What to Expect During Your First Reiki Session
When I had my first Reiki session, I didn't know what to expect—not because my practitioner didn't provide information, but because I intentionally went in with an open mind, ready to feel whatever might come. At that time, I was a sceptic. However, after my first session, something clicked, and my life changed for the better. If you plan to approach your session the same way I did, seeking your own discovery, I recommend only reading the section on preparing for your session. Then, come back afterwards to see if your experience was similar. But if you’re curious and want to know more, read on.
What to Expect During Your First Reiki Session
Embarking on your first Reiki session can be both exciting and a bit mysterious. Reiki, a form of energy healing, is known for its ability to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance overall well-being. If you're unsure about what happens during a Reive come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire experience, from preparation to post-session sensations.
Preparing for Your Reiki Session
Before your Reiki session, it's helpful to prepare both physically and mentally to maximize the benefits:
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water before your session to keep your energy flowing smoothly.
Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows you to relax fully.
Set Intentions: Think about what you hope to achieve from your session. Whether it's stress relief, emotional healing, or physical well-being, having clear intentions can enhance your experience. Share these intentions with your practitioner during the initial consultation.
Avoid Heavy Meals: Try to avoid consuming heavy meals, processed foods or alcohol before your session to ensure you feel comfortable and relaxed.
What Happens During a Reiki Session?
Initial Consultation
Your Reiki experience begins with an initial consultation. This is an opportunity for you to discuss your health concerns, goals, and any specific areas where you feel you need healing. The practitioner will explain the process and answer any questions you might have.
The Reiki Session
Setting the Atmosphere: The session usually takes place in a quiet, serene environment with soft lighting and calming music. This helps create a peaceful ambience conducive to healing.
Positioning: You will lie down on a comfortable massage table, fully clothed. Some practitioners may use a chair if lying down is not feasible for you.
Starting the Session: The practitioner will begin by placing their hands lightly on or just above your body in various positions. Each position is held for several minutes, allowing the Reiki energy to flow.
Energy Flow: As the session progresses, you might feel sensations such as warmth, tingling, or gentle pulsations. These are normal and indicate that the energy is moving and balancing.
Relaxation: Many people enter a deep state of relaxation, sometimes even falling asleep. This is perfectly fine and a sign that your body is absorbing the healing energy.
Duration: A typical Reiki session lasts between 60 to 90 minutes, depending on your needs and the practitioner's approach.
Common Experiences and Sensations
During and after your Reiki session, you might experience a variety of sensations and emotions:
Physical Sensations: Warmth, tingling, or gentle waves of energy.
Emotional Release: It's not uncommon to feel an emotional release, such as tears or a sense of relief. Don’t worry, I always have tissue paper at the ready ;)
Mental Clarity: Many clients report feeling clearer and more focused after a session.
Deep Relaxation: You may feel profoundly relaxed, as if you've just had a restorative nap.
Everyone can experience Reiki differently. Some people feel a change in temperature along one side of their body, see different colours as I move through the Reiki hand positions, or even feel elated as they release stored emotions. Others might not feel anything at all during the session, and that's perfectly normal too. Often, the benefits become apparent in the days following the session. It's important to remember that your experience is unique and that Reiki flows to where it is most needed. There are no right or wrong feelings during a session.
Post-Session Tips
After your Reiki session, it’s important to take care of yourself to prolong the benefits:
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to help flush out any toxins released during the session.
Rest: Give yourself time to rest and integrate the healing energy.
Reflect: Take a moment to reflect on any insights or sensations you experienced. You may want to create a healing journal to share with your practitioner any occurrences so that they may be considered in future sessions.
Follow-Up: Consider scheduling follow-up sessions to maintain the flow of positive energy and continue your healing journey.
Congratulations on taking this first step! Whether you're feeling excited, nervous, or neutral about your first session, know that you are moving towards achieving holistic well-being. By understanding what to expect and how to prepare, you can fully benefit from this gentle yet powerful healing practice. Remember, every Reiki experience is unique, so embrace whatever arises during your session and trust in the healing process.
Wishing you a wonderful session!
