Commonly Asked Questions About Reiki: Your Guide to Healing Energy
- Srimanju Katragadda
- Apr 18
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 22
I’ve been buzzing with excitement to share the healing practices that light me up. One of those is Reiki, a gentle yet powerful energy healing modality that’s been a cornerstone of my work. Whether you’re curious about trying Reiki for the first time or looking to deepen your practice, you likely have questions. Let’s dive into the most commonly asked ones to help you feel informed, inspired, and ready to explore this beautiful path of healing.
“The wound is the place where the light enters you.” – Rumi
What Is Reiki?
Reiki, pronounced “ray-kee,” is a Japanese healing technique that channels universal life force energy to promote balance, relaxation, and well-being. The word itself comes from two Japanese terms: Rei (universal or spiritual) and Ki (life energy). Think of it as a way to tap into the same energy that flows through all living things—plants, animals, you, and me. A Reiki practitioner acts as a conduit, gently guiding this energy to you through light touch or hovering hands, helping your body and mind find harmony.
It’s not tied to any religion or dogma, and you don’t need to “believe” in it for it to work. It’s like sunlight warming your skin—gentle, natural, and available to everyone. Reiki supports your body’s innate ability to heal, making it a perfect complement to other wellness practices or medical treatments.
“Reiki is love, love is wholeness, wholeness is balance, balance is well-being, well-being is freedom from disease. – Dr. Mikao Usui (Founder of Usui Reiki)
How Does Reiki Work?
Reiki works on the principle that energy flows through us, and when it’s blocked or out of balance, we may feel stressed, sick, or disconnected. By channeling universal energy, Reiki helps clear these blockages, restoring flow to your physical, emotional, and spiritual self. Imagine it like clearing a clogged riverbed so the water can run freely again.
During a session, the practitioner places their hands on or just above specific areas of your body (like the head, heart, or stomach), often following the body’s energy centers (chakras). This process is deeply relaxing, activating your parasympathetic nervous system—the “rest and digest” mode that helps your body heal. The energy goes where it’s needed most, guided by intuition and your body’s wisdom, not the practitioner’s agenda.
How Do I Find the Right Reiki Practitioner?
Finding a Reiki practitioner who feels like a good fit is key to a meaningful experience. Here are some tips to guide you:
Check Credentials: Look for someone trained in a recognized Reiki lineage (like Usui Reiki, Tera Mai the most common form). They should have completed at least Reiki Level 1 and 2 for in-person sessions, with Level 3 (Master) for teaching or advanced work.
Read Reviews: Websites, social media, or community boards often have testimonials. Look for feedback about the practitioner’s warmth, professionalism, and ability to create a safe space.
Trust Your Intuition: Meet or talk with the practitioner beforehand. Do they listen well? Do you feel comfortable? A good practitioner radiates kindness and authenticity.
Ask About Experience: How long have they practiced? Do they specialize in areas like stress relief, emotional healing, or physical pain? Some practitioners blend Reiki with other modalities, like Crystals, Seichem Reiki, energy cleansing, chakra balancing, sound healing, which might resonate with you.
Local or Online: Reiki can be done in person or remotely (distance Reiki). If you prefer hands-on, search for local practitioners through wellness centers or holistic directories. For distance sessions, ensure they explain how it works
Questions to Ask a Reiki Practitioner
Before booking a session, feel empowered to ask questions to ensure you’re aligned. Here are some good ones:
What is your training background, and which Reiki lineage do you follow?
How do you prepare for a session, and what’s your approach to energy work?
Can you describe what a typical session with you looks like?
Do you offer in-person, distance, or both types of sessions?
How do you handle clients with specific needs (e.g., chronic pain, emotional trauma, or medical conditions)?
What should I do to prepare for the session, and how can I integrate the experience afterward?
Are there any follow-up options, like multiple sessions or check-ins?
Be curious if they are investing in their own journey.
A trustworthy practitioner will welcome these questions and answer with clarity and care.
What to Expect While Receiving Reiki?
A Reiki session is like a warm, soothing pause from the world. Here’s what typically happens:
Setting: You’ll lie down (fully clothed) on a massage table or sit in a chair in a calm, quiet space. Soft music, candles, or aromatherapy might enhance the vibe.
Process: The practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above your body, moving through positions (head, shoulders, heart, etc.) for 3–5 minutes each. Sessions last 45–90 minutes (depending on each practice set up).
Sensations: You might feel warmth, tingling, or gentle pulsing where the practitioner’s hands are. Some see colors, feel emotions rise, or simply drift into deep relaxation. Others feel nothing specific—and that’s okay! The energy works regardless.
Experience: It’s common to feel like you’re floating or even fall asleep. The practitioner will ensure you feel safe and supported throughout.
Every session is unique, so go in with an open mind, ready to receive whatever your body needs.
What to Expect After a Reiki Session?
