Reiki: Presence, Balance, and Intentional Rest
Reiki is a Japanese practice that centers on gentle, intentional touch and focused presence, developed in the early 20th century by Mikao Usui. Drawing from older Japanese spiritual and contemplative traditions, Reiki emerged during a time when many people were seeking ways to cultivate balance, clarity, and calm amid rapid social change (Stein 1995). Usui’s approach emphasized mindfulness, breath, and quiet attention, and it was later shared beyond Japan through his students, eventually becoming widely known in the West during the mid-20th century (Miles and True 2006).
At its core, Reiki is a practice focused on guiding attention and awareness through light hand placements, either directly on the body or just above it. Sessions are typically conducted in a quiet, relaxed setting and are non-invasive in nature. Rather than manipulating muscles or joints, Reiki emphasizes stillness and presence, allowing the recipient to rest deeply while remaining fully clothed (Petter 2012). Many people describe the experience as calming, grounding, or meditative, often noting a sense of mental clarity or physical ease during and after a session.
Reiki is commonly used to support stress management and emotional regulation. Studies suggest that practices involving structured relaxation and intentional touch may help reduce perceived stress and promote a sense of calm by encouraging parasympathetic nervous system activity (Thrane and Cohen 2014). For individuals navigating demanding schedules or periods of emotional strain, Reiki offers a dedicated pause—a space to slow down, reset attention, and reconnect with the body without effort or expectation. This makes it especially appealing to those who prefer gentle, low-stimulation wellness practices.
The usefulness of Reiki lies in its simplicity and accessibility. It does not require physical exertion, flexibility, or prior experience, making it suitable for a wide range of people and life stages. Reiki is often incorporated alongside other wellness routines as a way to support balance and self-awareness over time rather than as a singular solution (Miles 2014). By encouraging stillness, reflection, and intentional rest, Reiki provides an opportunity to step away from constant activity and engage with wellness in a quiet, personal way—one that values presence as much as outcome.
References
Miles, Pamela. Reiki: A Comprehensive Guide. New York: Penguin Compass, 2014.
Miles, Pamela, and Susan Mitchell True. Reiki Research: Measurement and Outcomes. Boulder, CO: International Center for Reiki Training, 2006.
Petter, Frank Arjava. The Spirit of Reiki. Twin Lakes, WI: Lotus Press, 2012.
Stein, Diane. Essential Reiki. Freedom, CA: Crossing Press, 1995.
Thrane, Susan, and Shelley Cohen. “Effect of Reiki Therapy on Pain and Anxiety in Adults: An In-Depth Literature Review of Randomized Trials with Effect Size Calculations.” Pain Management Nursing 15, no. 4 (2014): 897–908.