Reiki Sessions Explained

I will talk much more in-depth about what Reiki is and the science/ spirit behind how it works in another blog post but here is a short explanation I’ve written and shared many times before on my socials:

Reiki is a healing modality that works mainly within energy. It was developed in Japan to help reduce stress and promotes the body’s relaxation response and natural healing ability. The word “Reiki” can be loosely translated to (Rei) Spiritually Guided (Ki)Life Force Energy. Although Reiki is a spiritual and holistic practice, it holds no religion and those of any denominations may receive and benefit from it. By beginning to bring balance throughout the major energy centers (chakras) in the body, the client may benefit in many ways. Studies have now shown that Reiki is effective in promoting deep relaxation, mental clarity, spiritual awareness, as well as, managing physical symptoms/ailments, strengthens the immune

system and aids in relief with depression and anxiety. It is widely practiced and medical centre's are now recognizing and even offering reiki services within hospitals, cancer centers, rehabilitation clinics ect.

So the big question for this post.

What to Expect During a Session?

Here is the Quick Breakdown then I’ll get into the good stuff.

In a session the client will be asked to lie fully clothed on the table and just breathe, relaxed as you would while getting a massage. The practitioner will then gently place their hands on or a few inches away from the client's body. Moving forward the practitioner will then begin to work their way through various hand positions as they connect to the energy and needs of the client. With my Clients, I always

make sure to let them know that while I hold space for them and their healing, they are free to express any internal stress, emotions or even physical symptoms that may surface. The whole session is performed very slowly and creates the ability to sink into a calm state and sometimes even sleep. Each person will experience their sessions differently from other clients and even from previous to current sessions, as the body physiology and psyche changes and recharges.

General Sensations That May Occur During A Session:

• Rapid Heart Rate

• Temperature fluctuations hot/cold feelings

• Emotional Releases

• Colorful or Vivid Visuals

• Deep Rest or Sleep

(this is a very normal side effect and does not mean your session is working any less for you. It is simply exactly what you needed at that time.)

• Tingling

• Ringing in the Ears

Optional Ways to Prepare for Your Session:

• Drink an extra glass of water

• Avoid Alcohol or other Recreational Drugs that my alter your state of consciousness

• Trust yourself and set an intention for your session. Think about what you want to heal or

release.

My more personal thoughts on Reiki:

Now I have experienced my share of stress, trauma, anxiety and hurt in life. Not being able to slow down and release the tension in my body these events and emotions can create is fairly typical. When I go for reiki sessions (and I’ve been lucky enough to have experienced a few amazing practitioners) I always leave feeling lighter, held and grounded. The moment you walk into your treatment space you should feel supported and calm. As with most practitioners I ask clients their intention for their session. Even if it’s just general relaxation holding that in your mind as you begin is important. Experiencing an hour lying under a cozy blanket/eye pillow with the amazing aromatherapy scents whirling around while gentle music plays is almost enough on its own to get me to book a session. Then comes the added comfort of having your practitioner supporting a deep state of relaxation. They move through the chakras/ energy centers with gentle touch to help energy flow through the body and release whatever works its way to the surface, your thoughts clear and your mind drifts in and out of drowsy sleep/meditative cycles. I like to use combinations of essential oils, incense and aromatherapy sprays to aid in my sessions. Sometimes different crystals are placed alongside or on your body during a session as well. There are many different reasons for this and you are free to ask about them if you have more questions. While the practitioner works emotional releases like beginning to cry can happen. This is okay. If you need to cry, you can cry, if you doze off and snore, or have body twitches/ tingles from releasing physical tension it’s all good. You are being allowed space to feel exactly what you need to feel.. something a lot of adults have not intentionally experienced, and something incredibly healing. Before you know it you are smelling sage and hearing gentle chimes or singing bowls to wake you up and end your session. As you slowly bring yourself back to consciousness you are able to sit and chat with me about things that may have come up, or you can say nothing at all. You will be offered some water and aftercare instructions. Reiki, as with most energetic modalities can cause things like dehydration as you begin to push toxins and energy through the system and if big shifts happened it’s good to know what to expect. From start to finish I hope to bring a gentle and supportive environment in every one of my sessions.

If you have any further questions about what to expect at a session or how to get the most out of your reiki appointments keep an eye out for future posts or don’t hesitate to contact me through the email link on this site.