Reiki & Meditation

What Is Reiki? What Happens in a Usui Reiki Session

The HEALIVERSE team·Oct 26, 2026·3 min read

Reiki can sound mysterious, but a session is actually simple: you lie down fully clothed while the practitioner rests their hands lightly on or just above your body. Here’s what Reiki is, what a session looks like and what to expect.

Reiki is a relaxation practice from Japan in which the practitioner places their hands lightly on or near the body in a sequence from head to feet. Usui Reiki is the most widespread style, named after Mikao Usui, who founded it in the early 20th century.

What happens in a Usui Reiki session?

A 1:1 Reiki session at HEALIVERSE takes about 90 minutes:

  1. A short chat. The practitioner asks how you’re feeling and whether there’s anything about your health to keep in mind.
  2. Get comfortable. You lie on a mat fully clothed, with a pillow and a light blanket.
  3. Hand positions. The practitioner rests their hands lightly or holds them just above you, at the head, shoulders, chest, belly and legs. No pressing, no massage.
  4. Deep rest. Many people feel warmth, a light tingling or sleepiness. Falling asleep is normal.
  5. Closing. You sit up slowly, have some water and share how it felt if you like.

How is Reiki different from massage or meditation?

ReikiMassageSelf-guided meditation
TouchLight touch or noneKneading, pressureNone
ClothingFully clothedUsually undressedYour choice
What you doLie down and relaxLie down and relaxHold your own focus
Common feelingsWarm, light, sleepyMuscles releasedDepends on practice
A practitioner resting hands lightly near a guest’s headA private Reiki session in a quiet room

What does the research say?

To set honest expectations: Reiki has been studied for pain, anxiety and depression, but most studies are small and low quality, with mixed results. The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says Reiki hasn’t been clearly shown to work for any health purpose, and there’s no scientific evidence for the energy field it is based on.

What many guests do value is a quiet pause, with someone present and a gentle, respectful touch. For many people, that’s plenty.

Source: NCCIH, Reiki. Reiki hasn’t been shown to cause harm, but it doesn’t replace medical care. If you’re being treated for a condition, keep following your doctor’s advice.

Who might enjoy Reiki?

  • People who want to relax without firm massage.
  • People who find it hard to meditate alone and like gentle guidance.
  • Anyone who wants to combine Reiki with a sound bath in one private session.
  • People abroad, who can book a remote Reiki relaxation session online.

Got questions? We’ve got answers

A guest relaxing during a Reiki session
Is Reiki a religion?

No. Reiki isn’t tied to any religion and doesn’t ask you to believe anything. You simply lie comfortably and notice how you feel.

Do I need to undress?

No. You stay in comfortable clothes the whole time.

Will the practitioner touch me?

There may be light touch on the shoulders, head or feet, or hands held just above you. If you’d rather not be touched somewhere, just say so.

What is remote Reiki?

A relaxation session online: you lie at home while the practitioner guides your breathing and relaxation at the booked time (Vietnam time, GMT+7).

Is the session in English?

Yes. Kennedy leads Reiki sessions in English. Message WhatsApp +84 939 624 684 to book.

A private relaxation session at HEALIVERSE

Try Reiki at HEALIVERSE

A 90-minute 1:1 Reiki session in Tan Dinh, Ho Chi Minh City, or a remote Reiki relaxation session if you’re far away.

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Book your session: www.thesoundhealing.vn
📍 104/20 Mai Thi Luu Street, Tan Dinh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Booking | Hotline | Zalo | WhatsApp
📞 English: +84 939 624 684 (Kennedy)
📞 Vietnamese: +84 906 502 582

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The HEALIVERSE teamThe Sound Healing · Tan Dinh, Ho Chi Minh City

HEALIVERSE – The Sound Healing is a sound healing studio in Tan Dinh, Ho Chi Minh City: sound baths, Reiki, meditation and singing bowl courses. Every session is a relaxation experience, not medical care.

HEALIVERSE · Tan Dinh, Saigon

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A 90-minute midday sound bath with crystal bowls, Himalayan bowls and gong, in a small group of 3 to 6 in Ho Chi Minh City.

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