What Is Reiki? A Guide to Getting Started in Pittsburgh
You may have seen Reiki on a wellness studio’s calendar or heard a friend describe a session. But if you’ve never experienced it yourself, it’s natural to have questions: What happens during an appointment? Do you need to prepare? And how do you find a practitioner who feels right for you? At Connection PGH, we believe exploring wellness should feel welcoming and approachable. Here’s an introduction to Reiki—and a few ways to explore it in our community.
Sometimes, making space for your well-being begins with slowing down. If you’ve been curious about Reiki, you may be wondering what it involves—and whether it could be a meaningful addition to your routine. Reiki offers a gentle, personal experience, and research has explored its potential benefits for relaxation and quality of life. Here’s a closer look at the practice, what the evidence suggests, and how Connection PGH can help you get started.
What Is Reiki?
Reiki is a complementary wellness practice that originated in Japan. Practitioners use light touch or hold their hands just above the body while the recipient rests fully clothed, usually on a treatment table or in a comfortable chair.
Within Reiki traditions, the practice is understood as working with life energy to support balance and well-being. This is its traditional explanation; the proposed energy mechanism has not been scientifically established.
The International Center for Reiki Training describes Reiki as a practice centered on stress reduction and relaxation. Sessions can vary, so your practitioner should explain their approach and discuss your comfort with touch before beginning.
What Are the Potential Benefits of Reiki?
Reiki’s appeal extends beyond taking an hour away from a busy schedule. Researchers have examined whether it can support people’s overall sense of well-being, including those navigating health challenges.
Supporting Quality of Life
Quality of life includes how we feel and function in our everyday lives—not simply whether a symptom is present. A 2025 meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials involving 661 participants found a small average improvement in quality of life following Reiki compared with the control conditions studied. The finding is encouraging, although it does not mean every person will experience a benefit or that Reiki treats an underlying illness.
Creating an Opportunity for Relaxation
Relaxation is one of the most common reasons people explore Reiki. A session provides dedicated time to rest in a quiet setting, without needing to talk, move through an exercise routine, or achieve a particular result. The International Center for Reiki Training places relaxation and stress reduction at the center of its description of the practice. That perspective helps explain why people may choose Reiki as part of a broader self-care routine.
Potential Benefits Beyond the Session Setting
A 2017 review examined 13 placebo-controlled studies. Eight reported benefits favoring Reiki, while the remaining studies did not demonstrate a clear advantage. The review’s author interpreted the findings positively and called for further research. These results suggest potential, but they do not establish that Reiki reliably benefits every person or condition.
Taken together, the research offers reasons to continue studying Reiki. It is best approached as a complementary option for well-being, with realistic expectations, alongside appropriate medical or mental health care.
Do You Need Experience to Try Reiki?
You don’t need previous experience, special clothing, or a meditation practice to attend a session. You’re welcome to arrive with questions and take time to understand the practitioner’s approach.
Before booking, consider asking:
What happens during your sessions?
Do you use light touch, work with hands above the body, or offer both?
How long is an appointment?
What training have you completed?
Can the session be adapted to my comfort and accessibility needs?
A practitioner should welcome your questions and respect your boundaries throughout the experience.
Can You Learn Reiki Yourself?
Yes—receiving a session is one way to explore Reiki, but you can also choose to study the practice. Reiki Master Teachers in the Connection PGH network offer virtual and in-person classes, with opportunities for beginners and those continuing their training. Depending on the teacher and course level, classes may cover Reiki’s history, foundational practices, self-practice, and working with others. Before enrolling, ask about the course content, format, prerequisites, and opportunities for practice or ongoing support. Finding a teacher whose approach resonates with you is an important part of choosing a class.
Experience Our Pre-Holiday Reset
Curious about experiencing Reiki in a group setting? Join Connection PGH for our Pre-Holiday Reset: Sound Bath & Reiki on Sunday, November 22nd, from 4–5 PM.
This offering brings together soothing sound and Reiki for an hour dedicated to slowing down. Before the holiday calendar fills with gatherings, errands, and obligations, consider making a little space for yourself. No previous experience is needed. Visit our event listing for registration information and details about what to expect.
Find Reiki Practitioners Through Connection PGH
Connection PGH helps you discover the people and experiences that make exploring wellness more approachable.
Through our practitioner directory, you can learn about local Reiki professionals, compare their approaches, and explore individual sessions and training opportunities. Whether you’re curious about a first appointment or ready to find a teacher, we invite you to start with questions and follow your curiosity.
Written by Mackenzie Check, Founder & Creative Director of Connection PGH and Reiki Master Teacher.
Sources & Further Reading
Liu, K., et al. (2025). Effects of Reiki therapy on quality of life: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Systematic Reviews.
McManus, D. E. (2017). Reiki Is Better Than Placebo and Has Broad Potential as a Complementary Health Therapy. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine.
International Center for Reiki Training. Information about Reiki practice and training. This is a practitioner education organization; its descriptions reflect the Reiki tradition.
Comments