What Happens During a Reiki Session?
If you are thinking about booking Reiki for the first time, it is natural to wonder what happens during a Reiki session and whether there is anything you need to do beforehand.
Reiki sessions are generally quiet, gentle and straightforward. You normally remain fully clothed while sitting comfortably or lying on a treatment couch, with the practitioner using light touch or holding their hands just above different areas of the body.
Do You Need to Prepare for Reiki?
There is normally very little you need to do before attending a Reiki treatment.
Comfortable clothing is usually best because you will remain fully clothed throughout the session. There is no need to bring specialist clothing, equipment or anything else unless your practitioner has specifically asked you to.
If you have questions about the treatment, whether touch is used, access requirements or anything that may affect your comfort, ask the practitioner before the appointment.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Reiki is normally given through clothing, so choose something that allows you to sit or lie comfortably.
Ask Questions
If something about the treatment is unclear, a practitioner should be happy to explain their approach before you begin.
No Special Belief Required
You do not need to follow a religion or hold a particular spiritual belief in order to attend a Reiki session.
What Usually Happens During a Reiki Treatment?
Individual practitioners work slightly differently, but a typical appointment often follows a simple sequence.
A Short Conversation
The practitioner may begin by explaining how the session will work and asking whether you have any questions or preferences.
This is a good opportunity to discuss whether you are comfortable with light touch or would prefer the practitioner's hands to remain above the body.
You Get Comfortable
You will normally either sit in a comfortable chair or lie on a treatment couch while remaining fully clothed.
Depending on the setting, a blanket or cushion may be offered for comfort.
The Reiki Session Begins
The practitioner will generally work through a number of hand positions, either placing their hands lightly on the body or holding them a short distance above it.
Reiki does not normally involve massage, pressure or manipulation of muscles or joints.
A Period of Quiet
Much of the session may take place in silence. You can normally close your eyes and relax if that feels comfortable.
Some practitioners may use quiet background music, while others prefer a completely silent environment.
The Session Ends
At the end of the treatment, the practitioner will let you know that the session has finished and give you time to sit up or stand when ready.
There may then be an opportunity to briefly discuss the experience or ask further questions.
Does a Reiki Practitioner Touch You?
Some Reiki practitioners use gentle, light hand contact during treatment, while others keep their hands slightly above the body.
Your comfort and personal boundaries matter. If you do not want to be touched, tell the practitioner before the session begins.
A professional practitioner should respect this without making you feel uncomfortable or suggesting that physical contact is necessary.
You are entitled to:
- Ask how the practitioner works
- Request no physical touch
- Ask questions before treatment
- Stop the session at any time
- Have your personal boundaries respected
- Remain fully clothed throughout
What Does Reiki Feel Like?
People describe very different experiences during Reiki.
Some report sensations such as warmth, coolness or tingling. Others describe feeling relaxed or sleepy, while some simply enjoy the quiet environment.
It is also perfectly possible to notice very little physically.
There is no particular sensation that you are supposed to experience, and a practitioner should not tell you that a specific feeling proves that Reiki is working.
Do You Talk During a Reiki Session?
Many Reiki sessions are largely quiet once treatment begins.
You do not normally need to talk throughout the appointment, although you should always feel able to speak if you are uncomfortable or want the practitioner to change something.
The practitioner may also check that you are comfortable at different points during the treatment.
It is fine to speak if:
- You feel uncomfortable
- You want to change position
- You are too warm or cold
- You would prefer not to be touched
- You want the session to stop
- You simply need to ask something
How Long Does a Reiki Session Last?
Reiki appointment lengths vary between practitioners.
Some practitioners offer shorter treatments while others allow more time for the Reiki session and discussion before or afterwards.
When booking, check how long the appointment lasts and whether the stated time refers to the treatment itself or the entire appointment.
You should also confirm the current price directly with the practitioner.
What Happens After a Reiki Session?
When the treatment ends, you should normally be given a moment to sit up and get comfortable before leaving.
Some people feel relaxed after Reiki, while others notice little difference. Experiences vary from person to person and even from one appointment to another.
There should be no pressure to book another treatment immediately or commit to a series of sessions.
After your appointment
- Take a moment before standing if you feel very relaxed
- Ask any final questions you have
- Continue your day as you normally would
- Do not feel obliged to rebook immediately
- Seek appropriate medical advice for health concerns
What If You Feel Nervous About Your First Reiki Session?
It is completely reasonable to want to know what will happen before trying a complementary practice for the first time.
Contact the practitioner beforehand if you have concerns. Ask about the treatment environment, whether touch is used, how long the appointment lasts and anything else that would help you feel comfortable.
A good practitioner should welcome sensible questions rather than make you feel that you simply have to accept their way of working.
What Should Not Happen During a Reiki Session?
A Reiki practitioner should work within clear professional and personal boundaries.
Reiki is a complementary wellbeing practice and should not be used to diagnose illnesses or replace appropriate healthcare.
A practitioner should not:
- Diagnose a medical condition
- Tell you to stop prescribed medication
- Claim Reiki will cure an illness
- Ignore your personal boundaries
- Continue touching you after you ask them not to
- Pressure you into repeated appointments
Questions About Your First Reiki Session
Do you take your clothes off for Reiki?
No. Reiki is normally practised while the recipient remains fully clothed.
Do you lie down during Reiki?
Often, but not always. Reiki may be given while you lie on a treatment couch or while sitting comfortably in a chair.
Can I ask not to be touched?
Yes. Tell the practitioner that you would prefer them to work with their hands above the body. Your boundaries should be respected.
Can you fall asleep during Reiki?
Some people become very relaxed and may doze during a session. There is no requirement to remain focused or alert throughout the treatment.
What should I wear to a Reiki treatment?
Comfortable everyday clothing is normally suitable because you remain fully clothed during the session.
How many Reiki sessions do you need?
There is no set number. Reiki is not a medical treatment programme and there should be no pressure to commit to a fixed number of appointments.
Where can I find Reiki treatments in Wales?
Visit our Find a Reiki Practitioner in Wales page to explore Reiki services and regional resources throughout Wales.
Ready to Find Reiki in Wales?
Now you know what to expect from a Reiki session, explore practitioners and Reiki services throughout Wales or learn more about Reiki before arranging your first appointment.