I’ve had two Reiki sessions now, and I can honestly say I’m loving the experience. I went in curious, a little skeptical, and very open-minded—and I came out feeling deeply relaxed, grounded, and intrigued by what my body and mind were processing.
I first discovered Reiki after a tea leaf reading I did in December at a spa near my apartment.
The woman who led that divination session is also a Reiki healer, and something about the experience lingered with me. It felt like an invitation to keep exploring spiritual and energetic practices—not to “fix” anything, but to listen more closely to myself.
What Is Reiki?
Reiki is a Japanese energy healing practice that focuses on promoting relaxation, balance, and overall well-being. The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words: rei (universal) and ki (life energy).
Practitioners believe that life energy flows through all of us, and when that energy becomes blocked or depleted, it can contribute to stress, emotional heaviness, or physical discomfort.
During a Reiki session, a practitioner uses gentle hand movements—either lightly touching the body or hovering their hands just above it—to help guide energy and encourage the body’s natural ability to restore balance.
Sessions are typically quiet and meditative, though some practitioners incorporate chanting, breathwork, or intention-setting.
Why Do People Use Reiki?
People turn to Reiki for many reasons. Some are looking for stress relief or emotional grounding, while others use it as a complementary practice alongside therapy, meditation, or traditional medical care.
Reiki isn’t meant to replace medical treatment, but many people find it helps them:
- Feel deeply relaxed
- Reduce stress or anxiety
- Improve sleep
- Feel more emotionally balanced
- Become more aware of what’s happening internally
For me, the appeal was less about seeking answers and more about creating space—to slow down, tune in, and notice what surfaced.
My First Reiki Session
Going into my first session, I had no idea what to expect. Admittedly, the only shred of anything I knew about it was from Jax Taylor on various episodes of “Vanderpump Rules” (ha!):
And, for the record, my sessions have been nothing like this.
I laid down on a massage table, closed my eyes, and tried to quiet my thoughts. I could sense that she was moving her hands above me, but I wasn’t watching—I wanted to stay as present as possible in my body.
She chanted at times, and during the session, I started noticing things happening internally. Images and colors would pop into my mind unexpectedly—nothing concrete or narrative-driven, just brief visions that came and went.
It felt similar to the way thoughts drift through your mind during meditation, only more visual.
I left that first session feeling calm and curious, like something had shifted subtly, even if I couldn’t quite name it yet.
My Second Reiki Session
The second session felt noticeably different. The visions were more intense, and my body felt even more relaxed—almost like that hazy, peaceful moment right before you fall asleep. I was fully conscious, but my body felt heavy and completely at ease.
The entire session was about 30 minutes, but it felt timeless in the best way. When it ended, I felt rested, centered, and oddly clear-headed, as if my nervous system had been gently reset.
What Reiki Has Taught Me So Far
If there’s one thing Reiki has reinforced for me, it’s the value of slowing down and trusting what your body is telling you. You don’t have to understand everything for it to be meaningful. Sometimes the benefit is simply allowing yourself to rest deeply and be receptive.
I don’t walk away from these sessions with dramatic revelations—but I do walk away feeling lighter, calmer, and more connected to myself. And right now, that feels like more than enough.
Final Thoughts
Reiki might not be for everyone, and that’s okay. But if you’re curious about energy work, spiritual practices, or simply want to experience a different kind of relaxation, it may be worth exploring.
I’m looking forward to continuing this journey and seeing how it evolves over time.
As always, I’m sharing this as a personal experience—not a recommendation or endorsement—just an honest reflection on something that’s been quietly impactful for me.
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