What Happens During A Reiki Session?
During a Reiki appointment, people typically experience a deeply relaxing and calming session where energy is transferred from the practitioner to the individual.
Here's what you can expect during your Reiki appointment:
1. A Relaxed Environment:
• Comfortable Setting: The space is set up to create a peaceful, comfortable environment. There will be soft lighting and calming music to promote a sense of peace.
• Clothing: You will remain fully clothed during the session. Reiki is a non-invasive practice, so no disrobing is required. You will be asked to take your shoes off prior to getting on the massage table.
• Massage Table: You will be asked to lie on your back on a massage table. A pillow for your head and a bolster to support your knees will be provided and adjusted to make you as comfortable as possible. The more comfortable you are the more open you will be for energy work, so the goal is to make you as comfortable as possible.
2. Initial Consultation:
• Discussing Expectations: The appointment usually begins with a brief conversation with the practitioner. This is a time for the practitioner to understand what the you hope to achieve (e.g., stress relief, emotional healing, pain relief, etc.) during the appointment.
• Methodology Preference: You will be asked if you prefer a hands-on (light touch), a hands-off (holding hands close to the body), or a hybrid approach (hands-on for the sides of the body and hands-off for the center of the body).
• Focus Areas: You will be asked if you have any specific focus areas where you would like the practitioner to spend more time on than other areas. The practitioner can structure their time to ensure they treat the whole body, but also spend a little more time on a specific area of the body or addressing emotional or mental stress.
3. Starting the Reiki Session:
• Client Actions: You will be asked to deep a few deep breaths and relax. You can close your eyes or meditate, if you prefer. If you mind starts to wonder, you can simply notice the music in the room and refocus on relaxing.
• Practitioner Hand Positions: The Reiki practitioner gently places their hands on or near your body. Common hand positions involve placing the hands on the head, hips, knees, ankles and feet, although the practitioner may adjust depending on your needs. In some areas, the hands are kept just above the body without direct touch, such as the face, neck, and chest.
• Energy Flow: The practitioner acts as a channel for universal life force energy. You may feel warmth or tingling sensations, or may experience nothing physical at all. Reiki energy flows where it is needed most, and it is believed to go to areas of the body or mind that need healing.
4. Experiencing the Reiki Session:
• Setting Expectations: Every Reiki appointment is different because you are different every day. How you feel that day depends on how you slept, how you ate, what is on your mind, and how your body feels. Since you are different every day, your Reiki session may be different each time.
• Physical Sensations: Some people feel sensations like heat, tingling, or a sense of pulsing energy, while others may simply feel deeply relaxed without any specific sensations.
• Relaxation: Most people report feeling deeply relaxed, calm, and peaceful. Some may even fall asleep during the session. The body may release tension, and the mind can become clearer and more focused.
5. Closing the Session:
• Ending the Session: At the end of the session, the practitioner will let you know the session is complete by placing their hands on your shoulder and wrist at the same time.
• Discussion: After the session, the practitioner will ask you how you are feeling and listen to any experience you wish to share.
• Leaving the Table: The practitioner will remove the bolster from under your knees and ask you to slowly sit up first. Once you have sat up for a couple of minutes and are sure your head is clear, you can slowly move off the massage table and put your shoes on.
6. Post-Session:
• Integration: After the session, you may feel a variety of emotions or sensations, such as relaxation, clarity, or even fatigue as your body adjusts. Some people feel more energized, while others may feel a deep sense of calm. It's common for the full effects of the session to continue unfolding over the next 24 to 48 hours.
• Drink Water: You may find drinking water to help the body integrate the energy.
Common Reiki Session Experiences:
• Feelings of calm or peace
• Physical sensations like warmth, tingling, or lightness
• Emotional release (e.g., crying or a sense of deep relaxation)
• Falling asleep during the session
• Better sleep or improved mood post-session
Overall, Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive therapy that promotes healing by encouraging relaxation and balance in the body's energy system. It is safe and can be a deeply soothing experience.
