Reiki or Reiki Massage? Here’s How to Know What You’re Actually Booking
As Reiki grows in popularity, more people are searching for it online, and often “Reiki massage” shows up alongside it. The term can be misleading because it’s used in inconsistent ways across different businesses and practitioners.
I get calls from people using the terms Reiki and Reiki massage interchangeably, and honestly, I love it. It gives me a chance to explain the difference. Most often, the calls come from folks who are more familiar with massage and assume Reiki must be a variation of what they already know. In reality, Reiki is an energy healing practice, not bodywork, which means expectations can be completely off when it comes time to book.
The confusion isn’t their fault. It’s everywhere. Spa menus mix the terms, wellness centers list both without clear explanations, and even some practitioners use them interchangeably when they really shouldn’t. While both approaches can be supportive, understanding what you’re actually booking makes all the difference in getting the experience you’re looking for.
So let’s clear this up, because the last thing I want is for you to show up expecting a traditional massage and instead find yourself lying fully clothed while someone hovers their hands above you… or vice versa.
Why Do Some Places Call It Reiki Massage?
You'll see the phrase "Reiki massage" in a lot of different contexts, and honestly, it can mean very different things depending on where you are.
For some businesses, it's simply a matter of language. Most people already know what massage is, so adding "Reiki" makes it sound familiar and approachable, even though traditional Reiki doesn't involve kneading or muscle work at all. It's marketing shorthand that helps people feel like they know what they're booking.
In spas, it's often just about organization. Reiki gets tucked under the massage menu because that's where people expect to find body-based services. It's more about convenience than accuracy.
Licensing adds another layer of confusion. In certain states, the law defines massage so broadly that it includes even light touch or energy work. That means practitioners might be required to hold a massage therapy license to legally offer Reiki, even though Reiki itself doesn't manipulate muscles. In those places, calling it "Reiki massage" is less about description and more about compliance. Other states don't regulate Reiki at all, and many fall into a gray area. Here in California, for example, Reiki is treated as an alternative healing practice and doesn't require a massage license, though rules can shift depending on the city.
And just to be clear, most practitioners aren’t trying to mislead anyone. Sometimes the platforms we list our services on don’t give us much choice. For example, for years Yelp didn’t even have a category for Reiki, so many of us had to place our services under “massage” simply because it was the closest fit. Spa menus and booking systems can work the same way. It’s less about accuracy and more about working within the categories available.
What Traditional Reiki Actually Is
Before we compare Reiki to massage, let’s pause for a quick reminder of what traditional Reiki really is. Reiki is an energy healing practice that originated in Japan and supports balance on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. (We’ll get into a direct comparison below so you can easily reference the differences.)
The experience is usually deeply relaxing. Many people describe sensations of warmth, tingling, or simply feeling lighter and more at peace. Some notice emotional release or greater clarity in the days that follow.
That’s the short version. If you’d like a deeper dive into how Reiki works and why people seek it out, I wrote a full post here: Reiki Benefits: What It Really Helps With
What About "Reiki Massage" Then?
If we strip away the marketing language, spa menu organization, and licensing workarounds we talked about above, we’re left with the most accurate definition: Reiki massage typically refers to a session where both modalities are genuinely combined.
When someone offers Reiki massage, they’re usually trained in both Reiki and massage therapy. In these sessions, the practitioner will use massage techniques while simultaneously channeling Reiki energy. That means you get the physical benefits of massage along with the energetic balancing of Reiki—support on multiple levels at once.
Here’s how the differences look side by side:
| Traditional Reiki | Reiki Massage |
|---|---|
| Fully clothed | Undressing required (to your comfort level) |
| Light touch or hands hovering above the body | Massage techniques + Reiki energy channeling |
| Focus on energy balancing, nervous system regulation, and spiritual healing | Both physical muscle work and energetic healing |
| Very gentle, meditative experience | More active, integrative experience |
| Works with your energy field and chakra system | Works with both energy system and physical body |
| No massage license required in most states (some gray zones) | Requires a licensed massage therapist, usually 500+ hours of training |
| Accessible: seated, clothed, or even remotely | Accessibility depends on undressing, physical touch, and lying on a table |
⚠️ Important Note
It might seem like you could just “add a little massage” into a Reiki session—but unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Unless a practitioner is also a licensed massage therapist, it’s actually against the law for them to perform massage. That’s why many practitioners (myself included) focus on offering Reiki on its own.
How to Tell If It’s Reiki or Reiki Massage
Now that we’ve covered why things can get tricky and some of the key differences between services, the real question is: how do you know what you’re actually signing up for—and how can you make sure you’re getting what you need?
A good rule of thumb is to check the session description and the practitioner’s background. One of the clearest indicators is how much touch is involved. If it’s described as energy healing, mentions staying fully clothed, or talks about balancing your energy or chakras, that’s likely traditional Reiki. If it lists techniques like Swedish, deep tissue, or other massage methods alongside Reiki, that’s most likely a Reiki massage.
Credentials can also help clarify. Someone offering Reiki massage should be both a licensed massage therapist and Reiki-trained. Depending on where you live, some practitioners may use the word “massage” simply to meet local licensing rules, so it’s worth knowing how your state defines these services.
And when in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask directly. A simple, “Will I stay clothed during the session?” or “Do you combine Reiki with massage techniques?” is usually all it takes. A trustworthy practitioner will be happy to explain what they offer so your expectations match the experience.
By the Way…
When I say traditional Reiki in this post, I’m just using it as a simple way to separate Reiki on its own from “Reiki massage.” But Reiki itself actually comes in different styles and lineages. That’s a different conversation entirely—it’s about the quality of the energy itself, not whether massage is involved.
If you’re curious about the different styles of Reiki, I wrote a full post on it here: Usui vs. Holy Fire Reiki: What’s the Difference?
Which One Should You Choose?
So which option is right for you? Here are some scenarios to help guide your decision:
When traditional Reiki might be best: You’re carrying emotional stress, navigating grief, struggling with anxiety, or just feeling “off” in a way you can’t quite explain. Reiki helps your system shift into deep rest so your body, mind, and emotions can reset. It’s especially supportive if you’d rather stay fully clothed, prefer minimal touch, or are curious about energy healing.
When Reiki massage might be best: You want the benefits of massage and Reiki woven into a single session. Maybe your muscles are tight from stress or workouts, and you’re feeling emotionally drained. Reiki massage allows you to receive hands-on muscle relief while also getting the energetic balancing of Reiki, which can feel deeply integrative and restorative.
The truth is, there isn’t a “better” choice, just the one that fits your needs in this moment. Think of it like choosing the right type of care: sometimes you need purely energetic support, and sometimes it feels best to blend physical and energetic work together. The fact that you're here, researching and preparing to invest in your healing, is already a meaningful step. Trust yourself, ask questions, and remember that healing happens in layers and you can always adjust the type of service you receive as you learn what works best for you.