Reiki Treatments

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a Japanese system of practice and hands-on healing that supports the whole person. During a treatment, you remain fully clothed while hands are placed gently on or just above the body. Many people book Reiki when they feel stressed, overwhelmed, physically depleted, emotionally unsettled or in need of deeper rest. Reiki does not involve diagnosis, psychic readings or interpreting what is happening within your body. The treatment is offered without forcing or directing an outcome, creating the conditions for your own system to respond in the way it needs.

What happens during a Reiki treatment?

Your appointment begins with a short consultation and time to settle. You will then lie comfortably on the treatment couch, fully clothed and covered with a blanket if needed. Reiki is offered through a series of gentle hand placements across the body. There is no pressure to talk during the treatment. Afterwards, you will have time to sit, drink some water and discuss how you feel without being rushed.

Which Reiki appointment should I book?

The 70-minute Reiki Treatment is the best choice for most clients and includes consultation, hands-on Reiki and time before and after the treatment.

The 90-minute Reiki Combination Treatment includes Reiki alongside one chosen treatment: reflexology, head massage, back massage or full-body massage.

The Extended Reiki Treatment provides two hours for clients who need more consultation time, a slower pace or additional time before and after receiving Reiki.

Do I need to believe in Reiki?

No. You do not need to follow a particular religion or spiritual belief. You only need to be comfortable receiving the treatment and willing to rest.

Will I feel anything during Reiki?

Every experience is different. You may notice warmth, coolness, tingling, heaviness, lightness, emotion or a deeply restful state. Some people feel very little during the session but notice changes afterwards. There is no correct way to experience Reiki.

Can Reiki help with anxiety, stress or pain?

People often book Reiki to support them during periods of stress, anxiety, pain, illness, grief, exhaustion or emotional strain. Reiki may help you feel calmer, more rested and better able to cope, but it is not a replacement for medical assessment or treatment. No specific result can be guaranteed, and Reiki practitioners do not diagnose medical conditions.

Is Reiki suitable if I have a medical condition?

Reiki is generally gentle and can be adapted around many health conditions. Please share any relevant medical information when booking or during your consultation. Reiki can be received alongside conventional healthcare, but it should not replace advice, medication or treatment from an appropriately qualified medical professional.

Do I remain fully clothed?

Yes. For a Reiki-only treatment, you remain fully clothed throughout. Comfortable, loose clothing is ideal.

Massage combination appointments require access to the area being treated, and appropriate draping is used at all times.

Do you give readings during Reiki?

No. Reiki appointments do not include psychic, mediumship, aura or chakra readings. I do not diagnose energetic problems or tell you what I believe your body is communicating. My role is to offer professional and compassionate hands-on Reiki and create the right conditions for rest and healing.

How often should I have Reiki?

There is no fixed rule. Some people book a single appointment when they need support, while others choose regular sessions as part of their ongoing wellbeing. When someone is experiencing prolonged stress, illness or emotional strain, a short course of treatments may be more supportive than leaving long gaps between appointments.

Reiki Combination Treatments

What is included in the Reiki Combination Treatment?

This is a 90-minute appointment combining hands-on Reiki with one of the following:

Reflexology

Head massage

Back massage

Full-body massage

You choose your preferred combination on the next booking page.

Can I choose more than one additional treatment?

No. The 90-minute appointment includes Reiki and one chosen treatment. This allows enough time for both parts of the appointment to be offered properly without the session feeling hurried.

Is full-body massage available to everyone?

Full-body massage is available to women only. Reiki, reflexology, head massage and back massage appointments are available more widely, subject to consultation and suitability.

Reflexology with Reiki

What happens during Reflexology with Reiki?

This one-hour appointment combines reflexology of the feet with Reiki. Reiki may be offered through gentle hand placements while you receive reflexology or during a dedicated part of the treatment. It is suited to clients who enjoy physical treatment but also want the steadiness and deeper rest that Reiki can bring.

What should I wear?

Please wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the feet and lower legs. You remain clothed throughout the appointment apart from removing shoes and socks.

Online Reiki

How does an online Reiki session work?

We begin on Zoom with a brief conversation. You can then lie down or sit somewhere comfortable while the Reiki treatment takes place. We reconnect at the end to close the session and discuss how you feel. You do not need to remain on camera throughout.

Is online Reiki the same as an in-person treatment?

The format is different, but the underlying practice remains Reiki. Online sessions are particularly helpful for people who cannot travel, feel more comfortable at home or live outside County Durham.

Do online Reiki sessions include a reading?

No. Online Reiki does not include psychic messages, diagnosis, spiritual readings or predictions. The appointment is focused on receiving Reiki and allowing time for rest.

Reiki Training

What style of Reiki do you teach?

