Reiki Explained: What Happens in a Session (First-Timer's Guide)

9 de novembro de 2025

You've heard about Reiki—maybe a friend raved about their session, or you've seen it offered at spas and wellness centers. But what exactly is Reiki, and what happens during a session? If you're curious but nervous about trying this mysterious energy healing practice, you're not alone. Many first-timers wonder: Will I have to get undressed? Will it hurt? What will I feel? Is it safe?

This complete first-timer's guide demystifies Reiki, explaining exactly what it is, what happens during a session, what you'll experience, and what to expect before, during, and after. Whether you're booking your first appointment or just curious about this ancient healing art, this guide will help you feel informed, comfortable, and ready to experience the profound relaxation and healing that Reiki offers.

What Is Reiki?

The Basics

Reiki (pronounced "ray-key") is a Japanese energy healing technique developed in the early 1900s by Mikao Usui. The word comes from two Japanese words:

Rei: Universal, spiritual wisdom, or divine
Ki: Life force energy (similar to "chi" in Chinese or "prana" in Sanskrit)

Together, Reiki means "universal life force energy" or "spiritually guided life force energy."

How Reiki Works

Reiki is based on the principle that a universal life force energy flows through all living things. When this energy is blocked, depleted, or imbalanced, we experience physical, emotional, or spiritual dis-ease. Reiki practitioners act as channels for this healing energy, allowing it to flow through their hands to the client, where it goes to wherever healing is needed most.

Key principles:

The practitioner doesn't "do" the healing—they channel universal energy
The energy is intelligent and goes where it's needed
Reiki works on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels
It's non-invasive, gentle, and safe
It complements (doesn't replace) medical treatment

What Reiki Is NOT

Let's clear up common misconceptions:

Not a religion: Reiki is spiritual but not religious; people of all faiths (or no faith) can practice and receive it
Not massage: While you lie on a table, there's minimal to no pressure—it's energy work, not bodywork
Not a cure-all: Reiki supports healing but doesn't replace medical care
Not the practitioner's energy: Practitioners channel universal energy, not their own
Not dependent on belief: Reiki works whether you believe in it or not (though openness helps)

What Happens During a Reiki Session: Step-by-Step

Before the Session

Booking Your Appointment

Duration: Sessions typically last 60-90 minutes
Cost: Varies widely ($50-150+ depending on location and practitioner experience)
What to wear: Comfortable, loose clothing (you stay fully dressed)
What to bring: Just yourself; some people bring water

Preparing for Your Session

Avoid heavy meals right before (light eating is fine)
Stay hydrated
Arrive a few minutes early to settle in
Turn off your phone
Set an intention for healing (optional but helpful)
Come with an open mind and heart

Arrival and Intake (10-15 minutes)

What Happens

Welcome and paperwork: You'll fill out a brief intake form about your health history and what you're seeking help with
Consultation: The practitioner will ask about your physical, emotional, or spiritual concerns
Explanation: They'll explain what will happen during the session
Questions: This is your time to ask anything you're wondering about
Setting intention: You may be asked what you'd like to focus on (pain relief, stress reduction, emotional healing, etc.)

What to Share

Any physical pain or health issues
Emotional or mental health concerns
What you're hoping to get from the session
Any areas you don't want touched (practitioners will respect this)
If you're pregnant (Reiki is safe during pregnancy but practitioners should know)

The Reiki Session (45-60 minutes)

The Setup

The table: You'll lie on a massage table (similar to a massage setup)
Clothing: You stay fully clothed; just remove shoes and jewelry if you wish
Comfort: You'll be covered with a blanket; pillows support your head and knees
Position: Usually lying on your back; you may be asked to turn over halfway through
Environment: Soft lighting, calming music, comfortable temperature

What the Practitioner Does

The practitioner will place their hands in a series of positions on or above your body, typically including:

