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What Is Reiki and Why It Matters Today

It feels like Reiki is everywhere these days. I see it offered in yoga studios, wellness centers, and even advertised alongside sound baths. Maybe you’ve noticed it too and wondered, what is Reiki exactly—and why are people turning to it now?

That same curiosity led me to try Reiki twice. What surprised me most was that one session gave me a very physical result, while another opened something up for me emotionally. Both left me convinced it’s an experience worth exploring.

For my most recent session, I worked with Holly Johnson, the healer behind Aviana, a space devoted to yoga, healing, and soulful connection. When I asked Holly to explain Reiki in simple terms, she put it this way:

Her analogy made Reiki feel less mystical and more approachable. And as I’ll share in this post, the impact it had on me was undeniable.

The Origins of Reiki: A Brief History of Energy Healing

Reiki began in Japan in the early 20th century with Mikao Usui, a spiritual teacher who developed the practice after years of study and meditation. The word Reiki comes from two Japanese characters: rei (universal) and ki (life energy). Usui taught his method of channeling this energy through the hands to restore balance and support healing, and his students carried Reiki forward after his death in 1926.

From Japan, Reiki spread first to Hawaii and the United States in the 1930s, and then gradually around the world. Today, Reiki is practiced in wellness centers, hospitals, and even corporate settings, often alongside other healing traditions. What makes Reiki distinct is its simplicity: it doesn’t require elaborate rituals or tools, just a trained practitioner using intention and energy flow through the hands.

Understanding Reiki Energy: What Exactly Is Reiki Healing?

At its core, Reiki is about working with the body’s natural life force energy, known as ki in Japanese, chi in Chinese, or prana in Sanskrit. It’s the subtle current that keeps us alive and moving, even though we can’t see it. Reiki practitioners are trained to channel this energy through their hands to help bring the body, mind, and spirit back into balance.

Unlike massage, which works on muscles, or meditation, which focuses on the mind, Reiki bypasses the physical and mental layers and works directly with energy. 

As Holly put it: “There’s frequency and energy all around us that we can’t physically see, but it’s still there. Reiki allows that energy to be channeled in a positive way to support harmony and balance in the body, mind, and spirit.”

She uses the image of a scratched CD: when energy centers (called chakras) get “gummed up” by stress, trauma, or patterns we hold onto, it can feel like we’re stuck on repeat. Reiki acts like a gentle polish, helping those energy centers spin smoothly again so the whole system can work in harmony.

How Does Reiki Work? The Science and Spirituality Behind It

One of the most common questions people ask after hearing about Reiki is: But how does it actually work? The honest answer is that there isn’t one neat explanation. Reiki sits at the intersection of science and spirituality, and different people experience it in different ways.

Some researchers suggest Reiki works through the biofield, the subtle energy field that surrounds and interpenetrates the body. Others see Reiki as a form of the relaxation response—a deeply restorative state that lowers stress hormones, slows the heart rate, and allows the body to heal itself more effectively.

Studies have shown that Reiki can reduce anxiety, lower pain levels, and improve overall wellbeing. Skeptics argue that these results could be attributed to the placebo effect. What stands out, though, is that even in controlled studies, people who receive Reiki consistently report feeling calmer, lighter, and more at ease in their bodies.

As Holly explains, Reiki doesn’t require you to believe in it for it to work: “You don’t have to believe in Reiki for it to start doing its job. Just showing up is enough; the energy is going to come in and do what it needs to do for your highest good.”

That’s part of why Reiki resonates with such a wide range of people: spiritual seekers may embrace the energy language, while others simply appreciate it as a safe, calming practice that helps them feel more balanced.

What Happens in a Reiki Session? A Beginner’s Guide

My first Reiki session was with Zuzana Tkacova, owner of Hummingbird Qigong, who was incorporating tuning forks into her healing practice and invited volunteers to try a session.

The session took place in her quiet home, where a portable table was set up in the family room. She covered me with a light blanket, and as she began, warmth seemed to radiate from her hands—though I don’t recall her touching me. The relaxation was as deep as a full-body massage.

For someone brand new to Reiki, that’s a typical beginning: lying fully clothed on a table while the practitioner works by hovering their hands over your body or, depending on their style, lightly resting their hands on you. Sessions usually last 45–60 minutes.

