Can You Be a Christian and Practice Reiki? My Personal Journey

As a Christian and a Reiki Master, I've occasionally had friends ask me a very understandable question:

How do those two things fit together?

Some have cautioned me about Reiki. Others have wondered whether practicing it conflicts with my Christian faith.

I understand the concern.

Faith is deeply personal, and I would never tell another Christian what they should or shouldn't feel comfortable practicing.

But I can share my story.

And interestingly, Reiki didn't lead me away from Christ.

For me, it became part of a journey that brought me back to Him.

I Found Reiki During a Difficult Season

I first experienced Reiki during one of the most difficult periods of my life.

I was emotionally exhausted and living under enormous stress. I felt disconnected from myself and desperate to find some peace.

My nephew was a Reiki Master, and eventually I turned to him for help.

I'll admit that during my first session, I didn't experience anything particularly dramatic.

But I was willing to try again.

By my third session, something happened that I will never forget.

I cried.

And cried.

It felt as though emotions I had been holding onto for years finally had somewhere to go.

And in that quiet, vulnerable moment, I surrendered my life back to Christ.

I experienced a sense of peace that was deeply meaningful to me.

That moment wasn't about Reiki replacing Jesus.

Quite the opposite.

It brought me back to the faith that had always been part of me.

So What Exactly Is Reiki?

Reiki is a Japanese practice that originated in the early 20th century. During a typical session, a practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above the recipient's body while the person rests quietly.

People may seek Reiki for relaxation, comfort, stress reduction, or simply an opportunity to slow down and be still.

Reiki practitioners traditionally describe the practice in terms of “life-force energy.”

That's where conversations can become more complicated—particularly for Christians.

Some people interpret that language spiritually.

Others understand it metaphorically.

Some Christians are comfortable with Reiki.

Others aren't.

I respect that.

I don't believe anyone should participate in a practice that violates their conscience or conflicts with their faith.

What Reiki Means to Me

For me, Reiki isn't a religion.

I don't worship another deity.

I don't pray to spiritual guides.

I don't ask anyone receiving Reiki to adopt a belief system.

And I don't see myself as possessing some special power to heal another person.

When I practice Reiki, I see myself as creating a quiet, peaceful space where someone can rest.

I believe God is the source of life.

I believe our bodies are extraordinary creations.

And I believe stillness, compassionate human connection, prayer, rest, and loving touch can be deeply meaningful.

That is the framework through which I personally understand and practice Reiki.

What About “Energy”?

This is probably the word that creates the most questions.

We use the word energy in many different ways.

Scientifically, our bodies involve measurable electrical and biochemical processes.

In Reiki traditions, however, “life-force energy” is a different concept and hasn't been established scientifically in the same way.

I'm comfortable acknowledging that distinction.

My faith doesn't depend upon science proving Reiki energy.

And I don't need Reiki to prove my faith.

For me, it is simply a practice in which I can become quiet, present, prayerful, and compassionate toward another person.

Is Reiki the Same as the Biblical Laying on of Hands?

I used to make this comparison quite directly, but today I think it's important to distinguish the two.

Scripture contains many examples of laying on of hands, prayer, blessing, and healing.

Reiki comes from a different historical tradition.

So I wouldn't say they are the same practice.

What resonates with me personally is something simpler: the power of being present with another human being in love, compassion, prayer, and gentle touch.

As a Christian, I believe any healing ultimately belongs to God—not to me.

A Moment I'll Never Forget

Not long ago, I visited a friend in the hospital after she had suffered a stroke.

She was anxious, frustrated, restless, and unable to sleep.

I asked whether she would like me to sit with her and offer Reiki.

She agreed.

After a while, she became quieter.

Her body relaxed.

And eventually, she fell asleep.

Did Reiki treat her stroke?

No.

Her medical team was there to provide the treatment she needed.

But in that moment, I was able to sit beside someone I cared about and offer her comfort and a peaceful presence.

And sometimes, when someone is frightened and exhausted, that matters too.

Reiki Has Never Replaced My Faith

If anything, my experience with Reiki taught me how desperately I needed stillness.

It reminded me to listen.

To pray.

To slow down.

To stop believing I had to control everything.

And ultimately, it was during a Reiki session that I found myself surrendering my life back to Christ.

That's my story.

I don't expect it to be everyone else's.

You Are Allowed to Ask Questions

I think we sometimes become afraid to explore something because people around us have already decided what we're supposed to think about it.

I don't want to do that to anyone else either.

So I'm not writing this to convince you that Reiki is right—or wrong—for you.

Ask questions.

Learn where a practice comes from.

Understand what actually happens during it.

Pray about it.

Consider your own beliefs.

And then make your decision from a place of understanding rather than fear.

For me, Reiki and Christianity don't compete for my heart.

Christ has my heart.

Reiki is simply one of the practices through which I've learned to slow down, become present, and offer another person a peaceful space to rest.

And I will always be grateful for the unexpected role it played in bringing me home to my faith. ❤️