You may be curious about Reiki but unsure what it involves. Can it help when you feel anxious or exhausted? Do you need to believe in it? How do you find someone you trust?
You deserve clear answers before you book.
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a Japanese practice developed by Mikao Usui in the early twentieth century. It is often described as a form of energy healing. In a session, you usually remain fully clothed while the practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above your body. There is no massage or physical manipulation. The UK Reiki Federation describes Reiki as a practice for both self-development and healing.
Why do people choose Reiki?
Some people come because they feel stressed, overwhelmed, anxious or emotionally drained. Others hope that a quiet session will help them rest when they are having trouble sleeping. People living with physical concerns, including pain or the strain of medical treatment, may also seek Reiki alongside their usual care.
The UK Reiki Federation discusses Reiki in relation to emotional and physical wellbeing, including stress, sleep difficulties and long-term illness. These are reasons someone might seek a session, not a promise that Reiki will treat those conditions.
Some NHS services offer Reiki as a complementary therapy. University College London Hospitals describes it as a way patients may feel relaxed and calm. Guy’s and St Thomas’ says patients most commonly report feeling less stressed and deeply relaxed. Offering Reiki in some NHS settings does not mean it is an NHS treatment for an illness.
How does Reiki work?
Reiki practitioners understand the practice in terms of energy. Its proposed energy mechanism has not been scientifically established. Research has looked at Reiki for concerns including pain, anxiety and depression, but the findings are inconsistent and do not clearly show that it treats a health condition, according to the US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
I value being open about that. Even Usui, when asked how his method worked, said in anEnglish translation of his teaching handbook: “I find it difficult to give a sure explanation.”
What I can offer is a gentle session, time to pause, and space to notice how you feel. Your experience is your own: you may feel relaxed or notice warmth or tingling; you may feel very little at the time.
Do I need to believe in Reiki?
No. Usui’s handbook suggests that people can approach Reiki with doubt. You can be curious, uncertain or completely new to the practice.
Your consent, however, is essential. Before a session, your practitioner should explain what will happen and ask about your preferences, including whether you are comfortable with touch. You can ask questions or stop at any time.
How do I choose the right practitioner?
Ask about their training, experience, lineage and approach to consent. Notice whether they listen to your questions and explain the limits of their work. A trustworthy practitioner will not promise a cure or ask you to delay necessary medical or mental health care. The UK Reiki Federation’s code of ethics explicitly says practitioners must not claim to cure.
I’m Ruby Taman, founder of The Sacred Ibis. I’m a Reiki Master with more than ten years of practice. My Reiki lineage traces back to Mikao Usui, and all my attunements took place face to face. My development has continued beyond Reiki through trauma-informed somatic coaching and shamanic healing.
In my work, I explain the session, respect your choices and practise with care around consent, confidentiality and professional boundaries. If your concern needs support outside Reiki, I will encourage you to seek the right help.
If you are wondering whether Reiki is right for you, you are welcome to contact me with your questions. A conversation can help you decide whether you would feel comfortable working together.
Ruby Taman
The sacred IBIS
