What Reiki really is: benefits, myths, side effects, and what You can expect during the session
- esterabujny
- 14 hours ago
- 3 min read
If you are looking for Reiki in Zürich, you may have noticed that descriptions often sound either overly spiritual or overly vague. At Mind Garden Studio, Reiki is offered in a clear, grounded and supportive way, focused on inner transformation, nervous system regulation and emotional balance.
This article explains what Reiki is, what it is not, what research says and what you can realistically expect from a Reiki session.
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a gentle and non-invasive complementary therapy that originated in Japan in the early 20th century. The word Reiki comes from the Japanese terms Rei meaning universal and Ki meaning life energy. During a Reiki session, a trained practitioner places their hands lightly on or above the body while the client rests comfortably, fully clothed.
Reiki does not involve manipulation, pressure or medication. It is commonly used to support deep relaxation and balance within the nervous system, allowing the body’s natural self-regulation processes to activate.
From a modern perspective, Reiki is often understood as a relaxation-based practice that may influence stress responses, emotional regulation and overall well-being .https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reiki
Common stereotypes about Reiki
Reiki is sometimes misunderstood. Some people believe it requires belief, promises instant healing or replaces medical treatment. These are common stereotypes. In reality, Reiki is not a religion, does not require belief and does not claim to cure diseases. It is best understood as a complementary practice that can be used alongside medical or psychological care. In many countries, Reiki is already offered in hospitals and wellness centres as part of integrative support, especially in stress-related or chronic conditions.
What does science say about Reiki?
Scientific research on Reiki is still developing. While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, several studies and reviews suggest that Reiki may support stress reduction, emotional balance and perceived well-being.
In the Systematic Reviews you can find that Reiki was associated with improvements in quality of life, stress reduction and emotional well-being across multiple studies, particularly when sessions were repeated over time. https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13643-025-02811-5
Another review published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine reported statistically significant benefits compared to placebo in reducing pain and anxiety in some controlled trials.
Research conducted in clinical settings, including oncology support, suggests that Reiki may help reduce symptoms such as pain, nausea, fatigue and emotional distress during medical treatment, while emphasising the need for further high-quality research.
Are there side effects of Reiki?
Reiki is considered very safe. Scientific reviews report no serious adverse effects. Because it is gentle and non-invasive, Reiki can be offered to people of all ages and physical conditions.
Some people notice temporary effects after a session, such as tiredness, emotional release, vivid dreams or increased body awareness. These experiences are usually short-lived and often part of the relaxation and integration process.
Reiki does not replace medical or psychological treatment and is always offered as a complementary approach at Mind Garden Studio in Zürich.
What can you expect during a Reiki session in Zürich?
During a Reiki session, you remain fully clothed and lie down or sit comfortably in a calm environment. Many clients experience a deep sense of calm, warmth or gentle body sensations. Others feel emotionally lighter, mentally clearer or simply deeply rested.
There is no “right” experience. Some sessions feel very subtle, while others feel more noticeable. Not feeling anything dramatic does not mean Reiki is not working. Each nervous system responds differently and benefits often unfold gradually.
What might you notice after a Reiki session?
After Reiki, clients often describe feeling calmer, lighter or more grounded. Some notice improved sleep, emotional clarity or reduced stress in the days following a session. These experiences align with research suggesting Reiki’s influence on relaxation and stress modulation.
When combined with approaches such as NLP or hypnotherapy, Reiki can support inner transformation by creating a sense of safety that allows deeper subconscious work to take place.
Reiki as part of inner transformation at Mind Garden Studio
At Mind Garden Studio in Zürich, Reiki is offered as part of a holistic approach to inner transformation. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, the intention is to support balance, awareness and gentle change over time.
Reiki is not about fixing what is broken. It is about creating the conditions in which your system can soften, reset and reorganise itself naturally.
Further reading and research
If you would like to explore Reiki from a research-based perspective, the following resources offer balanced and accessible insights: • Reiki in Clinical Practice A Science-Based Guide by Ann Baldwin PhD https://www.reiki.org/articles/reiki-clinical-practice-science-based-guide • Taking Charge of Your Health – University of Minnesota
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