Reiki...What is it Really?

So… You’ve Heard of Reiki. But What Is It?

So you’ve heard of Reiki and have no idea what it is… hang on, because I’m about to explain what it is, how it can benefit you, and what it is definitely not.

Reiki is defined as “a Japanese energy healing technique developed by Mikao Usui in the 1920s, designed to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support emotional or physical healing. Practitioners gently place their hands on or just above a clothed person to channel universal life energy, aiming to clear blockages and restore balance.”

So that is the fancy, proper definition of Reiki.

But if you want to know what it really feels like, here’s how I describe it.

Reiki is complete relaxation, the kind where you feel so safe, supported, and centered that you are finally able to let go and allow your body to heal. Reiki is what you may need when your nervous system feels overwhelmed, when stress has built up in your body, or when emotions are sitting heavy and need somewhere safe to move and release.

Everyone experiences Reiki differently because we are all unique humans living different lives and carrying different emotions.

Some people experience a deep calm feeling, like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders. Others feel warmth, gentle tingling sensations, emotional release, or even physical relief from pain or tension.

And Reiki energy doesn’t stop once you leave the table. In fact, the energy can continue to work within your body long after your session is finished, supporting the healing process in the hours and days that follow.

I have had clients experience emotional releases during sessions, crying on my table and letting everything out in such a beautiful and freeing way. I’ve also had clients call me a week later to say that their digestion improved, their headaches disappeared, or that they finally slept through the night after struggling with insomnia for months.

These are just some of the many ways Reiki can support healing in your life.

And let’s be honest,

healing is not always easy or pretty. Sometimes it is emotional, heavy, and even uncomfortable. But the process of healing, in the end, is something incredibly beautiful.

What Does Reiki Feel Like for the Practitioner?

Often clients ask me what Reiki feels like for me as the practitioner. They wonder if I get sick or carry their negative energy with me after the session.

The answer is no.

Sometimes during a session I may experience small physical sensations such as a runny nose, burping, sneezing, warmth, cold sensations, or a dry throat. These are simply energetic responses that can occur while energy is moving and releasing.

The beautiful thing about Reiki is that it can do no harm.

The Reiki energy flows through me, into you, and then away. I am simply the channel that allows the energy to move where it is needed most. Any sensations I experience during a session disappear shortly after the session ends.

Before each session I also take time to ground myself and ask for protection. I visualize myself surrounded in a white light, which helps ensure that the energy moving during the session remains balanced and safe.

So have no fear — you will never hurt me with your energy when you allow it to release. In fact, I often feel lighter and more energized after working with clients. I also practice self-Reiki regularly to keep myself grounded and balanced.

Is Reiki Right for You?

If you are feeling overwhelmed, emotionally heavy, exhausted, or simply out of balance, Reiki may be a beautiful place to start.

During a session I work to help restore energetic balance, gently support the body’s natural healing abilities, and create a space where your nervous system can truly relax.

I may also incorporate chakra balancing and sound healing with tuning forks, which can help deepen relaxation and support better sleep.

Many clients tell me they leave feeling lighter, calmer, and more at peace — like a weight they’ve been carrying has finally lifted.

If you’re curious about Reiki and ready to experience it for yourself, I would love to welcome you to my table.

Sometimes the greatest healing begins the moment we simply allow ourselves to slow down and receive.

Namaste

Jackalynn Westman

Water Lilly Holistic Healing