The Healing Power of Reiki: What to Expect and How It Works

Ever feel like you're lugging around an invisible backpack stuffed with stress, anxiety, and all the things you're worried about but can't quite name? Yeah, me too. And honestly? Sometimes it feels like no matter what you do, you just can't shake it off.

That's where Reiki comes in - and before you roll your eyes thinking this is some woo-woo stuff, hear me out. Energy healing practices like Reiki are basically a gentle reset button for your whole system. They're not magic (okay, maybe a little magical), but they ARE a real way to find some balance and peace when life feels like too much.

So let's dive into what Reiki actually is, how it works, and why it might be exactly what you need right now.

What is Energy Healing?

Here's the deal: energy healing isn't some new-age invention - these practices have been around for thousands of years. We're talking ancient wisdom meets modern wellness. The basic idea? Your body has energy flowing through it (stay with me here), and when that energy gets blocked or out of whack, you feel it. Stress, pain, fatigue - all of it.

Reiki is a Japanese technique where a practitioner channels universal life energy through their hands to you. Sounds mystical, I know, but what it actually does is help clear blockages, calm your nervous system, and give your body the space it needs to heal itself.

Think of it like this: your body's energy is like a river. When the water flows freely, everything's good - plants grow, fish swim, life happens. But when sticks and debris pile up? The whole thing gets sluggish and stagnant. Reiki is like someone wading in and clearing out all that stuck stuff so your energy can flow smoothly again.

Why people love Reiki:

• It's gentle - no needles, no medications, just energy work

• It treats the whole you - not just your symptoms, but your body, mind, and spirit together

• Anyone can try it - seriously, there's no age limit or health requirement

• It plays nice with regular medicine - you don't have to choose one or the other

If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed, Reiki might be exactly what you need to find your way back to center.

How Reiki Actually Works

People often call Reiki a "hands-on healing technique," but that doesn't quite capture it. Here's what actually happens: I place my hands lightly on or just above your body, and you might feel warmth, tingling, or just this deep sense of calm washing over you. That's the energy moving through, gently dissolving all that tension you've been holding onto and helping everything come back into balance.

I spent years on the clinical Reiki teams at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, and I've seen firsthand what Reiki can do. Here's what clients consistently experience:

Physical - A deep sense of relaxation and relief from the stress their body's been carrying

Emotional - Release of anxiety, overwhelm, sadness, and grief that's been stuck

Mental - Real clarity and those "a-ha" moments when things suddenly make sense

Spiritual - A feeling of peace and hope that reconnects you to your sense of well-being

Sessions typically run 60-75 minutes - enough time for you to actually relax and let the energy do its thing. Your only job? Show up and be open to receiving. That's it.

How to Get the Most from a Reiki Session

If you're thinking about trying Reiki - or you've already experienced it and want to deepen the benefits - here are a few things I always recommend:

Set an intention before you go. You don't need anything fancy - just take a moment to think about what you want to release or what you'd like to invite into your life. Maybe it's less anxiety, more clarity, or just some peace. Having that gentle focus helps guide the energy.

Drink plenty of water before and after your session. Reiki can be a lot like hitting a reset button, and staying hydrated helps your body process everything that's shifting.

Be open and patient with the process. Energy healing works in its own time and in its own way. Some people feel immediate shifts, others notice changes over the next few days. Trust that whatever happens is exactly what you need in that moment.

Follow up with some gentle self-care. Reiki works beautifully alongside things like meditation, journaling, or just some quiet time to yourself. Think of it as continuing the healing work between sessions.

Remember - healing isn't a race. Each session is a step toward feeling more like yourself again.

Your Path to Balance Starts Here

When life feels heavy, Reiki offers something we all need more of - a chance to pause, reset, and reconnect with ourselves. It's a reminder that healing is possible, that peace isn't some far-off dream, and that you don't have to carry everything alone.

If you're feeling anxious, stressed, or just stretched too thin, I'd love to help. My practice is at 7 On Centre Holistic Health & Wellness here in the Boston area, and I'm here to support you.

You deserve to feel balanced, grounded, and whole again. Take a deep breath - your journey starts whenever you're ready.