Complete guide
Reiki: The Complete Guide to Self-Reiki, Sessions, History and the Evidence
Reiki is a Japanese hands-on practice, developed by Mikao Usui in the early 1920s, in which a practitioner rests their hands lightly on or just above a fully…
Reiki
Reiki is a Japanese hands-on practice, developed by Mikao Usui in the early 1920s, in which a practitioner rests their hands lightly on or just above a fully clothed person to encourage deep relaxation. Many people find it calming and restorative, and it is offered in spas, wellness centres and some hospitals around the world. Start with our complete guide.
1 guide · 8 videos · 4 podcasts · 3 courses · 9 directories · 5 books · 2 apps · 12 free tools
Reiki is a Japanese hands-on practice, developed by Mikao Usui in the early 1920s, in which a practitioner rests their hands lightly on or just above a fully clothed person to encourage deep relaxation. Many people find it calming and restorative, and it is offered in spas, wellness centres and some hospitals around the world.
This hub is the home on Self Help Supermarket for Reiki. Our complete guide explains the method step by step. As we check them, videos, podcasts, courses, books and practitioner directories for Reiki are added to this page.
Start here
New to Reiki? Our complete guide covers what happens in a session, self-Reiki step by step, what it costs and how to find a practitioner.
What people use it for
Videos 8
Video
Reiki Precepts with Frans Stiene
A short talk on the Reiki precepts from Frans Stiene of the International House of Reiki.
Video
Reiki Hand Positions for Self-Treatment
A short demonstration of Reiki hand positions for self-treatment from the International Center for Reiki Training.
Video
Reiki Self Treatment
A short self-treatment demonstration from Pamela Miles, who works with Reiki in medical settings.
Video
REIKI Integrative Health Care
A short clip on Reiki in integrative health care from Pamela Miles.
Video
Full 30-minute example: what an in-person Reiki session looks like
A full 30-minute example of an in-person Reiki session.
Podcasts 4
Courses & training 3
Practitioners & organisations 9
Directory
CNHC: Find a Practitioner
A UK register of complementary therapists, including Reiki practitioners.
Directory
Reiki Council: Looking for Reiki Healing
Guidance on finding a Reiki practitioner in the UK.
Directory
UK Reiki Federation: Practitioner and Teacher Directory
A UK directory of Reiki practitioners and teachers.
Directory
Canadian Reiki Association: Practitioner and Teacher Directory
A directory of Reiki practitioners and teachers in Canada.
Directory
ICRT: Reiki Practitioners and Teachers List
A worldwide list of Reiki practitioners and teachers.
Directory
Australian Reiki Connection: Reiki Practitioners
A directory of Reiki practitioners in Australia.
Directory
Taking Charge: How Can I Find a Qualified Reiki Practitioner?
A short guide from the University of Minnesota on finding a Reiki practitioner.
Directory
Pamela Miles: Reiki in Medicine
Pamela Miles's site on Reiki in medicine, with training and continuing education.
Books & apps 7
Book
Reiki: A Comprehensive Guide
A guide to Reiki by a practitioner who works with it in medical settings.
Book
The Reiki Touch
An introduction to Reiki by the founder of the International Center for Reiki Training.
Book
The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui
A collection of writings attributed to Reiki's founder.
Free tools & guides 12
Free tool
What Is the History of Reiki? (ICRT)
A short history of Reiki from the International Center for Reiki Training.
Free tool
Study: Effects of reiki in clinical practice: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials
A systematic review of randomised clinical trials of Reiki.
Free tool
Study: A Systematic Review of the Therapeutic Effects of Reiki
A systematic review of the therapeutic effects of Reiki.
Free tool
Study: The effect of reiki on pain: A meta-analysis
A meta-analysis of the effect of Reiki on pain.
Free tool
Study: Effect of Reiki Therapy on Pain and Anxiety in Adults: An In-Depth Literature Review of Randomized Trials with Effect Size Calculations
A literature review of randomised trials of Reiki for pain and anxiety in adults.
Free tool
Study: Reiki Is Better Than Placebo and Has Broad Potential as a Complementary Health Therapy
A paper arguing that Reiki performs better than placebo.
Free tool
Study: Reiki for the Treatment of Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
A randomised controlled trial of Reiki for fibromyalgia.
Free tool
Study: Evaluation of a Distance Reiki Program for Frontline Healthcare Workers’ Health-Related Quality of Life During the COVID-19 Pandemic
An evaluation of a distance Reiki programme for frontline healthcare workers.
Free tool
Study: Reiki and Its Journey Into a Hospital Setting
A nursing paper on how Reiki came to be offered in a hospital.
What the evidence says
Many people report feeling deeply relaxed and cared for after a session, and some trials report less pain and anxiety. Reiki is offered alongside conventional care in a number of hospitals and cancer centres.
You will find more in the complete guide.
FAQs
Where should a complete beginner start?
Read our complete guide first. It explains Reiki step by step.
Does Reiki actually work?
Many people feel deeply relaxed and cared for after a session, and some trials report less pain and anxiety.
Do I need to believe in Reiki for it to help?
No. You don't need any particular belief to have a session, and practitioners don't ask you to. Being open to the experience may help you enjoy it.
Can I learn Reiki myself?
Yes. Most people start with a First Degree (Level 1) course, which teaches self-Reiki and treating family and friends. Traditionally it has been taught over two days (Reiki Council). You can also try the self-Reiki steps in this guide as a simple relaxation practice without any training.
Does distance Reiki work?
Many people enjoy distance Reiki as a moment of rest and connection, and practitioners offer it worldwide.
Can Reiki help with cancer?
Many people with cancer find Reiki relaxing and comforting, which is why a number of cancer centres offer it alongside medical treatment.
Get listed
Do you teach or practise Reiki? We are building a directory of trusted practitioners, courses and apps for every technique. Get in touch to be listed.
Apply to be listedThis hub is for general information and self-help education. It is not medical or psychological advice. External resources are selected by our editors and checked when listed; we are not responsible for third-party content.