After a session, you might feel like you’ve just had a long, restorative nap—or you might feel energized and clear. Here’s what’s common:
Immediate Effects: Deep calm, reduced stress, or emotional lightness. Some feel warmth or a “buzz” of energy.
Processing: Emotions or memories might surface as energy shifts. This is normal—journaling or resting can help you integrate.
Physical Responses: Better sleep, improved digestion, or temporary tiredness as your body releases tension. Drink water to support this process.
Over Days/Weeks: Increased clarity, emotional balance, or even subtle shifts in perspective. Multiple sessions often deepen these effects.
Rarely, some feel a brief “healing response” (like mild fatigue or emotional sensitivity) as stuck energy moves. This usually passes within a day or two. Check in with your practitioner if you’re unsure.
“The Reiki principles are spiritual guidelines that help us navigate life with grace and compassion, reminding us to be kind to ourselves and others." – Hawayo Takata (Reiki Master who brought Reiki to the West)
What Does Reiki Help With, and What Can Be Treated?
Reiki is a holistic practice that supports your whole being—body, mind, and spirit. It doesn’t “treat” conditions like medicine does but promotes balance that can ease a wide range of issues:
Emotional: Stress, anxiety, grief, or emotional overwhelm. It can help you feel grounded and clear.
Physical: Chronic pain, tension, fatigue, or sleep issues. It’s often used alongside medical treatments to ease side effects (e.g., surgeries, chemotherapy discomfort).
Mental: Mental fog, indecision, or lack of focus. Reiki can sharpen your clarity and intuition.
Spiritual: Feeling disconnected or lost. It fosters a deeper connection to yourself and the universe.
Reiki can complement medical care for conditions like chronic illness, cancer, fibromyalgia, or depression, but it’s not a substitute for professional treatment.
Always consult your doctor for medical concerns. For example, in my practice, I’ve seen Reiki bring calm to those navigating health challenges, offering a space to rest and reconnect with their inner strength.
Can anyone receive Reiki even with no physical health challenges?
Yes, anyone can receive Reiki, regardless of physical health status. Reiki, a Japanese energy-healing practice, channels universal life force to promote balance, relaxation, and well-being, making it suitable for those without health challenges. It’s not just for treating ailments but for enhancing emotional, mental, and spiritual harmony—aligning with your text’s theme of transforming restlessness and low motivation into growth.
Why Is This Energy Healing Effective?
Reiki’s effectiveness lies in its simplicity and universality. Here’s why it works for so many:
Activates Relaxation: By engaging the parasympathetic nervous system (“rest and digest”), Reiki lowers stress hormones, helping your body heal naturally.
Holistic Approach: It addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual layers, not just one aspect of you.
Personalized Energy: The energy flows where you need it most, guided by your body’s wisdom, not a rigid protocol.
Safe and Gentle: Non-invasive and adaptable, it’s safe for all ages and conditions, with no side effects.
Scientific Support: While energy healing is hard to measure, studies (like those in Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine) show Reiki reduces pain, anxiety, and fatigue, often by promoting relaxation and emotional balance.
Ultimately, Reiki reminds you that you are the medicine—your body knows how to heal when given the space to do so.
I hope I answered some questions and if you have further do let me know.
Peer-Reviewed Studies and Systematic Reviews
McManus, D. E. (2017). Reiki Is Better Than Placebo and Has Broad Potential as a Complementary Health Therapy.
Whether you’re seeking calm, healing, or a deeper connection to yourself, Reiki is a beautiful way to tap into your inner light. If you’re curious, reach out to a practitioner, join a workshop, or simply start with a moment of deep breathing to feel that universal energy within you.
What’s calling you to explore Reiki? Drop a comment or message me—I’d love to hear your thoughts and guide you on this journey. Let’s awaken the healing vibration together.
Ready to book a session or a discovery call - https://www.srimanju.com/book-online.
It will be my honor to hold space for you and your loved ones.
Feeling called to explore specific tools or practices? My Workshops, circles, and meditation groups offer a rich tapestry of options. Browse the links below to see if any resonate with your current needs.
I offer a range of services, including Reiki healing, Akashic Record readings, women's Cacao Ceremonies, Meditations, and guidance for individuals and groups. If you're looking for support on your journey of spiritual growth and self-discovery, I invite you to explore my website or contact me directly.
I would be honored to support you on your path to healing and enlightenment.
Remember, there is no right or wrong way to awaken, and the most important thing is to be open to the process and to trust your intuition.
Namasté & Angel Blessings,
Srimanju Katragadda
Contact Information:
Mobile: Call/Text/WhatsApp +1 425 697 0988
Email: info@srimanju.com
Website: www.srimanju.com
Connect with me online:
Buy my book - https://tinyurl.com/dhn2hyhz
Podcast – Life is Magical Youtube: https://bit.ly/2WyxWJl
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ExperienceHealing
Comentarios