What is reiki?
Science shows that all living things have energy within them that serves as their life force. This life force can be traced all the way down to the mitochondria in our cells; even the ripples of energy created by a thought. Energy connects all of us, it can be found everywhere and cannot be created nor destroyed. We share our energy in many forms, whether it be through the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide with our fellow plant life or the flow of emotions with the people around us. Our memories and experiences shape us and are stored in our tissues, affecting our physical and emotional balance. Rei-ki translates to "universal life energy" and is an ancient practice where the therapist is trained and tuned to be able to channel universal energy to clear the biofield, restoring the balance of our energetic, physical, and spiritual well-being. As this form of Eastern medicine continues to gain recognition in Western Medicine, you can find reiki practitioners anywhere from city hospitals to religious temples and private homes all over the world.
Benefits of Reiki
- Creates a stronger connection between the mind and the body
- Nourishes the body's natural healing systems
- Reduces stress and Cortisol levels
- Complementary treatment for Cancer, Alzheimer, Arthritis and so much more
- Promotes relaxation and the parasympathetic nervous system
- Relieves symptoms of chronic illness
- Aligns your Chakras
- Helps to treat depression and anxiety
- Improves heart health
- Reduces chronic pain
- Strengthens healthy connections with your environment
- Releases energy blocks and stagnation
- Can help heal past traumas
- Improves mental well-being
- Creates balance of the mind and body
- Adjusts the lens through which we view world
- Activates a liminal state of awareness- altered consciousness
*Please take a look at the resources and collection of research articles from medical journals listed at the end of this page.
How Reiki Works
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The body has currents of energy that run through it, and many modalities of healing seek to understand and define what those currents are and how we can help heal them when they're blocked. This flow of energy - defined in Chinese medicine as "meridians" and by the Yoga Vedas as "chakras"- can have circulation and stagnation problems in the same way that our cardiovascular, lymphatic and the majority of our physiological systems can experience stagnation. Those who practice energy healing whether just in their home or professionally are constantly reminded and surprised by the interconnectedness of our health and the circuit of energies that run through it. The correlation between energy blocks and physical pain and illness can be felt all over the body.
Reiki emerged in Japan in the late 1800's as a technique to channel universal life energy to help clear these energetic blocks and pools of stagnation through the practitioner into the patient for deep healing. The practitioner is trained to feel energetic imbalances through a technique called "bio-scanning" before laying their hands upon or hovering their hands above the patient. Practitioners will hold their hands in positions over the client while using meditative methods that allow the practitioner to be a conduit for healing energy. Many Reiki practitioners will bring other modalities of energy healing into their practice, often mixing and matching techniques to address specific problems. These techniques may include guided meditations, crystal therapy, massage therapy, aromatherapy, neurolinguistic programming techniques, smudging, herbalism, prayer or card reading. We are finding reiki practitioners in every lifestyle today, from hospitals and doctors offices to churches and synagogues to wellness and rehabilitation centers. Energy healing has withstood the test of time and taps into a realm of science, quantum physics, where we find the ultimate mysteries of life on Earth. We've been able to channel energy into technology, yet our own energetic systems and connections to the universe we live in seem impossible to grasp. Reiki practitioners and energy healers embrace this mystery and act to harmonize patients within themselves and the world around them.
Reiki emerged in Japan in the late 1800's as a technique to channel universal life energy to help clear these energetic blocks and pools of stagnation through the practitioner into the patient for deep healing. The practitioner is trained to feel energetic imbalances through a technique called "bio-scanning" before laying their hands upon or hovering their hands above the patient. Practitioners will hold their hands in positions over the client while using meditative methods that allow the practitioner to be a conduit for healing energy. Many Reiki practitioners will bring other modalities of energy healing into their practice, often mixing and matching techniques to address specific problems. These techniques may include guided meditations, crystal therapy, massage therapy, aromatherapy, neurolinguistic programming techniques, smudging, herbalism, prayer or card reading. We are finding reiki practitioners in every lifestyle today, from hospitals and doctors offices to churches and synagogues to wellness and rehabilitation centers. Energy healing has withstood the test of time and taps into a realm of science, quantum physics, where we find the ultimate mysteries of life on Earth. We've been able to channel energy into technology, yet our own energetic systems and connections to the universe we live in seem impossible to grasp. Reiki practitioners and energy healers embrace this mystery and act to harmonize patients within themselves and the world around them.
