What to Expect from Your First Reiki Session
Stepping into your first Reiki session can feel exciting and a little mysterious if you’re unfamiliar with energy healing. Whether you’re looking to manage stress, improve your sense of well-being, or are simply curious, Reiki offers a deeply calming and restorative journey.
Here’s a guide to help you understand what to expect so that you can walk into this experience feeling at ease.
Preparing for Your Session
Wear comfortable clothing
You’ll remain fully clothed during the session, so wear something loose and comfortable.
Hydrate
Drinking water beforehand can help the flow of energy.
Have an open mind
You don’t need to “believe” in Reiki for it to work but being open to the experience allows the energy to flow more freely.
Communicate with your practitioner
Inform your practitioner upon arrival if there are any specific areas you’d like to focus on (e.g., stress, anxiety, emotional challenges, physical discomfort, etc.).
A Peaceful Environment
Our Studio provides rooms designed to enhance relaxation, with soft lighting and calming music. You’ll be asked to lie down on a massage table and bolster pillows and a blanket will be provided. If lying down isn’t an option for you, don’t worry - we will gladly accommodate your needs.
The Experience
The Reiki practitioner will ask you if there are any areas that you would like to focus on. You will be guided through a short meditation, and our practitioner will use a pendulum to monitor the energy flow throughout the Chakras or energy centers in the body. The practitioner will then place their hands lightly or hovering just above the Chakras and different areas of your body. You may feel warmth or tingling where the practitioner’s hands are placed, though some people report not having specific physical sensations.
Common experiences include:
Deep relaxation: It’s common to enter a meditative state or even fall asleep during Reiki. This deep relaxation is one of the key benefits of the practice.
Emotional release: Some people may feel a surge of emotions during or after a session, especially if energy blockages are being cleared. It’s not uncommon to cry or laugh.
Physical sensations: Some people feel tingling, warmth, or coolness in different parts of the body as the energy flows. Others may experience no physical sensations but still feel calm and peaceful.
After the Session
Once the session ends, your practitioner may take a moment to discuss any insights they gathered during the process, though Reiki sessions are not diagnostic. You’ll be encouraged to take your time getting up, and it’s a good idea to drink some water afterward to help flush out any released energy.
The effects of Reiki can last for hours, days, or even weeks after a session. Many people report feeling more grounded, peaceful, and balanced, while others might feel tired or emotional as they release energy blockages and integrate the healing energies. This is all part of the process.
How Often Should You Receive Reiki?
The frequency of Reiki sessions depends on your needs. Some people enjoy regular weekly or monthly sessions for ongoing maintenance of their well-being, while others may schedule sessions only when they feel the need for extra support.
Final Thoughts
Your first Reiki session is an opportunity to experience a deep, restorative connection with your own energy. There’s no right or wrong way to experience Reiki, energy healing affects us on a physical, mental, and emotional level. The effects vary from person to person, here are the commonly reported benefits:
Reduction in stress
Decreased feelings of anxiety, worry and overthinking
Some individuals report reduction in physical pain
Improved sleep
Boosted energy levels
Enhanced focus and mental clarity
Increased present-moment awareness and inner peace
Improved emotional balance
Whether you feel subtle shifts or profound changes, trust that the energy is working in your best interest. Overall, energy healing is seen as a holistic approach that can help address physical discomfort, mental fog, and emotional turmoil, creating a sense of harmony and well-being.
After your session, allow yourself time to reflect, rest, and enjoy the benefits of this ancient practice. Embrace the healing process, and you may find that Reiki becomes a valuable tool in your journey towards greater well-being.