If you’re exploring options beyond traditional therapy and medication for anxiety or depression, you might have come across reiki—a gentle Japanese energy healing practice that’s increasingly used in mental health settings that incorporate holistic therapy. While it’s not a replacement for evidence-based treatment, many people find that reiki helps them feel calmer, more grounded, and better equipped to manage their symptoms.
This article covers what reiki is, how it may help with anxiety and depression, what the research shows, and how to integrate it safely into your mental health care plan.
What is Reiki and How Does it Work for Mental Health?
Reiki is a Japanese energy healing practice where a trained practitioner gently places their hands on or near your body to help balance your energy and promote relaxation. The word combines “rei” (universal) and “ki” (life energy), reflecting the idea that universal energy flows through all living things. When you’re dealing with anxiety or depression, practitioners believe that energy blockages or imbalances may contribute to emotional distress, and reiki aims to restore that natural flow.
During a session, you typically lie fully clothed on a treatment table while the practitioner places their hands in specific positions around your head, shoulders, stomach, and feet. You might feel warmth, tingling, or simply deep relaxation. Though reiki originated in Japan in the early 1900s, it’s now used in hospitals, wellness centers, and mental health facilities across the United States as a complementary therapy alongside traditional treatments.
At Peak Wellness, we recognize that healing from anxiety and depression often requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both mind and body. Many people find that adding a holistic therapy like Reiki helps them feel more grounded, calm, and connected to their own healing process.
The Science Behind Reiki for Anxiety and Depression
Research on reiki’s effectiveness for mental health has grown in recent years, with several studies showing promising results. A 2022 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that reiki significantly reduced stress levels compared to placebo treatments, particularly in participants with higher baseline mood disturbances. Another systematic review from 2024 examining reiki’s effects on anxiety found that participants reported meaningful reductions in anxiety symptoms after receiving reiki sessions.
The potential mechanisms relate to how Reiki may affect your nervous system and stress response. When you’re anxious or depressed, your sympathetic nervous system—your “fight or flight” response—can become overactive, keeping your body in a constant state of alert. Reiki sessions appear to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, your body’s natural “rest and digest” mode, which can lower cortisol levels, reduce heart rate, and promote feelings of safety and calm.
However, it’s important to understand the current limitations. Many studies have small sample sizes, and the placebo effect may account for some benefits people experience. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health acknowledges that while reiki appears safe and may help with relaxation and stress reduction, more high-quality research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness for specific mental health conditions. Medical authorities generally view reiki as a complementary therapy, meaning it works best alongside, not instead of, conventional mental health treatment like therapy and medication.
How Reiki Addresses Anxiety Symptoms
Anxiety often shows up through both physical and mental symptoms: racing thoughts, tight chest, rapid heartbeat, and that overwhelming sense that something bad is about to happen. Reiki targets symptoms through several pathways that help your body and mind return to a calmer state.
During a reiki session, many people experience a shift from the anxious, activated state to one of deep relaxation. This happens because the gentle touch and focused intention may trigger your parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts the stress response. Your breathing naturally slows and deepens, your heart rate decreases, and the tension you’ve been holding in your shoulders or jaw begins to release.
Research suggests this isn’t just in your head. Studies using heart rate variability measurements have shown that reiki sessions can create measurable changes in autonomic nervous system function. When your nervous system shifts out of high alert, the physical symptoms of anxiety often diminish, giving you relief from that constant feeling of being on edge.
Anxiety has a way of feeding itself: anxious thoughts create physical tension, which then triggers more anxious thoughts. Reiki sessions offer a structured break from this cycle by creating space where you’re not trying to solve problems or control your thoughts. Instead, you’re simply receiving care and allowing your body to rest.
Many people describe this as a “reset button” for their nervous system. The practitioner’s calm presence and the quiet, safe environment help interrupt the patterns of worry and rumination that keep anxiety alive.
Grounding brings your awareness back to your body and the present moment, and it’s a well-established anxiety management technique. Reiki naturally incorporates grounding through the practitioner’s intentional hand placements and the focus on bodily sensations. When you’re receiving reiki, you’re encouraged to notice what you feel: warmth, tingling, heaviness, or simply the comfort of lying still.