How to experience reiki energy healing
Make sure to ask plenty of questions, such as how long the practitioner has been in practice and where they received training. Like mentioned above, many practitioners can bring other modalities into their sessions and some bring religious elements such as prayer into sessions as well. Make sure you are aware of the techniques involved and comfortable. Remember, finding an energy healer is the same process you've experienced finding a service provider in any profession. Some will be a great fit while others not so much.
Make sure to drink plenty of water before and after your session. It is encouraged to try to eat healthy around your sessions and to maybe bring a notebook with you to jot down your experience and what you are taking away. Reiki sessions can leave you simply feeling a release in stress or can serve as profound turning points of wellness for patients. Tucking reiki sessions into a regular schedule and wellness routine is encouraged with patients to see extended results and enhance overall health and preventative care.
If you find yourself in Connecticut, come give Reiki a try in the Grow Wellness Center in Ridgefield! You can experience Reiki energy healing sessions as well as Reiki Journeys that mix Reiki, massage therapy, aromatherapy, herbalism, sound therapy and CBD to create other-worldly healing experiences. Check out our sessions HERE. Check out our Journeys HERE. Book your session HERE
Make sure to drink plenty of water before and after your session. It is encouraged to try to eat healthy around your sessions and to maybe bring a notebook with you to jot down your experience and what you are taking away. Reiki sessions can leave you simply feeling a release in stress or can serve as profound turning points of wellness for patients. Tucking reiki sessions into a regular schedule and wellness routine is encouraged with patients to see extended results and enhance overall health and preventative care.
If you find yourself in Connecticut, come give Reiki a try in the Grow Wellness Center in Ridgefield! You can experience Reiki energy healing sessions as well as Reiki Journeys that mix Reiki, massage therapy, aromatherapy, herbalism, sound therapy and CBD to create other-worldly healing experiences. Check out our sessions HERE. Check out our Journeys HERE. Book your session HERE
Practitioner Side Note
I wanted to share a few correlations I have noticed with energy healing, just in case any of these ring true for you and encourage you to try energy healing:
-Energy blocks of sexual trauma in the solar plexus above the belly button affecting abdominal circulation, inflammation and digestive system.
-Past trauma, rejection or deception creating energy stagnation in the heart area and affecting heart health and respiratory system.
-Chronic stress and anxiety blocks in the throat, third eye and crown chakras correlating with neck pain and migraines
-Resentment, grief, and anger creating stagnation in energy in all of the chakras correlating with chronic pain and illness
-Inner sense of stability and root chakra stagnation correlating with health problems that result from overdependence on outside influences such as food, drugs, or people.
-Energy blocks of sexual trauma in the solar plexus above the belly button affecting abdominal circulation, inflammation and digestive system.
-Past trauma, rejection or deception creating energy stagnation in the heart area and affecting heart health and respiratory system.
-Chronic stress and anxiety blocks in the throat, third eye and crown chakras correlating with neck pain and migraines
-Resentment, grief, and anger creating stagnation in energy in all of the chakras correlating with chronic pain and illness
-Inner sense of stability and root chakra stagnation correlating with health problems that result from overdependence on outside influences such as food, drugs, or people.
Learning to Practice reiki
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Every single person can benefit from learning how to channel reiki energy, children included! Whether you are looking to practice on yourself and your family or are looking to practice professionally or integrate it into your career in other ways, Reiki is one of the most beautiful and useful skills to have on hand. Make sure that you find a seasoned Reiki Master that you resonate with to train you in this healing art, ask as many questions as you need to before signing up.
Grow Wellness hosts Reiki Certification Retreats in our Sanctuary, which include a Reiki manual, a gift from your Reiki Master, your certificate and a vegan lunch from a local vegan eatery! Learn more about our Reiki Certification Retreats here. Upcoming Reiki Certification Retreats at Grow Wellness: REIKI 1 - A DIVE INTO REIKI ENERGY HEALING: 1/27/25 REIKI 2 - TRANSCENDING TIME AND SPACE WITH ENERGY HEALING: 4/20/25 REIKI MASTER - DIVINE ONENESS: COMING SOON (Vegan Lunch included for all Reiki Certification Courses!) |
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Research Articles from Medical Journals about Effectiveness of reiki
A Large-Scale Effectiveness Trial of Reiki for Physical and Psychological Health
-Dyer NL, Baldwin AL, Rand WL. A Large-Scale Effectiveness Trial of Reiki for Physical and Psychological Health. J Altern Complement Med. 2019;25(12):1156‐1162. doi:10.1089/acm.2019.0022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31638407/
Positive effects of Reiki on depression and anxiety
-Shore. A. G. 2004. Long term effects of energetic healing on symptoms of psychological depression and self-perceived stress. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine.