What happens next depends as much on the practitioner as the person receiving it. 

Zuzana explained that she doesn’t follow a strict Reiki protocol, “I don’t need to follow any system,” she told me. “I use my prayer, my intention, my knowledge of Reiki and Chinese medicine, and deliver what I feel the client needs in that moment.”

In my session, that meant she combined Reiki with gentle acupressure, pressing certain points around my hips to release energy blockages. 

Every practitioner has their own rhythm. Some, like Zuzana, weave in other healing arts. Others, like Holly, focus purely on Reiki energy flow.

As Holly explains: “You might see flashes of color or light. You might feel tingly, hot, or cold. Or you might not feel anything at all and just fall into a deep state of rest. That doesn’t mean nothing is happening. Energy is still shifting and moving for you.”

That mix of stillness, comfort, and possibility is what makes Reiki feel both unusual and familiar. You simply show up, lie down, and allow yourself to receive whatever comes.

And sometimes, what you receive is more than you ever imagined.

My First Reiki Experience: Healing Pain with Tuning Forks

At the time of my first Reiki session, I had been dealing with chronic hip pain for nearly two years—deep in the joint where the leg meets the hip—ever since I’d broken my foot and spent twelve weeks in a walking boot. When Zuzana asked if I had any areas of pain, I mentioned my hip almost as an afterthought. I didn’t expect anything to change.

But when the session ended and I stood up, the pain was gone. Completely gone. I remember standing there in disbelief, waiting for it to return. It never did. After two weeks, I realized the relief was lasting—and started telling everyone about this “miracle session” that had taken away a pain I’d come to accept as permanent.

During our interview, I asked Zuzana what she thought might have caused such a profound change. 

She responded, “It could have been the acupressure points I worked on, or an emotional release. In Chinese medicine, the hip area connects to the gallbladder meridian, which relates to both physical and emotional movement. Sometimes pain in that area shows up when we feel stuck or afraid to move forward.”

Looking back, I can see how right she was. At that point in my life, I was recovering not only from physical injury but also from a sense of emotional stuckness. The pain disappearing so suddenly felt symbolic, like something inside me had shifted too. It became a quiet turning point, even if I didn’t fully understand it at the time.

After having such a profound experience with Zuzana, you might think I would have become a Reiki regular. But I didn’t. I was so shocked by the dramatic result that I remember thinking, nothing could possibly top this. It felt like the ultimate healing experience and maybe, in a way, it was.

Still, I never stopped being curious about Reiki. I would notice classes or read about it occasionally, but I didn’t actively seek it out again until about three years after my first session. A friend invited me to a group experience led by Holly Johnson, which combined Reiki with aerial hammocks—a practice Holly describes as a “safe cocoon for deep energetic release.” I gladly accepted, eager to see what this next experience might bring.

My Second Reiki Experience: A Breakthrough in Self-Expression

As I arrived for the session, I felt that same mix of curiosity and openness I’d carried into my very first Reiki experience—ready to see what this one might reveal. I found myself suspended in an aerial yoga hammock during a small group session led by Holly. It was just me and a good friend in the room, each cocooned in soft fabric hammocks that gently swayed while soothing music played in the background. The setup alone felt like an invitation to let go.

Holly guided us to close our eyes and focus on our breath as she moved quietly around the space. At first, I simply felt calm and deeply relaxed, until a powerful wave of energy seemed to build in my chest. It rose up through my throat and released out of my mouth, almost like an exhale I’d been holding for years.

That moment was both strange and freeing. I didn’t fully understand what had happened, but afterward I felt lighter, more open, more myself.

For years I’d carried a mental block around writing and creative expression. I’d already been journaling since my breast cancer experience (something I share in How to Start Journaling for Personal Growth Over 50), but this felt different. The energy release seemed to unlock something deeper; the confidence to express myself creatively and share my words publicly.

When I shared that experience with Holly, she explained that what I felt could be connected to the throat chakra, which governs communication and self-expression.

Sometimes energy builds in that area when we’ve been holding back our truth,” she said. “When it releases, it can feel like a physical wave or even a sound. It’s the body’s way of clearing space for expression.”

