What is Reiki?

Reiki is a gentle, complementary practice that supports the body’s natural capacity for regulation and repair. Although its origins are Japanese, it is increasingly used worldwide as a complementary approach alongside medical and psychological care.

From a psychological perspective, Reiki can be understood as a structured form of rest and co-regulation. A session involves lying or sitting comfortably while a practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above the body. This stillness, combined with safe relational presence, helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system—the branch responsible for rest, digestion, and recovery. Clients often describe a sense of calm, warmth, or spaciousness.

Research suggests that Reiki may help reduce stress, support mood regulation, and improve sleep quality. While it is not a replacement for medical or psychological treatment, many people find it a useful way to cultivate relaxation, reconnect with their bodies, and build resilience in the face of stress or trauma.

Is Reiki right for me?

Reiki may be right for you if:

• You feel disconnected from your body or emotions

• You struggle to rest, slow down, or feel safe

• You’re moving through life transitions, grief, trauma, or burnout

• You long for a spiritual connection that feels embodied and personal

• You’re seeking support alongside talking therapy, but want something less verbal, more sensory

• You simply need somewhere to be held without having to explain yourself

Reiki is not a replacement for mental health or medical care, but it can sit beautifully alongside it — offering restoration, recalibration, and relief.

What is breathwork?

Breathwork is an umbrella term for practices that use intentional breathing patterns to influence the body and mind. Different approaches vary in pace and depth, but they all harness the close link between breath and the nervous system.

Breathwork can be understood as a way of directly engaging with autonomic regulation. Slow, steady breathing helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, supporting relaxation and recovery. Faster or more intensive breathing styles may temporarily activate stress responses, followed by a rebound effect that can release tension and create a sense of clarity.

Research indicates that regular breathwork practice may reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and support sleep and concentration. It is not a replacement for therapy or medical treatment, but many people find it a practical tool for calming the mind, reconnecting with the body, and building resilience in everyday life.

What can I expect in a session?

When you arrive, we begin with a brief check-in to see how you're feeling physically, emotionally, and energetically. You're welcome to share as much or as little as feels right..

You’ll then lie fully clothed on a treatment bed (or be seated if preferred), supported by cushions and blankets to help you feel grounded and at ease.

Reiki

Reiki doesn’t push for a specific outcome. It creates the conditions for your nervous system to shift from survival mode into restoration, meeting you exactly where you are.

With consent, I may place my hands lightly on or just above the body, working intuitively with energy centres, areas of tension, or stillness.

What You Might Experience

Everyone responds to Reiki a little differently, and no two sessions are ever quite the same. What you notice depends on what your body and nervous system are ready for. There is no “right” or “wrong” response.

Common experiences include:

Physical sensations

• Warmth or tingling where hands are placed

• A sense of heaviness, lightness, or gentle waves through the body

• Changes in breathing (sighs, yawns, deeper rhythm)

• Muscles softening or releasing tension

Inner experience

• A deep calm, like dropping into meditation or dreamlike rest

• Emotions surfacing — sometimes with tears, laughter, or relief

• Memories, imagery, or colours arising spontaneously

• A clearer sense of “space” or connection with yourself

After the session

• Feeling lighter, more grounded, or mentally clear

• Deeper or more restful sleep

• A gentle lift in energy, or sometimes temporary tiredness as the body recalibrates

• Ongoing emotional processing in the hours or days that follow

You don’t have to believe in anything for Reiki to work. You only need to show up, and allow your body the chance to soften.

How many sessions will I need?

What matters most is finding a pace that feels supportive rather than overwhelming. Reiki is there to meet you, not the other way around. Some people feel a shift after just one session, while others prefer a short series to build momentum. We can discuss what works best for you to personalise your sessions.

Is Reiki safe? Are there side effects?

Reiki is widely considered very safe and suitable for nearly everyone, including children and people with health conditions. There are no known contraindications. Possible mild effects may include emotional release, energetic shifts, feelings of lightness or fatigue, or a detox-like sensation. These are not harmful; they simply reflect the body recalibrating. It’s recommended to avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water afterwards to support your system.

Can Reiki be used with medical or psychological treatments?

Yes. In fact, Reiki is most powerful when used alongside conventional medical and mental health care. It does not replace treatments, but can support healing, reduce stress, and aid recovery from surgery or chronic conditions.

Is Reiki a religion or spiritual practice?

No, Reiki is not a religion. Though spiritual in nature, Reiki operates within a broadly spiritual–philosophical space. Practitioners invite openness rather than adherence to any belief system, and respect each person’s personal spiritual or religious path.

Whether you're feeling raw, curious, lost, or quietly hopeful — you’re welcome here.