01
Connect & prepare
Before or at the beginning of your appointment, you'll answer a few questions and sign a consent agreement. We'll talk about your preferences, and you can ask anything you'd like.
Gentle Wave
WELLNESS
Tammy Mawson
Reiki Practitioner
Follow & Connect
A gentle introduction
What is Reiki?
Reiki (pronounced RAY-kee) is a Japanese energy-healing practice rooted in the belief that a universal life-force energy flows through all living things. This gentle, holistic approach recognizes the connection between mind, body, and spirit, with the intention of encouraging harmony, balance, and overall well-being.
Throughout our lives, we experience stress, difficult situations, and emotions that aren't always fully expressed or processed. In Reiki tradition, these experiences are believed to influence the natural flow of our energy, sometimes creating areas of imbalance.
Reiki works with the intention of restoring energetic balance and creating space for emotional release. During a session, some people notice physical sensations, unexpected emotions, or memories coming to the surface. These experiences may offer an opportunity for reflection, letting go, and reconnecting with yourself.
An important part of Reiki philosophy is that healing comes from within. Rather than being the source of healing, the Reiki practitioner serves as a channel for universal life-force energy, with the intention of supporting your body's natural ability to restore balance and well-being.
Every Reiki experience is different. There is no particular feeling you need to have or outcome you need to achieve. Simply allow yourself to experience whatever naturally arises.
Your first visit
What to expect during a session
02
Get comfortable
You stay fully clothed. For an in-person session, you can lie on my massage table or choose another comfortable place to lie down or sit. For distance Reiki, settle into a comfortable spot wherever you are.
03
Experience Reiki
For approximately 25–45 minutes, you can simply notice what arises. People sometimes describe warmth or tingling, seeing lights or colors, memories coming to mind, or a range of emotions. Others notice little or nothing unusual.
04
Share & reflect
Afterward, I'll share any impressions I noticed during the session, and you're welcome to talk about what you experienced. Sharing is always your choice.
There is no “right” way to experience Reiki. You don't need to meditate, concentrate, or have a particular feeling. Each session is personal, and nothing needs to be forced.
Space for self-awareness
Why do people explore Reiki?
People explore Reiki for many reasons, and their experiences can be just as varied.
Some seek a sense of peace or balance. Others are curious about becoming more aware of emotions, letting go of what feels heavy, or connecting with themselves in a different way. Reiki practitioners traditionally describe the intention as supporting the body's own sense of balance—not forcing a particular result.
To find a sense of calm
Most people leave feeling more peaceful, centered, or grounded.
To make space for emotions
Thoughts, memories, or feelings may surface. Some describe this as an opportunity to acknowledge what they're carrying or experience a personal sense of release.
To complement their well-being
Reiki may be part of a personal wellness routine alongside meditation, counseling, movement, and appropriate healthcare—not as a replacement for them.
Curiosity, experience & evidence
What does the research say?
Some studies have reported improvements in outcomes such as anxiety or quality of life following Reiki sessions.
For me, Reiki is a complementary wellness practice that can offer space for personal reflection, emotional awareness, and a sense of well-being. These are individual experiences, not medical outcomes, and Reiki belongs alongside—not in place of—appropriate medical or mental-health care.
What Is Reiki? And Does It Actually Work?
A thoughtful introduction to the experience, the current evidence, and important limits of the claims.
Read the overview ↗Reiki and anxiety
A review reported encouraging results for anxiety, while noting variability between populations and studies.
View the research ↗Reiki and quality of life
A review of randomized trials reported a small overall improvement in quality-of-life measures; findings should be interpreted with care.
View the research ↗Reiki and anxiety, pain & stress in cancer patients
Researchers compared Reiki, simulated Reiki, and progressive relaxation in cancer patients. The Reiki group experienced greater improvements in pain, anxiety, and perceived stress, although cortisol levels did not significantly differ between groups.
Read the study on PubMed ↗Reiki and pain & anxiety in intensive care patients
Researchers studied Reiki in mechanically ventilated ICU patients. Those receiving Reiki showed greater reductions in observed pain, anxiety, heart rate, and diastolic blood pressure compared with the simulated Reiki group.
Read the study on PubMed ↗A little more clarity
Frequently asked questions
Not sure whether Reiki is for you? Here are a few common questions. You're also always welcome to reach out before booking.
Is Reiki the same as massage?
No. Reiki is not a massage: there is no kneading, deep pressure, or manipulation. Sessions typically involve light touch or hands held just above the body.
Do I need to change clothes?
Not at all. You stay fully clothed. Comfortable clothing is all you need.
Does Reiki involve physical touch?
It can, but it doesn't have to. If you'd rather have no physical contact, Reiki can be practiced with hands hovering above the body. You're welcome to share preferences or request changes at any time.
What might I notice during Reiki?
People sometimes describe warmth, tingling, colors or lights, memories, emotional feelings, or a sense of release. Others notice little or nothing unusual. There is no particular sensation or outcome you're supposed to have.
Where can I have a session?
Sessions can be arranged at my location or, when practical, in your home. Distance Reiki is also available, so you can sit or lie somewhere comfortable wherever you are. Please contact me to discuss which option fits you best.
Can Reiki replace medical treatment?
No. Reiki is a complementary wellness practice, not a substitute for diagnosis, prescribed treatment, or care from licensed healthcare professionals.
Gentle Wave Wellness
Curious about experiencing Reiki?
Whether you're looking for a sense of calm, space to reflect, or are simply curious about Reiki, I'd be happy to answer your questions and help you arrange a session.
Book a SessionHave a question? Email Tammy
