Reiki Healing: In-Person vs. Distant – Which Is Best? Pros and Cons Explained

English Articles

9月24日

In the serene embrace of Kurama, Kyoto—the sacred birthplace of Reiki—I am Neu, a guide on this path of healing and self-discovery.

If you've ever felt the gentle nudge of curiosity about Reiki, pondered the mysteries of attunement, or envisioned yourself as a conduit of this ancient energy, let's embark on this journey together.

Reiki Healing is a hands-on healing method that originated in Japan about 100 years ago.

It uses “Reiki”, the universal energy of love and healing, to promote mental and physical well-being. Reiki sessions can help reduce stress, support emotional and physical healing, and even bring positive changes to one’s life.

If you’ve come across this article, it’s likely because you’re interested in Reiki Healing.

However, you may have noticed that what Reiki practitioners offer can differ—some provide distant Reiki sessions, while others offer in-person sessions. You might be wondering about these differences.

Or perhaps you’re asking yourself: “What exactly is distant Reiki?” or “How is it different from in-person Reiki?”

In this article, we’ll explore the differences between distant and in-person Reiki healing, explain the benefits and potential drawbacks of each, and help you understand which approach might be the best fit for you.

《Index》

Ways to Receive Reiki Healing: In-Person vs. Distant
- What Is Distant Reiki Healing?
- How Distant Reiki Healing Works
- Differences in Effects: In-Person vs. Distant Reiki Healing
Benefits of In-Person Reiki Healing
Drawbacks of In-Person Reiki Healing
Benefits of Distant Reiki Healing
Drawbacks of Distant Reiki Healing
Conclusion
- Who Might Prefer In-Person Reiki Healing
- Who Might Prefer Distant Reiki Healing

Ways to Receive Reiki Healing: In-Person vs. Distant

If you want to receive Reiki Healing, there are two main options: you can either visit a salon or healing center in person to receive a session, or you can receive Reiki remotely while staying at home.

The first option is what’s commonly called in-person Reiki healing. In this method, the Reiki practitioner places their hands on—or lightly touches—the client’s body, channeling Reiki energy directly during the session.

The second option, distant Reiki healing, is performed without physical presence. Instead, Reiki energy is sent across space, allowing you to receive the healing without being in the same room as the practitioner.

What Is Distant Reiki Healing?

In distant Reiki healing, the practitioner and client first communicate in advance—often via LINE, Email or another messaging app—to set a date and time for the session. At the agreed-upon time, the Reiki practitioner channels Reiki energy to the client.

During this session, the client simply sets the intention in their mind, such as “I am now receiving Reiki from [practitioner’s name],” and can receive the healing energy. Physical distance does not matter at all. For example, even if the practitioner is in Japan and the client is in the United States, Reiki energy can be received across space and time.

How Distant Reiki Healing Works

The exact method of distant Reiki healing can vary slightly depending on the practitioner.

For example, some practitioners conduct the session via Zoom, so both parties can see each other during the healing. Others use LINE calls or similar services, where only voices are heard while the Reiki is being sent. There are also practitioners who don’t use any video or voice communication at all—they simply channel Reiki energy at the predetermined time.

(At Soul & Self, we primarily use the third method: Reiki energy is sent at the scheduled time without Zoom or LINE calls. Just before the session, we send a brief message via LINE or Email, and immediately after the session, we provide follow-up messages and share any impressions or guidance received during the healing.)

Differences in Effects: In-Person vs. Distant Reiki Healing

There is no difference in the content or the effects between in-person Reiki healing and distant Reiki healing.

However, each method has its own advantages and may suit different people. For this reason, in this article, we’ve summarized who may benefit most from in-person Reiki and who may benefit most from distant Reiki.

If you’re interested in Reiki healing, we hope this guide will help you choose the method that’s right for you.

Benefits of In-Person Reiki Healing

The biggest advantage of receiving in-person Reiki healing is the sense of immersion in the healing process and the feeling of safety and comfort it provides.

Many Reiki healing salons offer stylish, well-arranged spaces where you can fully relax during the session. To help clients feel even more at ease, some salons play gentle healing music, use aromatherapy, or create a thoughtfully prepared environment.

For clients seeking healing for both body and mind, simply being in this serene, special space and taking the time to receive the treatment contributes significantly to the overall sense of relaxation and well-being.

Another benefit of in-person sessions is the opportunity to meet the healer face-to-face, allowing for brief conversations before and after the session. This helps build trust and a sense of connection between client and healer.

