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What is Reiki?

A Tradition Rooted in Energy
Reiki is a Japanese wellness practice based on the traditional concept of Universal Life Force Energy, which is the idea that a subtle life force flows through all living things and supports vitality and wellbeing. Pronounced as “ray-key” in the West, Rei = Universal and Ki = Life Force Energy. Reiki is not a religion and there are no dogmas attached to it, making it truly universal.
 
Similar concepts exist in many cultures throughout history, including Qi (Chi) in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Prana in the yogic traditions of India, and many traditions describe people, places, and living things as having unique energetic qualities or "vibrations."
 
While these concepts have guided healing traditions for centuries, the proposed mechanisms behind Reiki have not been thoroughly established by mainstream science. For many practitioners and clients, Reiki is experienced not as something that must be proven, but as a deeply personal practice of relaxation, balance, and connection.

Curious... but Skeptical
If you're rolling your eyes at the phrase "energy healing," you're certainly not alone.
 
Reiki has long been viewed by some as unconventional or "woo-woo," while others consider it an important part of their personal wellness journey. It's completely reasonable to approach the practice with curiosity, questions, or even skepticism.​ Many clients simply arrive with an open mind, allowing the experience to speak for itself.
 
One of the most fascinating findings in medicine is the placebo effect. This observation demonstrates that a person's expectations, beliefs, and the context of care can influence how they feel. The placebo effect is one of the most well-documented phenomena in medicine, highlighting the remarkable influence of the mind-body connection.
 
In a meta-analysis of 186 randomized clinical trials involving more than 16,000 participants, researchers found that approximately 54% of the overall treatment effect could be attributed to contextual factors, including placebo responses. While researchers continue to study exactly how and why this occurs, it offers a compelling reminder that the power of the mind-body connection.
 
Could this play a role in experiences with Reiki? Perhaps. We don't claim to have all the answers. Some people understand Reiki as working with subtle energy and describe experiencing sensations of warmth, tingling, gentle waves of movement, or the feeling of energy flowing throughout the body during a session. Others experience Reiki as an opportunity for deep relaxation, focused intention, and mindful presence. Still others appreciate it simply as a peaceful wellness practice that allows them to slow down, rest, and reconnect with themselves.
 
Whatever your perspective and whatever your experience, there is no "right" or "wrong" way to receive Reiki. Every session is unique, and each individual responds to it in their own way.

What Does Science Say
Science has shown that our bodies are remarkably complex systems composed of atoms and molecules, and modern physics has revealed fascinating relationships between matter and energy. These discoveries have inspired many conversations about the interconnected nature of our world.
 
Some Reiki practitioners find ideas from modern physics philosophically interesting when contemplating concepts such as connection, vibration, and energy. However, these concepts should not be interpreted as scientific explanations for Reiki itself.​ Research on Reiki has explored its effects on relaxation, stress, and overall wellbeing and continues to be an area of ongoing interest and study.

The Energy We Experience
Most of us have walked into a room and immediately sensed its atmosphere without anyone saying a word. We've all encountered people whose presence feels calming and uplifting, as well as environments that leave us feeling tense, depleted, or unsettled. Whether you describe this as intuition, emotional awareness, the nervous system responding to subtle cues, or simply "good energy," these experiences are remarkably common.
 
Our wellbeing is influenced not only by what we do, but also by the people we surround ourselves with, the environments we inhabit, and the amount of time we allow ourselves to slow down and reconnect. Learning to become more aware of these subtle experiences can deepen our understanding of ourselves and help us make choices that support greater balance, peace, and vitality.
 
For those who embrace Reiki, these experiences are often understood through the lens of subtle energy and our interconnectedness with one another. While these ideas extend beyond what science has established, many people find them to be meaningful ways of understanding their personal experiences and cultivating a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them.

What Matters Most
Rather than focusing solely on theories, we believe the most meaningful measure of Reiki is the experience itself.

Clients commonly describe Reiki as an opportunity to slow down, disconnect from the demands of everyday life, and reconnect with themselves. Many report experiencing deep relaxation, a sense of peace, emotional ease, mental clarity, warmth, gentle sensations, or simply the feeling of being fully present and cared for.

 

Every person's experience is unique. Some notice profound shifts, while others simply enjoy a quiet hour of rest and restoration. There is no "right" way to experience Reiki.

Reiki & Chakra Balancing
Within many Eastern healing traditions, chakras are understood to be subtle energy centers that influence the flow of life-force energy throughout the body. It is believed that when these energy centers are balanced and flowing harmoniously, we are better able to experience a greater sense of vitality, clarity, emotional wellbeing, and inner balance.
 
During a Reiki session, a practitioner may work with the intention of supporting balance within these subtle energy centers. Many clients find this aspect of Reiki to be a meaningful opportunity for reflection, relaxation, and reconnecting with themselves. Some report experiencing sensations such as warmth, tingling, or gentle movement throughout the body, while others simply enjoy a profound sense of peace and stillness.