After that session with Holly, something shifted. I threw myself into writing and began sharing more openly on the page, finding a new ease in expressing my thoughts and experiences. As that creative energy kept building, another Reiki opportunity appeared—it felt like a gentle nudge from the universe to explore what might unfold next.

Group Reiki and Sound Bath: Subtle but Powerful Energy Shifts

My most recent Reiki experience took place outdoors, in a heated tent under the stars. The session was led by Holly, combining group Reiki with a sound bath. The tent glowed softly against the night sky, and as I settled onto my mat, I could feel the cool evening air drifting in through the open window. A vented fireplace filled the space with warmth, flickering nearby. It felt grounding to be lying on the actual earth—a literal connection to the energy beneath us.

As the sound of crystal bowls and chimes began to fill the tent, I felt gentle waves of energy move through me, especially around my legs and feet. It was as if the energy was flowing right out through the bottoms of my feet. Nothing dramatic happened this time—no sudden release or revelation—but I could feel that something was shifting.

When the session ended, I was both relaxed and energized, that rare combination of calm focus where you feel you could take on the world.

Holly later explained that group sessions carry their own kind of energy, “When several people say yes to healing in the same room,” she told me, “the energy starts flowing through everyone. Even when I’m focused on one person, the whole group benefits. There’s this sense of connection that amplifies the work.”

That description captured exactly what I’d felt. It wasn’t a single, defining moment but a collective harmony or a sense of belonging, grounding, and shared renewal. It reminded me that healing doesn’t always arrive with intensity. Sometimes it’s as gentle as lying on the earth under the stars, letting the energy move through and beyond you.

The Benefits of Reiki Healing: Why People Try It

Each Reiki session I’ve experienced has been completely different—one physical, one emotional, one deeply grounding—but all have left me feeling more balanced and at peace. 

Some come to Reiki looking for relief from stress or anxiety, while others hope to ease chronic pain or support their recovery from illness. For many, Reiki becomes a gentle way to reconnect with their body after trauma, surgery, or loss. The stillness invites the mind to quiet down so the body can do what it naturally knows how to do: restore balance.

Others seek Reiki for emotional clarity or spiritual connection, seeing it as a chance to release what no longer serves them and open space for something new. In my own experiences, I’ve seen how energy work can support both physical and emotional healing, sometimes in unexpected ways.

As Holly explained during our conversation, Reiki can be especially grounding in a world that often feels overstimulated: “People are craving ways to come back to themselves,” she said. “With all the screens and constant input, our energy gets scattered. Reiki helps move that energy down from the mind and into the body, where you can finally feel centered again.”

Whether you’re seeking calm, clarity, or simply a pause from daily noise, Reiki offers a safe, supportive way to tune in and realign.

Is Reiki Safe? Who Can Benefit from Reiki Therapy

One of the things that makes Reiki so approachable is its simplicity. It’s completely noninvasive and safe for people of all ages and health conditions. There are no side effects, no medications, and no physical manipulation involved—just gentle, intentional energy work designed to support the body’s natural healing process.

Both Zuzana and Holly emphasized that Reiki isn’t a replacement for medical care, but it can be a meaningful complement to it. 

Zuzana put it plainly:“I’m not a doctor,” she told me. “I can’t treat or diagnose anything. But sometimes miracles happen. And sometimes it’s just about helping people relax enough so their bodies can start to heal themselves.”

That openness is part of Reiki’s strength. You don’t need to be spiritual, flexible, or even entirely convinced that energy healing is real. All you need is a willingness to rest and receive.

People often turn to Reiki during transitions—after an illness, a loss, a major life change, or simply when they sense it’s time to reset. And while no two sessions are the same, I’ve found that Reiki always meets you where you are, offering exactly what you’re ready to receive.

How to Choose a Reiki Practitioner That’s Right for You

Because Reiki is such a personal experience, finding the right practitioner makes a difference. You’re trusting someone to hold space for your energy so it’s important to feel comfortable and supported.

Both Holly and Zuzana spoke about the role of connection and intuition. 

