Reiki · 17 September 2026 · 5 min read
What Is Reiki? A Simple Guide for Beginners
New to Reiki? A clear, simple guide to what Reiki is, what happens in a session, what you may feel, distance Reiki, Reiki for homes, and how it sits alongside medical care.
By Dr. Kimaya Parikh-Ambekar, Vastu consultant, Andheri East, Mumbai
01
What is Reiki in simple words?
Reiki is a gentle energy practice from Japan in which a trained practitioner channels universal life energy to a person through hands placed lightly on, or just above, the body. The word combines Rei, meaning universal, and Ki, meaning life energy.
The idea behind Reiki is that when life energy flows freely, a person is more likely to feel relaxed, settled and at ease. In India, many people relate this to the familiar idea of प्राण (prana, life energy), which also appears in yoga and Ayurveda.
02
What happens during a Reiki session?
A Reiki session is quiet and simple: you sit or lie down fully clothed, close your eyes, and the practitioner places their hands lightly on or above a sequence of positions from the head to the feet. There is no massage, no pressure and no medicine.
A short conversation
You share what you are experiencing, such as stress or restlessness, and any medical care you are receiving.
Settling in
You relax in a comfortable position, often with soft light and quiet surroundings.
Channelling Reiki
The practitioner moves slowly through hand positions, staying at each for a few minutes.
Gently returning
At the end you take a moment before sitting up and drinking some water.
Simple guidance
The practitioner may suggest rest, hydration and small changes to your routine or space.
03
What does Reiki feel like?
Many people describe Reiki as deeply restful, and some notice warmth, gentle tingling, heaviness or a sense of lightness during the session. Others feel nothing in particular, which is also completely normal.
Some people fall asleep, some find emotions surface and some simply enjoy the quiet. There is no right or wrong experience. It is common to feel calm afterwards, and occasionally a little tired, so it helps to schedule a session when you do not need to rush straight back to a demanding task.
04
Why do people choose Reiki?
People most often choose Reiki to relax and feel more emotionally balanced during a demanding phase of life. It is a supportive practice rather than a treatment for any illness.
Stress and overwhelm
A quiet session offers a pause from work, study or family pressures.
Emotional balance
Support during change, conflict or uncertainty, alongside counselling where needed.
Rest and relaxation
Many people find it easier to unwind and rest after Reiki.
Feeling centred
A sense of feeling lighter, calmer and more grounded.
Family wellbeing
Reiki can be offered to several family members, including elders.
05
Is Reiki a replacement for medical treatment?
No, Reiki is not a replacement for medical treatment. Reiki, like Vastu and crystal therapy, complements and does not replace medical or psychological care. Please continue any medication or treatment your doctor has advised, and consult a qualified professional for any health concern.
Tell your practitioner about any ongoing medical care, and tell your doctor if you are receiving Reiki. If you are going through anxiety, depression, grief or trauma, please also seek professional support. If you are struggling, please reach out to a mental-health professional. In India you can call the free Tele-MANAS helpline on 14416 (or 1-800-891-4416), available 24×7.
06
What is distance Reiki?
Distance Reiki is Reiki sent to a person who is not physically present with the practitioner. Reiki traditions teach that energy is not limited by physical distance, so a session can be offered while you rest at home in another city.
Before a distance session, you usually agree on a time, find a quiet place to sit or lie down and switch off your phone. Many people who travel often, live abroad or care for elderly family members find distance sessions convenient.
07
Can Reiki be used for homes and offices?
Yes, Reiki can be used for spaces as well as people, and this is where it meets Vastu. In Reiki Vastu, the practitioner channels Reiki into rooms, corners and objects to help a space feel lighter and calmer.
At VastuKimaya, Reiki is often combined with non-structural Vastu remedies. For example, crystals and pyramids may be cleansed and activated with Reiki before they are placed in specific zones, and a home that feels heavy after a difficult period may receive Reiki space cleansing.
08
When to book a Reiki session
Consider booking a Reiki session when you would like a calm, supportive practice during a stressful time, when you are curious to experience it, or when your home or office feels heavy and you want to combine Reiki with Vastu.
Dr. Kimaya Parikh-Ambekar of VastuKimaya offers Reiki healing and Reiki Vastu from her Andheri East office in Mumbai, as well as distance Reiki sessions. Sessions are gentle and unhurried, and always offered as a complement to any medical care you receive.
Questions
Frequently asked
Is Reiki safe?
Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive practice with no massage, pressure or medicine, and most people find it relaxing. It complements, and does not replace, medical care.
Do I need to believe in Reiki for it to work?
You do not need any particular belief to receive Reiki. Coming with an open, relaxed mind simply makes the session more comfortable.
How many Reiki sessions are needed?
There is no fixed number; it depends on what you are looking for. Some people come once to relax, while others prefer a series of sessions over a few weeks.
Can children and elders receive Reiki?
Yes, Reiki is gentle enough for children and elders, with a parent or caregiver's consent and alongside any medical care they receive.
What is the difference between Reiki and meditation?
Meditation is a practice you do yourself, while in Reiki a practitioner channels energy to you. Many people enjoy both, and they complement each other well.
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