Reiki FAQ

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a Japanese healing practice that involves the laying of hands to transfer life force energy. The word "Reiki" comes from two Japanese words: "Rei" meaning "universal" and "Ki" meaning "life force energy." Reiki is believed to have originated as a Buddhist practice before being introduced to Japan in the late 1800s by Dr. Mikao Usui.

In a Reiki session, a trained practitioner gently places their hands on or near specific areas of your body, channeling energy to promote balance and harmony. Reiki works to relax the body, reduce stress, alleviate pain, and support your body’s natural healing processes. While Reiki is non-invasive, it can be used alongside traditional medical treatments to enhance overall well-being.

How do you pronounce Reiki?

In Japanese, Reiki is pronounced closer to "Lay-kee" or "Leh-kee," reflecting the softer, blended sound of the Japanese "R," which is different from the English "R" sound. However, in English-speaking countries, it is commonly pronounced "Ray-kee."

Both pronunciations are understood, but using the original Japanese pronunciation honors Reiki’s roots.

What does a Reiki session look and feel like?

A Reiki session is a calming and restorative experience. During your session, you will remain fully clothed, either lying on a massage table or sitting comfortably. The practitioner will gently place their hands on or near specific areas of your body to facilitate the flow of Reiki energy. You may feel sensations such as warmth, tingling, or deep relaxation, but many people simply experience a sense of calm.

The length of a session can vary based on your needs. Shortened 20-minute sessions focus on specific areas of tension or discomfort, offering a quick yet effective boost of energy. Longer 45-minute sessions allow for a deeper, more thorough relaxation and healing experience. Whether you choose a shorter or longer session, you can expect to leave feeling centered, rejuvenated, and at peace.

Can Reiki replace medical treatments?

Reiki is not a replacement for medical treatments. It is a complementary healing practice that works alongside conventional medical care. While Reiki can help improve symptoms and alleviate emotional stress related to medical conditions, it should not be seen as a substitute for professional medical treatment. It is always advisable to continue your prescribed medical treatments while incorporating Reiki into your healing journey.

What can Reiki help with, and can it support anxiety or depression?

Reiki can gently support a wide range of physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Many people turn to Reiki to help reduce stress, ease physical discomfort, restore emotional balance, and deepen their sense of inner peace. It encourages relaxation and creates space for the body and mind to begin healing naturally.

While Reiki is not a replacement for medical or mental health care, it can be a meaningful complement, especially for those experiencing anxiety, depression, or emotional challenges. By calming the nervous system and promoting a sense of safety and stillness, Reiki may help ease emotional overwhelm and support your overall well-being.

How should I prepare for a Reiki session?

Preparing for a Reiki session can help you get the most out of your experience. Here are a few simple tips:

• Stay hydrated: Drinking water before your session supports your body’s natural energy flow and helps it respond more openly to Reiki.

• Wear comfortable clothing: Choose loose-fitting clothes that allow you to relax fully. Avoid tight or restrictive clothing, as it can create tension in the body and limit the flow of energy.

• Set an intention: Take a moment to reflect on why you're receiving Reiki. Whether you're seeking emotional healing, stress relief, or clarity, having a clear intention can deepen the experience. This simple act of mindfulness helps align your energy and creates space for transformation.

Remember, Reiki meets you where you are. You don’t need to do anything perfectly, just come with an open heart and mind.

Can Reiki be done from a distance?

Absolutely! Reiki is a life force. It exists everywhere, outside of our visual awareness, but is real and tangible.  Because Reiki is everywhere, there is no need to be physically present  with a Reiki practitioner. Reiki practitioners are taught how to move  energy through  time and space to be where and when it is needed.  While Reiki sessions in person are more personal and relaxing,  there is no difference in the quality of Reiki received from a distance or in person.

How do distance Reiki sessions work?

