Reiki in Leith, Edinburgh
Trauma-informed energy healing in a safe, inclusive space
About Reiki
Reiki is a gentle energy practice that originated in Japan in the early 1900s, founded by Mikao Usui (臼井甕男). The word “Reiki” is often translated as universal life energy: a subtle, nourishing force that supports balance, restoration, and self-healing.
Reiki is not a cure in the Western medical sense. Instead, it works on the principle that energy flows through all living things, and that “imbalances” (physical, emotional, or energetic) can contribute to discomfort or illness. A Reiki practitioner channels this energy through their hands, offering the body a chance to recalibrate, soften, and realign.
Some people feel warmth, tingling, or gentle waves of sensation during a session but the experiences are varied as there’s no one way to experience receiving Reiki.
What to expect during a Reiki session
-
You’ll remain fully clothed, resting comfortably on a massage table or seated, depending on what feels best for your body
-
Reiki can be offered hands-on or entirely hands-off, making it suitable for those who prefer not to be touched, including people with a history of trauma or sensory sensitivity
-
I’ll place my hands lightly (or hover them) over various points of the body, often around the head, chest, belly, arms and legs, working with your unique energy field and needs that day
-
Sessions typically last between 30 to 70 minutes, guided intuitively rather than fixed by the clock
Who Reiki is for
Reiki can be helpful if you are:
-
Experiencing stress, anxiety, or struggling with life’s demands
-
Living with chronic illness or fatigue
-
Seeking emotional regulation or a greater sense of grounding
-
In recovery from trauma or dissociation
-
Craving a gentle, non-verbal approach to healing
-
Curious about energy work or spiritual practices
You don’t need to “believe” in Reiki energy for you to benefit from the session as you’ll still benefit from the well researched phenomenon of therapeutic presence and holding. My practice meets you exactly where you are, whether you’re deeply spiritual, highly sceptical, or somewhere in between.
My training and lineage
I am trained in the Usui Reiki method to Level II and my training traces back to Hawayo Takata, who played a key role in bringing Reiki from Japan to the Western world.
While Reiki training in the West often differs from the traditional teachings still found in Japan, it’s widely accepted that no single lineage or technique is inherently superior. The quality of Reiki energy remains constant, shaped more by the intention, presence, and ethics of the practitioner than by the style of training.
My approach to Reiki is grounded in respect for its Japanese origins, while also being trauma-informed, client-led, and integrated with my wider bodywork practice.
Combining Reiki with other modalities
A dedicated Reiki session is primarily energy work, but depending on what you bring on the day, I may offer a short period of hands-on bodywork towards the end of the session if that feels appropriate and you'd like it.
If you're looking for a session where massage or somatic work leads and Reiki is woven in alongside, that's better suited to an integrative bodywork booking where Reiki can be added at no extra cost, with your consent. See the integrative massage page →
Not sure which to choose? Just book whichever feels most aligned with what you need right now, and we can shape the session together once you're here.
Frequently asked questions - FAQs
Do I need to believe in Reiki for it to work?
No. You don't need any particular belief system to benefit from a session. Even if you're sceptical about energy work, you'll still experience the well-documented effects of therapeutic presence, stillness, and being held in a calm, attentive space, which in itself supports nervous system healing and rest.
Is Reiki suitable for people with a history of trauma?
Yes, assuming the session is trauma-informed. If it is, then it can be particularly well-suited. Because Reiki can be offered entirely hands-off, it's one of the most accessible practices for people who find touch difficult or activating. Sessions are fully consent-led, paced by you, and can be adapted at any point.
What does Reiki feel like?
Experiences vary widely. Some people feel warmth, tingling, or a sense of gentle movement. Others feel deeply relaxed or emotional. Some feel very little during the session but notice a shift afterwards, while others notice something entirely different. There's no right way to experience it.
Can Reiki be combined with massage?
Yes. Elements of Reiki can be woven into any integrative bodywork session.
See the integrative massage page →
How long is a session?
Sessions typically last between 40 and 70 minutes, guided intuitively rather than fixed by the clock. The booking is listed as 60 minutes to allow for consultation and integration time at either end.
Is this suitable for people going through cancer treatment?
Reiki is widely used alongside cancer treatment as a complementary practice, not as a treatment for cancer itself, but as a gentle, supportive option during what can be an exhausting and isolating time. The evidence points to benefits around nervous system settling, the experience of therapeutic presence and co-regulation, and supporting a sense of connection with yourself and others. Please mention your treatment status when booking so I can adapt the session appropriately.
