Reiki is a wellness practice that has gained popularity for its gentle, non-invasive approach to stress reduction and emotional balance. Reiki is often used to support emotional regulation and overall well-being. It is typically affordable for patients seeking alternative care, averaging $25 to $100+ per session based on the Reiki practitioner.
Understanding what Reiki is, how much sessions typically cost, what it may help with, and whether insurance covers it can help you decide if Reiki could complement your overall mental wellness plan.
What Is Reiki?
Reiki, also called Reiki healing or Reiki therapy, is a traditional Japanese practice that focuses on the body’s energy centers, often called chakras. The term comes from the Japanese words “rei” (universal) and “ki” (life force energy), reflecting the idea that a vital energy surrounds and flows through all of us. Many believe this energy can support both physical and emotional well-being.
During a session, a Reiki practitioner gently places their hands on or just above the body, moving through a series of positions designed to help balance and clear energy. Trained and certified practitioners, often called Reiki masters, aim to channel universal life force energy to the recipient to promote relaxation and overall wellness.
Reiki is not a replacement for medical or mental health treatment, but many people report feeling calmer, less stressed, more energized, and sleeping better after sessions [1].
“The energy body acts as a bridge connecting our physical and spiritual bodies. For us to influence the transformation of the body and mind, we must first learn to transform the energy flow.” – Ilchi Lee, Author
How Does Reiki Work and What Can It Treat?
Reiki is thought to work by promoting deep relaxation and supporting the body’s natural stress-response. Practitioners believe that gentle touch or hands-off placement helps balance the mind-body connection and calm the nervous system, which may reduce physical tension and emotional strain.
The reported benefits are most likely linked to the relaxation response of the nervous system, focused attention, and a sense of safety during the session, rather than proven energy-based healing [2][3].
It is often used alongside conventional treatment approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapies and medication, to address physical and mental health challenges:
- Depression and Mood Disorders: Little clinical evidence shows Reiki can directly target depression, however, in some small studies, it has been shown to improve emotional regulation and increase relaxation, which may indirectly make people feel more grounded or emotionally stable.
- Anxiety: Some studies show Reiki reduces self-reported anxiety and lowers heart rate to stress responses. These benefits are thought to be similar to meditation or guided breath work rather than a specific Reiki energy mechanism.
- Trauma and PTSD: There is no clinical evidence that Reiki treats trauma or PTSD; however, individuals often report feeling safer in their bodies, improved physical awareness, and reduced tension after sessions. Consent-based practices such as Reiki, massage, and acupuncture are thought to support nervous system regulation.
- Sleep: Some small studies and user reports suggest that Reiki may improve relaxation before sleep and help people fall asleep more easily by reducing physical arousal, similar to other calming bedtime activities such as low-impact yoga or a bubble bath.
- Chronic Pain: Reiki does not treat the underlying causes of chronic pain, but some emerging evidence shows it may help with pain perception and pain-related stress.
How Much Is A Typical Reiki Session?
Reiki session prices vary, with new practitioners often charging between $25 and $50 per session, while experienced masters can charge $150 to $200+ per session, especially in larger cities or at boutique spas. Many health centers that offer Reiki offer discounted rates for multiple sessions or sliding scale fees as part of a larger mental wellness plan.
Factors Influencing Price
Several factors influence the price of Reiki sessions, these include:
- Experience of Practitioner: Are they a Reiki master? The higher the certification levels, the higher the fees.
- Location: Reiki centers in bigger cities such as NYC, LA, or Miami often have higher rates. Spa-like venues may cost more than a private practice.
- Reputation: Well-known practitioners, such as those who teach Reiki or run workshops, typically charge more.
- Length of Session: 90+ minute sessions, Reiki workshops, or retreats cost more than a standard 30 to 60 minute session.
Does Insurance Cover Reiki?
Traditional health insurance plans typically do not cover Reiki sessions as a standalone treatment. Reiki is classified as a complementary or alternative therapy rather than an evidence-based, conventional medical service.
There are a couple of limited situations where you might get reimbursement [4]:
- Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Some individuals are able to use their HSA/FSA funds to pay for Reiki or other alternative medical practices if they have a Letter of Medical Necessity from a licensed healthcare provider that proves the sessions could be beneficial to a specific diagnosis.
- Integrated care: Occasionally, Reiki may be offered within a broader treatment plan (e.g., part of supportive care in a hospital), though the insurance isn’t paying for Reiki itself.
Private Reiki Sessions at Harper Clinic
Our licensed energy healers work 1-on-1 with clients to develop a personalized healing plan. Working with the practitioner, the client sets intentions they hope to achieve throughout their Reiki sessions. This allows the reiki master to focus on the client’s specific health needs.
After the onset of her own health challenges, our Reiki Master Becca started her wellness journey, which soon became her deepest passion and life’s work. Her philosophy is centered around the idea that health and wellness are best addressed holistically—nourishing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of ourselves.
Becca is a certified Reiki Master and Teacher and is trained in Advanced Integrative Therapies, including myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, structural integration, holistic nutrition, herbalism, and more.
Contact Harper Clinic today or book a private session directly with our Reiki Master, Becca.
Sources
[1] Reiki.org. What is Reiki?
[2] Herbison, P. (2015). Reiki for depression and anxiety. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2015(4), CD006833.
[3] Gruzelier, J. et al. (2011). A randomised controlled single-blind trial of the efficacy of reiki at benefiting mood and well-being. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2011, 381862.
[4] FSA Feds. Eligible Health Care FSA (HC FSA) Expenses.