The 7 CHAKRAS:
  • 1st Root chakra is located at base of spine:

spine, bladder, blood, feet, reproductive

Survival and safety

Overactive: bossy, domineering, ego, violent, negativity, greedy

Underactive: unloved, sexually inadequate, fearful, insecure

Balanced: grounded, sense of belonging, trust, independent, safe and secure​​​

 

  • 2nd Root chakra is located below navel: 

Lymphatic and circulatory systems, kidneys, adrenals, 

skin, female reproductive organs

Realm of emotions; center of feelings and sensations; creativity

Overactive: craves power, sexual obsessions, ruled by emotions, co-dependent

Underactive: shy, feel guilty, lack of sexual desire or satisfaction

Balanced: friendly, passionate, fulfilled sexually, playful, creative

  • 3rd Solar Plexus Chakra is located under the sternum: 

Nervous system, stomach, gall bladder, large intestine, liver and pancreas

Moving forward and realizing personal desires and intentions in the world

Overactive: Judgemental, stubborn, critical, bully, controlling, manipulative

Underactive: low self-esteem, procrastinates, apathetic, feels taken advantage 

Balanced: Respect for self and others, confident, calm, problem solver, assertive

  • 4th Heart Chakra is located in center of chest: 

Circulatory and respiratory system, Thymus gland, responsible for hormone production and important in the regulation of the immune system, arms, hands, shoulders, ribs, breasts diaphragm

Connecting and relating; giving and receiving love

Connects the lower and upper chakras 

Overactive: Entitlement, jealousy, blaming others, giving too much

Underactive:  Fear of rejection, unloved, self-pity, neediness

Balanced: Loved, loving, empathetic, brings these qualities out in others

 

  • 5th Throat Chakra is located in the base of the throat area: 

Thyroid, larynx, trachea, ears, nose, teeth, mouth, throat

Expression and communication

Overactive: Speaking too much, boring others, criticizing, stubborn

Underactive: Difficulty expressing personal truth, afraid to speak in public, timid

Balanced: Expresses self and truth, creative, good sense of timing

 

  • 6th Third-Eye Chakra is located in the middle of the forehead: 

Pituitary gland, eyes, nose, ears, skeletal system

Intuition and foresight

Overactive: Spaced out, lost, worrying, seen as living in a fantasy world

Underactive: Cannot see big picture, easily influenced, confused about purpose, doubts self

Balanced: Intuitive, charismatic, wise, understands purpose

 

  • 7th Crown Chakra is located at the top of the head: 

Brain, nervous system, pituitary gland and pineal gland

Consciousness and presence

Overactive: Addicted to spirituality, craving attention, needing to be popular

Underactive: Misunderstood, unable to have fun, unaware or denying spiritual connection, close minded

Balanced: connected to source, wise, joyful

Crystal Reiki 
Crystal Reiki is one of our most intuitive and spiritually oriented wellness offerings. While it may not resonate with everyone, many people are drawn to crystals for their beauty, symbolism, and the unique qualities they have been believed to embody across cultures for thousands of years.
 
Crystals have long been incorporated into spiritual and wellness traditions as tools for intention, meditation, reflection, and energetic practices. Within Crystal Reiki, carefully selected stones are thoughtfully incorporated into a Reiki session based on your personal intentions, areas of focus, and desired sense of balance.
 
Different crystals have traditionally been associated with different qualities. For example, rose quartz is often connected with compassion and the heart, amethyst with clarity and spiritual awareness, black tourmaline with grounding and protection, and clear quartz with amplification and intention. Whether these qualities are understood symbolically, spiritually, or energetically is a matter of personal belief.
 
Interestingly, quartz crystals also play an important role in modern technology because of their remarkable physical properties, including their ability to vibrate at highly consistent frequencies. These characteristics make quartz invaluable in watches, computers, medical equipment, and countless electronic devices. While these scientific applications do not explain Crystal Reiki, they offer a fascinating reminder that crystals possess unique physical characteristics that have long captured human curiosity.
 
During a Crystal Reiki session, crystals are incorporated alongside Reiki with the intention of creating a deeply personalized experience. Some clients view the crystals as energetic tools, others as meaningful symbols that reinforce their intentions, and many simply appreciate the beauty, mindfulness, and sense of ritual they bring to the session.

As with Reiki itself, we encourage you to approach Crystal Reiki with curiosity rather than expectation.

 

Whether your perspective is spiritual, energetic, symbolic, or simply one of relaxation and self-care, your experience is personal and uniquely your own.

 

Hypnotic Reikiwork 

Hypnotic Reikiwork™ was created by Higher Wellbeing founder Nicole Hunter as a signature integrative experience combining the deeply relaxing and subconscious-focused practice of hypnosis with the restorative energy work of Reiki. This unique fusion invites a deeper connection between the mind, body, and subtle energy system, creating space for relaxation, self-awareness, emotional exploration, and meaningful personal transformation.

