Reiki 101: What It Is & How it Works

Reiki may sound like a mystical, unfamiliar term to some, but this ancient practice is gaining recognition worldwide for its profound ability to promote relaxation, balance, and overall well-being. If you're curious about energy healing or looking for natural, non-invasive ways to reduce stress and enhance your health, you're in the right place.

 

What Is Reiki?

Reiki is a form of energy healing that originated in Japan in the early 20th century. The word "Reiki" is often translated as "Universal Life Force Energy" (from the Japanese words "Rei," meaning universal, and "Ki," meaning life force energy).

Practitioners believe that this life force energy flows throughout the body, and disruptions to this flow can manifest as physical ailments, emotional imbalances, or increased stress levels. Reiki uses gentle touch (or hovering hands) to channel energy into the body, helping to restore balance and promote healing.

One of the best things about Reiki? It’s accessible to everyone. You don’t need to believe in it for it to work—in fact, many newcomers report feeling noticeable changes during or shortly after their first session.

 

The Benefits of Reiki

Reiki is gaining traction for its wide-reaching benefits. While experiences may vary, here are some commonly reported advantages of incorporating Reiki into your wellness routine:

• Stress Reduction and Relaxation

Reiki is praised for its ability to calm the mind and body. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation and recovery, making it an excellent tool for managing stress.

• Improved Emotional Balance

Feelings of anxiety, sadness, or overwhelm can be alleviated as Reiki helps clear and balance your energy field, leaving you with a greater sense of clarity and inner peace.

• Support for Physical Healing

While it’s not a replacement for medical treatment, Reiki can complement conventional medicine. Many use it for pain management or as a supportive therapy during recovery from surgery, injury, or chronic conditions.

• Enhanced Energy Levels

Reiki can leave you feeling more alert, revitalized, and aligned in your day-to-day life as energy blockages are cleared.

• Deeper Connection to Self

Reiki quietly facilitates introspection and mindfulness, helping you reconnect with your body, spirit, and life’s purpose.

 

How Does Reiki Work?

Reiki practitioners serve as channels for universal life force energy. During a session, they gently place their hands on or just above specific areas of your body. The idea is that energy flows where it is needed most, helping to remove blockages and restore balance.

 

Before the Session

• You’ll be welcomed into a calm, serene space infused with the rich, calming aromas of the beehive.

• Your practitioner will ask about your intentions or areas of concern.

• You remain fully clothed and lie comfortably on a massage table.

• Specially curated calming music—infused with the gentle hum of a live beehive—is played to help you settle into a peaceful state before your session begins.

 

During the Session

• The practitioner gently places their hands on or just above your body.

• Tuning forks may be used to introduce sound vibrations that help balance your energy field and deepen relaxation.

• You may feel warmth, tingling, or a sense of calm as energy flows.

• Many clients enter a meditative state or even fall asleep—this is perfectly normal!

 

After the Session

• As you gently awaken from your session, you’ll be served a warm cup of tea paired with our local honey—offering a sweet, grounding return to the present moment.

• You may feel lighter, more grounded, or emotionally clear.

• Some experience immediate relief, while others notice subtle shifts over time.

• Drinking water and resting afterward is encouraged to support integration.

 

Reiki Beyond the Traditional Setting

With advancements in technology, healing practices have evolved too. Reiki is no longer limited to the treatment room—virtual sessions are now widely embraced, allowing practitioners to channel energy effectively, no matter where in the world you are. Virtual Reiki offers the same benefits as in-person sessions—deep relaxation, emotional clarity, and energetic balance—while providing added flexibility and accessibility. Whether you're lying on a massage table or cozied up at home, the healing power of Reiki remains unchanged. What shifts is simply the setting. The nurturing, nature-inspired essence of the Honeybee Reiki experience carries through, even from afar.

A signature feature of both in-person and remote sessions is our specially curated Honeybee music, infused with the gentle hum of a live beehive. This immersive soundscape helps clients drop into a meditative state and deepen their connection to the energy work—no matter the distance. To enhance your virtual experience, we strongly recommend lighting one of our exclusive apitherapy melts beforehand. Their soothing scent helps ground you in the present moment. You can also opt for a remote Reiki package, which includes a complimentary wax melts and burner shipped straight to your door.

 

How to Get Started With Reiki

Curious about Reiki but unsure where to begin? Start by booking a session with a certified practitioner. Reiki is suitable for people of all ages and backgrounds, whether you seek stress relief, emotional clarity, or a little extra support during a health challenge.

If you’re ready to experience the calming, restorative benefits of Reiki, we invite you to explore our Honeybee Reiki offerings. Nestled in our calming apiary and nature-surrounded studio, our sessions seamlessly blend traditional energy healing with the rejuvenating qualities of apitherapy (hive-infused air rich in beneficial elements like pollen, honey, and beeswax).

Step into the world of balance, relaxation, and natural healing today. Book Your Session Now