Head positions: Hands on or above the crown, forehead, temples, back of head
Front torso: Throat, heart, solar plexus, lower abdomen
Back (if you turn over): Shoulders, mid-back, lower back
Legs and feet (optional): Knees, ankles, feet

Important: The practitioner may:

Place hands lightly on your body (with permission)
Hold hands a few inches above your body (no-touch Reiki)
Spend 3-5 minutes in each position
Spend extra time on areas that need more healing

What You Do

Relax: Close your eyes, breathe naturally, and let go
Receive: You don't have to "do" anything—just receive the energy
Notice: Pay attention to sensations, but don't force anything
Communicate: If you're uncomfortable, speak up
Let go: Release expectations and trust the process

After the Session (10-15 minutes)

Closing the Session

The practitioner will gently let you know the session is complete
Take your time sitting up—you may feel deeply relaxed or even sleepy
Drink water (practitioners usually offer this)
Share your experience if you wish
The practitioner may share what they sensed or felt

Post-Session Discussion

Your practitioner may:

Ask how you're feeling
Share insights about energy blockages they noticed
Offer suggestions for self-care
Recommend follow-up sessions if appropriate
Answer any questions about your experience

What You Might Feel During Reiki

Everyone's experience is unique, but common sensations include:

Physical Sensations

Warmth or heat: Most common; feels like gentle warmth from the practitioner's hands
Tingling or buzzing: Like gentle electricity or energy moving
Coolness: Some people feel cool sensations
Pulsing or throbbing: Rhythmic sensations
Heaviness or lightness: Feeling weighted down or floating
Muscle twitches: Small involuntary movements as energy releases
Deep relaxation: Profound sense of peace and letting go

Emotional Experiences

Emotional release: Tears, laughter, or other emotions surfacing (completely normal)
Peace and calm: Deep sense of tranquility
Joy or bliss: Unexpected happiness or contentment
Sadness or grief: Old emotions releasing (this is healing)
Love and connection: Feeling connected to something greater

Mental/Spiritual Experiences

Visions or colors: Seeing colors, patterns, or images with eyes closed
Memories surfacing: Old memories or insights arising
Clarity or insights: Sudden understanding or answers to questions
Altered state: Feeling between waking and sleeping
Spiritual connection: Feeling connected to the divine or your higher self

Or... Nothing at All

Important: Some people feel very little during their first session. This doesn't mean it's not working! Reiki works on subtle levels, and benefits often appear in the days following the session. Not everyone is sensitive to energy sensations, and that's perfectly normal.

What to Expect After Your Session

Immediate Effects (Same Day)

Deep relaxation: Feeling very calm and peaceful
Sleepiness: Wanting to rest or nap
Energized: Some people feel revitalized and energetic
Emotional: Feeling more emotionally open or sensitive
Clarity: Mental clarity and focus
Thirst: Increased thirst as energy moves

The Healing Process (Days to Weeks)

Positive Effects

Reduced pain or discomfort
Better sleep
Improved mood
Increased energy
Greater emotional balance
Enhanced clarity and focus
Feeling more centered and grounded

Healing Crisis (Temporary)

Some people experience a "healing crisis" as the body processes and releases:

Fatigue: Needing extra rest for a day or two
Emotional release: Crying, anger, or other emotions surfacing
Physical symptoms: Headache, digestive changes, or cold-like symptoms
Vivid dreams: Intense or unusual dreams
Old issues surfacing: Past emotions or memories coming up to be healed

Don't worry! This is temporary (usually 24-48 hours) and indicates deep healing is occurring. It's like cleaning out a closet—things get messier before they get organized.

Self-Care After Reiki

Support your healing process:

Drink lots of water: Helps flush released toxins and energy
Rest: Honor your body's need for sleep or quiet time
Eat light: Avoid heavy meals; choose nourishing, simple foods
Avoid alcohol: Skip alcohol for 24 hours to allow healing to integrate
Journal: Write down insights, dreams, or experiences
Be gentle: Don't schedule intense activities right after
Spend time in nature: Helps ground the energy
Meditate: Continue the peaceful state

How Many Sessions Do You Need?