This attention to physical sensation pulls you out of anxious thoughts about the future and anchors you in the here and now. Some practitioners also use specific hand positions on your feet or lower body that are traditionally associated with grounding, helping you feel more connected to your physical self rather than lost in worry.
Reiki Benefits for Depression Management
Depression affects your energy differently than anxiety. Instead of feeling revved up and panicked, you might feel heavy, numb, or completely depleted. Reiki approaches depression symptoms by addressing both the emotional weight and the physical fatigue that often accompany depression.
Depression can create a sense of being stuck or frozen, where emotions feel trapped inside with no way out. During reiki sessions, some people experience unexpected emotional releases: tears, sighs, or even laughter as their body finally feels safe enough to let go. This isn’t about forcing emotions to surface. Rather, the relaxed state and compassionate presence create conditions where natural emotional processing can occur.
When you’re constantly pushing through your day despite depression, your body holds onto unexpressed feelings because it doesn’t feel safe to fall apart. Reiki provides a container where it’s okay to feel whatever comes up, and that permission alone can be deeply healing.
While the concept of “energy” in reiki isn’t the same as the measurable energy in physics, many people with depression describe feeling energetically depleted or imbalanced. Reiki aims to address this through intentional focus on areas where you might feel blocked or heavy. Whether this works through actual energy transfer or through the psychological and physiological effects of relaxation and human connection, people often report feeling lighter and more balanced after sessions.
Depression often comes with harsh self-criticism and a sense of being fundamentally broken or unworthy. The experience of receiving reiki—having someone dedicate time and gentle attention to your wellbeing without judgment—can be profoundly moving, especially if you’ve been isolated or feeling like a burden to others. This compassionate touch communicates care in a way that words sometimes can’t.
How Many Reiki Sessions Do I Need?
The number of reiki sessions that might help with your anxiety or depression depends on several factors, including how long you’ve been experiencing symptoms and how severe they are. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but practitioners generally recommend starting with a series of sessions to see how your body responds.
For acute anxiety or depression symptoms, many practitioners suggest starting with weekly sessions for four to six weeks. This frequency allows your nervous system to build on the relaxation response from each session rather than returning to baseline stress levels between appointments. Once you notice improvements, you might transition to bi-weekly or monthly maintenance sessions to sustain the benefits.
| Symptom Severity | Initial Phase | Maintenance Phase |
| Mild | 1-2 sessions per month | Monthly sessions |
| Moderate | Weekly sessions for 4-6 weeks | Bi-weekly sessions |
| Severe | 2-3 sessions per week initially | Weekly sessions |
Your individual response to reiki plays a big role in determining how many sessions you’ll benefit from. Some people feel noticeably calmer after just one session, while others need several sessions before they notice a shift. The duration of your anxiety or depression matters too: conditions you’ve been dealing with for years typically take longer to improve than more recent symptoms.
Your sensitivity to subtle body experiences can also influence how quickly you respond to reiki. People who already practice mindfulness, meditation, or body-based therapies often notice reiki’s effects more readily.
What to Expect During a Reiki Session for Mental Health
Walking into your first reiki session for anxiety or depression can feel uncertain if you don’t know what to expect. Understanding the process can help you feel more comfortable and get the most from your experience.
Most reiki sessions take place in a quiet, comfortable room with soft lighting and often gentle music playing in the background. You’ll remain fully clothed throughout the session, so wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that won’t restrict your breathing or movement. Before beginning, your practitioner will typically ask about your specific mental health concerns, what symptoms you’re hoping to address, and whether you have any areas of particular tension or discomfort.
Once you’re settled, the practitioner will begin placing their hands gently on or slightly above different areas of your body, typically starting at your head and moving down to your feet. Each hand position is held for several minutes while the practitioner focuses their intention on supporting your healing. You might feel warmth, tingling, coolness, or simply a sense of deep relaxation.
For anxiety and depression specifically, practitioners often spend extra time on positions related to the head, heart, and solar plexus (your upper abdomen), as practitioners traditionally associate those areas with mental and emotional wellbeing. The entire session typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes.
After a reiki session, many people feel deeply relaxed, almost dreamlike, and it’s common to feel a bit spacey or tired immediately afterward. Some people experience the opposite: feeling energized and more clear-headed than they have in weeks. Both responses are normal and reflect your body’s unique way of processing the experience.
