How to Prepare for Your First Reiki Session
Reiki is a type of alternative therapy that uses gentle touch to balance energy flow in the body. If you've booked your first Reiki session, you may be wondering what to expect and how to prepare.
Getting ready for your initial Reiki experience helps you feel calm and get the most out of the healing treatment. Here is a beginner's guide to everything you need to know before your first Reiki session.
What is Reiki and How Does it Work?
Reiki is a form of energy healing founded in Japan in the early 1900s. The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words: rei meaning universal life force energy, and ki meaning vital energy.
Reiki practitioners use light touch and placements of the hands on or above the body. The purpose is to facilitate the flow of ki throughout the body and restore wellbeing on a physical, mental, and emotional level.
Though concepts vary between Reiki styles, the basic idea is that a Reiki healer taps into an unlimited universal energy source and serves as a conduit to channel this healing energy into the recipient.
What are the Benefits of Reiki?
Scientific research on Reiki is limited. However, many report benefits such as:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Pain relief
- Improved sleep
- Faster healing
- Increased relaxation and sense of wellbeing
- Eased depression
Many hospitals and medical centers now offer Reiki as a complement to standard care to aid the healing process.
What to Expect During a Reiki Session
Wondering what your first Reiki treatment will be like? Here's an overview of what usually takes place:
Preliminary Discussion
The session will begin with some discussion about your reasons for trying Reiki and any specific concerns you hope to address. This helps the practitioner tailor the energy work.
Relaxation Time
The practitioner may guide you through some deep breathing to begin entering a relaxed state before receiving Reiki.
Reiki Table
You'll be asked to lie down on a treatment table or massage table. Depending on the practitioner's style, you may lay on your back or stomach.
Light Touch
With gentle, light pressure, the practitioner will place their hands either directly on or just above your body in a series of positions.
Hand Placements
There are 17-40 standard hand positions covering the head, torso, limbs, and sometimes feet. The practitioner will hold each placement from 2-5 minutes before moving on.
Energy Flow
As healing energy flows, you may feel warmth, coolness, tingling, or pulsing in some areas. But some feel nothing - which is also normal.
Session Close
At the end, the practitioner will guide you back to wakefulness and may discuss any sensations you noticed. Most sessions last 45-90 minutes.
Rest
Many feel very relaxed, sleepy, or somewhat lightheaded after a Reiki treatment, so resting afterwards is recommended.
How to Prepare Yourself for a Reiki Session
You don't need any special preparation for Reiki, but coming into the session relaxed, open, and well-rested will help you gain the most benefits. Here are some tips:
Set Your Intention
Take a few quiet moments to reflect on why you are seeking Reiki and what you hope to get out of it. Setting a clear intention can help focus the energy.
Hydrate Well
Drink plenty of water before your session to support your body's energy flow and healing.
Avoid Alcohol
Refrain from consuming alcohol at least 24 hours before your Reiki session.
Have a Light Meal
Have a healthy snack or light meal 1-2 hours before. You don't want to be overly full or hungry.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Wear loose, soft clothes you can relax in. Natural fibers like cotton work best.
Come With an Open Mind
Release any skepticism and approach your Reiki session with an open, positive mindset to allow the energy to flow freely.
Arrive Early
Get to your appointment 10-15 minutes early so you don't feel rushed. Being calm and unhurried benefits the energy of the session.
What to Expect After Your First Reiki Session
Everyone responds a bit differently to Reiki treatment. But some common experiences after your first session include:
- Feeling deeply relaxed and centred
- Reduced anxiety, depression, or pain
- Better sleep that night
- A sense of lightness or tingling throughout the body
- More energy or positivity
- Emotional release or tears during or after
- Need to rest or take naps
Drink extra water and rest when possible in the 24 hours following treatment to support the effects.
How Many Reiki Sessions are Needed
Most people notice benefits after just one session. However, multiple sessions maximize the effects and create deeper, longer-lasting healing.
For chronic conditions, emotional trauma, or surgery recovery, practitioners often recommend 4-6 weekly sessions or more. Talk with your provider about what's right for your needs.
How to Find a Reiki Practitioner Near You
Use these tips to find a qualified Reiki master for your first session:
Ask for Referrals
Talk to friends, family doctors, or therapists to find someone they recommend. Referrals are the best way to find reputable providers.
Check Practitioner Directories
Larger professional Reiki organizations like The Reiki Alliance or American Reiki Masters Association have searchable online directories.
Search Locally
Look for holistic health centers, massage clinics, or alternative medicine offices in your area that offer Reiki.
Interview Potential Practitioners
Have a consultation call with 2-3 providers before deciding. Get a feel for their experience, training, and methods.
Look for Proper Credentials
Reiki Master is the highest certification requiring extensive training. Licensed massage therapists may also offer Reiki.
Trust Your Gut
Pay attention to your instinctual feeling when speaking with potential practitioners. Your comfort level is most important.
Questions to Ask a Potential Reiki Practitioner
Here are some important questions to ask during a preliminary call or email exchange:
- What is your training background?
- How long have you practiced Reiki?
- Are you licensed or certified?
- What is your philosophical approach to Reiki?
- Do you incorporate other modalities?
- What should I expect during a session?
- How do you handle client confidentiality and privacy?
- What are your rates and cancellation policies?
Reiki Session Do's and Don'ts
Follow these tips for Reiki session etiquette:
Do
- Arrive early and turn your phone off
- Disclose any medical conditions or medications
- Communicate your needs and concerns
- Relax, close your eyes, and focus on your breath
- Lie still during the session
- Give feedback about your experience afterwards
- Tip your provider if you feel inclined
Don't
- Arrive late or rush in
- Dictate what areas need healing
- Tense up or overanalyze the process
- Attempt to guide the practitioner's hands
- Abruptly get up during the session
The more open and receptive you are, the better the energy will flow.
Does Health Insurance Cover Reiki?
Reiki is considered an alternative therapy, so it is not typically covered by health insurance plans. However, some holistic providers may give you paperwork to submit a claim to your provider.
Many patients pay the full cost of Reiki sessions out of pocket since they find the benefits worthwhile. Sessions range from $30-150+ per treatment.
Is Reiki Right for You?
Reiki offers a drug-free way to promote healing, reduce anxiety, manage pain, and complement medical care. It is safe and gentle for healthy individuals and most medical conditions.
If you're looking to explore alternative modalities for self-care and promoting wellness, Reiki is certainly worth trying.
Use this complete beginner's guide to prepare your mind, body, and spirit for your first Reiki session. With an open heart and positive intention, Reiki's healing benefits can start flowing through you.
FAQs
What should I wear to a Reiki session?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing you can relax in. Avoid restrictive fabrics and remove belts or tight accessories. You may be asked to disrobe to your comfort level for some positions.
Will I be on a massage table during Reiki?
Yes, most Reiki practitioners have a padded table where you will lie down for optimal comfort and positioning. Some may also work on chair sessions.
Can Reiki heal emotional issues?
Yes, Reiki can help heal emotional trauma, grief, anxiety and depression. The calming energy helps release negative emotions and restore balance.
Is there anything I should avoid after a Reiki session?
Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy meals, and alcohol in the 24 hours after a session to allow your body time to integrate the effects. Rest as much as possible.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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