Can Reiki Help with Anxiety? Benefits, Science & How It Works

Reiki can help with anxiety

Yes! Reiki can help reduce anxiety by promoting deep relaxation, balancing your body’s energy, and easing mental stress. Scientific studies suggest Reiki may lower stress hormones and enhance emotional well-being. Keep reading to discover how it works and how you can integrate Reiki into your routine.

What is Anxiety & How Does It Affect Your Energy?

Anxiety is more than just feeling stressed—it’s a chronic state of worry that can manifest physically and emotionally. Symptoms often include:

✅ Racing thoughts
✅ Increased heart rate
✅ Muscle tension
✅ Restlessness or insomnia

How Reiki Fits In: Reiki is a Japanese energy healing practice designed to calm the nervous system, balance emotional energy, and promote relaxation—all of which can help counteract anxiety.

How Reiki Helps with Anxiety: 5 Key Benefits

1. Activates the Relaxation Response

  • Reiki shifts the body from ‘fight or flight’ mode to a calm state by reducing cortisol (stress hormone) levels.

🔹 2. Clears Energy Blockages Linked to Anxiety

  • Practitioners believe emotional distress creates blockages in your energy field, leading to prolonged anxiety. Reiki aims to restore a balanced energy flow.

🔹 3. Promotes Mindfulness & Presence

  • Reiki sessions often induce a meditative state, reducing racing thoughts and fostering a sense of calm.

🔹 4. Supports Emotional Healing

  • Many Reiki clients experience emotional release during sessions, which helps address underlying stress triggers and trauma.

🔹 5. Improves Sleep & Overall Well-Being

  • Reiki has been shown to improve sleep quality, which is crucial for reducing anxiety symptoms.

What Science Says About Reiki & Anxiety

💡 While Reiki is primarily a holistic practice, scientific studies suggest it has measurable effects on anxiety reduction.

  • A 2022 study published in Global Advances in Health and Medicine found that Reiki significantly reduced stress and anxiety levels in hospital patients.
  • A separate study by the Cleveland Clinic indicated that Reiki promotes relaxation and emotional balance, making it a useful complementary therapy.

What to Expect During a Reiki Session for Anxiety

If you’re new to Reiki, here’s what a typical session looks like:

🛏 Setting: You’ll lie fully clothed in a relaxing space.
👐 Hand Placement: The practitioner gently places their hands on or just above different energy centers.
🌊 Sensations: You may feel warmth, tingling, or deep relaxation as energy shifts.

💡 How Long Until You Notice Results?

  • Many feel immediate relaxation after the first session.
  • For chronic anxiety, 4-6 sessions are recommended.

Self-Reiki Techniques for Anxiety Relief

🌿 1. Reiki Hand Placement for Stress Relief

  • Place one hand on your heart and one on your stomach.
  • Breathe deeply for 5-10 minutes, focusing on warmth and relaxation.

🌙 2. Reiki for Sleep & Anxiety

  • Before bed, place your hands over your forehead or chest to calm racing thoughts.

🔆 3. Guided Reiki Meditation

  • Use a Reiki-infused guided meditation for 10-15 minutes daily to strengthen emotional balance.

📥 Want to Try Self-Reiki? I often run courses for initiating people into Reiki so they can help themselves and others. Read more here

FAQ: Reiki for Anxiety Relief

  • Can Reiki cure anxiety completely?
  • Reiki is not a replacement for medical treatment but works as a complementary therapy to reduce stress and promote well-being to reduce anxiety. Reiki recipients often report a deep sense of calm and awareness of factors that made them anxious through the sessions and healing occurs at a deep transformative later.
  • How many Reiki sessions do I need to feel results?
    Some people feel relief after one session, while others may need 4-6 sessions for lasting benefits.
  • Can I do Reiki on myself for anxiety?
    Yes! Self-Reiki techniques can be done at home for stress relief.
  • How does Reiki compare to meditation for anxiety relief?
    Both Reiki and meditation promote relaxation. Most Reiki sessions begin with a guided meditation as well but Reiki directly channels energy to rebalance the body, while meditation focuses on mindfulness and breath awareness. Some find Reiki to be a deeper, more immediate experience that complements their meditation practice.
  • Is Reiki safe to combine with therapy or medication for anxiety?
    Absolutely! Reiki is a non-invasive, complementary practice that can be used alongside therapy, medication, or other holistic treatments. Always consult with a healthcare provider for medical advice.
  • What do people typically feel after a Reiki session?
    Reiki recipients often report a deep sense of calm, emotional clarity, and physical relaxation. Some may also experience emotional release as blocked energy is cleared.

Final Thoughts: Can Reiki Help Anxiety?

YES! Reiki is a powerful complementary therapy for reducing anxiety, balancing energy, and improving emotional well-being. Whether you book a professional session or try self-Reiki techniques, it’s an excellent tool to support your mental health journey.

💛 Want to experience Reiki for anxiety relief? Book a session today- click here