What is Reiki?
Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive therapy that supports relaxation, reduces stress and helps restore balance within the body and mind.
During a session, I place my hands lightly on or just above the body while you remain fully clothed, lying comfortably. Many people describe feeling warmth, calm, deep relaxation or even a sense of emotional release during and after a session.
Although Reiki is considered a holistic therapy, there is growing interest in how practices like Reiki may support the nervous system and overall wellbeing.
When we are stressed, overwhelmed or emotionally exhausted, the body can remain in a prolonged “fight or flight” state. Over time, this can impact sleep, mood, tension levels, focus and overall health.
Reiki encourages the body into a more relaxed parasympathetic state — often referred to as “rest and restore” — where the body can slow down, settle and begin to rebalance itself.
Research into Reiki is still developing, but studies have explored its potential effects on:
• stress and anxiety reduction
• relaxation
• mood and emotional wellbeing
• pain perception
• heart rate and nervous system regulation
Many hospitals, hospices and wellbeing centres now offer Reiki as a complementary therapy alongside conventional care to support comfort, relaxation and emotional wellbeing.
My Reiki Journey
Reiki came into my life at a time when I felt overwhelmed, anxious and out of balance. On the outside everything looked fine, but inside I felt constantly “on” and disconnected from myself.
My first session gave me something I hadn’t felt in a long time — a genuine sense of calm. Not something I had to think about or try to create, just my body naturally slowing down.
That experience stayed with me, and it led me to train in Reiki myself.
I went on to complete my Reiki Master training with the International Center for Reiki Training (ICRT), in the lineage of William Lee Rand. This gave me a grounded and professional foundation, while still allowing me to work in a calm, intuitive and supportive way.
Alongside this, I also trained as an Animal Reiki Master, which allows me to work gently with animals as well as people — supporting them through the same principles of calm, balance and presence.
At its heart, Reiki isn’t about fixing you.
It’s about creating space for your body and mind to slow down, settle and reconnect.
Every person experiences Reiki differently, but many clients leave sessions feeling calmer, lighter, more grounded and deeply rested.
And for me, that’s what this work is really about — helping you feel like yourself again.
Who Is Reiki For?
Reiki is suitable for people of all ages and can be supportive at many different stages of life.
You don’t need to be “spiritual” or believe in anything in particular — you simply need to be open to taking some time to slow down and reset.
People often come for Reiki when they are feeling:
• stressed, overwhelmed or constantly “on”
• anxious or struggling to switch off
• emotionally drained or out of balance
• tired but unable to fully rest
• disconnected from themselves or unsure of their next step
It can also be helpful if you’re not dealing with anything specific, but just feel like you need space to pause, breathe and recalibrate.
Reiki is just as valuable as a regular form of self-care as it is during more challenging times.
A Simple Scientific Perspective
While Reiki is a holistic therapy, some of its effects can be understood through how the body responds to relaxation and touch.
When we experience stress, the body activates the sympathetic nervous system — often known as the “fight or flight” response. This increases heart rate, muscle tension and alertness, which is helpful in short bursts but can become exhausting when it remains switched on for long periods.
During a Reiki session, many people experience a shift into the parasympathetic nervous system — the “rest and restore” state. This is where the body can:
• slow the heart rate
• reduce muscle tension
• regulate breathing
• support digestion and recovery
• promote a sense of calm and safety
Research into Reiki is still developing, but some studies have suggested that Reiki may help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood and support relaxation.
There is also growing interest in how gentle, calming practices like Reiki may influence the body through:
• activation of the vagus nerve (linked to relaxation and emotional regulation)
• reduction in cortisol (the body’s primary stress hormone)
• improved heart rate variability (a key marker of nervous system balance)
While Reiki should not replace medical care, it can be a supportive complementary therapy alongside other treatments — something now recognised by many hospitals, hospices and wellbeing centres.
At its core, Reiki is less about “energy” in a complicated sense, and more about helping your body feel safe enough to slow down.
And when the body feels safe, it can begin to heal, restore and rebalance itself naturally.