Questions

Does reiki actually do anything, or is it just relaxation?

There is peer-reviewed research showing that reiki has a significant effect on anxiety interventions (Guo, Long, Qin & Fan 2024), and is a safe and gentle complementary therapy that activates the parasympathetic nervous system to heal the body and mind (McManus 2017).  

My personal belief is that there is much to still be understood about pain in the body, as well as the body's ability to heal itself from pain.  I also believe that the power of relaxation and stillness should not be underestimated.

If you are interested in exploring the science of the brain and its relationship to pain, this is a fascinating podcast about it.  The podcast does not mention reiki specifically, but it has informed a great deal of how I think about my practice.

Do I have to believe in energy healing for it to work?

No. Skeptics have reiki sessions and report the same relaxation and calm as people who've practiced meditation for years. The Guo, et. al. study cited above was conducted on 824 adult participants with no particular prior belief in the modality. 

You're welcome to arrive for your session curious, doubtful, or completely neutral.  You should also feel comfortable talking to me about your skepticism or other concerns.  The most important thing for me is that you feel comfortable with the practice so you are able to relax and experience reiki with an open heart.

What does "Usui tradition" mean?

Mikao Usui developed this form of reiki in Japan in the 1920s. His approach spread to the West largely through Hawayo Takata, a Japanese-American practitioner who trained in Japan and brought the practice to Hawaii in the late 1930s. The Usui tradition refers to this lineage of teaching, which emphasizes specific hand positions, a set of ethical principles called the Five Precepts, and a series of initiations called attunements. Most reiki practiced in the United States today traces back to this lineage.

Is Reiki a religious practice?

It has spiritual roots (Usui's original teachings drew on Japanese Buddhist and Shinto ideas) but it is not a religious practice in any doctrinal sense. You don't need to hold any particular belief to receive or benefit from reiki. 

Many practitioners and clients are secular; many others bring their own faith traditions to the experience. All are welcome.

What conditions does Reiki help with?

The strongest evidence is for stress reduction, anxiety relief, and supporting overall sense of wellbeing. Studies have also looked at reiki as a complement to cancer care, palliative care, and post-surgical recovery, with encouraging results for quality of life and pain management (Billot, Daycard, Wood & Tchalla 2019). It is not, however, a treatment for any specific medical condition. 

The way I think of it is a reiki session helps your body feel safe enough to rest and rest is the foundation for almost all other healing.

How many sessions do I need?

There's no required number. Some people come once out of curiosity and find that's enough. Others come monthly or more often as a regular part of managing stress. I'd suggest starting with one session and seeing how you feel. I'll never push you toward a package or a commitment.

What should I wear? Do I need to do anything to prepare?

You should wear comfortable, loose clothing; anything you can relax in. Though you do not need to prepare, it can help to make sure you are hydrated and to avoid a heavy meal right before if you can.  Also, please feel free to let me know ahead of time about any injuries, sensitivities, or areas you'd prefer I avoid.