Is reiki religious?
No. Reiki is not a religion, and you do not need any faith or belief to have a session. It began in Japan in the early 1900s and has some spiritual language around it, but most UK practitioners offer it as a quiet, relaxing therapy. Some people find it spiritual and some simply enjoy the rest, and both are fine.
Where reiki comes from
Reiki was developed in Japan by Mikao Usui in the early 20th century. It draws on Japanese ideas about life energy, and its early teaching included some spiritual practice. It was later brought to the West and has been taught in many different ways since. It has no god, no scripture, no worship and no membership, so it does not work like a religion.
What happens in a session
- A short chat. Your practitioner asks what brings you and whether you have any health conditions or worries about being touched.
- Getting comfortable. You lie on a couch or sit in a chair, fully clothed, often with a blanket.
- The reiki itself. The practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above your body, usually for 30 to 60 minutes. Many people feel warmth, tingling or deep calm, and some doze off.
- Afterwards. You have a few minutes to come round and talk about how it felt.
Try something tonight
Curious but not ready to book? A short guided relaxation recording gives you a feel for that same quiet, settled state tonight.
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
Reiki practitioners are listed with the holistic and reiki practitioners in the Practitioner directory, each with a phone number. Pick your town:
Or by what you would like help with: relaxation and wellbeing · Also: massage and reflexology therapists
Do I need to believe in anything?
No. You do not have to believe in energy, spirits or anything else to lie down and rest. Many people come simply for relaxation, and some are sceptical and still enjoy it. Practitioners describe it differently: some use spiritual words, others keep it plain. If you prefer a down-to-earth approach, say so when you book, and a good practitioner will respect that. If you hold religious beliefs of your own, reiki does not ask you to give them up.
What reiki can and cannot do
Many people find reiki helps them feel calm, rested and looked after. It is not a medical treatment, and a practitioner should never claim it can cure an illness or ask you to stop or change anything your doctor has advised. Think of it as a complement to, not a replacement for, NHS care.
Roughly what does it cost?
Private reiki in the UK commonly costs from £35 a session, and often more in big cities. Some practitioners offer a shorter or lower-priced first session. Check the length of a session and the cancellation terms before you book.
Who it might not suit
If you want a very practical, evidence-led approach, or you feel uneasy with spiritual language, reiki may not be for you, and something like massage or a relaxation recording might fit better. If you have a health concern that has not been looked at, please see your GP first. A good practitioner will tell you if another route is better first.
More questions
Is reiki a form of prayer?
No. Reiki is not prayer and does not involve worship or asking a god for anything. Some practitioners add their own spiritual practice, but you can ask for a plain, quiet session.
Can I have reiki if I am religious?
Yes. Many people of all faiths and none have reiki. If you have any concern, ask the practitioner how they work before you book.
Will the practitioner try to convert me?
They should not. Reiki has no creed to teach. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, you can say so or end the session.
Do I have to undress?
No. You stay fully clothed, and the touch is light or just above the body. You can ask for no touch at all.
Is reiki regulated?
Reiki is not a protected title, but practitioners can join the CNHC register, which sets standards for training and conduct. Ask about their training and insurance.