No. Reiki is not part of any religion. Many cultures acknowledge the idea of a life-force energy. In China it is called “chi.” In Japan, it is called “qi.” In India, it is called “prana.” Reiki works within your energy field somewhat along the lines of other holistic modalities such as acupuncture, reflexology, or cranial sacral therapy.

The most common reaction is to feel incredibly relaxed. The energy has a subtle gentleness that is somehow familiar and completely natural. You may find yourself drifting into a daydream, or even dozing off. Enjoy it. After the session is complete and you return to your everyday life, you may notice a feeling of freshness, sudden intuitive insights, an improved ability to manage stress, or an inexplicable lifting of mental fog.

Reiki is gentle and non-intrusive, so it is safe for everyone. Many people seek Reiki for relaxation and stress relief. Because it is such an effective stress-buster, you may find that it reduces physical symptoms brought on by or made worse by stress. Reiki treatments are also sought after for emotional and spiritual balancing.

Some benefit is often felt right away. If we’re focusing on some specific issues, I recommend four sessions.

Coming into an office for an in-person reiki or crystal healing is a great experience. But these energies can be just as effective when done over a distance. I’ve been on the receiving end of this myself and it was just as wonderfully effective as if it were done in person.

Reiki practitioners receive attunements that are passed down from teacher to student. My attunement lineage is that of the Usui Shiki Ryoho tradition. It can be traced back to to Mikao Usui who developed the practice back in 1937.