Sick After Reiki Attunement: Understanding Reiki Detox Symptoms
Reiki Attunement Detox Symptoms: Post-Attunement Problems
You received a Reiki attunement—an initiation that opened you to channel Reiki energy. But instead of feeling amazing, you feel terrible. You're exhausted, sick, emotional, experiencing physical symptoms, or feeling worse than before the attunement. You're left wondering: why do I feel sick after Reiki attunement? Is this normal? Did something go wrong? How long will this last? What should I do?
Post-Reiki attunement side effects are common and usually indicate a healing crisis or detox process as your energy system adjusts to the new frequencies. While uncomfortable, these symptoms are typically temporary and part of the integration process. Understanding what's happening, how to support yourself through it, and when symptoms indicate a problem can help you navigate the post-attunement period successfully.
What Is a Reiki Attunement?
Understanding the basics:
Reiki attunement:
- An energetic initiation performed by a Reiki Master
- Opens and aligns your energy channels to Reiki frequency
- Activates your ability to channel Reiki energy
- Creates permanent connection to Reiki
- Can be done for Level 1, 2, or Master level
What happens during attunement:
- Your energy field is opened and cleared
- Your chakras are aligned and activated
- Reiki symbols are placed in your energy field
- Your vibration is raised to match Reiki frequency
- Blockages are released
Why this can cause symptoms: Your energy system is being upgraded and cleared. This process can create temporary discomfort as old energy releases and new energy integrates.
Common Reiki Attunement Side Effects
Physical Symptoms:
- Fatigue or exhaustion: Feeling extremely tired, needing more sleep
- Flu-like symptoms: Aches, chills, low-grade fever
- Headaches: Especially in forehead or crown (chakra activation)
- Digestive issues: Nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach
- Skin reactions: Rashes, breakouts, itching
- Increased urination: Body flushing toxins
- Vivid dreams or disturbed sleep: Processing and releasing
- Sensitivity to light, sound, or energy: Heightened perception
Emotional Symptoms:
- Emotional release: Crying, anger, or sadness without clear cause
- Mood swings: Ups and downs
- Feeling raw or vulnerable: Emotionally sensitive
- Old emotions surfacing: Grief, trauma, or unprocessed feelings
- Irritability: Easily annoyed or frustrated
Energetic Symptoms:
- Feeling spacey or ungrounded: Not fully in your body
- Energy surges: Feeling buzzy or wired
- Increased psychic sensitivity: Seeing, hearing, or feeling more
- Feeling others' energy more: Heightened empathy
- Chakra sensations: Tingling, pressure, or warmth in chakra areas
Mental Symptoms:
- Brain fog: Difficulty concentrating
- Confusion or disorientation: Feeling off or strange
- Vivid memories surfacing: Past events coming to mind
- Mental overwhelm: Too much processing at once
Why Reiki Attunement Causes Side Effects
1. Detox and Purification
The attunement triggers a cleansing process.
What's being released:
- Physical toxins
- Energetic blockages
- Old emotions and trauma
- Negative thought patterns
- Stagnant energy
Why it causes symptoms: As these things release, you temporarily feel worse as your body processes and eliminates them.
2. Energy System Upgrade
Your energy channels are being opened and expanded.
What's happening:
- Your chakras are activating more fully
- Your energy channels are clearing and widening
- Your vibration is rising
- Your system is adjusting to higher frequencies
Why it causes symptoms: Like upgrading computer software, there's an adjustment period as your system integrates the changes.
3. Healing Crisis
Sometimes you feel worse before you feel better.
What's happening:
- Old wounds are being brought to the surface to heal
- Suppressed emotions are releasing
- Your body is processing years of accumulated stress
Why it causes symptoms: Healing isn't always comfortable. Sometimes you have to feel it to heal it.
4. Increased Sensitivity
Your energy sensitivity is heightened.
What's happening:
- You're more aware of energy
- You feel things you didn't notice before
- You're more empathic
- You're picking up on subtle energies
Why it causes symptoms: This new sensitivity can be overwhelming until you learn to manage it.
How Long Do Symptoms Last?
Typical timeline:
Days 1-3: Peak symptoms (most intense)
Days 4-7: Symptoms begin to ease
Week 2-3: Most symptoms resolved, integration continues
21 days total: Traditional integration period for Reiki attunement
Note: Everyone is different. Some people have no symptoms; others take longer to integrate.
