At some point in our later life, especially after 60, we start to reflect, not just on where we’ve been, but how we’re feeling. The aches last longer, stress seems harder to shake, and sometimes, mainstream medicine doesn’t offer all the answers. That’s where something like Reiki can quietly step in. This gentle, hands-on healing technique, has been around for quite sometime changing lives for the better.

Reiki (pronounced RAY-key) is a Japanese practice that originated in the early 20th century with a man named Mikao Usui. After years of study and spiritual exploration, Usui developed Reiki as a way to balance the body’s natural energy and promote healing. The word itself combines “rei” (universal) and “ki” (life energy), so Reiki is often referred to as universal life force energy.

A Reiki session is simple and deeply relaxing. You lie down fully clothed while a practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above your body. There’s no pressure, no manipulation, no needles or medications—just energy. Many people report feeling a warm sensation, a gentle tingling, or even a wave of calm washing over them. For others, it’s a deep sense of peace they haven’t felt in years.

Reiki is used to support the body’s natural healing processes, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. It has been shown to help with chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and even side effects from cancer treatments. It doesn’t replace traditional medical care, but it complements it beautifully.

Here in Australia and around the world, Reiki is gaining ground. An estimated 4 million people practice or receive Reiki regularly. It’s now offered in some UK hospitals and cancer support centres, with more GPs becoming open to recommending it for stress-related ailments. The appeal? It’s non-invasive, safe for all ages, and requires no effort from the person receiving, which makes it perfect for those with limited mobility or ongoing health concerns.

Take Denise, 72, from Buderim. After hip replacement surgery, she struggled with post-operative anxiety and sleep disturbances. “I was skeptical,” she admits, “but after one session I slept through the night for the first time in weeks. I kept going, and soon my mood lifted too. It helped me reconnect to myself.”

Or George, 72, who turned to Reiki after the loss of his wife. “I didn’t want pills, I wanted peace,” he says. “Reiki gave me space to grieve, but also to heal.”

It’s stories like these that explain why more older adults are turning to Reiki as part of a holistic approach to ageing well. With more time to focus on wellbeing, it’s a chance to tend not just to the body, but to the spirit too.

In a world that often feels too fast, Reiki offers something deeply rare, stillness, connection, and the quiet possibility of healing.

The average cost for a Reiki treatment in Australia generally ranges from $80 to $120 per hour, though prices can vary significantly based on the practitioner’s experience, location, session length, and the inclusion of other services. You might find shorter treatments for around $50-$60, while more comprehensive or specialised sessions could cost $150 or more.
Curious to try it? Look for a qualified Reiki practitioner, on www.reikiaustralia.com.au  You might be surprised, sometimes, the softest touch brings the strongest shift.