Holly explained that while Reiki can be done anywhere, even long distance, what matters most is the sense of trust between practitioner and client. She says, “Every Reiki practitioner is a little different,” she said. “Some hover their hands over the body, others prefer light touch. Some incorporate sound, essential oils, or other modalities. The right practitioner is the one whose energy feels calm and aligned with yours.”

Zuzana added that having an open mind is key. She explained that Reiki doesn’t require belief—just a willingness to relax and receive.

In the end, choosing a Reiki practitioner isn’t about credentials or titles as much as it is about connection. When you find someone whose presence feels safe and grounded, you’ve likely found the right fit.

If you’re curious about Reiki, one of the best ways to begin is to try a group session. The shared setting offers a gentle introduction to the practice. There’s less pressure, and you can simply relax and observe how your body responds. Group sessions often include sound healing or guided relaxation, making them a great first experience.

Conclusion: Why I’d Do Reiki Again

When I think back on my two Reiki experiences and the group session that followed, I see them as stepping stones on the same path. Each one met me exactly where I was.

With Zuzana, it was about release—letting go of pain and the fear that comes with feeling stuck. With Holly, it was about expression—opening my voice and allowing myself to be seen. And the group session reminded me that healing doesn’t always need to be intense to be powerful. Sometimes it’s as simple as grounding yourself, breathing deeply, and reconnecting to the quiet wisdom within.

Reiki is something I’m ready to explore again soon. After seeing how it has supported me at such different stages of life, I’m curious about how a more regular practice might help me stay balanced and connected as my understanding of energy work continues to unfold.

If you’ve ever been curious about Reiki, I’d encourage you to try a session or a group experience. Go in with an open mind and no expectations. You might feel warmth, tingling, emotion or maybe just deep rest. But you’ll walk away with a renewed sense of calm and connection to yourself. And that, in itself, is healing.

Meet the Practitioners

Zuzana Tkacova is the founder of Hummingbird Qigong, part of the Hummingbird Project LLC. A Master of Medical Qigong and certified Tai Chi and Qigong instructor, she blends ancient Chinese healing arts with Reiki, Bioenergy Healing, Tuning Forks, and gentle Acupressure to help clients find balance and vitality. Her joyful, heart-centered approach reflects her spirit animal—the hummingbird—bringing lightness and hope to those she teaches and heals.
Visit Hummingbird Qigong 

Holly Johnson is the founder of Aviana, a sacred space for feminine embodiment and transformation through yoga, energy healing, and soul-nourishing retreats. Since 2014, her work has guided others to reconnect with their inner wisdom through movement, mindfulness, and energy flow. Holly’s grounded yet intuitive approach helps others find grace, strength, and alignment within themselves.
Visit Aviana Yoga

I’m deeply grateful to both Zuzana and Holly for sharing their time, insight, and healing wisdom with me—and for helping shape the experiences that inspired this post.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reiki

If you’re curious about trying Reiki yourself, you may still have a few questions about what to expect. Here are some of the most common ones people ask when they’re just starting to explore this gentle, energy-based practice.

What exactly is Reiki?
Reiki is a Japanese energy healing technique that channels universal life force energy to support balance and relaxation. A practitioner uses light touch or hovers their hands just above the body to help restore energetic harmony in the mind, body, and spirit.

Do I have to believe in Reiki for it to work?
No. Reiki doesn’t depend on belief—just an open mind and willingness to relax and receive.

What does a Reiki session feel like?
Every experience is unique. Some people feel warmth, tingling, or gentle waves of energy. Others simply relax deeply or even fall asleep. Sometimes you may notice emotional release or clarity afterward, even if the session itself feels quiet.

Is Reiki safe?
Yes. Reiki is gentle, noninvasive, and has no side effects.

How do I find a Reiki practitioner near me?
Start by searching locally for Reiki practitioners or group sessions at yoga studios or wellness centers. If you’re nervous about booking a one-on-one appointment, try a group Reiki or sound bath event—it’s a relaxed way to experience the energy for the first time.

How often should I get Reiki?
There’s no set schedule—it really depends on your needs and intentions. Some people book Reiki sessions regularly, much like a massage or yoga class, while others go only when they feel out of balance or need an energetic reset. You can think of it as something to return to whenever life feels heavy, scattered, or in need of calm.