Reiki is an extremely gentle energy healing modality. There are Reiki circles and Reiki virtual healing sessions. You remain clothed but the practitioner is able to read and send out energy. I find it a gentle modality that allows you to make shifts in your energy. Like anything else, it depends on how comfortable you feel. I’ve had holistic practitioners tell me they were also practicing Reiki and add on to a treatment.

The first time I tried Reiki, which originated from Japan, I wasn’t sure what was really happening. I know that I felt warmth in the areas that the practitioner was focusing on. I know this because we discussed it afterwards. I felt better afterward but I can’t tell you why.

During the pandemic, I had a few virtual Reiki sessions and I must say, during hard moments, I really noticed a shift. I think, as with any modality, you have to come in with an open mind. If you’re 100% convinced that it’s not worth your time, then that’s probably what will happen. The people who have said it wasn’t helpful were the most dismissive even before they tried their session.

I think it depends on who the practitioner is. You need to feel safe with this person. I call it healer energy. Some people have this energy that is calming and healing. You are fully clothed and they are sensing areas of blocked energy. There needs to be a certain level of trust and letting go so choose your person carefully.

During my last session, I was feeling particularly drained. At the end, I noticed that I was able to imagine joyous moments that seemed real to me. It was the combination of the guided meditation, music and cues that brought me deeper into myself. I would never have been able to do this on my own.

If you are going through a challenging time or trying to shift something, I recommend you give Reiki a try.