Reiki as a Nervous System Ally: Supporting ADHD, Autism, and Stress Through Gentle Energy and Breath

By Darren Aiello, CRM | Certified Reiki Master at Myndset Therapeutics

When we think about healing, we often imagine something loud — exercise routines, talk therapy, medications, sensory tools. But what if healing could also be quiet? Gentle. Still. Grounding. That’s where Reiki steps in.

Reiki is a Japanese energy healing technique that works with the body’s natural life force to promote balance, calm, and well-being. While it may sound “woo-woo” to some, it’s anything but. Reiki is not about forcing change or fixing what’s broken — it’s about creating space for the nervous system to breathe.

And for those of us navigating the world with ADHD, Autism, chronic stress, or all of the above? That space can be everything.

What is Reiki, Really?

Reiki (pronounced ray-key) translates to “universal life energy.” It involves a trained practitioner gently placing their hands above or lightly on the body to support the flow of energy. This energy is believed to help restore balance physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

But here’s the thing — even if you're not into the idea of “energy” work, what you’re left with is a deeply calming, structured experience where your body gets permission to slow down.

The Science of Slowing Down: ADHD, Autism, and the Fight-or-Flight Loop

Many people with ADHD and Autism live in a near-constant state of heightened arousal — not in the sexy way, but in the survival way. Their nervous systems are scanning, reacting, compensating, masking, and managing input at lightning speed.

That means their parasympathetic nervous system — the one responsible for rest and recovery — often doesn’t get much airtime.

Reiki invites the parasympathetic system back online.

While I don’t directly use Polyvagal Theory in my Reiki practice, I’m deeply informed by its principles — and I’ve found that Reiki aligns with them beautifully. Reiki offers cues of safety through warmth, stillness, breath, and a grounded presence. These are the same signals that help calm an overstimulated nervous system and support a shift into a more regulated, connected state. Even though Reiki and Polyvagal Theory come from different traditions, they both recognize the body’s natural ability to heal when it feels safe, seen, and still.

Reiki and ADHD: Focus Through Stillness

ADHD is often described as an attention deficit, but in truth, it’s more of a regulation issue. Thoughts bounce, emotions spike, and the brain flips channels too quickly. Reiki offers a counter-experience: uninterrupted presence.

For ADHDers, Reiki can help:

• Reduce nervous system hyperarousal

• Support emotional regulation

• Increase self-awareness through body-based cues

• Create structure around breath and stillness

  
  

Some describe post-session states as “clear,” “lighter,” or “more settled” — not because Reiki fixes ADHD, but because it gives the nervous system space to breathe between all the demands.

Reiki and Autism: Sensory, Safety, and Self-Trust

Autistic individuals often experience heightened sensory input, difficulties with interoception (understanding internal body cues), and persistent nervous system dysregulation.

Reiki is gentle, sensory-friendly, and paced by the individual’s comfort. When done respectfully and with consent, Reiki can help autistic clients:

• Feel more attuned to their own body signals

• Lower sensory overwhelm

• Experience calming, repetitive rhythms that soothe the system

• Build trust and felt safety with another person (co-regulation)

  
  

For non-speaking or minimally verbal clients, Reiki doesn’t require conversation. The healing happens through presence, not words.

The Role of Breath in Reiki

Breath is the bridge between body and mind. During Reiki, clients are often guided to notice their breath — not control it, but witness it. That noticing can bring us back into our bodies and out of spiraling thoughts.

Benefits of integrating breath during Reiki:

• Slows the heart rate

• Activates the vagus nerve (rest-and-digest response)

• Grounds awareness in the present moment

• Helps release held tension gently

  
  

Simple breath practices during a session — like inhaling for 4, exhaling for 6 — can increase vagal tone and promote calm even outside of Reiki.

Stress: Reiki’s Sweet Spot

Reiki shines brightest in the space where the body holds stress. Whether it's from life’s chaos, grief, burnout, or sensory overload, Reiki doesn’t need you to explain your pain.

It just offers a place to let it go.

When you receive Reiki regularly, you begin to recognize your own stress signals more clearly. You develop a deeper relationship with your body — and that’s where long-term healing begins.

What to Expect in a Reiki Session

Whether it’s in-person or virtual (yes, Reiki can be done remotely), here’s what you can expect:

• A quiet, peaceful space

• A practitioner trained to prioritize your comfort and consent

• Gentle touch or hands hovering over the body

• A focus on breath, presence, and emotional safety

• Aftereffects like sleepiness, emotional release, or clarity

  
  

It’s not uncommon to cry, laugh, or simply melt into the table. There’s no right or wrong way to receive Reiki — your body will do what it needs.

Who Can Benefit from Reiki?

Reiki isn’t a cure, and it doesn’t replace therapy, medication, or medical care. But it does complement these supports beautifully — especially for:

• Autistic adults or teens experiencing sensory overload

• ADHDers managing emotional storms and burnout

• Adults dealing with chronic stress, anxiety, or nervous system fatigue

• Those in transition, grief, or healing from trauma

  
  

Closing Thoughts: Gentle Work is Still Powerful Work

We live in a world that demands we hustle for healing — meditate harder, journal more, attend all the appointments. Reiki offers a softer invitation: Just be. Let your body be held. Let your breath come home.

At Myndset Therapeutics, Darren — our Certified Reiki Master and Life Coach — creates a grounded, neurodivergent-affirming space where your nervous system can reset.

Sometimes healing isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing less — together.

Curious about trying Reiki?

Visit www.myndset-therapeutics.com/reiki to book a session or learn more.