Reiki: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What reiki is

Reiki is a quiet session in which a practitioner places their hands lightly on or near the body to promote relaxation. It is a complementary practice, not medical care.

Signs you need it

  • You want a quiet session to relax
  • You are curious about reiki
  • You want to add a calming practice to your routine
  • A friend or provider suggested it
  • You want a hands-off option for relaxation

What the pro does

  • A short chat about what you want from the session
  • You lie or sit clothed while the practitioner places hands lightly on or near you
  • The session is quiet or includes soft music
  • A brief conversation afterward
  • Suggestions for resting after the session

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Practitioner's training
  • Session length
  • In person or distance sessions
  • Package or per session
  • Location
  • Add-ons

What a written quote should spell out

  • Session length
  • Whether touch is used or hands are held near the body
  • Cancellation terms
  • Package details
  • Added products

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What training do you have?
  • Will you touch me, and can I opt out?
  • What happens in a session?
  • Do you claim medical benefits?
  • Should I tell my doctor?
  • How long is a session?

Red flags

  • Claims that reiki cures or treats a condition
  • Telling you to stop medical care
  • Pressure to buy packages
  • Touching without consent
  • Vague training

What you can do yourself

You can try slow breathing and quiet time on your own. Reiki is not medical care, so keep seeing your doctor for health concerns.

Licenses and permits

No license is usually required to offer this kind of practice. Ask about training, how long they have practiced and any certification with how to verify it with the issuer, and ask for a client reference. Reiki practitioners should not diagnose or claim to treat conditions.

Reiki questions

Is reiki medical care?

No. It is a complementary practice.

Will I be touched?

Some practitioners use light touch and some do not. You can decline.

Does it work?

Experiences vary. Practitioners should not promise outcomes.

Is it licensed?

Usually not. Ask about the practitioner's training and how long they have practiced, and ask for a client reference.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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