What Is Reiki, Really?

By Dr. Adriana Carmen Castro-Convers, PhD

You may have seen the word Reiki before—on a friend’s wellness retreat flyer, your favorite yoga studio’s bulletin board, or even as part of a therapist’s offerings. But what is Reiki, really? And how

can it support your emotional and spiritual well-being?

Reiki (pronounced RAY-kee) is a gentle, energy-based healing practice that originated in Japan. The word itself comes from Rei (meaning “universal”) and Ki (meaning “life energy”). Reiki is based on the idea that we all carry life force energy—and when that energy becomes blocked or depleted, it can contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety, or even physical discomfort.

A Reiki session is quiet, non-invasive, and deeply relaxing. It invites your nervous system to soften and your inner resources to awaken.

At present, I offer Distance Reiki only—a form of energy healing that does not require physical proximity. Whether you are across town or across the country, Reiki energy can be sent and received without being in the same room. Despite the distance, the benefits are the same: reduced stress, improved sleep, emotional balance, and relief from pain or fatigue.

Distance Reiki is ideal for those who:

• Prefer healing in the comfort of their own home

• Are unable to travel or are physically sensitive

• Feel more relaxed receiving energy in their personal space

  
  

As a licensed psychologist who has supported clients for over 25 years, I came to Reiki through my own healing journey. At first, I kept my clinical work and my spiritual practices separate. But eventually, I realized that what helped me reconnect to my own inner wisdom might help others too.

For many of my clients, talk therapy alone wasn't enough. Reiki opened a quieter door—one that led them back to their breath, their intuition, and the sense that they were already whole.

Reiki is not a religion. It doesn’t require a particular belief system. It simply invites you to rest, receive, and reconnect—with yourself, your body, and something greater.

I now offer Reiki as part of an integrative practice that honors both the science of emotional regulation and the mystery of inner healing. Some clients combine Reiki with spiritual guidance or therapy; others come for Reiki alone. There is no one right way.

If you're seeking a path that feels gentle, intuitive, and deeply supportive—Reiki may be for you.

This isn’t about fixing you.It’s about returning you to your light.

Ready to experience Reiki for yourself?