Reiki Sessions
We have been blown away by the amount of support and interest we have received since our grand opening. Our bookings have been steady and we can truly say we have felt welcomed by the community. It's crazy to think back just a few months and realize where we are today as a business and practitioners.
As the first Reiki space in the area, most of our clients are new to Reiki. They are coming to our space having never experienced a Reiki session with the main question, "What is this again and what can I expect?"
The reality is, Reiki is experiential and as each of us are unique, so will your experience be. In addition, your experience can vary from one session to the next - from one practitioner to the next - and so on. Because of this, it can be difficult to share your experience. It can be hard to find the words to articulate the sensations, what was felt and released, and how to prepare others for what to expect.
What Reiki Feels Like
While the experience is very individualized, there are a few common sensations or experiences that can be felt during a Reiki healing session.
There are twelve basic hand placements that are used when giving a full body Reiki treatment - four placements on the head - four placements on the front of the body - and four placements on the back of the body. Applying Reiki to each place for three to five minutes helps distribute Reiki evenly over the whole body.
Reiki works like a thermostat regulating the body. Like a furnace that automatically turns on and off to regulate the temperature of a room, Reiki flows slowly or rapidly, as needed, to dispense balancing energies. These fluctuations of ki energy churning within us can often be felt as pins-and-needle, tingling, hot flashes, goose bumps, chills, throbbing, etc.
As Reiki energy flows between the practitioner and the recipient, the two bodies can respond and react with particular sensations. You may feel heat, warmth, cold, subtleness, steadfastness, or forcefulness. A practitioner's hands will often feel warmth as a result of the flow coursing through the palm of their hands. A client can feel sleepy, yawning repeatedly as Reiki energy soothe and calm emotional tension and stress. The practitioner may feel as if they are burning up, but the client feels coolness from the touch. Or, the practitioner may feel coolness while the client comments on the warmth of their hands.
Another experience that is commonly shared by clients is the feeling as if additional practitioners are participating in the Reiki session; reporting that they felt two additional pairs of hands placed upon their body. Similarly, it has been reported that when the practitioner places their hands on one spot, the client will feel hot spots elsewhere. For example, the practitioner may have their hands placed at your heart chakra and yet you feel tingling of energy running down one or both of your legs.
The sensations experienced during a session typically depends on how in tune one is with their body. Clients that are more in tune with their body are often able to share the experience of imagery, kinesthesia, and/or inner voices while giving/receiving Reiki.
You may not feel anything. Reiki sensations can be very subtle and may be overlooked, but with continued practice, most will begin to notice the slightest shifts of energy. Fortunately, Reiki works whether you feel it or not. Always know that Reiki goes where it needs to go.
How to Prepare and Unwind for a Session
Before:
Relax and reflect.
Give yourself at least 30 minutes prior to the session to sit and reflect. Check in with how your body is feeling and take note of any emotions, thoughts, or physical sensations you are experiencing.
Take some time to breathe and tend to whatever your body's needs might be on that given day.
You may also want to reflect on any intentions you want to set for your session, and anything you want to share with your practitioner before you begin.
Eat and hydrate.
You’ll want to be sure you've eaten and hydrated a few hours before the session—mostly so you will be comfortable and not distracted by hunger or thirst.
Avoid eating a heavy meal beforehand, however, as you don’t want all of your body’s energy to be directed toward digesting while you’re receiving your treatment.
Get comfortable.
Comfort is key if you want to be open to taking on and integrating the Reiki energy. Be sure you are wearing loose and breathable clothes. Feel free to either wear or bring socks since shoes are removed during the session and the feet can get cold.
You’ll also want to use the restroom before the session. If the position you are in for your session is uncomfortable in any way, communicate this to your practitioner, as they will also want to be sure you are as relaxed as possible.
After:
Integrate.
Many of the benefits of Reiki can occur soon after the session ends. It will be important to find somewhere quiet and relaxing to integrate what may arise.
One recommendation is to take at least 15-20 minutes after the session to meditate, lie down, go for a walk in nature, or even take a nap.
Try not to book or schedule anything immediately after your session.
Eat and hydrate.
It’s important to hydrate after doing any type of energy work. Be sure to drink 1-2 glasses of water after your session.
Listen to your body and choose a healthy snack or meal afterward if needed. Eating can help ground the body and as a bonus, you may find that a piece of dark chocolate tastes extra good after energy work.
Reflect.
It’s often helpful to spend some time after the session reflecting—whether that means journaling, drawing, or somehow capturing any insights you had during the experience. Whatever you choose to do, find an activity that helps you connect to what you've experienced so you can draw on it in future.
Contact your practitioner if challenges arise.
Reiki is extremely gentle and yet, since energy blockages are being cleared in the body during a session, discomfort can arise. Find out the best way to contact your practitioner and get in touch if you feel any physical or emotional discomfort after your session.
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Feel free to comment and share your personal experience with Reiki.