Somatic Reiki – Using Reiki to Process Emotions

Reiki has long been known as a gentle yet powerful energy healing practice, working with the body’s energetic field to promote relaxation, balance, and overall well-being. However, when combined with somatic awareness and scientific understanding of the nervous system, Reiki can become a deeply transformative tool for emotional processing and trauma release. This fusion - what I call Somatic Reiki - allows us to tune into the body’s wisdom and encourage the movement of stagnant energy and emotions in a safe, supported way.

The Science of Somatic Healing

The body holds onto experiences, especially those of trauma and stress, storing them in our nervous system, muscles, and even our posture. Through the lens of polyvagal theory, we understand that our nervous system constantly scans for safety or threat, responding through fight, flight, freeze, or fawn reactions. When trauma is unresolved, these responses can become stuck, leaving us feeling dysregulated, anxious and disconnected.

Somatic therapy works by helping individuals reconnect with bodily sensations and release stored stress and trauma through gentle, body-based interventions. It recognises that trauma is not just a memory in the mind but an experience imprinted in the body, one that requires a physical process to move through and release.

Reiki as a Tool for Emotional Processing

Traditional Reiki works by channelling universal energy into the recipient’s body, allowing blocked energy to move freely again. While this can be incredibly soothing and supportive, integrating a somatic approach enhances its ability to facilitate deep emotional shifts.

When we bring awareness to our body during a Reiki session - paying attention to sensations, tension, temperature shifts, or emotional responses - we engage in an active process of healing rather than passive relaxation. This allows us to:

• Identify stuck energy – By noticing areas of tightness or discomfort, we can understand where emotions or trauma may be stored.

• Encourage movement – Through breathwork, micro-movements, or intentional awareness, we support the body in processing and releasing these stored emotions.

• Create safety in the body – By working with the nervous system and energy field together, we can gently guide ourselves back into a state of regulation and connection.

How Somatic Reiki Works in Practice

In a Somatic Reiki session, we combine the traditional practice of Reiki with elements of somatic therapy. This might include:

• Grounding exercises to create a sense of safety and presence before beginning the session.

• Intentional body awareness to track sensations and energy movement during the session.

• Breathwork or gentle movement to support the body in releasing any stored tension or emotions.

• Guided reflection after the session to integrate insights and experiences.

By blending these approaches, we bridge the gap between energy healing and scientific knowledge of the body, allowing for a more holistic and embodied healing experience.

The Power of Combining Science and Spirituality

Somatic Reiki is a practice that embodies the meeting point of science and spirituality. Science gives us the framework to understand why certain practices work, while spirituality allows us to experience and trust in the unseen aspects of healing. When we honour both, we create a space where deep transformation can occur.

If you are curious about exploring Somatic Reiki for emotional processing, trauma healing, or simply deepening your connection to your body, I invite you to step into this journey with me.