Sometimes, life nudges us onto a path we never expected. For me, that path began with years of headaches, a chance encounter with Reiki, and a decision that changed everything. This is the story of how Reiki found me — and why I feel called to share it with others today.
In 2014, I was at the end of my tether. I’d been plagued with headaches and IBS symptoms for years, and conventional medicine had reached its limits. A friend suggested something I’d never tried before — Reiki.
From my very first session, I was intrigued. My practitioner’s hands felt so warm, I had to ask what was using, and at one stage I was sure I could feel her touch at my feet even though she had already moved to my knees. Over the next few days, my head felt clearer, and I decided to commit to six sessions.
At around session five, she asked me how my headaches were. I paused for so long that she laughed — I genuinely couldn’t remember the last time I’d had one. When she mentioned she had a Reiki Level 1 course coming up, I signed up on the spot.
A Leap of Faith
That decision came at a major turning point in my life. At the time, I was working as an engineer and had just discovered I couldn’t work directly with prosthetic patients — the main reason I’d studied biomedical engineering in the first place.
Reiki supported my inner knowing and gave me the courage to step away from “a secure, well-paid job” and move to Manchester for three years to requalify as a Prosthetist Orthotist.
The next few years were a whirlwind — a new level of long distance relationahip (as if Clonmel to Castlebar hadnt been long enough), getting married to the love of my life during a 9 month placement in Ireland, getting my new degree, landing the dream job in Galway, moving in together, getting a dog, buying a house, and preparing to welcome our first child.
While living in Manchester, I completed Reiki Level 2 so I could begin seeing clients to fund flying over and back to Ireland. But when I moved home, Reiki took a back seat for a while.
It wasn’t until after the birth of our second son in 2021 that I felt the call again — stronger this time. I re-took Reiki Level 2, went on to do Level 3, and joined The Reiki Federation of Ireland.
Now, after more than a decade of walking alongside Reiki, it feels like the most natural thing in the world to share it with others.
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive energy healing practice that works to restore balance and support the body’s natural healing processes. The word “Reiki” comes from Japanese:
- Rei — universal, spiritual, or higher wisdom
- Ki — life force energy
Reiki flows through all living things. When channelled through the hands of a practitioner, it helps to release tension, calm the mind, soothe emotions, and create a sense of peace and clarity.
It’s not a religion or belief system — you don’t have to “believe” in Reiki for it to work. All you need is an open mind and a willingness to receive.
If you’re feeling the nudge to learn Reiki, trust it. You never know where it might take you.
I teach Reiki in small, intimate groups from my treatment space in County Galway, where there’s space to go deep, ask questions, and receive personal support.
I’ve just had the privilege of teaching my very first Reiki Level 1 group this past weekend — an experience I’ll treasure forever. As I now prepare to welcome my baby, I’ll be taking a short pause from teaching.
When I return in 2026, I’ll be opening new dates for Reiki Level 1 trainings — and I’d love to welcome you when the time is right.
If you’d like to be the first to know when new dates are released, you can join my Reiki Training Waiting List by emailing me at hello@grainnestaunton.ie or sending me a DM on Instagram
Le solas agus grá,
Gráinne
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GráBeo Holistics by Gráinne Staunton 
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