Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Does a Reiki Session Feel Like?

    What one experiences during a Reiki session varies from person to person. However, feelings of deep relaxation are commonly reported. In addition, many people describe a wonderful glowing radiance or sensations such as warmth, tingling, or energy flowing through and around them.

    Some drift off to sleep or experience imagery, colors, emotions, or other personal or spiritual experiences. At the end of the session, many people report feeling refreshed, peaceful, or more balanced.

    Every Reiki experience is unique, and there is no right or wrong way to experience a session.

  • What Can Reiki Support?

    People seek Reiki for many different reasons. Reiki is commonly used to support:

    • Relaxation and stress reduction

    • Emotional and spiritual well-being

    • A greater sense of peace and balance

    • Rest and self-care

    • Personal growth and reflection

    • Support during stressful or challenging times

    • Additional support while navigating illness or other health challenges

    Reiki is a complementary wellness practice and is not a replacement for medical or mental health care. Experiences vary from person to person.

  • Where does Reiki Energy Come From?

    Within Reiki tradition, Reiki is understood as a subtle form of spiritually guided life-force energy. It is different from electricity, chemical energy, or other forms of physical energy.

    Reiki practitioners often describe this energy as coming from a Higher Power or universal source. When viewed clairvoyantly, some practitioners describe Reiki energy as appearing to come down from above, entering through the top of the practitioner's head and flowing through the body and out through the hands.

    Reiki teachings also describe the source of this energy as existing within and around us. This does not mean practitioners use their own personal energy when giving Reiki, but rather that they serve as a channel for an energy believed to come from a greater or universal source.

  • How Often Should I Receive a Reiki Session?

    The frequency of Reiki sessions varies from person to person and depends on your individual needs, goals, and current state of well-being. Some people enjoy weekly sessions—especially during times of stress or transition—while others may find that occasional sessions help them maintain a sense of balance and alignment.

    Trust your body and intuition; they'll often guide you toward the rhythm that feels right for you. During our first session, we can also talk about what frequency may best support you based on what you're experiencing and what you're hoping to get out of Reiki.

  • Are There any Side Effects?

    Most people report feeling relaxed or uplifted after a Reiki session. Occasionally, someone may feel tired, emotional, reflective, or notice temporary changes in how they feel afterward.

    Within some energy-healing traditions, these experiences are sometimes referred to as a “healing response.” Experiences vary from person to person.

    I encourage clients to listen to their bodies, rest if needed, stay normally hydrated, and seek appropriate medical care for any concerning or persistent physical symptoms.

  • What’s the Difference Between In-Person and Distance Reiki?

    Within Reiki practice, distance Reiki is based on the principle that Reiki energy is not limited by physical location. I connect with you remotely and guide the session much as I would if you were in the room.

    Many clients enjoy remote Reiki for its convenience and flexibility, and because they can receive their session while relaxing in the comfort of their own home.

  • What’s the Difference Between Usui, Holy Fire®, and Karuna Reiki®?

    All three are forms of Reiki, which means they channel spiritually guided life energy for healing and well-being—but they each have their own unique energy qualities and approaches:

    Usui Reiki
    This is the original Reiki system developed by Mikao Usui in Japan in the early 1900s. It forms the foundation of modern Reiki practice and focuses on self-healing, spiritual development, and hands-on healing through specific hand placements. Usui Reiki is known for its gentle, steady energy and deep relaxation.

    Holy Fire® Reiki
    Introduced by the International Center for Reiki Training (ICRT), Holy Fire® Reiki builds on the traditional Usui system and is described within Reiki practice as having a refined and powerful energy. Holy Fire® energy is often described as feeling very pure, deeply supportive, and having a sense of loving intelligence. Many practitioners and recipients describe it as supporting deeper personal and spiritual growth, inner guidance, and a greater sense of peace.

    Karuna Reiki®
    Also developed by the ICRT, Karuna Reiki® is considered a more advanced form of Reiki and is typically practiced by those already trained in Usui Reiki. “Karuna” means “compassionate action.” This practice is often used with the intention of supporting emotional well-being, personal growth, and the release of energetic patterns or blocks. Many people experience Karuna Reiki® as having a nurturing, supportive, and deeply transformative energy.

    Each system complements the others beautifully. In my practice, I am trained in all three and intuitively blend the energies to best support each client’s unique needs.

  • Is it Safe for Pregnant Women & Babies?

    Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive energy practice, and some people choose to incorporate it into their wellness routine during pregnancy. It has also been used during childbirth as a complementary practice to support relaxation and a sense of calm.

    Babies and young children can also receive Reiki. Sessions for children are typically shorter and adapted to their age, comfort, and individual needs.

    I began giving Reiki to my own daughter when she was two years old, shortly after I became certified, and Reiki has continued to be a nurturing part of our family's wellness routine.

    Reiki is a complementary wellness practice and does not replace prenatal, pediatric, or other appropriate medical care.

  • Is Reiki a Religion?

    No, Although Reiki energy is spiritual in nature, Reiki is not a religion. It is a form of energy healing that can be used by anyone, regardless of their religious beliefs.