Frequently Asked Questions

Foundation

  • Reiki is an ancient technique of channeling energy through the palms of the hands in a gentle non-invasive manner. This vital spiritual energy activates the natural healing processes, detoxifying the body of both physical and emotional blockages while bringing about deep relaxation and calmness. In the 20th century while on a meditation retreat on Mt Kurama, a holy mountain in Japan, Dr. Mikao Usui became aware of Reiki energy and discovered that it enhanced his healing abilities. The term comes from two Japanese words, "Rei," meaning "universal," and "Ki," or "life force energy." Reiki loosely translates as "universal life-force energy."

  • Reiki works by increasing the “life force energy” that flows through us and around us and causes us to be alive. The life force is responsive to our thoughts or feelings and can become disrupted and diminished by negative thoughts or feelings, especially about ourselves. If this energy is low, we are at higher risk of becoming sick or stressed. If our life force energy is high, we are more likely to be happy and healthy.

    Reiki provides a positive boost of “ki,” which raises the energy field’s vibratory level in and around the negatively affected areas of the body, causing negative energy to dissipate and fall away. Thus, Reiki restores the healthy, natural flow of the life force.

  • Reiki is not a religion. It is a philosophy of care that teaches practitioners to relate to a person’s core or essence rather than their personality; to listen without passing judgment, to be willing not to know or understand the “why’s” underlying a patient’s symptoms; and not to view a patient’s response to Reiki treatment as a personal achievement. The practitioner provides a conduit for the universal life-force energy but does not control the process.

Treatment

  • For those completely new to Reiki, we request the opportunity to provide four sessions in a short time, such as a week to ten days, depending on our mutual availability. This will jump start your healing process.

    Our problems, both physical and emotional, develop and worsen over time, and there is no magic wand to remove them. We must work together over several sessions until the body and mind start responding positively to the application of Reiki.

    In the first session the body does not know what to expect, and often remains somewhat resistant to the flow of energy. During the second treatment the body relaxes more deeply and begins to receive the flow of Reiki more freely. The third and fourth treatments are usually very strong and initiate the healing reaction we hope for each client.

    After the first four sessions are completed, we ask clients to come once a week (if necessary) until they have achieved good results.

  • After the first four introductory sessions are complete, clients can decide how often they would like to return for treatment. For those who simply need to de-stress or get an emotional boost, sessions as-needed are appropriate. For those facing serious illness or anxiety, a weekly schedule of sessions is generally best to keep the healing process moving forward until the desired results are achieved. You can consult with your therapist for a recommendation about what would be most beneficial given the goals you have set for your treatment.

  • The experience of Reiki treatment is unique for every individual. A feeling of deep relaxation is virtually universal. People receiving Reiki treatment feel a radiant glow that flows through and around them. Body, emotions, mind, and spirit are all affected, bringing about a sense of serenity, security, and well-being. Some people may have out-of-body or other mystical experiences. Paradoxical feelings of being relaxed and alert, detached while having enhanced clarity, and vulnerable yet safe are common.

    Sometimes, toxins that have been stored in the body may be released to the bloodstream and circulate through the body before being removed through the liver or kidneys. This cleansing process may cause one to have a headache or stomach ache or feel weak within 24 hours of the session. Drinking more water, eating lighter meals, and getting plenty of rest can help reduce discomfort.

Learning

  • Anyone can learn to practice Reiki. No special skills, prior experience, or educational degrees are required. Reiki is not “taught,” but rather is transferred to the student during a Reiki class. Through a series of initiations administered by a Reiki master, the flow of Reiki energy within the student is enhanced, which allows the student to then facilitate the flow of Reiki energy to others.

  • In the lineage of Hawayo Takata, who brought Reiki to the United States from Japan, Reiki training consists of three levels, designated Level 1, Level 2, and the Master/Instructor Level. The LA Reiki Center strictly follows the teachings of Takata, as it is through her direct lineage that we were trained. Our Reiki courses are taught to mirror, almost word-for-word, as they were passed down to us through her lineage, following the oral tradition of Japan.

