The author, an integrative healthcare practitioner, takes readers on a journey through the ins and outs of reiki, framing it as a method of healing and rejuvenation—and not, she clarifies, as a kind of religious belief. Reiki, a Japanese term meaning “universal life energy,” is a “non-invasive relaxation technique,” the author says, intended to help the body, mind, and spirit align in a state of peak health. Although users of reiki often do so on a regular basis, there’s no limit to how frequently it can be practiced, the author says. Much of what Torok discusses are the practicalities of the reiki experience, such as the various options available during a session—during which the subject may either be lying down or seated, for example—and the physical sensations that one may expect, such as temperature changes, tingling, and so on. She also delves into how to find a legitimate practitioner, as reiki is not federally licensed in the United States, and she suggests questions to ask before booking a session. The author’s information comes from various sources, including cited scientific studies, books, anecdotes about clients, and Torok’s personal experiences. Readers who are already familiar with reiki are not likely to find anything new or particularly helpful in this guide, but for beginners, it offers a trove of information. Starting with thorough explanations of what reiki is, it logically segues into the hows and whys of an often misunderstood practice. Its subject matter covers the basics in largely straightforward terms, although some passages feel less well defined, as when the author notes that reiki practitioners work with the “metaphysical experience of vibrational frequency and the healing potential of unconditional love.” Still, Torok’s warm tone and straightforward delivery ultimately make for an engaging read for anyone who’s considered reiki therapy.
