What To Expect With Reiki
Hello dear friends!
Over the last several years, as I have practiced Reiki and offered it to people all over the world, I have noticed something really cool. Many individuals are already familiar with Reiki, have experienced it, or at least have heard of it. This is really awesome to see, especially since Reiki used to be considered very fringe and “woo woo.” Now, when I mention that I’m a Reiki Master/Teacher, they seem more interested than weirded out. And that’s a win!
However, there are still a lot of people who aren’t sure what Reiki is, how it works, or what to expect during their first Reiki session. And if this sounds like you, then this blog is right up your alley!
I totally understand the hesitation and low-key uncomfortable that many people feel when signing up for Reiki for the first time. I avoided Reiki for many years, before I finally had my first session. I just couldn’t wrap my brain around it, and it seemed too “out there” for my ultra-pragmatic, scientist mindset. However, after doing some research and actually experiencing it, I was sold. After all, Reiki, despite its mainly alternative following, is quite rooted in scientific principles. While I practice a lot of unconventional healing methods, I still require them to be grounded, and produce real results. So, for any of the other skeptics out there, this part is for you.
Reiki is now being recognized as a legitimate form of healing, and is practiced in world-class hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, surgery centers, and therapy offices. It’s actually been the subject of many peer-reviewed, published journal articles too. It is also transcending boundaries between races and religions. When I was visiting a remote Roman Catholic monastery a few years ago, I was conversing with some very nice, albeit traditional-looking, churchy-type ladies. Many of them had been involved in the Catholic church for decades, and were pretty conservative in their views. So, when it came out that I practiced Reiki, I was expecting some discomfort, if not some outright pearl-clutching. But nope, they were totally jazzed about it. Starting talking about their own experiences with Reiki, and how so-and-so had Reiki and it really helped their ailment. One woman even seemed interested in getting a session for her knee. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised at how open they were (goes to show, stereotypes aren’t always accurate).
And to use this little story as a segue...Reiki is not a religion. It has no religious or spiritual ties, and is practiced by people of all walks of life. You don't need to be spiritual at all, to benefit from Reiki. All you really need, in my opinion, is an understanding of energy. Basic physics tells us that everything is made up of energy, simply manifested in different forms. Human sciences also shows us the limitations of our own 5 senses, and that there are thousands of frequencies that exist beyond our ability to sense them. Just because you cannot see or touch something, doesn’t mean it’s not real. We’re just working with mediocre equipment.
To borrow a passage from an awesome blog post that I regularly reference for new clients:
“According to particle theory, tiny particles in the form of atoms, molecules or ions are moving around at different speeds. If we relate this to Einstein’s theory of relativity and assume that all matter is made from energy, then those particles are also made of energy. What we perceive as solid, is in fact not. It is a question of frequency, such as tuning in to a radio channel, and within our limited basic five senses, we are only able to perceive a fraction of these vibrations. Science tells us that there are frequencies infinitely beyond our sphere of perception.
Our physical bodies are no exception, and are therefore made of energy also vibrating at a particular frequency. We have our own biomagnetic field which, like all energy, can be manipulated and channeled. Our physical bodies have a mesh of tubes made up of collagen and filled with a very fine fluid, called the myofascial system which links all parts of us, sort of like an energetic superhighway. The myofascial system carries signals in the form of tiny electrical light impulses called biophotons(literally meaning biological light) which are said to be the smallest sparks of conscious energy, carrying the very building blocks of life and allows all cells to communicate with one another.
The myofascial system is probably one of the most important systems in the body and also one of the most overlooked. Within us the myofascial system has seven major points where there is much more fascia than in other areas which, funnily enough, correspond to the seven main energy centres, or more commonly, chakras.”
The chakras also correspond to major nerve centers, and since the nervous system is the electrical system of the body, it makes sense that the “charge” accumulates in these areas. This is one of the reasons why I always do a chakra reading and clearing in each Reiki session.
So, that’s the basics of how Reiki works.
But what about the actual Reiki session? What can you expect if it’s your first time?
Well, there are a few things that you should know:
1. Reiki works no matter what you’re wearing or how you’re positioned
People often get uncomfortable at the idea of having to strip down for Reiki, like you would a massage. But this isn’t necessary at all! In fact, it may interfere with the experience, if you’ll be embarrassed or otherwise feeling vulnerable. You can wear ten sweaters if you’d like- you’ll still receive the healing you need!
When I would do in-person sessions, I’d often have people lie down on a massage table, usually under a blanket, with a pillow for their head. It’s about getting comfortable in my opinion, because when you’re comfortable, you’re more likely to be present and engaged with the session. However, these days my practice is 100% virtual, with distance Reiki healing, which removes all these potential concerns! It’s super easy to be in your own home, wearing whatever you like, and still receive the support you need.
2. Reiki can be practiced with hands on or hands off
I leave this one up to my clients, and most people opt for the “light touch” option. Since Reiki is pure energy, it can work at any distance (even thousands of miles away!), so you can choose to have my hands hover above the body if you’d like. However, there is a little added boost of touch therapy with hands-on. Regardless, there is never any touching of sensitive areas! And again, with distance healing, this isn’t even an issue.
3. You are 100% in control of the session
There are some misconceptions about Reiki practitioners being some kind of wizards, psychics, or voodoo masters. And this makes people scared and disempowered. The truth is, you are always in control of the healing session, on both conscious and subconscious levels. I always tune in at first to get a “yes” signal, before I even proceed with the session. And I can usually tell if we’re hitting an area or theme that you’re not ready for. And while I sometimes get information in the form of images or words, I can’t read your mind (and wouldn’t, even if I could!) nor can I “put energy into you” that you don’t want.
4. One session isn’t going to cure you
Just like with any form of therapy or healing program, if you only have Reiki once, you can’t expect to be totally cured. If you want to be healthy, you need to be consistent with eating whole foods, getting good sleep, and other aspects of your self-care, and energy work is no different. Yes, you will see benefits from just one session, but for true transformation, regular sessions are encouraged!
5. Every session is a bit different
Because energy is always changing, what I notice at the beginning of each session is usually pretty different, even if I just worked with you a few days earlier. Because of this, I tailor each session depending on what calls to us, and what you’re open to. Sometimes we may do a chakra unwinding exercise, or a trauma release exercise. We may incorporate some shamanic work, grounding work, or work with your angels/guides/animal totems. I also like to incorporate crystals, smudging, and oracle cards too! Reiki sessions are especially fun because they’re always a little different, meaning the more sessions you do over time, the more well-rounded healing experience you’ll get.
6. There may be a delayed effect
The time you spend receiving Reiki is only one part of that healing session; sometimes it simply serves to get the energy flowing and you notice benefits later on. It’s nice to know this ahead of time, so you don’t feel like suddenly things are different! Many people report having more prophetic dreams, noticing more signs and synchronicities, and feeling a general sense of alignment and openness in the days following a Reiki session. The “window” after a Reiki session is a great time to deepen your self-care practice, and do a little extra spiritual work like meditation, manifestation, and divination.
Whether you’re having an in-home session, a session in a clinic, or a distance session, Reiki can be a wonderful experience that can complement all of your other healing modalities. When you work on an energetic level, everything else seems to flow much easier, and you may find that you are able to accomplish your goals more quickly. Much of the time, incorporating Reiki seems to lend more oomph to shifting habits, especially around food, sleep, and spiritual practice.
I hope this post was helpful to you, friend, and makes you feel more comfortable with Reiki and what it may be like to have a session. And when you’re ready to give it a try, reach out and let’s chat!
Wishing you joy and ease, my friend.
