Can reiki be done at a distance?
Many reiki practitioners offer distance sessions, and plenty of people find them restful. You lie or sit somewhere quiet while the practitioner sends reiki from elsewhere, usually on a set time by phone, video or simply by arrangement. Researchers have not found firm scientific proof that reiki works at a distance or in person, so think of it as a calming experience rather than medical care.
What distance reiki involves
Reiki is a gentle practice that began in Japan, in which a practitioner channels what they describe as universal energy, usually with light touch in person. Distance reiki follows the same idea without the touch. The practitioner uses focus and intention, and often the reiki symbols they were taught, while you are somewhere else. Practitioners who offer it believe the benefit does not depend on being in the same room. That is a belief within the practice rather than something science has shown, so it is fair to approach it with an open but curious mind.
What a distance session is like
- A chat first. Many practitioners talk with you by phone or video beforehand about what you would like from the session and any questions you have.
- Agreeing a time. You are told when the session will start, so you can be settled and undisturbed.
- Getting comfortable. You lie down or sit with your phone on silent, perhaps with a blanket. Some people dim the lights.
- The session. It often lasts 20 to 40 minutes. You do not need to do anything but rest. Some practitioners stay on a call, and others work in silence.
- Afterwards. You talk about what you noticed, or the practitioner sends a short message. Drink some water and take a few quiet minutes.
Try something tonight
Curious before you book? A short guided relaxation recording lets you try lying back and letting go tonight, at home.
Relaxation recordings are not medical treatment. Please only listen somewhere safe where you can relax, never while driving.
Or see someone: find reiki practitioners near you
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Or by what you would like help with: relaxation and wellbeing · Also: other therapists
What might you notice?
Experiences vary. Many people describe feeling warm, heavy, tingly or deeply relaxed, and some fall asleep. Others feel very little and still enjoy the rest. Feeling calm after setting aside time to lie quietly is common with any restful practice, and it is a perfectly good reason to try it. Nothing is expected of you, and there is no right way to feel.
Distance or in person?
In-person reiki gives you a quiet room, a treatment couch and the comfort of a person nearby, and some people simply value that more. Distance sessions suit you if you are housebound, live far from a practitioner, are unwell and tired, or like being in your own bed or chair. If you are unsure, many practitioners will happily talk through which would suit you before you book.
Roughly what does it cost?
Private reiki in the UK is commonly from £35 a session, and distance sessions are often priced about the same as in-person ones. Prices are often higher in big cities. Some practitioners offer a free first chat or a shorter, cheaper first session. Check the length of the session, the price and the cancellation terms before you book.
Where it fits alongside NHS care
Reiki is a complementary practice, which means something you might add to your usual care, never something to swap for it. If you have a health condition, keep seeing your GP or hospital team, keep taking any medicines, and tell them you are trying reiki if you like. A good practitioner will not promise to treat any condition and will tell you if another route is better first. If a symptom is new, getting worse or worrying you, please see your GP rather than waiting for reiki to help.
How to choose a practitioner
Reiki is not regulated by law in the UK, so it helps to look for someone who is on a voluntary register, such as the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), or who belongs to a professional body with a code of ethics and insurance. Ask about their training, how they run distance sessions and whether they offer a first chat. Be wary of anyone who claims to cure illness, asks you to stop medication or pushes you to pay for many sessions upfront.
More questions
Do I need to be on a call during distance reiki?
Not always. Some practitioners stay on the phone or video with you, and others agree a time and work quietly while you rest on your own. Ask which they do when you book.
Is distance reiki as good as in-person reiki?
People differ. Some find it just as restful, and others prefer having someone in the room with them. If you are unsure, you could try one of each and see which you prefer.
Is there scientific evidence that reiki works at a distance?
Not firmly. Researchers have not found good proof that reiki works in any way beyond relaxation, and that applies to in-person sessions too. Many people still find it a calming, enjoyable experience.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no set number. Some people have one session to try it, and others book regularly, perhaps weekly or monthly, as a way to rest. It is fair to ask a practitioner not to push you into a block.
Can I do distance reiki for someone else?
Practitioners usually ask for the person's agreement first, so that it is something they have chosen. If someone is very unwell, reiki should only ever sit alongside their medical care.