A stiff neck that won’t go away. A migraine that strikes at the worst time. An old injury that flares up when you're stressed.
We’ve all been there.

For those struggling with chronic or unexplained pain, Reiki has emerged as a surprising form of relief—but is it a myth or a miracle?

Let’s break down how Reiki works on physical pain—and whether there’s real science behind the energy.

What Is Reiki—and How Does It Help Relieve Physical Pain?

Reiki is a form of biofield energy therapy that works by clearing disruptions in the body’s natural energy flow. According to research in biofield science, the human body emits low-level electromagnetic fields that regulate everything from cell repair to nervous system balance.

When you're under emotional or physical stress, this energy field can become blocked or imbalanced, leading to stagnation in blood flow, nerve signaling, or muscle response—which often shows up as chronic pain or tension.

During a Reiki session, the practitioner uses light, non-invasive touch to guide universal life energy (also called “ki” or “prana”) to the areas where energy is stuck. This process helps:

• Restore energetic balance in affected tissues
  
• Activate the parasympathetic nervous system (which eases pain perception)
  
• Reduce cortisol and stress-related inflammation
  
• Improve natural flow of oxygen, blood, and lymphatic fluid
  

In simple terms: Reiki gives your body the energetic signal to relax, reset, and repair.

This is why many people report reduced pain, tension, and even faster healing after just a few sessions.

How Energy Blocks Become Physical Pain

Our emotions are not just in our heads—they're stored in the body. Studies in psychoneuroimmunology show how emotional stress can trigger physical symptoms.Unprocessed / suppressed emotions are stored in physical body and in our nervous system.

In Reiki, this is seen as trapped energy that builds up in certain parts of the body:

• Grief often sits in the chest
  
• Anger in the shoulders and jaw
  
• Fear in the stomach or lower back
  

Over time, this energy can crystallize into chronic pain. Reiki helps release that stored emotional tension—softening both the physical and energetic layers of pain.

What the Research Says

While more studies are ongoing, evidence so far is promising:

• A 2017 study published in Pain Management Nursing found that Reiki significantly reduced pain intensity and anxiety in patients recovering from surgery
• Another study in The Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine reported reduced fatigue, tension, and physical discomfort after just one Reiki session.

And importantly—Reiki involves no drugs, no side effects, and no physical manipulation. That makes it safe for people with chronic illnesses or injuries.

Conditions Reiki Has Helped Support:

• Back, neck, and joint pain
  
• Migraines and tension headaches
  
• Menstrual cramps
  
• Post-operative pain
  
• Pain from emotional trauma
  

It’s not a substitute for medical care—but it’s a powerful complement to it.

Not a Miracle—Just Deep Healing

Reiki doesn’t claim to “cure” physical pain. But it often uncovers the deeper layers contributing to it—such as unresolved emotional stress, energy blockages, or prolonged nervous system imbalance. Addressing these underlying factors is often the most crucial—and overlooked—step in long-term pain relief and recovery.

That’s not magic. That’s healing.

Still wondering if Reiki works? Hear it straight from those who’ve lived the experience [read their stories here]

Ready to Try Reiki for Pain Relief?

Book your Reiki session with certified energy healers at HealClinic.
Experience a new way to listen to your body—and let it heal, naturally.