Can reiki help with anxiety and stress?
Many people find reiki a quiet, soothing hour that helps them feel calmer and more able to let go of tension. You rest fully clothed while a practitioner holds their hands lightly on or just above your body. Reiki is a relaxation practice rather than a medical treatment, and there is no firm scientific proof that it works in the way practitioners describe, so think of it as one gentle option alongside other support, not a replacement for it. If anxiety is getting in the way of daily life, see your GP too.
What happens in a reiki session
- A short chat. Your practitioner asks what brings you, how you have been feeling and whether there is anything they should know, such as injuries or health conditions.
- Getting settled. You lie on a couch or sit in a chair, fully clothed, often with a blanket. The room is usually quiet and softly lit.
- The reiki itself. The practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above different areas, commonly the head, shoulders, chest and tummy, and holds each position for a few minutes. There is no pressure or manipulation.
- Coming back. You take a moment to sit up slowly. Many people have a glass of water and a short chat about how it felt.
What does it feel like?
Most people describe feeling deeply relaxed, a bit like the quiet before sleep. Some notice warmth, tingling or a heavy, sinking feeling, and some simply feel nothing special and enjoy the rest. Some people drift off. Others feel a little emotional afterwards, which usually passes. Whatever you feel is fine, and you can ask the practitioner to stop at any point.
Try something tonight
Want to feel the same sense of settling before you book? A short guided relaxation recording gives you a quiet few minutes at home tonight.
Relaxation recordings are not medical treatment. Please only listen somewhere safe where you can relax, never while driving.
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Or by what you would like help with: stress · Also: counsellors · Also: hypnotherapists
Why it may help with anxiety and stress
Anxiety and stress often keep your body on alert. Lying still, being looked after and breathing slowly for an hour is itself restful, and many people find that giving themselves that time makes the days after feel a little easier. Practitioners describe reiki as moving energy, but you do not need to share that belief to enjoy the calm. It is honest to say that the benefit may come from the relaxation and the care rather than anything measurable, and that is still worth having.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no set number. Many people try one session to see how it feels, then book a few weekly or fortnightly sessions while life is busy. Others have a session now and then as a regular treat. If you are not noticing any benefit after a few sessions, it is fair to say so and look at something else.
Roughly what does it cost?
Private reiki in the UK commonly costs from £35 a session, and often more in big cities. Sessions usually last 45 to 60 minutes. Some practitioners offer a lower price for a block of sessions, and community or group reiki can cost less. Check the price, the length and the cancellation terms before you book.
Where it fits alongside NHS care
For ongoing anxiety the NHS usually suggests self-help, talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and sometimes medication. Many people add reiki as a restful extra and tell their GP they are doing so. Reiki is not a substitute for medical care, and a good practitioner will never ask you to stop or change any treatment. They will tell you if another route is better first.
When to see your GP first
Please talk to your GP if your anxiety is severe, lasts for weeks, stops you getting through work or home life, affects your sleep or appetite a lot, or comes with panic attacks, chest pain or breathlessness that have not been checked. If chest pain is severe, comes on suddenly or does not ease, call 999 straight away. Seek help sooner if you are having thoughts of harming yourself. If you ever feel unable to keep yourself safe, call Samaritans free on 116 123, call NHS 111, or call 999 if you are in danger. Reiki can sit alongside that care once you have been seen. If you are pregnant or have a serious health condition, tell your practitioner before you begin.
This page is general information, not medical advice. If you have symptoms that haven't been checked, or you are under medical care, please talk to your GP as well.
More questions
Do I need to believe in reiki for it to work?
No. Many people go with an open mind and simply enjoy the rest. Whether or not you share the idea of energy, the quiet time can help you unwind.
Do I have to undress?
No. You stay fully clothed throughout. Touch, if there is any, is very light, and you can ask for hands slightly above the body instead.
Can reiki replace therapy or medication?
No. It is a relaxation practice and works best as an extra. Please keep taking any medication and keep any appointments you have, and speak to your GP before changing anything.
Is reiki regulated in the UK?
Reiki is not a protected title, so anyone can use it. Look for a practitioner on the CNHC register, or one who belongs to a professional body, has insurance and is happy to explain their training.
Can I have reiki online?
Some practitioners offer distance sessions by video or phone. Many people prefer to be in the room, so choose whichever feels right to you.