For General Wellness

One session: Can provide deep relaxation and stress relief
Monthly sessions: Good for maintenance and ongoing wellness
Seasonal sessions: Four times a year for energetic tune-ups

For Specific Issues

Acute issues: 3-4 sessions close together (weekly) then reassess
Chronic conditions: Regular sessions (weekly or bi-weekly) for several months
Emotional healing: Series of sessions as needed
Spiritual growth: Ongoing sessions as part of spiritual practice

Note: Reiki is cumulative—effects build over multiple sessions. While one session can be powerful, a series often provides deeper, lasting healing.

Is Reiki Safe?

Yes! Reiki is one of the safest healing modalities available:

Non-invasive: No manipulation of the body
Gentle: Cannot cause harm
No side effects: Only positive effects (though healing crisis can occur)
Safe for everyone: Children, elderly, pregnant women, people with serious illness
Complements medical care: Works alongside conventional treatment
No contraindications: No conditions that prevent receiving Reiki

Special Populations

Pregnancy: Safe and beneficial; inform your practitioner
Children: Sessions are shorter (20-30 minutes) and very gentle
Elderly: Gentle and supportive; no age limit
Serious illness: Supportive alongside medical treatment; inform practitioner
Mental health: Can support therapy; not a replacement for it

Choosing a Reiki Practitioner

What to Look For

Training and certification: Look for Reiki Master or Reiki Master Teacher certification
Experience: Ask how long they've been practicing
Lineage: Reiki is passed through lineages; ask about their training
Professional membership: Membership in organizations like IARP (International Association of Reiki Professionals)
Insurance: Professional liability insurance
Reviews: Check testimonials and reviews

Red Flags

Guarantees of cure or specific outcomes
Pressure to buy multiple sessions upfront
Claims to diagnose medical conditions
Inappropriate touching or boundary violations
Telling you to stop medical treatment
Lack of clear pricing or policies

Trust Your Intuition

The most important factor: Do you feel comfortable with this person? Trust your gut. A good practitioner will:

Make you feel safe and respected
Answer your questions clearly
Respect your boundaries
Be professional yet warm
Honor your experience without judgment

Common Questions First-Timers Ask

Will I have to get undressed?

No. You stay fully clothed. Just remove shoes and any bulky jewelry if you wish.

Will the practitioner touch me?

Maybe. Some practitioners use light touch; others work with hands above the body. You can request no-touch if you prefer.

What if I fall asleep?

That's fine! Many people do. The healing still works.

What if I need to move or use the bathroom?

Speak up! You can adjust position or take a break anytime.

What if I don't feel anything?

Normal! Not everyone feels sensations. The healing still occurs.

Can Reiki cure my illness?

Reiki supports healing but doesn't replace medical care. It can help with symptoms, stress, and overall wellbeing alongside conventional treatment.

Do I have to believe in it for it to work?

No. Reiki works whether you believe or not, though openness helps you receive more fully.

Is it religious?

No. Reiki is spiritual but not religious. People of all faiths (or no faith) can receive it.

Final Thoughts

Your first Reiki session is a gentle introduction to energy healing. There's nothing to fear and everything to gain—deep relaxation at minimum, profound healing at best. Most people leave their first session feeling peaceful, calm, and curious to experience more.

Remember: Reiki meets you where you are. Whether you're seeking physical pain relief, emotional healing, stress reduction, or spiritual growth, Reiki offers gentle, intelligent support for your healing journey.

Come with an open heart, release expectations, and allow yourself to receive. The universal life force energy knows exactly where to go and what to do. Your only job is to relax and let it work.

Ready to book your first session? Trust that you're being guided to exactly the healing you need. The energy is waiting to support you.