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23 September 2026

What Is Reiki? A Beginner’s Guide to Reiki Healing

What Is Reiki? A Beginner’s Guide to Reiki Healing

If you've ever heard of Reiki but wondered what it actually is, you're not alone.

Reiki is an ancient art of healing and channeling. For some people, a Reiki session is a deeply relaxing experience; for others, it creates space to reflect and reconnect with themselves on an energetic level.

At Divine Align Healing, I use Reiki as part of a holistic approach to wellbeing, creating a calm space where you can slow down, turn your attention inward and simply take some time for yourself.

What does Reiki mean?

The word Reiki comes from the Japanese words 'rei', meaning universal or spiritual, and 'ki', meaning life-force energy.

The concept behind Reiki is that life-force energy flows through and around us. Reiki practitioners act as a channel for this energy, allowing it to flow through their hands during a treatment.

There are different traditions and ways of practising Reiki, but at the heart of a Reiki session is the intention to create a peaceful environment for relaxation and energetic wellbeing.

How does Reiki work?

During a Reiki treatment, I begin by taking a few moments to connect with the energy around me and set an intention for the session. I then call in Reiki energy from the universe before channelling it through my hands.

You may experience Reiki through gentle hands-on touch or with my hands held just above the body, depending on what feels appropriate for you.

You don't need to do anything during the treatment. There is no need to concentrate, meditate or "clear your mind". You can simply lie back, get comfortable and allow yourself to be present.

What happens during a Reiki session?

Your Reiki session begins before the energy work itself.

We start with a consultation, giving you the opportunity to talk about how you're feeling and anything you'd particularly like to focus on during your appointment.

You might choose an intention for your session, such as:

  • Feeling more grounded
  • Creating a sense of calm
  • Letting go of a stressful week
  • Making time for yourself
  • Reconnecting with yourself
  • Simply allowing yourself to rest

You'll then get comfortable on the treatment bed, fully clothed, and the Reiki treatment begins.

I work intuitively throughout the session, moving through different areas of the body and allowing the treatment to unfold naturally.

At the end, there is time to gently come back into the room and reflect on how you're feeling. Depending on the session, you may also have the opportunity to choose an oracle card as a final point of reflection.

There is no right or wrong way to experience Reiki.

What does Reiki feel like?

Everyone experiences Reiki differently.

Some people describe feeling warmth, tingling, heaviness or lightness. Others notice a sense of deep relaxation or simply enjoy having uninterrupted time to rest.

You might experience very little physically and still find the session calming and restorative.

You don't have to feel a particular sensation for Reiki to be a worthwhile experience. Every person's experience is individual, and there is no expectation to "feel" anything.

Do you have to believe in Reiki?

No.

You don't need to have a particular religious or spiritual belief system, or understand energy healing, before trying Reiki.

Some clients are very interested in spirituality and energy work, while others are simply curious or looking for a different way to relax.

You can approach a Reiki session with an open mind and simply see how the experience feels for you.

What are the benefits of Reiki?

People may choose Reiki because they want to:

  • Relax and unwind
  • Explore energy healing
  • Feel more grounded and present
  • Create space for reflection
  • Develop a deeper connection with themselves
  • Make their wellbeing more of a priority
  • Receive a deeper sense of clarity

It's important that Reiki shouldn't be used to diagnose, treat or cure medical conditions, and any health concerns should always be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional.

Is Reiki right for you?

You don't need to know anything about chakras, crystals, energy or spirituality to enjoy a Reiki treatment.

If you're curious, open-minded and would like to experience a different approach to relaxation and wellbeing, Reiki could be something worth exploring.

And if you're already interested in energy healing, Reiki can be a beautiful way to deepen your connection with yourself and your energy.

Ready to experience Reiki for yourself?

At Divine Align Healing, my Reiki sessions are designed to give you a calm space to slow down, reconnect and turn your attention inward.

If you've never experienced Reiki before, you're very welcome — I'll talk you through everything before we begin, so you know exactly what to expect.

Curious what a session feels like?

Send a note — I reply personally to every enquiry.

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