What is reiki?

Reiki is a gentle hands-on Japanese healing technique that channels universal life force energy through the practitioner to promote balance across the body, mind and spirit. It works by gently clearing energetic blockages, easing stress and emotional tension and activating your body’s natural healing response.

Clients often describe it as deeply calming, nurturing and grounding—a safe space to reconnect with themselves and find inner peace.

  • Origin
    Developed by Mikao Usui in the early 20th century in Japan.

    Name Meaning
    Rei: Universal or Spiritual Wisdom
    Ki: Life energy (same as “chi” in Chinese or “prana” in Sanskrit)
    Together, Reiki means “spiritually guided life force energy.”

  • The Reiki practitioner channels life force energy through their hands, placing them on or just above the client’s body. The energy flows to areas of imbalance, supporting the body’s natural healing processes.

    It can assist with:

    • Stress reduction

    • Relaxation

    • Emotional healing

    • Pain relief

    • Spiritual development

  • Clients lie down fully clothed in a calm, meditative space.
    Sensations may include:

    • Warmth

    • Tingling

    • Deep relaxation

    Some clients experience emotional release, visions, or simply a deep sense of peace.

  • Reiki is not a religion (though spiritual in nature) and it is not a replacement for medical treatment. It is a complementary therapy.

    • Reduced stress and anxiety

    • Relief from pain and tension

    • Faster recovery from surgery or illness

    • Better sleep and mental clarity

    • Deepened spiritual connection

  • Chakras are energy centres in the body that regulate the flow of life force energy.
    There are seven main chakras, each linked to physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of your being—from your sense of safety to your ability to love, express, and connect to higher consciousness.

    During a Reiki session, practitioners often focus on these chakras using hand positions that align with each one.

    The Chakras: Imbalances and In-Balance States

    Root Chakra

    Location: Base of the spine
    Element: Earth

    When imbalanced:

    • Emotional: Anxiety, fear, insecurity

    • Mental: Scattered focus, disconnection

    • Physical: Fatigue, lower back pain, leg/feet issues

    In balance:

    • Emotional: Feels safe and grounded

    • Mental: Present and resilient

    • Physical: Stable energy, strong immunity

    • General feeling: At home in your body and in life

    Sacral Chakra

    Location: Lower abdomen, below the navel
    Element: Water

    When imbalanced:

    • Emotional: Emotional instability, intimacy issues

    • Mental: Creative blocks, obsessive thoughts

    • Physical: Reproductive or urinary issues

    In balance:

    • Emotional: Emotionally expressive, open to pleasure

    • Mental: Creative and adaptable

    • Physical: Healthy reproductive system

    • General feeling: Embraces change with joy

    Solar Plexus Chakra

    Location: Upper abdomen/stomach
    Element: Fire

    When imbalanced:

    • Emotional: Low self-esteem, anger

    • Mental: Indecisiveness, overthinking

    • Physical: Digestive issues, chronic fatigue

    In balance:

    • Emotional: Confident, self-motivated

    • Mental: Purpose-driven, clear decision-making

    • Physical: Strong digestion and core energy

    • General feeling: Empowered and purposeful

    Heart Chakra

    Location: Centre of the chest
    Element: Air

    When imbalanced:

    • Emotional: Jealousy, codependency

    • Mental: Difficulty trusting, grief

    • Physical: Heart/lung issues, poor circulation

    In balance:

    • Emotional: Compassionate, forgiving

    • Mental: Emotionally intelligent

    • Physical: Open chest and healthy lungs

    • General feeling: Radiates love and harmony

    Throat Chakra

    Location: Throat
    Element: Ether (space)

    When imbalanced:

    • Emotional: Shyness, fear of speaking

    • Mental: Poor communication

    • Physical: Thyroid issues, sore throat

    In balance:

    • Emotional: Honest and expressive

    • Mental: Clear communicator, good listener

    • Physical: Healthy throat and voice

    • General feeling: Speaks truth with clarity

    Third Eye Chakra

    Location: Forehead, between the eyebrows
    Element: Light

    When imbalanced:

    • Emotional: Feeling stuck, paranoia

    • Mental: Confusion, nightmares

    • Physical: Headaches, sleep issues

    In balance:

    • Emotional: Insightful and introspective

    • Mental: Intuitive and visionary

    • Physical: Sharp senses, restful sleep

    • General feeling: Deep trust in inner wisdom

    Crown Chakra

    Location: Top of the head
    Element: Cosmic energy/consciousness

    When imbalanced:

    • Emotional: Disconnected, apathetic

    • Mental: Spiritual cynicism, mental fog

    • Physical: Chronic exhaustion, light/sound sensitivity

    In balance:

    • Emotional: Peaceful and connected

    • Mental: Clear awareness, higher thinking

    • General feeling: Feels one with the universe

  • Even without illness, Reiki offers powerful support for your emotional, spiritual and mental wellbeing.

    Deep Stress Relief

    Encourages a parasympathetic (rest and digest) state, calming the nervous system.

    Mental Clarity

    Releases mental chatter, supporting decision-making and creativity.

    Emotional Maintenance

    Clears subtle emotional or energetic patterns before they become issues.

    Energetic Tune-Up

    Like a massage for your energy, Reiki increases vitality and prevents stagnation.

    Spiritual Growth

    Deepens mindfulness, expands intuition and strengthens your connection to your higher self.

    Better Sleep and Recovery

    Boosts rest and performance, even for athletes and creatives.

    Preventative Wellness

    Keeps your energy field clear and balanced, helping prevent future health challenges.

  • After your Reiki session, you may experience a range of physical, emotional or energetic shifts. Everyone responds differently. There is no “right” way to feel. Some common experiences include:

    • A deep sense of peace and relaxation

    • Emotional release (tears, laughter, clarity)

    • Feeling lighter or more grounded

    • Temporary fatigue or the need for extra rest

    • Vivid dreams or heightened intuition

    These sensations are a natural part of your energy body rebalancing and releasing what is no longer needed. You may continue to integrate the session over the hours and days that follow.

    To support your process:

    • Drink plenty of water

    • Allow space for quiet reflection if possible

    • Trust what arises without judgement

    • Be gentle with yourself

    You are invited to honour what you feel and to know that your body and soul are working together in your highest support. Should anything arise that feels intense or confusing, you are always welcome to reach out.

  • Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive energy healing practice that supports the body’s natural ability to heal itself. It is not a substitute for medical or psychological diagnosis or treatment.

    The services provided through Align with Love are intended for personal growth, relaxation, spiritual well-being and to enhance and strengthen the body’s natural healing ability. Reiki practitioners do not diagnose conditions, prescribe medications or interfere with the treatment plans of medical professionals.

    By receiving a session, you acknowledge that you understand and accept this disclaimer.

find your calm