In the hours and days following a session, you might notice shifts in your mood, sleep patterns, or stress levels. Drinking plenty of water, resting when you need to, and being gentle with yourself support this integration process.
Integrating Reiki with Conventional Mental Health Treatment
Reiki works best as part of a comprehensive approach to mental health rather than as a standalone treatment. Understanding how to combine it effectively with evidence-based therapies gives you the best chance of meaningful improvement.
1. Working with healthcare providers
If you’re considering adding reiki to your mental health treatment plan, talking with your therapist or psychiatrist about it is a good first step. Most mental health professionals are open to complementary approachesIf you’re considering adding reiki to your mental health treatment plan, talking with your therapist or psychiatrist about it is a good first step. Most mental health professionals are open to complementary approaches that support their patients’ wellbeing, especially when those approaches promote relaxation and stress reduction. Being transparent with all your providers ensures everyone is working together toward your recovery.
2. Safety considerations and precautions
While reiki is generally considered safe with minimal risks, it’s crucial to understand that it’s not a replacement for mental health treatment, especially if you’re experiencing severe depressionWhile reiki is generally considered safe with minimal risks, it’s crucial to understand that it’s not a replacement for mental health treatment, especially if you’re experiencing severe depression, suicidal thoughts, or acute anxiety that interferes with daily functioning. Reiki doesn’t address the underlying psychological, biological, or social factors that contribute to mental health conditions the way therapy and medication can.
If you’re taking psychiatric medications, continue taking them as prescribed. Reiki doesn’t interact with medications, but stopping your treatment plan to rely solely on reiki could be dangerous. If you’re ever in crisis or experiencing thoughts of harming yourself, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline immediately or go to your nearest emergency room.
Finding Qualified Reiki Practitioners for Mental Health Support
Not all reiki practitioners have specific training or experience working with mental health conditions, so finding someone qualified makes a real difference in your experience and outcomes.
1. Credentials to look for
Reiki training typically progresses through levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Master/Teacher level. While someone with Level 2 training can provide effective sessions, practitioners with Master level training have more experience and deeper knowledge of the practice. Beyond basic reiki certification, look for practitioners who have additional training in trauma-informed care or who specialize in working with anxiety and depression.
2. Questions to ask before booking
When you’re considering a practitioner, asking a few key questions can help you determine if they’re a good fit:
- How long have you been practicing reiki?
- Do you have specific experience working with people who have anxiety or depression?
- What does a typical session involve?
- Have you worked with clients who are also in therapy or taking psychiatric medications?
A qualified practitioner will be happy to answer your questions and will respect your need to feel informed and comfortable before beginning treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reiki for Anxiety and Depression
No, Reiki is not a cure for anxiety or depression, but it can be a helpful complementary practice that supports your overall mental health treatment plan alongside therapy and medication.
Some people feel calmer and more relaxed immediately after their first session, while others notice gradual improvements over several weeks of regular sessions.
Most insurance plans don’t cover Reiki since it’s considered a complementary therapy rather than a medical treatment, though you can check with your specific provider or use HSA/FSA funds if available.
Yes, many people take Level 1 reiki training to learn self-treatment techniques, which can be a valuable tool for managing anxiety between professional sessions or as part of your daily self-care routine.
How Peak Wellness Supports Your Mental Health Journey
At Peak Wellness, we understand that healing from anxiety and depression often requires exploring different approaches to find what works best for you. While we focus on evidence-based treatments like individual therapy, group counseling, and medication management when appropriate, we recognize that complementary practices like Reiki can play a supportive role in your recovery journey.
Our team in Marlton, New Jersey, is committed to helping you build a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and honors your preferences for care.
Ready to take the next step in your mental health journey? Contact us now to speak with a mental health professional or verify your benefits. We’re here to help you find hope and healing.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2022). Reiki. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/reiki
- McManus, D. E. (2022). Reiki is better than placebo and has broad potential as a complementary health therapy. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.897312/full
- Billot, M., Daycard, M., Wood, C., & Tchalla, A. (2024). Therapeutic effects of Reiki on interventions for anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Palliative Care, 23(1). https://bmcpalliatcare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12904-024-01439-x
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Anxiety Disorders. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Depression. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression
