At its core, Reiki energy activates our healing potential and allows our bodies to do what they need to in order to be balanced and at peace. As a practitioner I call on our guides, protective beings, and benevolent ancestors to support the healing session.

Clients who have never received Reiki (and those new to Reiki with me) often ask, “what should I expect during a Reiki session?” This is a great question! I always tell folks — each Reiki session is unique and everyone experiences Reiki healing differently. The most important thing to know is that this practice wakes up our own inner healing abilities. This shift can create long-term positive change in our lives and those around us — Reiki is truly a gift that keeps giving!

Because of my psychic and medium abilities, Reiki sessions with me are often very potent and filled with many insights and messages. I hold all Reiki sessions with ceremonial intention and prayerful support and do my best to create a sacred container for all those I work with.

Below, I will explain the different experiences folks have, how to prepare for a session, and what to do after a session.

What should I expect during the session?

Depending on how sensitive we are, the energies of a Reiki session will be experienced differently. Below is a list of some of the possible experiences people have during a session:

• deep relaxation

• strong positive energy

• a strong sense of love and support

• a half asleep, half awake state where the body feels heavy while light at the same time

• sensory shifts — temperature changes, sounds, colors, visions in the minds eye, etc.

• feeling there are multiple sets of hands working on the body throughout the session, feeling like someone is holding your hand, etc.

• emotional release via body chills, deep belly breaths, tears, sobbing, shaking, twitching, etc.

• an extreme rise of emotions in the body, followed by a big release and a sense of inner peace that was not present before

Reiki session preparation:

If possible before the session, practice slowness in your flow and don’t put too much on your plate the day of (before or after the session). You may find it supportive to spend time alone in nature, especially near water. If accessible to you, eat nourishing foods like soups, stews, protein bowls, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Do your best to hydrate with lots of water and herbal tea throughout the day and especially after the session. It is recommended to bring a journal or notebook with you to your session so you can write down any insights or messages that come through during the session.

What to do after a Reiki session:

once your session is over, drink a glass of water or tea and keep the Reiki energy flowing by nourishing your body with some yummy food, a slow walk, a bath or shower, stretches, a nap, or doing anything that feels good to you that doesn’t cause stress or strain to your body/mind/heart. if you can, try to go to bed early — this will allow your body to continue the self healing process.

What to do if your session is virtual:

where to rest for the session — somewhere you can lay down comfortably (if laying down isn’t accessible, a place where you can comfortably rest as your body allows). you can place a pillow behind your head and a pillow or rolled up blanket under the back of your knees for support if that feels good. if supportive, cover yourself up with a blanket or blankets, surround yourself with pillows, stuffed animals, etc. — make yourself very comfy. dim or turn off lights to prevent eye strain or use an eye cover. light a candle, burn your favorite incense, diffuse a calming essential oil, etc. to create a pleasant scent in your environment.

what to bring for the session (recommended not required) — a glass of water, a sacred object, a journal/notebook to write down reflections and insights, a lit candle