How Does Distance Reiki Work?

First, let’s start with the basics – what Reiki is, and how it works.

The word “Reiki” comes from the Japanese words “rei,” meaning universal, and “ki,” meaning life energy. Reiki is universal life force energy that exists all around us. This energy, when directed at an individual or place, has powerful healing abilities.

To be able to best channel the flow of Reiki, practitioners need to be “attuned”, which is done by a Reiki Master. This allows the practitioner to take in Reiki energy through one (or more) of their chakras, and then pass it back out their bodies, often through the palm chakra on each hand (although any chakra can send out – or take in – Reiki).

How an In-Person Reiki Session Works

In an in-person session, the client lays on a massage table, sits in a chair, or lays on a mat on the floor, and the Reiki practitioner sends Reiki to the client with their hands on, or just above the body while they move around the client. A relaxing atmosphere is provided, often with music and soothing space.

Some practitioners are trained in multiple healing arts and may use other methods in addition to Reiki. For example, I am trained in energy medicine, crystal therapy, and reflexology, and many of those modalities go into my in-person sessions.

How a Distance Reiki Session Works

Second-degree Reiki practitioners and above* are trained in the use of sacred symbols to aid the work of Reiki energy. One of these symbols helps connect the practitioner with any individual or place regardless of distance, and even time. Once that connection is established, the practitioner carries out the Reiki session just as if it were in person.

Because Reiki is energy and not physical matter, it doesn’t adhere to physical laws like distance and time. In the energetic realm, there is no distance and all time is now.

For a remote session, the practitioner and client usually meet by phone or video call – I work by Zoom. The client should be in a relatively private and quiet space where they can relax and won’t be interrupted during the session.

When I meet with a distance client, there’s time at the beginning of the session for us to talk about what your healing goals are. For new clients, I also tell them what to expect during the session. I let my clients know that they’re free to fall asleep, meditate, or just lay quietly and relax. I play soft, soothing music, and encourage them to dim their lighting if it’s accessible.

Reiki practitioners use a surrogate in place of the client – a doll, a healing board, or even just a piece of paper with the client’s name on it. They then send Reiki to their client through the surrogate once they’ve established an energetic connection.

Some forms of energy medicine, like chakra balancing and aura clearing, can also be done remotely, as can crystal therapy. I may use energy medicine and/or crystals during a distance healing session, depending on my client’s needs.

So, now you know that a distance Reiki session is just as effective as an in-person session due to the energetic properties of Reiki. If you’ve been on the fence about having one, I fully recommend it. Happy healing!

*Note: first-degree Reiki practitioners are NOT attuned for distance healing (or shouldn’t be). I do not recommend going to a first-degree Reiki practitioner for distance healing if you find someone offering it.

To take that one step further, many Reiki Master Teachers believe that first-degree practitioners should not charge for their services as they don’t have the higher attunements that second-degree practitioners and Masters have.

Header image by Shaylyn on Unsplash