Additionally, during in-person Reiki, the healer places their hands directly on the client’s body to channel Reiki energy. Feeling the warmth of human hands can deepen relaxation and enhance the sense of safety and comfort.

In summary, the greatest advantage of in-person Reiki healing is the opportunity to experience a luxurious, immersive healing session in a carefully prepared, calming space.

Drawbacks of In-Person Reiki Healing

While there are many advantages to in-person Reiki healing, there can also be some drawbacks depending on the individual.

For example, if there are no Reiki healing salons nearby, it can be difficult to receive an in-person session even if that is your preference.

Time constraints are another consideration. People with busy work schedules may find it hard to visit a salon during operating hours. For parents, arranging childcare in order to attend a session can feel like a significant hurdle.

Some individuals may also feel uneasy about being alone in a private space with someone they’ve just met. Because Reiki is an invisible energy, many people are still skeptical or cautious, and visiting a Reiki salon for the first time can feel intimidating.

Additionally, in-person sessions are often priced around 10,000–15,000 JPY for 60–90 minutes. Some people may find this expensive, which can be perceived as another disadvantage.

For these reasons, distant Reiki healing might be a more suitable option for those who face these challenges.

Benefits of Distant Reiki Healing

Next, let’s look at the advantages of distant Reiki healing.

The biggest benefit of distant Reiki is that it is not restricted by time or location, making it much more flexible than in-person sessions.

When receiving distant Reiki, as long as the practitioner and client can agree on a time, the session can take place early in the morning or late at night, offering a wide range of scheduling options. Distance is also no barrier—so even if there are no Reiki salons nearby, you can still receive a session.

(In fact, I personally provide distant Reiki to clients living all over the world, including Australia, Singapore, the U.S., and Spain, while being based in Japan.)

Another advantage is convenience. As long as you set the intention, such as thinking “I am now receiving Reiki,” the energy flows effectively. This makes it possible for busy parents or people working late hours to receive Reiki without disrupting their schedules.

Receiving Reiki at home also means there’s no need to go out, and you can receive healing even in pajamas or without makeup. This is especially beneficial for those with illness or limited mobility.

Finally, distant Reiki sessions are often priced more affordably, typically starting from a few thousand yen for 30-minute sessions, making it a cost-effective alternative compared to in-person sessions.

Drawbacks of Distant Reiki Healing

On the other hand, distant Reiki healing also has some drawbacks.

Since the energy is received during your daily life rather than in a special environment, some clients may find it harder to feel a sense of “escape” or “specialness” compared to an in-person session. However, this can often be addressed by creating your own relaxing atmosphere—playing calming music, lighting incense, or using aromatherapy while receiving Reiki.

Another potential drawback is that, because Reiki energy is invisible, some people may feel uncertain about whether the energy is actually flowing.

The experience of Reiki energy varies greatly from person to person, so unfortunately, it’s impossible to guarantee that everyone will feel it physically or mentally. However, almost all clients who have received distant Reiki sessions at Soul & Self Reiki Healing & School report that they could indeed feel the flow of Reiki energy.

▷ You can read testimonials from clients who have experienced distant Reiki on this page. We hope you find them helpful for reference.

Conclusion

Who Might Prefer In-Person Reiki Healing

In-person Reiki healing is recommended for those who:

Want to step away from the busyness of daily life and relax in a calm, carefully prepared environment.
Wish to experience a sense of “being somewhere special” or an extraordinary setting.
Feel uncertain about whether they will be able to sense the flow of Reiki energy.

Who Might Prefer Distant Reiki Healing

Live in a rural area or far from a Reiki healing salon, making it difficult to attend in person.

Have a busy work schedule and cannot visit a salon during its operating hours.
Have young children, making it hard to be away from home for an extended period.
Feel uneasy about being alone in a closed room with someone they’ve just met.

For those who resonate with this, remote Reiki healing sessions are highly recommended. With remote sessions, you can easily receive Reiki while staying at home, or even while working or doing household chores.

In addition, remote Reiki healing is often set at a more affordable price compared to in-person sessions. That’s why if you are new to Reiki and would like to try it at a reasonable cost, remote healing may be a perfect option for you.

▷If you’re interested in experiencing a Reiki healing session, you can find more details here.

For those who want to learn how to perform Reiki healing themselves or are interested in becoming a Reiki healer, we offer a Reiki Healer Training Course.

▷ For more details about the Reiki Healer Training Course, click here.