PTSD and Reiki

By Tara Crowley, RMPT | Timeless Energy Healing®
Certified in PTSD Studies and Autism Studies through PESI

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after someone has experienced, witnessed, or otherwise been exposed to a traumatic event involving actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. Each individual’s experience with PTSD is unique, influenced by their personal history, circumstances, and support.

Reiki may offer a quiet space for relaxation and personal well-being alongside professional care. It is a complementary practice, not a treatment or cure for PTSD.

Understanding traumatic experiences

Here are some examples of experiences that may be associated with PTSD. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, and these examples are not a diagnosis.

Military combat: A soldier returning from deployment may experience flashbacks of combat encounters and intense anxiety when reminded of the war. Crowds or loud noises may feel overwhelming.
Sexual assault: A survivor may have intrusive memories or nightmares, feel unsafe when reminded of the trauma, or experience emotional numbness and a heightened startle response.
Natural disasters: Someone who has survived a hurricane may feel fear when severe weather approaches or avoid reminders of the event.
Serious accidents: An individual involved in a car accident may relive the event through intrusive thoughts or nightmares and feel afraid of driving or riding in a vehicle.
Childhood trauma: A person who experienced abuse may struggle with trust, relationships, or distressing memories in adulthood.
Loss of a loved one: Learning about the violent or accidental death of a close family member or friend can be traumatic. Grief and PTSD may overlap, but grief alone does not necessarily mean someone has PTSD.
Medical trauma: A sudden, life-threatening medical event may be traumatic. Living with chronic illness can also bring fear, anger, grief, and uncertainty, although an illness diagnosis alone does not automatically meet the criteria for PTSD.
First responders: Police officers, EMTs, firefighters, and other emergency personnel may face repeated exposure to traumatic events in their work. Support and access to professional care matter.

Recognizing common symptoms

So what symptoms may lead to a diagnosis of PTSD? Here is a short list of some of the most common identifiers:

Re-experiencing: Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories related to the trauma.
Avoidance: Avoiding reminders, thoughts, or feelings associated with the trauma.
Changes in mood and thinking: Persistent negative emotions, detachment, or difficulty experiencing positive emotions.
Arousal and reactivity: Irritability, difficulty sleeping, feeling constantly on guard, or an exaggerated startle response.

A diagnosis requires more than recognizing a few symptoms. A qualified mental health professional considers the trauma exposure, the required symptom patterns, symptoms lasting more than a month, significant distress or difficulty functioning, and other possible explanations.

If you or someone you know is facing challenges related to PTSD, reach out for professional help. Trauma-focused psychotherapy and, when appropriate, medication are established treatment options. Support groups and complementary practices can be discussed as additional resources.

Understanding Reiki and energy healing

We are all part of a larger whole. In holistic practices like Reiki, we understand this connection through the concept of life force energy. Within this tradition, Reiki is practiced with the intention of supporting balance, relaxation, and well-being. This spiritual understanding is distinct from a scientifically established explanation of illness or recovery.

Reiki comes from the Japanese words “Rei” and “Ki,” commonly understood in Reiki practice as universal or spiritually guided life force energy. After attunement, practitioners offer Reiki in person or at a distance. Reiki does not require a particular religious belief.

The practice may involve light touch, with consent, or no touch at all. During an in-person session, the practitioner places their hands on or near the recipient’s body. The intention is to offer a calm, supportive space where the body and mind can rest.

Reiki has not been clearly shown to be effective for any health condition, and research does not establish it as a treatment for PTSD. There is no scientific evidence confirming the energy field proposed in Reiki. Personal experiences of comfort and relaxation should be understood in that context.

How Reiki may fit into supportive care

Now, having this short background on PTSD and Reiki, let’s move on to ways Reiki may fit into a person’s self-care. Experiences vary, and these are possible areas of support rather than promised clinical benefits.

Space for relaxation: A quiet session may offer a break from daily demands. Some people describe feeling calmer afterward.
Emotional support: A respectful setting may offer comfort. Reiki sessions do not require confronting traumatic memories or discussing what happened. Trauma processing belongs with a qualified mental health professional.
Rest: A restful experience may be welcome when sleep has been difficult. Reiki is not an established treatment for insomnia, and ongoing sleep problems deserve clinical attention.
Comfort when living with pain: Some people seek Reiki for a sense of ease. It should not replace assessment or treatment of pain, and pain relief cannot be guaranteed.
A self-care routine: Choosing time to rest may become part of a broader coping plan developed with appropriate support.
A non-invasive option: Reiki does not involve medication or invasive procedures. That does not make it a substitute for conventional treatment. Touch or close proximity may feel uncomfortable for a trauma survivor and should always be discussed.
Connection with the body: Some people welcome an opportunity to notice how they feel. Others may find inward attention uncomfortable. The session can be adapted to the individual’s needs.
Complementary support: Reiki can be considered alongside psychotherapy, medication, and other recommended care, without changing or delaying that care.
Adaptability: Sessions can be offered seated or lying down, with or without touch. Setting, duration, and accessibility should be discussed in advance.
Connection and support: A welcoming practitioner may offer a sense of being heard and respected. Reiki does not replace the specialized support of a therapist or a trauma recovery group.

Your comfort and choice come first

You do not need to tell your trauma story to receive Reiki. We can discuss touch preferences, positioning, lighting, sound, and any other needs before the session. You may keep your eyes open, change position, pause, or end the session at any time. Practices can be adapted to your comfort and ability.

My certifications in PTSD Studies and Autism Studies through PESI inform my awareness of individual needs. My role here is as a Reiki Master Practitioner/Teacher, offering complementary support.

Moving forward

Reiki and energy healing offer a holistic approach that some individuals choose as part of their personal well-being. A space for rest, connection, and self-care may be valuable on the journey toward recovery. If you are considering Reiki, discuss how it could fit into your overall care plan with your mental health professional and a trained Reiki practitioner.

Reiki is complementary and does not replace traditional medicine or licensed mental health care.