Distance Healing – What You Should Know

1,404 words, 7 minutes read time.

When it comes to distance energy healing, I get more questions about how it works, how to prepare, and what do people need to know before a session than I do for in person sessions. And the infamous question of “Does it actually work?” pops up more as well. So, here are 4 things you should know about distance energy healing if you’re considering going this route:

1. Energy knows no bounds

Some people are curious about the “how” distance energy healing sessions work, since it might be outside the realm of things they’ve historically experienced that are based more on face to face practices or the physical realm. In distance energy healing modalities, we are working with energy… “chi” or “qi”… life force. Tapping into and working in the quantum field, or with the energetic field. We are engaging with something that transcends physical concepts of time and space. The only information needed is the person’s name and general location to route the energy and connect with the person we intend to. Think of Wi-fi signals – invisible yet powerful – just as a router sends out invisible data across a space, and information moves through space immediately to the right device. Or radio broadcasts with a tower that sends out invisible sound waves into the air. Your home or car radio plays the music clearly when tuned the the exact station. Or quantum entanglement in physics, where two tiny particles link together in a special way. Changing one particle makes the other particle change at the same time. Space and distance do not matter between them. There are numerous other examples of energy moving through space and time with virtually no bounds.

2. Data and personal anecdotes

Ok, so caveat for this part here: As someone who did the thesis, the Masters, and the years in continuing education reading through countless research articles (i.e. I’m no newbie to that world…) honestly, I don’t like to lead with citations and research very much. I am beyond the point in my practice (and life) where I want to try to convince or “prove” things to people. There are way too many things that have happened in sessions that I simply cannot explain, that I feel our human brains actually can’t explain yet (if ever…and imho I believe we humans generally think we are smarter than we actually are). AND I highly respect the Masters, teachers, and sacred knowledge of the modalities that I practice and what they offer enough to not feel inclined to chase or prove things to people that need a lot of convincing. If you are open minded and curious – great – we can chat a bit about the data. But, I am not in the business of citing studies to try and gain acceptance for what I do or practices that have been around well before what we call this modern era. All that being said, I also respect those who are committed to carrying out research to help complementary or alternative holistic practices gain more understanding, acceptance, respect, and regard.

But without further ado, here is a glimpse of research regarding distance energy healing in particular…

Pain Management Nursing published this study form 2024 with 25 participants with extremity amputation. After conducting 20-minute distance Reiki sessions for 10 consecutive days, they found significant differences between pre and post-test pain levels of the participants, noting that the individuals’ pain levels were significantly reduced and their holistic well-being improved.

This study from Turkey in 2022 looked at the effect of distance Reiki sessions on the holistic well-being of people without acute/chronic diseases. There were 180 participants who attended 20-minute distance Reiki sessions over 4 consecutive days. The researchers noted a significant difference between pre and post-test scores, noting that distance Reiki sessions improved participants’ holistic well-being. They also found that participants experienced improved mood, reduced feelings of sadness, and greater subjective vitality and cognitive awareness.

This study from 2022 looked at the increased number of individuals who reported more stress and anxiety associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. As this was a key time for distance Reiki sessions, they were able to collect data pre- and post- distance Reiki sessions from participants and found statistically significant reductions in perceived stress and anxiety.

Anecdotally, I have experienced distance healing as both the client as well as the practitioner. As a client, I have had the most significant physical response to Reiki from a distance session. As a practitioner, I’ve had people yawn, cough, burp, twitch, shiver, laugh, and shed some tears just as they might in person. I’ve had people feeling the energy via sensations such as warmth or tingles in the exact spots I’m working without me saying a word. And yes, some people just feel relaxed or light – nothing incredibly notable – and may even fall asleep during or directly after, just as they might in person (btw, the intensity of a session and what you feel does not equal it’s level of efficacy…but that’s a convo for another day).

3. When should you consider a distance session vs. in person?

Starting with the most obvious reason you may consider a distance session: you are far away from your practitioner! I offer distance energy healing sessions – Siam Reiki and Emotion Code, including Reiki + Emotion Code for animals – across Canada and the entire world!

Other reasons distance energy healing may be appealing to you or necessary:

• You are tired or physically depleted
• You are recovering (ex: from surgery or an illness)
• Travel feels like too much or you are unable to drive
• You want to rest or fall asleep right after
• You want support without commuting
• You are more at ease receiving energy healing in the comfort of your own home or familiar space
• You want a session without having to interrupt your day (i.e. a proxy session vs. a live distance healing session with an emailed report)

So, you have quite a few options when choosing a virtual session.

Want to stay in your PJs or comfy clothes? Great.

Don’t want to be on camera or just want a phone call session? No problem… in fact it’s encouraged it if helps you feel more comfortable and open to receiving the energy healing.

Want to set a time for me to conduct a session that isn’t live and totally via proxy? Meaning, I do the session for you at a predetermined date + time and then email you a report of the session within a day. This happens without you having to interrupt your day and is especially helpful when going through a particularly stressful, busy, or difficult time (note: this isn’t my first choice for clients receiving the energy healing on a regular basis, but we do what we gotta do during challenging or “full” seasons, and you can still receive this way!).

4. How can you prepare for a distance session?

Depending on the session, we may connect live by phone or video, or the session may be completed by proxy with notes shared afterward.

If there is an intention you’d like to focus on, bring this to your session to share with your practitioner, or email this ahead of time.

Choose a quiet, comfortable space where you can rest. Your couch, your bed, a comfy chair, or anywhere you feel comfortable.

Have water nearby. Reduce distractions if possible. Give yourself a little time afterward before jumping back into your day.

For animal sessions, your animal does not need to behave a certain way or even be close by. They may sleep, move around, drink water, walk away, or simply continue their day.

The session and energy always meets the system where it is. There really isn’t much you need to do!

Discover Healing also has this excellent article on what to expect during your first Emotion Code session.

A way to receive care, wherever you are

Distance energy healing can be a great option when you’re seeking support, connection, and a familiar space to pause and receive. Whether you’re at home, travelling, or simply more comfortable in your own space, the intention remains the same: creating a calm, supportive experience where you can reconnect and focus on yourself and your well-being.

If you’ve been curious about distance energy healing but weren’t sure what to expect, perhaps this is your invitation to explore it with an open mind, and see how it feels for you.