Distance Reiki sessions are thoughtfully designed to provide the same healing benefits as in-person sessions, without needing to be in the same physical space. Reiki practitioners are trained to connect with your energy through intention and focus, allowing them to send healing energy across time and space.

Before your session, you and your practitioner will typically agree on a time and method of connection — this may be through a phone call, video chat, or simply a quiet time when you relax in a comfortable space while the practitioner sends Reiki remotely. You may be asked to set an intention, find a peaceful environment, and allow yourself to rest during the session.

Many people report feeling sensations similar to in-person Reiki, such as warmth, tingling, or a deep sense of calm. Just like traditional sessions, your body will receive the energy where it's most needed, supporting your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Is Reiki a religion?

No, Reiki is not a religion. It is a spiritual healing practice that focuses on balancing the body's energy. Although Reiki has roots in Buddhist spiritual traditions, it is not practiced as a religion and does not require any specific beliefs, rituals, or religious affiliation. People of all backgrounds and faiths can receive and benefit from Reiki.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of Reiki sessions needed varies from person to person. Some people notice positive changes after just one or two sessions, while others find ongoing sessions to be the most supportive for their overall well-being.

Your needs may depend on whether you're addressing a specific concern, going through a period of stress, or simply looking to maintain balance in your life. During your initial session, your Reiki practitioner can help you understand what may be most helpful and offer guidance on a schedule that fits your goals.

Ultimately, Reiki is a flexible and gentle practice, you can receive it as often or as little as feels right for you.

Is Reiki safe for everyone?

Yes, Reiki is safe for everyone. It is a non-invasive, gentle healing practice that complements traditional medical care. Many healthcare professionals recognize the benefits of Reiki as a supportive therapy during medical treatments. Reiki works by channeling life force energy into the body, allowing your own system to use the energy where it is needed most. Because Reiki is self-regulated by your body’s natural healing processes, you cannot receive too much Reiki — it always works in harmony with your needs. 

Will I feel anything during a Reiki session?

Everyone experiences Reiki differently, and each session can feel unique. Some people feel deeply relaxed, even falling asleep, while others may notice warmth, tingling, or a gentle pulsing sensation as the energy flows. These feelings are often described as calming, soothing, or like being gently recharged.

How you experience Reiki can depend on your emotional state, sensitivity to energy, and connection with your body in the moment. In some cases, emotional release may occur — feelings such as sadness, anxiety, or unresolved stress can gently surface as part of the healing process. This is a natural and healthy response, and your practitioner is there to support you with compassion and care.

Even if you don’t feel anything specific during the session, Reiki is still working in the background to support your body and mind.

What if I don't feel Reiki?

Reiki is a life force energy that flows through everyone, but the ability to consciously feel it can be influenced by your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual state. Many people don’t immediately sense the energy, which is completely normal. There are various reasons for this, but it doesn’t mean that Reiki isn’t working. Healing often occurs on a subtle level, and its effects can manifest in ways that may not always be felt in the moment. Trust in the process, and know that Reiki is still supporting your well-being. 

What is the difference between Reiki and massage?

Reiki and massage are very different healing practices, though both can support relaxation and well-being.

Reiki is a spiritual energy practice that involves the gentle laying of hands to channel life force energy (Reiki) into the recipient. The goal is to support the body’s natural healing processes on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. While light touch may be used, there is no manipulation of muscles or tissues.

Massage therapy, on the other hand, is a hands-on technique focused on the physical body. It involves the manipulation of muscles and soft tissues to relieve tension, improve circulation, and ease physical discomfort.

In many areas, massage therapists must be licensed, insured, and professionally trained. Reiki practitioners may also need to meet certain local requirements, though Reiki is often recognized as a spiritual practice and, in many jurisdictions, falls outside government regulation.

At Athena's Attic LLC, located in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Reiki is defined as a spiritual practice and is not subject to government oversight. Massage therapy, however, is regulated and requires formal training, licensing, and insurance. Athena's Attic LLC does not offer massage therapy.