Q&A with a Reiki Master | What Reiki Is, How It Works & What to Expect

Questions & Answers with a Reiki Master

If you're wondering what Reiki is and what it can help with, this blog post is for you. Alex is a Reiki Master-Teacher of almost 7 years, who's practiced with people from all over the world. His spiritual path preceded Reiki by over a decade, but during a deep and extended Dark Night of the Soul, he discovered Reiki as a warm embrace and guiding light that since then has helped him soften his path and find peace again.

Throughout this article, Alex will answer the most frequently asked questions regarding Reiki itself and its practice. The questions answered are:

– What is Reiki?
– How does Reiki work?
– What can Reiki help with?
– Are distance healing sessions really effective?
– What should I expect after the session?
– What does a Reiki session feel like?
– How often should I get Reiki?
– Is there scientific evidence for Reiki?
– Is Reiki safe?

What is Reiki?

Reiki is subtle universal energy that works directly with Ki energy, also known as Prana, Qi, or Chi in various healing traditions. It was rediscovered by Mikao Usui in Japan in the early 20th century and has since grown into a widely practiced form of energy healing across the world.

Reiki defines both the energy and the practice of channeling that energy. Many describe Reiki as a gentle warmth, a wave of peace, or quiet intelligence that seems to know exactly where healing is needed.

In my eyes, Reiki is a universal, balancing principle. While an individual’s energy can fluctuate depending on outer and inner circumstances, Reiki remains constant and of very high frequency. Thus, it can bring the energy field of an individual back into balance and vitality. By relaxing the nervous system, it can bring great relief and complete healing to physical, mental and emotional pain.

Through a state of openness and intention, the Reiki practitioner gently channels this energy to support the body’s natural healing processes, and realigning body, mind, and spirit.

How does Reiki work?

I believe this is close to impossible to answer with perfect accuracy. Reiki is a healing modality leaning on grace, spontaneity, surrender, and love. Its nature is also profound peace. These aspects of reality and the human being are non-intellectual and... spontaneous, meaning it goes beyond the linear way of thinking (do this and that happens). But I will do my best to describe what can be said about the process of healing with Reiki.

In everyday life, many people are quite protected and closed off to the world. When about to receive Reiki, the receiving individual will by intention or sheer curiosity begin opening their energy field. This opening allows the Reiki to tune that person's energy to that of the higher, universal frequency – much like a tuning fork. It is not adding anything to the person, but merely guiding them back to the natural state of vibrant, lively, and peaceful beingness. The closer one comes to that state, the more and deeper healing follows. With continued practice of Reiki, it becomes easier to come back to this state, but one's fundamental or "baseline" energy starts to reflect the universal frequency more and more, without losing one's unique energetic imprint and personality.

What can Reiki help with?

Reiki can support physical pain, emotional distress, mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, or ADHD, and even help with spiritual clarity, relationship healing, and manifestation. It can be sent into the past or future, and can support you in aligning with your purpose, calming your system, and creating change both within and around you.

Reiki may help with:

• Physical pain and tension
• Mental health concerns (anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, ADHD)
• Recovery from illness or medical treatment
• Emotional overwhelm and distress
• Relationship healing and energetic clarity
• Life purpose and career alignment
• Manifestation and material well-being
• Gaining insight and intuitive guidance
• Deepening spiritual practice and connection
• General rest, restoration, and nervous system regulation

If you feel called to explore this, you can book a session or reach out to ask any questions. I'm happy to hold space for where you are.

Are distance healing sessions really effective?

Yes, absolutely. Reiki isn’t bound by time or space. The energy can be sent and received no matter where you are — even without video or a photo. If you're open, just sit with one of my videos and notice what you feel. Often we don’t need to feel something huge — just staying with the subtle, letting ourselves build sensitivity and trust, is enough to experience its depth over time.

What should I expect after the session?

Everyone reacts differently. You might feel peaceful, tired, energized, emotional, or even a little off. It’s all welcome. Sometimes things rise to the surface to be released, and sometimes you just feel lighter. I always recommend drinking water, resting if you need to, and listening closely to your body and what it wants. That’s where the real integration happens.

What does a Reiki session feel like?

A session is unique to you. You might feel peace, bliss, warmth, or emotional release — or you might feel nothing at all, and that’s okay too. It can feel like reconnecting to a lost part of yourself, or like moving through old emotions that are ready to go. The energy often moves in waves. Whatever your experience, it’s valuable and enough just as it is.

How often should I get Reiki?

If you really want to explore whether Reiki is for you, I suggest two to four sessions a month for at least three months. That gives you time to get a real sense of what the energy feels like and how it supports you. You don’t have to feel everything all at once. As with anything meaningful, it unfolds over time — as long as your curiosity or sincerity is there, that’s what you follow.

I offer discounted session packages if you're ready to go deeper. You can always reach out to ask me more.

Is there scientific evidence for Reiki?

Yes, more and more studies are showing the clinical benefits of Reiki, especially in reducing anxiety, depression, and pain. It’s being used in hospitals and palliative care settings, and research is starting to reflect what many of us already know from experience.

Still, the most important thing is what you feel. Your intuition matters more than any study ever could in showing what is right for you.

Is Reiki safe?

Yes, Reiki is completely safe. It’s divine, universal energy — and it will never give you more than you’re ready for. If it ever feels too much, you can ask the energy to soften, or simply rest. You can’t use Reiki to manipulate or harm. And of course, always trust your intuition — if a practitioner doesn’t feel right to you, you don’t need to stay. Your inner guidance always knows.