Reiki 101
Reiki has become increasingly popular over the past few years as people begin looking for ways to support their health, regulate their nervous systems, and reconnect with their inner balance. But one of the most common questions people ask is simple:
What exactly is Reiki— and how does it work?
Reiki is a gentle form of energy healing that originated in Japan. The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words:
1.) Rei- universal or spiritual
2.) Ki-life force energy
Together, Reiki refers to the universal life energy that flows through all living things.
Just like blood flows through the body, energy also moves through the body. When this energy flows freely, we tend to feel balanced, calm, and healthy. But when stress, trauma, illness, or emotional strain builds up, that flow can become disrupted.
Reiki works to help restore natural flow.
What Happens During a Reiki Session?
During a Reiki session, the client usually lies comfortably on a massage table fully clothed in a calm, peaceful environment.
The practitioner gently places their hands either lightly on the body or just above it, allowing energy to flow where it is needed most.
Every session is a little different, but people commonly report feeling: deep relaxation, warm or tingling sensations, emotional release, sense of peace or clarity, feeling lighter or more balanced afterward.
Many people say it feels similar to entering a deep meditative state, where the body can finally relax enough to begin healing.
How Reiki Supports the Nervous System
One of the biggest benefits of Reiki is its ability to support the parasympathetic nervous system, often called the “rest and restore” state.
In modern life, many people live in a constant cycle of stress, pressure, and overstimulation. This keeps the body stuck in fight or flight mode, which can lead to symptoms like: fatigue, inflammation, anxiety, poor sleep, and tension in the body.
Reiki sessions help the body shift out of this stress response and into a state where repair and regulation can occur naturally. This is why many people seek Reiki for stress relief, emotional balance, and overall well-being.
Can Anyone Learn Reiki?
Yes. One of the beautiful aspects of Reiki is that anyone can learn it.
Reiki training is traditionally taught in levels. In a Reiki 1 class, students learn how to:
understand energy flow in the body
perform Reiki on themselves and others
develop awareness of their own energy system
incorporate Reiki into their daily life for healing and balance
Many people take Reiki training simply to support their own healing journey, care for family, or to do it in some professional capacity.
Experience Reiki at the Healing Hub’s Living as Light
I have been practicing Reiki for 13 years now after a shared near death experience. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals who were navigating stress, life transitions, emotional healing, and spiritual growth. One of the most rewarding aspects of this work is watching people rediscover their own sense of balance, intuition, and inner peace as well as feel “lighter” and healthier. Healing often begins the moment we slow down enough to listen to what our bodies and energy are trying to tell us.
I offer Reiki sessions (in person and distance) and am also teaching as a Student Teacher with the International Center for Reiki Training. My home base is in Colby, Kansas. I also will be traveling to Colorado, New Mexico, Nebraska, and places within Kansas to teach Reiki Classes. Online courses will also be offered within the end of this year.
If you feel curious about experiencing or learning about Reiki, I would love to support you on that journey! Feel free to message me at healinghub.lal@gmail.com
Blessings,
Nichole Olsen
Karuna Reiki Master
