognised Reiki qualification.
You can read more about the factors to consider when choosing a Reiki Practitioner here.
How Do I Choose a Reiki Practitioner?
When choosing a Reiki Practitioner, it may be helpful to ask the following questions:
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Have you completed in-person Reiki training?
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Do you hold a Reiki Level II (Practitioner) or Level III (Master/Shihan) qualification?
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Can I see your Reiki lineage and does it trace back to Mikao Usui, the founder of Reiki?
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Do you maintain a regular personal Reiki practice?
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Do you practice hands-on Reiki (rather than hovering)?
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Do you use fixed timing for hand positions, or do you adjust the timing according to the client's needs?
You may also wish to ask:
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Do you incorporate other modalities into your sessions, or is the treatment focused on Reiki itself?
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What system of Reiki have you trained in?
The answers to these questions can help you better understand the Practitioner's training, experience, and approach to Reiki.
For more detail on the reasoning behind these questions, read Tips for Finding a Reiki Practitioner.
6. REIKI SYSTEMS & LINEAGE
What Is the Difference Between Japanese Reiki and Western Reiki?
Traditional Japanese Reiki and Western Reiki share the same roots, but differ significantly in their teachings and practices.
When referring to "Traditional Reiki", we are generally referring to the Reiki taught by Chujiro Hayashi, the last Shihan (Teacher) student of Reiki founder, Mikao Usui. Because the Usui Reiki Ryōhō Gakkai has remained a private organisation since World War II, the exact differences between Hayashi's teachings and those practised within the Gakkai are unknown.
As Reiki spread through the West, many of the original healing techniques, energetic cultivation practices, meditations, and teachings were simplified, modified, or removed. Traditional Japanese Reiki systems such as Jikiden Reiki and the teachings preserved by the Arjava Reiki Institute seek to maintain these practices as faithfully as possible.
You can read a detailed comparison of Traditional Japanese Reiki and Western Reiki here.
What Is the Difference Between Jikiden Reiki and Komyo ReikiDo
Whilst Jikiden Reiki and Komyo ReikiDo share a common lineage through Chiyoko Yamaguchi, they are different Reiki systems.
Jikiden Reiki seeks to preserve the teachings passed down by Chujiro Hayashi (Mikao Usui's last Teacher student) as faithfully as possible, whilst Komyo ReikiDo is a separate system developed by Hyakuten Inamoto with its own approach, teachings, and practices.
You can read a detailed comparison of Jikiden Reiki and Komyo ReikiDo here.
