What to expect in your first reiki session

If you're curious about reiki but unsure what actually happens during a session, you're not alone. Many first-timers feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty. This guide walks you through the entire experience—from preparation to the session itself to what you may feel afterward—so you can arrive informed and at ease.

How to prepare for your first reiki session

A little preparation helps you get the most out of your session. Follow these practical steps:

• Eat lightly. Avoid heavy meals for 12–24 hours before your appointment. Refrain from alcohol and red meat during that window (source).
• Stay hydrated. Drink water beforehand to support energy flow (source).
• Wear comfortable clothing. You will remain fully clothed on a treatment table, so choose soft, breathable fabrics (source).
• Avoid caffeine and sugar if they make you feel overstimulated—the goal is relaxation.
• Arrive 10–15 minutes early to fill out any paperwork and settle in (source).
• Set a simple intention, such as “I am open to healing” (source).
• Communicate with your practitioner about any specific areas you'd like to focus on, such as stress, anxiety, or physical discomfort.

What happens during a reiki session

A standard session lasts about 60 minutes (source). Here is the typical flow:

1. You lie down fully clothed on a massage table. Pillows, bolsters, and a blanket are usually provided for comfort.
2. The practitioner may guide you through a short meditation and sometimes uses a pendulum to check energy flow through your chakras (source).
3. The practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above specific areas of your body—typically the head, shoulders, stomach, and feet—moving through the energy centers (source).
4. The environment is calm: soft lighting, soothing music, and sometimes the gentle scent of essential oils (source).

What you may feel during the session

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

• Deep relaxation – many people enter a meditative state or even fall asleep.
• Warmth, tingling, or a gentle pulsing where the practitioner's hands are placed (source).
• Emotional release – some people cry or laugh as energy blockages clear.
• No physical sensations at all – this is also normal and does not mean the session isn't working.

After the session

• Take your time getting up. Sit for a moment before standing.
• Drink plenty of water to help flush out any released energy.
• Avoid alcohol, red meat, and heavy foods for 12–24 hours after the session.
• Give yourself time to rest. The effects of reiki are cumulative, so you may notice shifts over the following days.

Quiz: test your knowledge

Which of the following is a common sensation reported during a reiki session?

• A. Warmth or tingling where the practitioner's hands are placed
• B. Intense muscle soreness
• C. Numbness in the limbs

How the Resident Expert Can Help

Ready to experience reiki for yourself? Balanced Earth Connections offers online energy healing sessions, including reiki, delivered by experienced practitioners Shanna Gwyn and Eric Talbert. Their personalized approach ensures you receive guidance tailored to your unique needs—all from the comfort of your home.