What to Do After Reiki Attunement
Immediate Aftercare (First 24-48 Hours):
Rest:
- Sleep as much as you need
- Don't schedule intense activities
- Give yourself permission to do nothing
Hydrate:
- Drink lots of water
- Helps flush toxins
- Supports the detox process
Eat light, clean foods:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Avoid heavy, processed, or toxic foods
- Support your body's cleansing
Ground yourself:
- Walk barefoot on earth
- Eat grounding foods
- Do grounding meditation
- Stay connected to your body
During the 21-Day Integration Period:
Practice self-Reiki daily:
- Give yourself Reiki every day
- This supports the integration process
- Helps clear what's surfacing
- Strengthens your connection to Reiki
Journal:
- Write about your experiences
- Process emotions on paper
- Track your symptoms and insights
Be gentle with yourself:
- Don't push too hard
- Honor your need for rest
- Allow emotions to flow
- Be patient with the process
Avoid:
- Alcohol and drugs
- Excessive caffeine
- Toxic people or environments
- Intense stress or drama
- Making major life decisions (wait until you're integrated)
Support the detox:
- Epsom salt baths
- Gentle exercise (walking, yoga)
- Meditation
- Time in nature
- Healthy, clean eating
Emotional Support:
Allow emotional release:
- Cry if you need to
- Express anger safely
- Don't suppress what's coming up
- Let emotions move through you
Seek support if needed:
- Talk to your Reiki Master
- Connect with other Reiki practitioners
- See a therapist if emotions are overwhelming
- Don't go through it alone
When Symptoms Are a Problem
Most post-attunement symptoms are normal, but seek help if:
See your Reiki Master if:
- Symptoms are severe or worsening
- You're struggling to cope
- You have questions or concerns
- You need guidance or support
See a doctor if:
- Physical symptoms are severe
- You have high fever
- Symptoms last more than a few weeks
- You're concerned about your health
- You have pre-existing conditions that might be affected
See a therapist if:
- Emotional symptoms are overwhelming
- You're having suicidal thoughts
- Trauma is surfacing that you can't handle alone
- You need professional mental health support
Important: While energetic detox is real, don't ignore serious medical or mental health symptoms. Get professional help when needed.
How to Minimize Side Effects
For future attunements:
Before attunement:
- Be well-rested
- Eat clean for a few days prior
- Hydrate well
- Clear your schedule for a few days after
- Set intention for gentle integration
Choose a qualified Reiki Master:
- Experienced and well-trained
- Provides proper aftercare guidance
- Available for support during integration
Don't rush through levels:
- Allow time between Level 1, 2, and Master
- Integrate fully before moving to next level
- Don't do multiple attunements too close together
The Positive Side of Post-Attunement Changes
While symptoms can be uncomfortable, many people also experience:
Positive changes:
- Increased energy and vitality (after initial fatigue)
- Greater clarity and peace
- Emotional healing and release
- Heightened intuition and psychic abilities
- Deeper spiritual connection
- Ability to channel Reiki for yourself and others
- Sense of purpose and alignment
Remember: The discomfort is temporary. The benefits are lasting.
FAQs About Reiki Attunement Side Effects
Is it normal to feel sick after Reiki attunement?
Yes, very common. It's usually a detox reaction as your system clears and adjusts. Should improve within a few days to a week.
How long does Reiki attunement detox last?
Typically 3-7 days for acute symptoms. The full integration period is 21 days. Some people have no symptoms at all.
Can Reiki attunement make you worse?
You may feel temporarily worse as part of healing crisis, but this should improve. If symptoms are severe or lasting, seek help.
Should I do self-Reiki during the detox?
Yes! Daily self-Reiki supports the integration process and helps clear what's surfacing. It's recommended during the 21-day period.
Can I skip the side effects?
Not everyone has them. Some people integrate smoothly with no symptoms. Proper preparation and aftercare can minimize symptoms.
The Bottom Line
Feeling sick after Reiki attunement is common and usually indicates a detox and healing crisis as your energy system clears, upgrades, and adjusts to Reiki frequency. Physical symptoms (fatigue, flu-like feelings, headaches), emotional release, and energetic sensitivity are normal and typically resolve within 3-7 days, with full integration taking 21 days.
Support yourself through rest, hydration, clean eating, grounding, daily self-Reiki, and allowing emotional release. Most symptoms are temporary and part of the healing process. Seek help if symptoms are severe, worsening, or lasting beyond a few weeks.
And remember: the discomfort is temporary, but the gift of Reiki is permanent. You're going through a powerful transformation. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you integrate this beautiful healing energy.