I teach Usui Reiki Ryōhō through a Japanese-rooted approach. Training centres on personal practice, the Reiki precepts, meditation, hands-on healing, Reiju and the traditional practices within the system. The courses do not centre on chakras, crystals, spirit guides or invented forms of Reiki.

What is Shoden?

Shoden is the first level of Reiki training and means “first teaching.” It is suitable for complete beginners as well as people retraining in a more traditional Japanese approach. The course focuses on personal practice, the Reiki precepts, meditation, hands-on Reiki, self-treatment and the foundations of working with others.

What is Okuden?

Okuden means “inner teaching” and is the second level of Reiki training. It is for students who have completed Shoden and established a regular personal practice. Okuden deepens the student’s understanding through further meditation practices, the Reiki symbols and mantras, distance Reiki and continued work with the precepts.

What is Shinpiden?

Shinpiden means “mystery teaching” and is the master level of Reiki. It is intended for experienced Okuden students who are ready to deepen their own practice and understanding. Becoming a Reiki Master is not automatically the same as becoming a Reiki teacher.

What is Reiki Master Teacher Training?

Teacher training is for established Reiki Masters who feel ready to take responsibility for teaching, supporting students and offering Reiju. It includes the practical and ethical responsibilities of teaching, course structure, Reiju, student support, professional boundaries and continued mentorship.

Do I need experience before joining Shoden?

No previous experience is required. Shoden is the starting point. You do, however, need to be willing to practise between training days and understand that Reiki is developed through continued personal practice rather than through attending one course alone.

Can I join your training if I trained elsewhere?

Yes. Students from another Usui Reiki lineage are welcome to enquire about Okuden, Shinpiden, teacher training or the Reiki Dojo. I may ask about your previous training and practice so that any gaps can be identified before you move forward. Training in unrelated or heavily adapted systems may not meet the entry requirements for advanced Usui Reiki courses.

Do you offer private Reiki training?

Yes. Private one-to-one training is available in person and online. This can suit students who need individual support, cannot attend group dates or prefer a more personalised pace. A video conversation is required before private training is confirmed.

Is live online Reiki training valid?

Yes. Reiki can be taught online when the training remains live, interactive and properly supported. Online students receive teaching, practice guidance and Reiju as part of the course. Online training is not a collection of pre-recorded videos with an automatically issued certificate.

Will I receive a certificate?

Students receive a course certificate after completing the required training. Practitioner recognition may also require further practice, treatment records or case studies, depending on the level and intended professional use. Attending a course does not replace the need for continued practice, insurance or professional requirements.

Can I work professionally after Shoden?

Shoden is primarily the foundation of personal practice. Students who wish to work professionally need further training (OKUDEN), suitable practice experience, case studies, insurance and an understanding of professional boundaries. Professional readiness is not based only on how quickly each level has been completed.

How long should I leave between Reiki levels?

There is no benefit in rushing through the levels. Time is needed to practise, integrate the teachings and develop confidence through experience. Progression is discussed individually and may depend on your regular practice, previous training and readiness for the next stage.

The Reiki Dojo

What is the Reiki Dojo?

The Reiki Dojo is an ongoing practice and learning community for people already trained in Usui Reiki. Membership includes monthly online meetings, Reiki shares, further teachings, meditations, continuing professional development, an online training portal and opportunities to meet in person.

Do I need to have trained with Holistic Care Durham?

No. You are welcome to join if you have trained in Usui Reiki elsewhere. There may be gaps to fill if your previous training was very different, particularly if it focused mainly on Western additions rather than personal practice, the precepts and Japanese techniques.

Is the Dojo only for local students?

No. The community is both online and in person. The monthly online meetings, portal and additional training allow students to take part from anywhere. In-person gatherings are an added opportunity rather than a requirement.

Booking and Practical Information

Where are appointments and courses held?

In-person appointments and training take place at Holistic Care Durham’s therapy and training centre in County Durham. Full directions and arrival information are provided after booking. Online appointments and courses take place through Zoom.

How do I book?

Appointments, training and workshops can be booked through the online booking system. Where a course requires prior training or a conversation before enrolment, this will be stated in the booking information.

What happens if I need to cancel?

Please provide as much notice as possible if you need to cancel or rearrange. Late cancellations and missed appointments may be charged in line with the booking policy because the time has been reserved specifically for you.

Can I buy a treatment as a gift?

Gift vouchers may be available for suitable treatments. The person receiving the voucher should always be free to decide whether Reiki or another treatment feels right for them.

How do I know which treatment or course is right for me?

For treatments, the standard Reiki appointment is the clearest starting point when you are unsure. For training, Shoden is the correct beginning unless you have already completed recognised Usui Reiki training. Advanced students can contact Holistic Care Durham to discuss previous training and the most suitable next step.