Official Ritual’s Tips on Using Reiki to Recharge and Find Balance This Fall
Seeking an energetic recharge? Lauren Hersh, co-founder and CEO of Official Ritual, a wellness provider and meditation studio in Chelsea, says that fall is the perfect time to embrace Reiki—a gentle yet powerful energy healing practice that supports mind, body, and spirit.
“Fall is all about transition,” Hersh says. “Just like the trees letting go of their leaves, it’s a natural time for us to release the stress and heaviness we’ve been carrying. Reiki is a beautiful way to do this—it’s like hitting a reset button for your energy. Sessions help clear out what no longer serves you, bring your system back into balance, and leave you feeling lighter and more grounded.”
Learn more about Reiki, its benefits, and why fall is the perfect time to start practicing, below.
First, What Is Reiki?
Originating in Japan, Reiki (pronounced ray-key) translates to “universal life energy.” It is a holistic practice in which a trained practitioner uses light touch—or hovers their hands just above the body—to channel healing energy to the recipient. The intention is to restore energetic balance, promote relaxation, and support the body’s innate ability to heal itself.
Reiki sessions are non-invasive and deeply relaxing. You simply lie comfortably, fully clothed, as the practitioner works. Many people report feeling warmth, tingling, or a soothing wave of calm during and after a session.
Benefits of Reiki
Reiki is often sought for its stress-reducing and mood-enhancing effects. Its benefits can include:
• Deep relaxation and a calmer nervous system
• Relief from tension and anxiety
• Improved sleep quality
• Enhanced mental clarity and focus
• Support for emotional release during life transitions
• A boost to overall well-being by aligning mind, body, and spirit
While Reiki is not a replacement for medical care, it is a complementary therapy that can be integrated alongside conventional treatments, often aiding in stress management and emotional resilience.
How Reiki Helps You Settle Into Fall
Practicing Reiki is beneficial year-round, but fall is a great time to get into it. Hersh suggests Reiki as a beneficial antidote to the busyness of the season. “Autumn tends to shake up our routines—whether it’s kids back in school, heavier workloads, or just the rhythm of shorter days,” Hersh explains. “It can feel a little overwhelming, and that’s where Reiki comes in.”
The best part? Even a short session delivers benefits. “Taking even an hour to fully drop into relaxation gives your nervous system a break and helps reset your energy,” Hersh tells us. “Many people notice they sleep better, feel less anxious, and walk away with a clearer head. It’s like giving yourself permission to pause and breathe in the middle of all the change.”
Reiki for Immune Support and Seasonal Adjustment
With fall comes the unfortunate onset of cold and flu season. While Hersh reiterates that Reiki can’t replace professional medical care, she tells us that “it definitely helps support your body’s natural defenses. Stress has a huge impact on the immune system, and Reiki is amazing at calming stress and encouraging deep rest. When your body isn’t stuck in ‘fight-or-flight’ mode all the time, it has more energy to focus on staying healthy."
Additionally, Reiki could help your body (and mind!) adjust to daylight saving time’s end in early November. “Many people find they feel more resilient and energized after sessions, which makes it a wonderful support as we head into colder months and shorter days,” Hersh says.
Reiki is also a great practice to start incorporating into your routine before the rush of the holiday season hits. “Going into the holiday season with that sense of calm makes it so much easier to handle the busyness without burning out,” Hersh explains.
Amplifying the Experience with Sound Healing
For an even more immersive experience, Reiki can be paired with other healing modalities such as sound healing. During a combined session, the practitioner delivers Reiki while the space is filled with the resonant tones of gongs, singing bowls, or chimes.
Sound frequencies help slow brainwave activity, inviting a meditative state, while Reiki channels restorative energy into the body. The synergy can deepen relaxation, heighten sensory awareness, and leave participants feeling profoundly renewed.
Why combine the two practices? “Reiki and sound baths at Official Ritual are especially grounding this time of year,” Hersh explains. “Reiki on its own is deeply restorative, but pairing it with sound—think gongs, bowls, and chimes—takes the experience to another level. The vibrations help quiet the mind and guide you into a meditative state, while the Reiki energy works to restore balance in the body.”
Hersh also says that both Reiki and sound baths don’t require any particular preparation or stress on the participants’ part—they’re both all about relaxation. "Just show up, get comfortable, and receive," Hersh says. "In a season that can feel rushed and full, these practices create intentional space to slow down, reset, and come back to yourself. It’s a simple but powerful ritual for moving into the holidays feeling calm, centered, and recharged."
An Invitation to Reset
As a special thank-you to Related residents, Official Ritual is offering a one-time $15 off a single Sound Ritual or package at our Chelsea studio, The House. Our immersive experiences blend therapeutic sound healing with intentional stillness to help you recharge on every level. Offer valid through October 31, 2026—simply use promo code RELATEDRITUAL when booking.
The Related Life is written and produced by the Related Life Editorial Team. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest events, news, and announcements in your area, and tag us for a chance to be featured @therelatedlife and #therelatedlife.