What Is Reiki?

At Headwaters, we believe in a comprehensive, whole-person approach to recovery. Beyond traditional medical and clinical treatments, we integrate complementary therapies that support emotional, physical, and spiritual healing. Reiki, an ancient energy healing practice, is one such therapy that has gained recognition for its ability to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support pain management—all of which are essential components of long-term recovery from substance use disorders.

What Is Reiki?

Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a Japanese healing technique involving the gentle transfer of energy through light touch or hovering hands above the body. Reiki is based on the concept that a universal life force energy flows through all living beings. When this energy becomes blocked or imbalanced—often due to stress, trauma, or illness—it can contribute to emotional distress and physical discomfort.

A trained Reiki practitioner works to restore balance and encourage natural healing by guiding energy into the body. While the experience is different for everyone, many people describe a session as deeply relaxing, with a warming or tingling sensation and an overwhelming sense of calm and peace.

How Energy Healing Supports Recovery from Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorders often stem from underlying emotional pain, trauma, and stress. Over time, drug and alcohol use can alter brain chemistry, making it more difficult for individuals to regulate emotions and manage discomfort. Reiki offers a non-invasive, supportive therapy that works alongside traditional addiction treatments to promote healing on a deeper level.

• Reducing Stress and Anxiety – One of the biggest challenges in early recovery is learning to manage stress without turning to substances. Reiki helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, bringing the body into a state of deep relaxation. This can reduce cravings, lower cortisol levels, and help individuals feel more grounded in their sobriety journey.
• Supporting Emotional Release – Reiki encourages the release of emotional blockages that may have contributed to addiction. Many individuals in recovery carry unresolved grief, trauma, or suppressed emotions, and Reiki provides a gentle way to process and release these feelings without reactivating distressing memories.
• Improving Sleep and Mental Clarity – Substance use can disrupt natural sleep cycles, leading to insomnia, fatigue, and brain fog. Reiki promotes deep relaxation, helping to restore healthy sleep patterns. Many patients report feeling more rested, clear-headed, and emotionally balanced after regular Reiki sessions.
• Managing Physical Pain – Chronic pain is a common co-occurring issue for those struggling with addiction, particularly for individuals who have used opioids or other substances to self-medicate. Reiki can help reduce pain perception, promote circulation and relaxation, and support the body’s natural healing processes—making it a valuable tool for those seeking alternative pain management strategies.
• Strengthening Spiritual Connection – Many individuals in recovery find comfort in reconnecting with their sense of purpose and spirituality. Reiki encourages a deeper awareness of the self, fostering a sense of inner peace, self-acceptance, and connection to something greater. Whether incorporated into 12-step work, meditation, or personal spiritual beliefs, Reiki can serve as a healing bridge to a more meaningful and fulfilling life in sobriety.

Integrating Reiki Into a Holistic Recovery Plan

At Headwaters, we understand that true healing goes beyond detox and therapy—it requires nurturing the mind, body, and spirit. Our Complementary Integrative Therapies include Reiki as part of a personalized treatment plan, alongside evidence-based clinical care, trauma therapy, mindfulness practices, and physical wellness programs.

If you or a loved one is seeking a deeper level of healing in recovery, Reiki may be an empowering and transformative addition to your journey. Contact Headwaters today to learn more about how our holistic approach to addiction treatment can support lasting wellness and sobriety.

Hanley Foundation’s Headwaters is a non-profit addiction treatment program for executives, public figures, other affluent individuals, and their loved ones. Headwaters offers leading-edge, personalized clinical care for mental health and substance use disorders, and our professional and compassionate staff can help you achieve holistic wellness. To start your healing journey, call 561-270-1753 today.