Does Reiki Really Work?
But does it reaaaally?
If you’ve ever questioned it, you’re not alone. Even I have but I am lived experience of it’s power and will vouch for the power of Reiki forever and ever!!
It can sound a bit woo-woo, so Reiki often raises eyebrows among those unfamiliar with energy healing or anything spiritual for that matter. Yet, for many who experience it, the effects are undeniable, a deep sense of calm, emotional release, clarity, and sometimes even physical relief. My first ever Reiki session I felt like I was walking on clouds, like nothing could ever pull me down from that high.
So, what’s really happening during a Reiki session but more importantly, does it actually work?
What is Reiki, really?
Reiki is a Japanese energy healing practice that channels universal life force energy (Reiki) through the hands, either with light touch, just above the body or across the world. It’s all around us all the time and Reiki practitioners can tap into this to heal others. The goal is to balance the energy field, clear blockages, and support the body’s natural healing abilities.
It’s not tied to a specific religion or belief system. Instead, it works in harmony with the body’s own energetic rhythm. Reiki doesn’t claim to "cure". it supports, restores, and realigns. Reiki energy goes where it’s needed to go, it’s not forced, it just knows. You don’t even have to believe in it 100% but you need to be open to it.
The Science and the Subtle
While energy healing isn’t easy to measure in a lab, more and more studies are exploring Reiki’s effects. Research has shown that Reiki can:
Lower stress and anxiety
Promote relaxation
Reduce pain perception
Improve mood and emotional wellbeing
Even in hospital settings, Reiki is now being used as a complementary therapy alongside traditional treatments particularly in cancer care, surgery recovery, and palliative support. While science may not fully explain how Reiki works, the results speak for themselves.
Personal Experience Matters
Reiki is subtle. It’s not always loud or dramatic but its impact is deeply personal. Some clients report:
A sense of being “lighter” after a session
Release of long-held emotions
Visions, colours, or sensations during the session
Deeper sleep and clarity in the days that follow
A gentle but powerful shift in mood or mindset
And for others? It may just feel like the most peaceful hour they’ve had in months. That alone is powerful and if you’re used to the hustle and bustle of busy Sydney city life, it can be much needed.
The Power of Energy Awareness
We often forget that we are energetic beings. We feel it when we walk into a room and pick up tension. We feel it when someone drains us, or lifts us. Reiki simply works with this energy intentionally.
Does it work? Yes, if you’re open to it.
Reiki might not be a quick fix but it offers something deeper, a space to reconnect, rest, and let your body and spirit recalibrate. Whether you're healing from stress, grief, or simply feeling out of balance, Reiki can be a powerful support.
Still curious? The best way to understand Reiki is to experience it for yourself.