-Vitale, A.T. and P.C. O'Conner 2006. The effect of Reiki on pain and anxiety in women with abdominal hysterectomies. Holistic Nursing Practice
-Vergo MT, Pinkson BM, Broglio K, Li Z, Tosteson TD. Immediate Symptom Relief After a First Session of Massage Therapy or Reiki in Hospitalized Patients: A 5-Year Clinical Experience from a Rural Academic Medical Center. J Altern Complement Med. 2018 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29620922/
-Richeson, Nancy E et al. “Effects of Reiki on anxiety, depression, pain, and physiological factors in community-dwelling older adults.” Research in gerontological nursing vol. 3,3 (2010)
Reiki positively impacts chronic pain and illness
-Dressin, L.J and S. Singg. 1998. Effects of Reiki on pain and selected affective and personality variables of chronically ill patients. Subtle Energies and Energy Medicine.
-Vergo MT, Pinkson BM, Broglio K, Li Z, Tosteson TD. Immediate Symptom Relief After a First Session of Massage Therapy or Reiki in Hospitalized Patients: A 5-Year Clinical Experience from a Rural Academic Medical Center. J Altern Complement Med. 2018. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29620922/
-Gantt, MeLisa, and Judy Ann T Orina. “Educate, Try, and Share: A Feasibility Study to Assess the Acceptance and Use of Reiki as an Adjunct Therapy for Chronic Pain in Military Health Care Facilities.” Military medicine vol. 185,3-4 (2020)
-Demir Doğan, Melike. “The effect of reiki on pain: A meta-analysis.” Complementary therapies in clinical practice vol. 31 (2018)
-Richeson, Nancy E et al. “Effects of Reiki on anxiety, depression, pain, and physiological factors in community-dwelling older adults.” Research in gerontological nursing vol. 3,3 (2010)
Studies find Reiki reduces stress, cortisol and heals cellular damage mediated by stress
-Baldwin, A.L. and G.E. Schwartz. 2006. Personal interaction with a Reiki practitioner decreases noise-induced microvascular damage in an animal model. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
-Bukowski EL. The use of self-Reiki for stress reduction and relaxation. J Integr Med. 2015
-Bremner MN, Blake BJ, Wagner VD, Pearcey SM. Effects of Reiki With Music Compared to Music Only Among People Living With HIV. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care. 2016
Studies find Reiki to be a healing complementary therapy for cancer
-Tsang KL, Carlson LE, Olson K. Pilot crossover trial of Reiki versus rest for treating cancer-related fatigue. Integr Cancer Ther. 2007
-Birocco, Nadia et al. “The effects of Reiki therapy on pain and anxiety in patients attending a day oncology and infusion services unit.” The American journal of hospice & palliative care vol. 29,4 (2012)
-Marcus, Dawn A et al. “Symptomatic improvement reported after receiving Reiki at a cancer infusion center.” The American journal of hospice & palliative care vol. 30,2 (2013)
Reiki helps to improve heart health
-Baldwin, A.L., C. Wagners, and G.E. Schwartz. 2008. Reiki improves heart rate homeostasis in laboratory rats. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
-Friedman, R.S.C., M.M. Burg, P. Miles, F. Lee, and R. Lampert. 2010. Effects of Reiki on autonomic activity early after acute coronary syndrome. Journal of the American College of Cardiology
Reiki succeeds as complementary therapy for Alzheimer's Disease
-Crawford, S.E., V.W. Leaver, and S.D. Mahoney. 2006. Using Reiki to decrease memory and behavior problems in mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's Disease. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
Reiki Increases overall well-being and alters state of consciousness
-Bukowski, Elaine L. “The use of self-Reiki for stress reduction and relaxation.” Journal of integrative medicine vol. 13,5 (2015)
-Billot, Maxime et al. “Reiki therapy for pain, anxiety and quality of life.” BMJ supportive & palliative care vol. 9,4 (2019)
-Engebretson, Joan, and Diane Wind Wardell. “Experience of a Reiki session.” Alternative therapies in health and medicine vol. 8,2 (2002): 48-53.
Additional sites to check out!
https://www.one-mind-one-energy.com/energy.html
http://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/health-benefits-of-reiki/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/308772.php
http://www.centerforreikiresearch.org/
-Dyer NL, Baldwin AL, Rand WL. A Large-Scale Effectiveness Trial of Reiki for Physical and Psychological Health. J Altern Complement Med. 2019;25(12):1156‐1162. doi:10.1089/acm.2019.0022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31638407/
Positive effects of Reiki on depression and anxiety
-Shore. A. G. 2004. Long term effects of energetic healing on symptoms of psychological depression and self-perceived stress. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine.
