Believe it or not, distance healing or distance Reiki is a phenomenon that’s been around for over 100 years. But seeing that Reiki is “the energy of the universe” — meaning it is around us and within us — maybe this shouldn’t be so surprising.

Here at Japan Reiki Studio, we’ve been busy adapting to our ‘new-normal’ since COVID-19 changed life as we know it back in March, 2020. And while we miss our clients dearly, we understand the need for what may turn out to be prolonged social distancing measures to stop the spread of this disease.

Through all of this, our collective mental health is suffering. For many, these difficult times come with a lack of work-life balance. For others, it’s financial uncertainty. While some of us are simply worried that our loved ones will fall ill.

Which is why it’s all the more important to incorporate self-healing practices (a form of self-care) into our daily routine. The good news is that Reiki has been used since ancient times — for healing, self-care, and more. And the best part? It can be done from a distance.

Believe it or not, distance healing or distance Reiki is a phenomenon that’s been around for over 100 years. But seeing that Reiki is “the energy of the universe” — meaning it is around us and within us — maybe this shouldn’t be so surprising.

Reiki is like the air that flows from one place to the other. It travels across space and time. And so the practice of Virtual Reiki is actually quite effective.

How does it work?

Before the session begins, you’ll be asked to find a quiet spot in your home and have some relaxing music playing in the background. Once we’ve connected (typically over Zoom), I will ask you to sit or lay down, get comfortable, and close your eyes. As you take your first deep breath in, your energy begins to flow and your energy cup will start to fill up. Reiki flows through me and from hands to you — either by directing my hands towards what parts I see of you on the screen or by closing my eyes and visualizing your whole being while imagining that I place my hands on your eyes, ears, legs, heels, etc.

I do not have my eyes on you the whole time, though I will glance at the screen periodically to see how you are doing, or to send Reiki in the way I described above. With my eyes closed, I can observe and listen to your body’s energy and understand which areas may need attention.

When the session is done, I will guide you back slowly and ask you to open your eyes. Then, we can chat about how you felt and what I observed.

How does it feel?

So how does it feel when you are receiving Reiki virtually? Keep in mind that your experience is unique to you, but you can expect to feel any of the following sensations throughout your entire body or in specific areas:

• Tingling
• Pulsing
• Lightness
• “Jello” legs (or any body part)
• Or, simply nothing

One of my most recent sessions was with a client across the Atlantic in Ireland, and she reported feeling all of the above (and more!). Of course, these sensations came and went during the session. If her thoughts took over, she observed that the physical sensations went away. When this happened, she focused on her breathing — yes, just like meditation! — to get back on track. Other times, she simply allowed her thoughts to flow from one to another, as per what we had discussed prior to our session.

If you find yourself not really aware that you are receiving Reiki (i.e., if you “feel nothing”), that’s okay! Its effects may instead show up as subtle shifts later on in your day or week. Please remember: If you are not in need of Reiki, you will not receive it.

But when you are aware, you may be able to feel the energy just like you would during an in-person session. A full virtual session can be just as effective. We don’t need to be in the same room (or country!) for Reiki to work.

By the end of a session, you should feel more relaxed and more alert. You’ll probably feel calmer and can look forward to a better night’s sleep too!

Virtual Reiki: Who needs it?

There are two types of distance Reiki, and the easiest way to understand the difference is when you think of it as active versus passive participation. Active participation is necessary for Virtual Reiki. You actively take part by devoting a chunk of your time and mental space to our session. Passive participation is what happens during distance healing, where the Reiki Master sends Reiki at a regularly scheduled time or during a particularly stressful situation in the Receiver’s life.

To better understand if Virtual Reiki would have a positive impact on your health and well-being, ask yourself the questions below:

• Am I experiencing stress or anxiety due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
• Would I typically describe myself as “stressed out”?
• Am I set to embark on a Healing Journey?
• Am I between in-person sessions?
• Am I looking for new healing methods for general well-being?

If you answered yes to one or more of the questions above, feel free to schedule a wellness call at no cost to you. I can help answer your questions.

Distance healing, which can happen while you go about your normal day*, is more appropriate for individuals who have:

• fallen ill at home or in a hospital
• a surgery or medical procedure coming up
• anxieties or phobias that hold them back (e.g., public speaking phobia, social anxiety, etc.)

→ If you don’t see your particular circumstances in the lists above, not to worry! Your imagination is the limit when it comes to requesting Reiki.

*Note that clients are advised not to participate in a task that requires their full attention (e.g., driving) when receiving distance healing.

Virtual Wellness Reiki Circle

There is also the option of connecting online

for a Wellness Reiki Circle, a meditative group healing experience where our collective flow of energy helps us feel relaxed and energized. Participants are guided by a Reiki Master to achieve physical, mental, and emotional balance. Reiki experience is not necessary — but welcome.

Whether you’re a Reiki pro or a newbie, you’ll soon become more and more aware of each person’s unique experience — every time, you will observe something different! That’s because an individual’s journey to healing is as unique as they are. So it probably goes without saying that the more often you attend a Reiki Circle, the better the experience will be. Ready to give it a try? Find a date that works for you, then RSVP.

Reiki Courses

Are you interested in learning how to do a distance healing session? You may want to consider joining our next class. We cover this topic (and more!) in Usui Reiki Level 2.