  • Certification courses are conducted over two days and take you deep into the roots of Reiki — exploring its history, oral tradition, and hands-on healing practices. Time is shared between theory and practical application to ensure a grounded understanding of the work.

    Reiki-related workshops are shorter and accessible to those who have received at least a Level 1 attunement.

    The Master program is application-based and requires a longer commitment, including a designated number of completed practice hours. It’s best to discuss this program directly with the teacher for details.

Medical

  • Reiki does not treat or cure cancer, but it can be a powerful complementary therapy during cancer care. Many clients report reduced stress, improved sleep, emotional relief, and less anxiety during chemotherapy, radiation, or recovery. By calming the nervous system, Reiki may help the body feel more supported and resilient while undergoing medical treatment. Always continue working with your oncology team.

    Reiki has been shown to improve general well-being and may be beneficial alongside treatment for a variety of medical and psychological challenges, including anxiety, headaches, heart disease, cancer, and epilepsy. It works in conjunction with—not in place of—licensed medical and psychological care, and has been shown to enhance the benefits of psychotherapy, surgery, and medication.

    Reiki is now offered in many hospitals and integrative healthcare facilities. For example, at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Reiki has been used to help control pain, anxiety, nausea, and sleep disturbances, support long-term survivors in rebuilding self-image, bring peace and serenity to terminal patients, and even ease the emotional burden experienced by caregivers of seriously ill loved ones.

  • Yes. Reiki is considered safe and gentle during pregnancy. Many expectant clients find it helps ease physical discomfort, improve sleep, reduce anxiety, and regulate emotions during hormonal shifts. Sessions can also promote nervous system calm and a deeper sense of connection to the baby. Please inform your practitioner that you’re pregnant so positioning and touch can be adjusted for your comfort.

    Reiki is a complementary therapy and does not replace prenatal medical care. Always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations.

  • When it comes to clinical mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or addiction, Reiki does not replace psychotherapy, medication, or psychiatric treatment.

    Reiki does not directly treat mental illness. However, it can serve as a supportive adjunct by helping regulate the nervous system, reduce physiological stress responses, and increase emotional stability. This creates a calmer internal environment, which can make clinical mental health work more effective.

    Many clients report that regular Reiki sessions enhance the benefits of therapy by improving emotional resilience, easing trauma responses, and strengthening mind–body awareness. Clients should always continue working with licensed mental health professionals while receiving Reiki.

Suitability

  • Reiki is suitable for anyone seeking stress relief, emotional balance, or deeper alignment. It supports people navigating anxiety, burnout, medical treatments, transitions, and personal growth, and integrates well with other therapeutic and medical care.

  • Yes. Children are often naturally receptive to Reiki because their energy systems respond quickly. Reiki can help kids:

    • Regulate emotions

    • Improve sleep and focus

    • Reduce anxiety, stress, or nightmares

    • Build confidence and a sense of safety

    Sessions for children are usually shorter and more playful, with gentle grounding or breathwork techniques. Parental consent is required, and caregivers are welcome to be present during the session.

  • No. Reiki does not rely on belief to work. It is a natural, non-invasive relaxation and energy-balancing method that supports the body’s own healing response. Many people experience benefits even if they are skeptical or unsure what to expect.

    Reiki is not a belief system, religion, or mindset practice. You don’t need to “believe” in it—simply being open and consenting to receive allows your nervous system to relax, which is where the shifts occur. Think of it like gravity: it functions whether you believe in it or not.

    Having an open mind can enhance the experience, but curiosity—not faith—is enough. Consent and willingness are the only requirements.

Reiki meets you exactly as you are, honoring your pace, your boundaries, and your readiness to receive.

Reiki is a complementary wellness practice that supports physical, emotional, and psychological healing. It does not replace medical or mental health care, but can safely enhance other treatments. While suitable for most people, your practitioner may recommend postponing or adjusting a session during an acute psychiatric episode, immediately after surgery without clearance, or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Reiki is most effective when your body and mind feel safe, present, and ready to receive.