Short answer
Using Reiki can mean receiving a session, practising on yourself or offering a practice to another person with their informed consent. Reiki is a spiritual or complementary practice that may involve light touch or hands held above the body. Some people find the setting relaxing; that experience does not establish an energy field, a medical benefit or the development of psychic abilities.
Start here
Explore self-practice, traditional hand positions, training, consent and the limits of the evidence.
How to Do Reiki: A Beginner’s Guide to Self-Practice, Training and Limits
The three ways to use Reiki
- Receive it: ask the practitioner about duration, cost and whether the session uses light touch or no touch. You can remain clothed and choose your boundaries. What happens in a Reiki session covers booking to aftercare.
- Practise on yourself: try a comfortable seated or resting position with hands placed lightly, or simply take a quiet pause. There is no required duration or daily schedule. Formal Reiki teaching varies by tradition.
- Offer it to others: learn the relevant practice and boundaries before offering it to someone else. Discuss consent every time, avoid sensitive areas and respect a request for no touch or an immediate stop. Training is not a healthcare qualification.
Keep health care separate
NCCIH’s Reiki overview reports that Reiki has not clearly demonstrated effectiveness for health-related purposes and that there is no scientific evidence for its proposed energy field. Do not use a session or self-practice to delay appropriate care or replace prescribed treatment. Persistent or concerning symptoms belong with a qualified health professional.
Frequently asked questions
What are the three ways to use Reiki?
You can receive a session, practise on yourself, or offer a practice to another person with their informed consent. These are different settings for a spiritual or complementary practice, not three proven medical treatments.
Do I need a fixed daily self-practice routine?
No. A short, comfortable pause is an option, not a prescribed dose. Avoid pressure, painful positions or forcing sensations; stop if you feel uncomfortable.
Does Reiki training make me a healthcare professional?
No. A Reiki course or certificate does not itself qualify someone to diagnose a condition, prescribe treatment or advise stopping medical care. Training requirements vary by tradition and teacher.
Can a session be done without touch?
Yes, you can ask for hands to remain above the body rather than touching it. Discuss boundaries beforehand, and you can change your mind or stop at any time.