Would you be willing to pay £60 for an hour of complete stillness? Some might, though on the receipt, it goes by a different name: Reiki.

This ancient Japanese practice deserves more than just a description of sitting in silence for an hour. It’s about energy. And many have been praising it, including A-list celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Cameron Diaz, and Gwyneth Paltrow (perhaps not as surprisingly).

For those who believe in the power of energy, whether through biohacking, crystal healing, or mindfulness apps, Reiki is a time-honoured tradition that has gained Japanese street cred – and is quietly conquering the Western world.

Rooted in Japanese healing traditions, Reiki promises to restore balance, reduce stress, and enhance well-being—all without needles, pills, or complex routines. You’ll hear this practice often whispered about in celebrity interviews, praised by holistic healers, and featured on high-end spa menus.

What is the purpose of Reiki?

Reiki, meaning ‘universal life energy’ in Japanese, was developed in the early 20th century by Mikao Usui, a Buddhist monk. At its core, Reiki is based on the idea that energy—often called ‘ki’ or ‘chi’—flows through the body. When that energy is unbalanced or blocked, it can manifest as stress, fatigue, or even physical discomfort. Reiki practitioners work to restore this balance by placing their hands lightly on or near the body to channel energy where it’s needed.

Unlike acupuncture, which uses needles to manipulate energy flow, or massage therapy, which physically relieves tension, Reiki is entirely non-invasive. Some describe it as a meditative state, a quiet moment of reset for the nervous system.

The science (or mystery) behind Reiki

Scientific studies on Reiki are mixed. Some suggest it can reduce stress and promote relaxation, while others argue its benefits are purely placebo. But even sceptics can’t deny the power of the mind-body connection. If Reiki helps someone feel tranquil and more centred, does it really matter whether it’s energy healing or just being in a calm, focused environment?

Many hospitals and wellness centres now integrate Reiki as a complementary therapy for pain management, stress reduction, and overall wellbeing. It’s even used in some corporate spaces to combat burnout. While it’s not a replacement for medical treatment, it’s gaining traction as a tool for emotional and physical reset.

So, what happens in a Reiki session?

A Reiki session isn’t exactly what you’d expect from a traditional wellness treatment. There’s no massage, no needles, and often, no direct contact at all. Instead, a practitioner places their hands on or just above specific areas of your body (think head, heart, or stomach) while you lie down, fully clothed, in a quiet, dimly lit room. That’s really it.

The experience varies from person to person. Some report a gentle warmth or tingling sensation, while others just feel deeply relaxed. A few feel nothing at all in the moment but notice a shift in mood or energy afterwards.

Who’s using Reiki?

Once a niche spiritual practice, Reiki has officially gone mainstream. Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, and Christina Aguilera have all been linked to Reiki as part of their wellness routines. Beyond Hollywood, professional athletes, corporate executives, and even doctors are turning to Reiki to support stress management and recovery.

Should you try it?

We know Reiki won’t wash away your pains and sorrows and turn you into the person you have always dreamed of. But neither will any other treatment.

If you’re looking for a way to unplug and tap into another perhaps untapped stage of mindfulness, it might be worth a shot. But do ensure that you’re adventurous enough to wave goodbye to £60 (or more) without seeing any real results. In the worst-case scenario, you get an hour of uninterrupted stillness. In the best-case scenario, while it may not give you the endorphins a good workout does, you can walk away feeling lighter, clearer, and more in tune with yourself. How much that’s worth – it up to you to determine.

Best Reiki clinics and practitioners in London

If you are keen on giving this treatment a try, find a certified Reiki practitioner or clinic near you. Some popular clinics to have a look include:

The Sunflower Centre

Based in Lewisham, Southeast London, the Sunflower Centre has been around for decades and offers a range of therapies, massages, and counselling.

The London Reiki Clinic

The London Reiki Clinic is led by Samantha Whiteside, a Reiki Master and member of the Reiki association. With Reiki as the core and only offering(as the name suggests), the clinic is based in Camden, and home visits are available.

Reeya Avani

Reeya Avani is a Reiki Master and Crystal Healer operating from her private practice in Mayfair. Having worked with A-list clients from all walks of life, she has established herself as a trusted expert in energy healing.