If you’re considering Reiki but at the same time wondering, “Why don’t I just spend the money on a massage?”—you’re not alone. It’s a great question, and shows that you're thinking critically about your care, as you should. Both practices have unique qualities that serve different needs. Massage is a fantastic modality with extensively researched benefits, and if it feels like the right choice for you, I wholeheartedly encourage you to follow that instinct. But, let's also consider what makes Reiki unique, and I'll share what originally brought me to the practice.
How my heart condition led me to Reiki
After a year of teaching high school post-pandemic, I developed heart palpitations and panic attacks (yep, highly sensitive people may not want to work in that kind of environment). The palpitations became so severe - hours on end - that I went to the doctor. I figured the palpitations were probably anxiety, but it wouldn't hurt to take a look, right? The doctor discovered a murmur and promptly ordered bloodwork and an echocardiogram.
I wasn't expecting anything concrete from this inquiry, but the results of the echo revealed mitral valve prolapse - a leaky valve forcing my heart to work harder. The technician reassured me that it was probably not a big deal, but the next day I got a call from the doctor. He told me my leakage was near severe and I would need surgery - soon.
All of my symptoms skyrocketed.
This was an excruciating time for me, a time in which I often felt frozen in place, terrified that any significant movement would be the death of me. (This was not what the doctor told me - it was my anxiety running unbridled). The anxiety exacerbated my severe palpitations, which then exacerbated my anxiety - a vicious cycle.
The silver lining was that it prompted me to do everything I could to ease the anxiety, which was wrecking my quality of life. I increased the wellness budget and headed to yoga, acupuncture, massage, and finally, Reiki. I knew a woman locally, and had a great feeling about her. So I decided I would try it, despite my refusal to believe in something as vague as "energy." I had a sense that receiving her care alone would be a positive step.
My experience then illuminated for me the dynamic interplay of psyche, body, and emotion, something I had always been aware of, but not through such a clear lens. The very act of intentionally lying down on that table to invite deeper healing created a shift. I was able to relax, and I experienced a range of emotional releases and imagery during my session. At the end of the session my healer commented that she didn't pick up on anything amiss with my heart.
This is not a story that Reiki energy healing cured my heart problem - it's a story that Reiki allowed me to begin to relax and exit the ceaseless feedback loop of anxiety. It gave me a chance to get out of fight-or-flight, and even experience a totally different relationship with my body. From this moment I began to understand the value of Reiki even beyond anything "energetic."
So as not to leave you hanging, within a couple weeks I received reassuring information from a different doctor that I was at no immediate risk and that the palpitations were not related to the heart condition, and nine months later a doctor from Stanford said he would definitely not recommend surgery for me, and that I should get regular echos but would probably be fine - the results were not as bad as they had been made out to be (as my Reiki practitioner had cautiously observed). Of course, this is a living story, but the moral of it is that the information I received, whether accurate or not, had a deep impact on my health.
This is a key layer of this story that I want to point out - the moment a doctor told me my heart was working well, my symptoms decreased. And once the Stanford doctor reassured me, I could really stop worrying about it. This highlights how our belief so powerfully influences our bodies. The nervous system is always part of the equation in our health journeys, and it is something that fortunately, we can work with.
Reiki offers an experience that has unique benefits, and may resonate if you’re looking for something that engages more layers of the self than the physical. Somatique in particular integrates Reiki, somatic practices, meditation, breathwork, and sound. So let's consider why someone might choose Reiki over massage—or why it could complement your self-care routine beautifully.
Different Benefits, Different Modalities
Massage is incredible for relieving muscle tension, improving circulation, and grounding you in the physical. Of course, the physical is tied to the emotional and other layers of self, but the connections are typically not intentionally cultivated.
Reiki sessions at Somatique are designed to work dynamically between emotional, physical, psychological, intellectual, spiritual, and social layers of self. A Reiki session invites the client to attune to themself on a deeper layer, observing their own emotional, physical, energetic, and intellectual processes. This cultivates a deeper self-awareness that the client can take forward with them beyond the session. Furthermore, sessions include practices and techniques that can be incorporated into daily life after the session.
A Participatory Experience
In my sessions, Reiki isn’t just about lying down and receiving. I integrate somatic techniques, breathwork, guided meditation, and prompts, which invite you to actively engage with your body and mind. This participatory approach promotes a deeper and more enduring connection to your inner landscape, building over time, helping you access transformation that’s not only physical but emotional, psychological, intellectual, and energetic.
Energy Work vs. Physical Touch
While touch can be incredibly grounding and therapeutic, it can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for highly sensitive people or those with trauma. Reiki provides a gentle, non-invasive alternative, working with the body’s energy field to promote relaxation and balance without direct pressure. Clients have the option to receive hands-on Reiki for part of their session, or can opt for strictly hands-off. This is incredibly beneficial for those who are not comfortable with touch.
Affordability
Reiki sessions tend to be more affordable than massage therapy, making them a more accessible way to prioritize regular care. This affordability also allows you to establish a consistent healing practice, which is essential for long-term well-being.
What Feels Right for You?
Ultimately, the question isn’t which practice is better—it’s about what feels best for you right now. Massage and Reiki each have their place, and many people find that they complement each other beautifully. There’s no wrong answer, only your unique needs and preferences.
Whether you’re seeking physical relief, emotional balance, or a combination of both, trust your instincts, but if you can, try both! Sometimes we are surprised by what we find out.
If you’re curious about Reiki and how it differs from massage, I’d love to guide you through the experience in Boulder, Colorado. Reiki offers a unique way to engage with your healing journey, creating space for relaxation and transformation at every level.