When I first started practicing Reiki in 2008, I was eager for volunteers. I got comfortable using Reiki on myself and my close family, but it wasn’t until 2012 when I started doing long-distance sessions that I really fell in love with Reiki.

Many people ask how remote Reiki healing is different from in-person Reiki, and why one would be chosen over another. It all comes down to personal preference and what works for YOU.

The truth about long-distance Reiki
is that it’s not all that different from regular in-person Reiki.

All Reiki is healing based on intention. Whether you are next to someone, across the room from them, or all the way around the globe, if you intend for Reiki energy to be with them, it will. Reiki energy flows from a Divine source and does not come directly from the Reiki practitioner. She is simply a channel for the universal healing energy.

To effectively channel Reiki over long-distances you must be attuned to Reiki Level 2 by a Reiki Master. This is when you learn about Reiki symbols and how to use them. Besides that and the obvious distinctions between remote and in-person Reiki, there are few other differences. 

Each person practicing Reiki will have their own unique style.
I use visualization to connect with my remote Reiki clients but some people like to use dolls, stuffed toys, or other items as a stand-in for the client. This is especially helpful when practicing hand positions. 

Some healers find remote healing more potent and require shorter session times, while others find the absence of physical contact unsatisfying and stick with in-person sessions. In both cases, a strong connection to spirit and clear communication with your client is key.

I actually prefer long-distance Reiki to in-person Reiki. As much as I like to meet people and connect with them and give them a hug at the end of our session, my most magically transformative healing sessions have occurred with people thousands of miles away.

Why? I’m not sure. Maybe it’s a natural choice for my introverted nature. (Those revealing checklists of introvert behaviours? Check, check, and check.)

Maybe it’s because my ability to visualize and intuit allows me to sense and feel a person even when they are not physically with me.

Maybe it’s because we’re both more comfortable and open to radical shifts in our own homes than we would be in an office or workspace.

Maybe it’s because I get less distracted by things when I’m in a familiar environment such as my own home (and I am easily distracted by things.)

Whatever the case, long-distance Reiki is the best fit for me at this point in my life and practice. It’s fun, effective, and inspires me to stretch beyond my healing comfort zone. All good things. 

It might be completely opposite for you, and that’s perfect!
Do what you feel in your heart to be true.

All that being said – I will always do in-person Reiki too! After all, I do Reiki on myself and I’m always in-person 🙂 

Remember that Reiki preferences will develop and change over time, so keep trying new things to find what you like. Experiment with both in-person and long-distance sessions to experience for yourself what is different, or the same. You will never really know if it’s a good fit until you try it, so give each technique a try to find what suits you best.

The beauty of Reiki is that you can make it your own, and you can never do it wrong. Keep practicing and have fun with it – you get to choose what that means for you!