Reiki Meditation: Tapping Into Energy for Deep Healing

Here’s something most people don’t realize: you don’t have to believe in Reiki for it to work. Reiki meditation operates on the subtle energy body—the same space acupuncture, yoga, and breathwork interact with. Whether you’re new to energy work or just curious, Reiki offers a gentle, non-invasive way to reconnect with your physical and spiritual body.

At OurWell, we’ve experienced the profound stillness that can arise during Reiki sessions—like being held by something ancient, intelligent, and calm. Some of us have become practitioners, others simply return to the practice as a tool for grounding and release. In this guide, we’ll explore the principles behind Reiki, what a session feels like, and how to prepare for your own healing journey.

The Core Principles of Reiki Energy Healing

Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a Japanese healing therapy developed by Usui Sensei in the early 20th century. It works by channeling universal life force energy (known as “ki” in Japanese) through the hands of a Reiki practitioner to help clear blockages, realign energy flow, and support the body’s natural healing process.

The five core principles of Reiki, often recited like affirmations, offer a guide for living:

1. Just for today, I will not worry.
2. Just for today, I will not be angry.
3. Just for today, I will be grateful.
4. Just for today, I will do my work honestly.
5. Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing.

These are not rules—they’re reminders to return to balance.

Reiki: A Bridge Between the Physical and Spiritual

Reiki is often described as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms. On one level, it may help with relaxation, pain relief, and improved sleep. On another, it can lead to emotional releases, deep insights, and energetic realignment.

Whether or not you identify as spiritual, Reiki meditation meets you where you are. It’s not about dogma—it’s about presence.

Unraveling the Reiki Treatment Process

A Reiki treatment usually takes 45–60 minutes. You’ll remain fully clothed, either lying down or seated. The practitioner will place their hands lightly on or just above your body, using Reiki hand positions to move through energy centers, or chakras.

You may feel:

• Gentle warmth or tingling
• Subtle waves of emotion
• Visual imagery or colors
• A sensation of deep stillness

Some people fall asleep. Others cry. Some feel nothing at all—and still benefit. Reiki works beyond logic.

Benefits of Reiki: A Look at the Scientific Evidence

While Reiki is still being researched, there is growing evidence pointing to its benefits:

• A 2015 study published in Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine showed that Reiki significantly reduced anxiety and pain.
• The Cleveland Clinic and Johns Hopkins have incorporated Reiki into their integrative care programs.

Reported Reiki healing benefits include:

• Stress reduction
• Improved emotional resilience
• Faster recovery after surgery or illness
• Boosted immune function
• Support during cancer treatment

Preparing for Your First Reiki Session

If you’re new to Reiki, here’s what we suggest:

• Hydrate before and after
• Set an intention (ex: “I’m open to release what no longer serves me”)
• Wear comfortable clothing
• Avoid heavy meals or caffeine immediately beforehand
• Arrive a few minutes early to ground yourself

You don’t need to “do” anything in a Reiki session. Just allow. Your body knows how to receive.

Emotional and Mental Wellness Through Reiki

Many people turn to Reiki for physical healing, but stay for the emotional and mental clarity it brings. Reiki can:

• Ease symptoms of anxiety and depression
• Help with emotional processing and grief
• Improve self-regulation and mindfulness

Practicing self-Reiki or working with a Reiki master regularly can support long-term emotional balance and self-awareness.

Boost Your Immune System with Reiki

While Reiki should never replace medical care, it can complement your wellness routine by:

• Encouraging parasympathetic nervous system activation (rest and digest mode)
• Supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes
• Promoting better sleep, which is key to immune health

Think of Reiki as tuning your system—making sure energy, immunity, and clarity are flowing where they need to.

Common Misconceptions About Reiki

Let’s clear a few things up:

• Is Reiki nonsense? No, but it’s subtle. It’s not a quick fix, and it may feel different for everyone.
• Is Reiki spiritual or religious? Reiki is spiritual in nature, but not tied to any religion.
• Do you have to believe in it for it to work? Not at all. Reiki works like gravity—you don’t have to believe in it for it to exist.

It’s okay to come in skeptical. Many do—and leave changed.

Final Thoughts

Reiki meditation is both ancient and deeply relevant today. It invites you to slow down, listen inward, and restore balance—not just in your body, but in your whole being.

At OurWell, we love how Reiki gently shifts energy without force, judgment, or overwhelm. Whether you try a session out of curiosity or integrate it into your regular care, this form of energy work has the power to reframe how you view healing itself.

“Healing doesn’t mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls your life.”

If you’re feeling called, start by booking a session with a certified Reiki practitioner—or try placing your own hands over your heart and belly, breathing into stillness. You might be surprised by how much can shift when you simply allow.

Your energy is sacred. Tending to it is an act of devotion—and Reiki can help you return home to yourself.