What is Reiki?

Originating in Japan, Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive practice that supports relaxation and wellbeing.

A practitioner uses light touch (or no touch) to help your nervous system settle and your body’s own healing processes function more smoothly.

Reiki isn’t a religion, and open skepticism is welcome.

Reiki is complementary and not a substitute for medical or mental health care. Many people use it alongside therapy, medicine, and other supports.

If you want a calm reset, gentle support during stress or transitions, or a quiet way to reconnect with yourself, Reiki may be a good fit.

The Session

Reiki is often experienced as a calming, restorative session. Many people notice reduced stress, improved sleep, emotional ease, or a sense of grounding. People’s experiences vary, and that’s perfectly normal.

Touch is not required (you can request “no-touch”)
You will remain fully clothed and can lay on your back or be seated, your preference
You can communicate needs or to stop at any point

Time/Place/Cost

Budget 55 mins total for a session (shorter sessions available by request)
Can be distance or in-person by special arrangement
Cost is currently donation-based

A Typical Astral Reiki Session

We’ll review your intention, preferences (music/no music), and boundaries (touch/no touch).
You’ll get into a comfortable position in a quiet, private space.
Practitioner’s role
- In-Person: I place hands lightly on/near specific areas of the body
- Distance: I will mentally send Reiki to where it is needed
You may feel warmth, tingling, heaviness, or simply deep relaxation.
We’ll close with a short debrief

Brief History

What does "Reiki" mean?

Reiki is typically written 霊気 (older form 靈氣) and is commonly explained as two parts:

霊 (rei): “spiritual,” “sacred,” “mysterious,” or “numinous”
気 (ki): “vital energy,” “life force,” or “breath/energy”

In Japanese usage, 霊気 can also mean a mysterious or spiritual “atmosphere/emanation” (a “sense of the sacred”)

Reiki is the term used for universal life force cosmic energy, the same that the concepts of shakti, prana, chi/qi, axé, and divine love, spirit, all refer to.

The reiki practitioner is simply the empty vessel inviting this energy to be of service to the recipient.

Reiki energy is intelligent in its action, working where it is needed for the highest good, and nothing else.

Origins

Modern reiki is attributed to Sensei Mikao Usui. He is said to have practiced the traditional Japanese martial arts of Aiki Jutsu and Daitō-ryū from a young age, mastering grappling and weaponry.

In 1922, Usui embarked on a 21-day fast while atop Mount Kurama. During his meditation, he had a profound spiritual experience during which he received Reiki attunement and the ability to transmit it to others.

Reiki was first introduced to the U.S. by one of Usui’s students who brought it to Hawaii in 1937.

Gokai - The 5 Precepts

The guiding principles of reiki are encapsulated by the following, as written by Usui Sensei (roughly translated to English)

Just for today:
Do Not Anger
Do Not Worry
Be Humble
Be Honest in Your Work
Be Compassionate to Yourself and Others

Each practitioner learns to recite this daily and live by its message.