Debunking Common Myths About Reiki

Let’s clear up the confusion and get to the heart of what Reiki really is.

If you’ve ever been curious about Reiki but felt a little unsure because of things you’ve heard, you’re definitely not alone. I’ve had plenty of people ask me questions like, “Isn’t Reiki just woo-woo stuff?” or “Do I have to believe in it for it to work?” And honestly, I get it. There’s a lot of misinformation out there.

So let’s take a moment to unpack some of the most common myths about Reiki and explore what this beautiful healing practice is really about.

Understanding Reiki: A Gentle Healing Practice

Reiki is a gentle energy healing practice that supports your body’s natural ability to heal. It doesn’t require you to believe in any specific spiritual system. People from all walks of life practice and receive Reiki. It’s about connecting to universal life force energy, something that many cultures recognize in different ways (like chi in Chinese medicine or prana in Ayurveda). Reiki doesn’t ask you to change your beliefs; it simply invites you to relax and receive.

Myth 1: Reiki is a Religion

The truth: Reiki isn’t a religion. It’s a practice that transcends specific spiritual beliefs. You can engage with Reiki regardless of your religious background. It’s about healing and connection, not dogma.

Myth 2: You Have to Believe in Reiki for It to Work

The truth: You don’t need to believe in Reiki at all. Reiki isn’t based on belief—it’s based on energy. Even if you’re skeptical, many people still experience a sense of peace, warmth, or emotional release during or after a session. That’s because Reiki works with your energy body, not your belief system. Hospitals like Hoag, UCLA, and Cleveland Clinic have even incorporated Reiki into patient care because of its benefits in reducing stress, anxiety, and pain.

Myth 3: Reiki is Just Like Massage or Meditation

The truth: Reiki is its own thing—gentle, non-invasive, and often hands-off. Massage works through physical touch and muscle manipulation. Meditation is something you practice actively. Reiki, on the other hand, is something you receive. You simply lie down (fully clothed), get cozy, and allow your body to settle into a deeply relaxed state. Many clients say it feels like a wave of calm washing over them, or like their body “finally exhaled.”

Myth 4: Reiki is Just for Physical Ailments

The truth: Reiki supports all layers of your being—not just your body. Yes, people often come to Reiki for physical reasons like pain, fatigue, or chronic illness. But Reiki also helps with emotional and energetic issues like anxiety, burnout, grief, spiritual disconnect, or simply feeling “off.” You don’t need to be in a crisis to benefit. Reiki can be a beautiful act of self-care, clarity, or reconnection at any stage in life.

Myth 5: Reiki Can Replace Medical Treatment

The truth: Reiki is a complement, not a cure. It’s important to be clear—Reiki should never replace necessary medical care. It doesn’t “cure” illness or take the place of a doctor. But it can support you alongside other treatments, helping reduce stress, improve sleep, ease emotional overwhelm, and encourage your body’s own healing response. Many hospitals and integrative care centers now recognize Reiki as a valuable part of holistic support.

Myth 6: Reiki Practitioners are the Ones That Heal YOU

The truth: A Reiki practitioner doesn’t do the healing—they create the conditions for you to heal. Reiki supports your own nervous system in calming down, your energy in balancing itself, and your body in doing what it’s naturally designed to do: restore and repair. Think of your body as a garden: Reiki simply helps clear the weeds and create space for your flowers to bloom.

Myth 7: All Reiki Practitioners Are the Same

The truth: Just like any field, Reiki is practiced differently depending on the person. Each practitioner brings their own energy, training, intuition, and approach. Some use crystals, sound, or aromatherapy. Others focus on trauma-informed care, guided meditation, or energy coaching. It’s important to find someone whose energy and style resonate with you.

The Benefits of Reiki: More Than Just Healing

Reiki offers numerous benefits beyond just physical healing. Many people find that it helps them manage stress and anxiety. It can also enhance emotional well-being and improve overall quality of life.

Stress Relief and Relaxation

One of the most immediate benefits of Reiki is its ability to promote relaxation. During a session, clients often report feeling a deep sense of calm. This relaxation can lead to reduced stress levels, which is essential for overall health.

Emotional Healing

Reiki can also facilitate emotional healing. It helps individuals process feelings of grief, anxiety, and trauma. By addressing these emotional layers, Reiki can lead to a more balanced and harmonious state of being.

Spiritual Connection

For those on a spiritual journey, Reiki can enhance your connection to your inner self. It encourages introspection and self-discovery, allowing you to explore your spiritual path more deeply.

So, what’s the real deal with Reiki?

Reiki is about reconnecting—with your body, your energy, and your sense of peace. It doesn’t have to be mystical or mysterious. It’s just a quiet invitation to come home to yourself.

If you’ve been curious to try Reiki or want to explore energy healing in a supportive, grounded way, I’d love to hold space for you. At Bulan Healing Arts, I offer mobile Reiki sessions throughout Orange County, virtual sessions for those farther away, and in-person appointments at my cozy space in Tustin. Whether you’re brand new to energy healing or a seasoned seeker, all are welcome here.

I work with Usui Reiki Ryoho, Holy Fire® Reiki, and Kundalini Reiki, and I’m continually deepening my studies to better support each client’s unique healing journey. No two sessions are ever exactly the same because no two people are.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, or if you just want to chat more about what a session could look like for you. Your healing journey is your own, but you don’t have to walk it alone.

A peaceful and calming Reiki healing environment.