Reiki practitioners’ experiences of self-healing and transformation

An intuitive inquiry

Abstract

This research explored the experiences of healing and transformation within Reiki practitioners. Reiki practitioners are attuned to a traditional and ancient hands-on healing technique which involves the practitioner channelling life-force energy through their hands to heal themselves or others. The methodology of intuitive inquiry was used, and the interview transcripts of eight participants were analysed using Thematic Content Analysis. Eight themes were formed and included: Opening the Door, Shifting Beliefs, Lifestyle Changes, Healing Crisis, Moving Past Doubts, Spiritual Connection and Self-Empowerment. The results were presented through a compound narrative of the participants’ experiences. The findings showed that Reiki practitioners experienced transformation on mental, emotional, physical and spiritual levels. Many of the participants experienced struggles that they learned to interpret as meaningful. They also shifted their beliefs and made lifestyle changes which led to greater self-empowerment.