What Is Reiki? A Guide to Energy Healing

Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive energy healing practice that uses light touch or hands-hovered technique to support relaxation, stress relief, and nervous system regulation. Rooted in Japanese tradition, it works with the body's energy centers to clear stagnation and restore natural energetic flow. At Aura. Wellness in New Orleans, reiki sessions are led by Kerstin Brown — a certified practitioner offering 1-to-1 sessions at The Shop, Metairie.

The Origins of Reiki

Reiki was developed in Japan in the early twentieth century by Mikao Usui. The word itself is composed of two Japanese characters: rei, meaning universal or spiritual wisdom, and ki, meaning life force energy. The practice is built on the understanding that every living being carries an energetic field — and that disruptions within that field can manifest as physical tension, emotional stress, or a sense of disconnection.

Reiki was introduced to the West in the 1970s and has since become one of the most widely practiced complementary healing modalities in the world. It is used in wellness centers, hospitals, and integrative health practices across the United States and beyond.

How Does Reiki Work?

At its core, reiki works by supporting the body's own natural capacity for healing and regulation. During a session, a trained practitioner channels universal life force energy through their hands — using either light physical touch or a hands-hovered technique — to areas of the body that may be holding tension, stress, or stagnation.

The experience is typically deeply relaxing. Many people describe feeling warmth, a gentle tingling, or a profound sense of calm during and after a session. Scientifically, research suggests that reiki may activate the parasympathetic nervous system — the body's rest-and-restore response — which explains its effectiveness for stress and nervous system dysregulation.

What Are Energy Centers?

In reiki and many Eastern healing traditions, the body is understood to contain a network of energy centers — often referred to as chakras — each associated with different physical, emotional, and energetic aspects of wellbeing. When energy flows freely through these centers, the body feels balanced and vital. When energy becomes blocked or stagnant — often as a result of stress, trauma, or chronic tension — that balance is disrupted. Reiki supports the clearing and balancing of these centers, helping to restore a sense of wholeness and ease.

What Are the Benefits of Reiki?

Reiki is used to support a wide range of physical and emotional experiences. Common benefits include:

• Deep relaxation and stress relief

• Nervous system regulation and reduced anxiety

• Improved sleep quality

• Emotional processing and release

• Energetic cleansing and rebalancing

• Support during periods of grief, burnout, or major life transition

• Reduced physical tension and pain sensitivity

• A greater sense of clarity, calm, and groundedness

It is important to note that reiki is not a replacement for medical treatment — it is a complementary practice that works alongside conventional healthcare to support overall wellbeing.

What Happens in a Reiki Session?

At Aura. Wellness (/aura-reiki), every reiki session begins with a brief consultation. Kerstin will invite you to share anything you'd like her to hold space for — whether that's physical discomfort, emotional weight, or simply a need for rest. You remain fully clothed throughout, lying comfortably on a treatment table.

Kerstin then works intuitively through the body's energy centers, using light touch or hands-hovered technique to sense areas of tension or stagnation and invite flow. The session closes with gentle grounding work — helping you return to your body and the present moment before you leave.

Most sessions last around 60 minutes. Many clients describe feeling lighter, calmer, and more clear-headed afterward — with the effects continuing to integrate over the following 24 to 48 hours.

Who Is Reiki For?

Reiki is for anyone. It requires no prior knowledge of energy work, no spiritual belief system, and no particular physical ability. It is gentle enough for those navigating serious illness, recovery, or chronic stress — and deeply nourishing for those who simply need to slow down and be held.

At Aura., reiki sessions are particularly beneficial for those experiencing:

• Burnout or nervous system exhaustion

• Chronic stress or anxiety

• Grief or emotional heaviness

• Difficulty sleeping

• A sense of disconnection from the body

• A desire to go deeper in their wellness practice

If you're already working with somatic movement (/aura-somatic), yoga (/aura-class-yoga), or wellness coaching (/aura-wellness-coaching) at Aura., reiki integrates beautifully as a complementary layer — addressing the energetic dimension that movement alone may not reach.

Is Reiki Spiritual or Religious?

Reiki is non-denominational. It does not belong to any religion or require any specific spiritual belief. While it draws on concepts of energy and universal life force that resonate with many spiritual traditions, it is practiced and received by people of all faiths, backgrounds, and worldviews.

At Aura., reiki is offered as a grounded, care-led healing experience — honoring the whole person without agenda or imposition. What you bring is what matters. Everything else is held gently.

Reiki at Aura. Wellness, New Orleans

Kerstin Brown is a certified Reiki practitioner based in New Orleans, Louisiana, offering 1-to-1 reiki and energy work sessions at The Shop, Metairie. Her approach is intuitive, deeply respectful, and rooted in years of experience across multiple healing modalities — including yoga, somatic work, and integrative wellness.

Sessions at Aura. are available as standalone appointments or as part of a broader wellness coaching (/aura-wellness-coaching) or private training (/aura-private) program.

Internal link: Book a Reiki Session at Aura. — /aura-reiki

FAQs About Reiki

Do I need to believe in energy healing for reiki to work?

No. Many people who come to reiki skeptically find the experience deeply relaxing and beneficial regardless of their beliefs. An open mind is all that's needed.

What should I wear to a reiki session?

Comfortable, loose clothing. You remain fully dressed throughout — no undressing is required.

How many sessions will I need?

This varies by individual. Some people feel significant shifts after a single session; others benefit from a series of sessions, particularly when working through burnout, grief, or long-held stress patterns. Kerstin will discuss what feels right for you during your initial consultation.

Is reiki safe?

Yes. Reiki is a non-invasive, gentle practice with no known risks or side effects. It is safe for all ages and can be received alongside any medical treatment.

Can I combine reiki with other practices at Aura.?

Absolutely — and many clients find this the most powerful approach. Combining reiki with somatic movement (/aura-somatic), yoga (/aura-class-yoga), or meditation (/aura-meditation) can support a deeper level of integration and healing.