 

Within many energetic healing traditions, it is believed that imbalances may first appear within the subtle energy body before being expressed physically, emotionally, or mentally. Reiki is based on the traditional concept of Universal Life Force Energy and is practiced with the intention of supporting balance, harmony, and overall wellbeing.

 

The subconscious mind plays a powerful role in shaping our emotions, memories, habits, perceptions, and deeply held beliefs. Through hypnosis, Hypnotic Reikiwork™ creates an opportunity to gently explore these inner patterns, release what no longer serves you, and reconnect with your own innate wisdom.

 

Clients are encouraged to approach each session with curiosity and an open mind, releasing expectations of how the experience should look or feel. Everyone responds differently to hypnosis and Reiki, and no two sessions are ever exactly alike.

 

Your session begins with hypnosis, guiding the body into a state of deep relaxation and focused awareness. This allows the practitioner to work with the subconscious mind through personalized visualizations, suggestions, and intentional practices based on the areas explored during your consultation.

 

Once you are deeply relaxed, Reiki is incorporated into the session. Through gentle hand placements above or around the body, the practitioner works with Universal Life Force Energy and may incorporate chakra-focused intention as part of the experience. Many clients describe sensations such as warmth, tingling, emotional release, imagery, deep relaxation, or a sense of energetic movement—while others experience a quiet and peaceful state of rest.

 

The session then transitions back into guided hypnosis, incorporating personalized visualizations and positive suggestions designed to support reflection, integration, and alignment with your intentions. Your practitioner will gently guide you back into full awareness, allowing time to reconnect and process the experience.

 

Hypnotic Reikiwork™ offers a deeply restorative and personalized wellness experience that combines the power of subconscious exploration with the intentional practice of Reiki. By creating space for relaxation, reflection, and inner connection, this unique modality invites you to access your own wisdom and explore new possibilities for growth and wellbeing.

An Invitation
Whether you approach Reiki from a spiritual perspective, an energetic philosophy, a mindfulness practice, or simply as an opportunity to relax, you are welcomed to bring your curiosity, your questions, and your own perspective. You don't have to believe in anything for the experience to be meaningful.​ Sometimes the most valuable insights come not from having all the answers, but from being willing to explore with an open mind.

Ultimately, you are invited to experience Reiki for yourself and decide what it means to you.

 The time is yours. The time is now.

Schedule your complimentary consultation today.

REIKI IS A COMPLEMENTARY PRACTICE AND IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL CARE, DIAGNOSIS, ADVICE OR TREATMENT FROM A LICENSED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER. SERVICES OFFERED ARE INTENDED FOR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, ENERGETIC ALIGNMENT, AND SPIRITUAL EXPLORATION. 

PLEASE INFORM YOUR PRACTITIONER IF YOU HAVE A PACEMAKER.

REIKI & HYPNOTHERAPY RESULTS WILL VARY FROM PERSON TO PERSON.  

Legal Disclaimer:  Nicole Hunter is not a licensed psychologist or physician and does not offer medical or psychological services. Services offered are not a substitute for medical care or treatment and do not replace medial diagnosis, treatment or advice from a licensed health care provider. Services offered are not diagnostic. Individuals previously diagnosed by a physician or psychologist with a clinical disease or disorder must first obtain a referral from their doctor to Higher Wellbeing for hypnotherapy sessions to work on issues specific to their diagnosis. 

 

Hypnotherapy is a self-regulated profession and does not qualify for State licensing. The American Council of Hypnotist Examiners is

a professional organization, chartered by the State of California, to establish training standards, standards of professional practice, and a code of ethics.

The ACHE's Ethics Committee can suspend or revoke certification. Certification is awarded to those who attend state licensed schools, with state approved hypnotherapy instructors. Although the state does not regulate curriculum or a required number of hours of training, the American Council of Hypnotism Examiners has the highest requirements for certification of any major Hypnotherapy organization in the USA. The ACHE is the only major Hypnosis Certification organization in the US that requires its approved schools to have the necessary state license or official exemption. The ACHE logo is the Hallmark of Quality for

the Hypnotherapy profession. Be sure to look for it.

While hypnosis may be a highly effective technique for many purposes, the effectiveness may vary from individual to individual. Testimonials on this site are individual experiences. Results made by this company and its clients are estimates of what may be achieved. Higher Wellbeing makes no promise or guarantee for specific results or progress. As with any self-improvement program, results will be based on your individual capacity, previous experience, level of motivation, ability to take action or make change,  and desire to follow simple instructions. Higher Wellbeing makes every effort to ensure that we accurately represent our services and their potential for self-improvement results. Ultimately, your success is based on your motivation and desire.

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© 2026 Higher Wellbeing. All rights reserved. Content may not be copied or used without express written consent.

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