The Soho House guide to the art of Reiki

In the world of wellness, ‘energy’ is an ever-popular buzzword. Good energy, bad energy, energetic healing… It’s all part of the idea that if we tap into our energetic frequency, we can raise our vibration and achieve greater mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing. 

This is the thinking behind reiki, an energy-healing practice originated by Zen Buddhist Mikao Usui in Japan more than 100 years ago. But for the totally uninitiated – or the slightly sceptical – it might seem rather mysterious. That’s why we sat down with Shoreditch House’s resident reiki master Nieve Tierney to understand exactly what the practice entails, plus where in the Houses you can experience it for yourself.

What is Reiki?
‘Reiki is a non-invasive, gentle form of healing that entails connecting to a person’s energy flow. It works on the principle that energy exists inside and around all of us, and when you get stressed or experience trauma it can become depleted or stuck. 

‘As a Reiki practitionere I am looking to optimise my clients’ energy, which will look different for everyone. If they are feeling energetically scattered (maybe forgetting things or being clumsier than usual), I will bring their energy into alignment. If they are feeling energetically depleted, I’ll give them a boost. I do this through the process of channelling and moving energy through and around the body. Reiki is similar to acupuncture in that way, but without needles.’

What can you expect during a Reiki session?
‘It’s a deeply restorative and meditative treatment. Some clients feel like they are not quite asleep, but not really awake either. They may see visions, animals and colours. Some can actually feel energy moving around them, comparable to static, tingles or heat. Others experience nothing at all, apart from feeling deeply rested and nourished.

‘Often clients will feel me moving energy around one part of their body and then realise I’m actually working on a completely different area. This is because once I have activated the energy in the body it continues to shift and amplify.’

What can Reiki be used for?
‘My clients use it to find more harmony and balance, improve their emotional wellbeing and focus, and ignite the body’s self-healing process. They tell me they feel more connected to all parts of themselves – their voice becomes more assertive, and triggers in their life have less impact as I guide them on how to move through difficult situations with a different energy.

‘Most of my clients have never had any form of energy healing before a session with me, but they are curious about exploring wellness in new ways. There are so many healing modalities out there, so it can be hard to know where to start. I’d always go with a Reiki practitioner that you trust and feel comfortable with. At times you may be resurfacing and letting go of very old energy, which can be an emotional process. But if you are ready to do that, you will begin to see some incredible changes in your life.’

Reiki around the Houses

Soho House New York
Arriving for the month of March, Nicole Rutsch’s residency at Cowshed in Soho House New York will see her offering reiki sessions every Wednesday. A Karuna Holy Fire Reiki master, sound healer and herbalist, Rutsch is available for 30-minute energy resets, 60-minute healing sessions, and even Reiki healing for service animals.

Book via the SH.APP, online, or reach the spa directly on +1 (646) 253 6111 or via cowshed.newyork@sohohouse.com

Shoreditch House
Book in for a session with Nieve Tierney at Shoreditch House every Wednesday as part of her ongoing residency at Cowshed. To go more in depth with your energy healing journey, each month she also offers Energy MOTs.

Soho Farmhouse and Babington House
At both of these, members can book in for an express 30-minute session, a more comprehensive 60-minute session or a 90-minute session that combines Reiki with reflexology. 

Browse our spa and health club menus and book a treatment at cowshed.com