-Vitale, A.T. and P.C. O'Conner 2006. The effect of Reiki on pain and anxiety in women with abdominal hysterectomies. Holistic Nursing Practice
-Vergo MT, Pinkson BM, Broglio K, Li Z, Tosteson TD. Immediate Symptom Relief After a First Session of Massage Therapy or Reiki in Hospitalized Patients: A 5-Year Clinical Experience from a Rural Academic Medical Center. J Altern Complement Med. 2018 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29620922/
-Richeson, Nancy E et al. “Effects of Reiki on anxiety, depression, pain, and physiological factors in community-dwelling older adults.” Research in gerontological nursing vol. 3,3 (2010)
Reiki positively impacts chronic pain and illness
-Dressin, L.J and S. Singg. 1998. Effects of Reiki on pain and selected affective and personality variables of chronically ill patients. Subtle Energies and Energy Medicine.
-Vergo MT, Pinkson BM, Broglio K, Li Z, Tosteson TD. Immediate Symptom Relief After a First Session of Massage Therapy or Reiki in Hospitalized Patients: A 5-Year Clinical Experience from a Rural Academic Medical Center. J Altern Complement Med. 2018. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29620922/
-Gantt, MeLisa, and Judy Ann T Orina. “Educate, Try, and Share: A Feasibility Study to Assess the Acceptance and Use of Reiki as an Adjunct Therapy for Chronic Pain in Military Health Care Facilities.” Military medicine vol. 185,3-4 (2020)
-Demir Doğan, Melike. “The effect of reiki on pain: A meta-analysis.” Complementary therapies in clinical practice vol. 31 (2018)
-Richeson, Nancy E et al. “Effects of Reiki on anxiety, depression, pain, and physiological factors in community-dwelling older adults.” Research in gerontological nursing vol. 3,3 (2010)
Studies find Reiki reduces stress, cortisol and heals cellular damage mediated by stress
-Baldwin, A.L. and G.E. Schwartz. 2006. Personal interaction with a Reiki practitioner decreases noise-induced microvascular damage in an animal model. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
-Bukowski EL. The use of self-Reiki for stress reduction and relaxation. J Integr Med. 2015
-Bremner MN, Blake BJ, Wagner VD, Pearcey SM. Effects of Reiki With Music Compared to Music Only Among People Living With HIV. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care. 2016
Studies find Reiki to be a healing complementary therapy for cancer
-Tsang KL, Carlson LE, Olson K. Pilot crossover trial of Reiki versus rest for treating cancer-related fatigue. Integr Cancer Ther. 2007
-Birocco, Nadia et al. “The effects of Reiki therapy on pain and anxiety in patients attending a day oncology and infusion services unit.” The American journal of hospice & palliative care vol. 29,4 (2012)
-Marcus, Dawn A et al. “Symptomatic improvement reported after receiving Reiki at a cancer infusion center.” The American journal of hospice & palliative care vol. 30,2 (2013)
Reiki helps to improve heart health
-Baldwin, A.L., C. Wagners, and G.E. Schwartz. 2008. Reiki improves heart rate homeostasis in laboratory rats. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
-Friedman, R.S.C., M.M. Burg, P. Miles, F. Lee, and R. Lampert. 2010. Effects of Reiki on autonomic activity early after acute coronary syndrome. Journal of the American College of Cardiology
Reiki succeeds as complementary therapy for Alzheimer's Disease
-Crawford, S.E., V.W. Leaver, and S.D. Mahoney. 2006. Using Reiki to decrease memory and behavior problems in mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's Disease. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
Reiki Increases overall well-being and alters state of consciousness
-Bukowski, Elaine L. “The use of self-Reiki for stress reduction and relaxation.” Journal of integrative medicine vol. 13,5 (2015)
-Billot, Maxime et al. “Reiki therapy for pain, anxiety and quality of life.” BMJ supportive & palliative care vol. 9,4 (2019)
-Engebretson, Joan, and Diane Wind Wardell. “Experience of a Reiki session.” Alternative therapies in health and medicine vol. 8,2 (2002): 48-53.
Additional sites to check out!
https://www.one-mind-one-energy.com/energy.html
http://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/health-benefits-of-reiki/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/308772.php
http://www.centerforreikiresearch.org/