How Reiki Supports the Body Through the Nervous System

By Madison Denk, RMT, INHC, CHt

At our practice, we often remind clients that true healing isn’t just about treating symptoms—it’s about creating balance in the whole body. This is where Reiki, a gentle hands-on healing practice, can play a powerful complementary role alongside functional medicine.

The Relaxation Response and the Parasympathetic Nervous System

When we’re stressed, our bodies spend too much time in “fight-or-flight” mode, driven by the sympathetic nervous system. Reiki encourages a shift into the parasympathetic state—sometimes called “rest and digest.” This is the state where healing happens. Studies show that Reiki sessions can lower resting heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and increase heart rate variability, all of which are markers of parasympathetic activation.

The Role of the Vagus Nerve

The parasympathetic system is largely guided by the vagus nerve, a powerful channel of communication between the brain and the body. The vagus nerve helps regulate inflammation, digestion, and emotional well-being. When it’s balanced, clients often experience greater calm, less pain, and improved mood. Reiki seems to naturally encourage this vagal activity, helping the body return to homeostasis—the state of dynamic balance functional medicine also seeks to restore.

Science Meets Holistic Healing

Two key scientific frameworks—the neurovisceral integration model and the polyvagal theory—help explain why clients feel lighter, calmer, and more resilient after Reiki. These models highlight the connection between vagal tone and emotional health: the stronger the vagal activity, the better we can regulate emotions, cope with stress, and even connect socially. Reiki, then, is more than relaxation—it’s a way of supporting the nervous system so the whole person can thrive.

A Bridge Between East and West

For clients managing chronic conditions, Reiki does not replace medical care. Instead, it complements the individualized plans created in our functional medicine clinic. While lab testing and nutrition may target the root causes of illness, Reiki offers gentle support for the nervous system, helping reduce stress and enhance the body’s capacity to heal. Together, these approaches create a bridge between science and energy medicine—supporting both the measurable and the deeply felt aspects of health.