What Really Happens During a Reiki Session?

Whether you’ve heard about Reiki from a friend, a wellness podcast, or stumbled across it while searching for natural ways to manage stress and anxiety, it’s normal to wonder: What actually happens during a Reiki session? If you’re new to energy healing, this guide will walk you through the entire experience – before, during, and after, so you know exactly what to expect.

Your Reiki Environment

From the moment you step into a Reiki studio, the atmosphere is designed to put you at ease. Think quiet surroundings, soft music, warm lighting, and a sense of calm. Many Reiki practitioners use essential oils, crystals, or incense to help ground and relax you, though everything is tailored to your comfort.

You’ll typically remain fully clothed and lie down on a massage table (or sit in a chair if preferred). A blanket might be offered to keep you warm and comfortable throughout the session. This peaceful, welcoming setting is key to allowing your body and mind to unwind before the energy work begins.

Before the Reiki Treatment: Consultation and Intention Setting

Most Reiki sessions begin with a short conversation. Your practitioner may ask how you’re feeling physically and emotionally, if you’ve had Reiki before, and what you hope to gain from the session. This isn’t therapy, it’s more like gentle grounding before the energy work begins.

Setting a personal intention is a valuable part of the process. Whether it’s “I want to feel more relaxed,” or “I’m ready to release anxiety,” this helps you mentally align with the healing energy you’re about to receive.

During the Reiki Session: Hands-On and Hands-Off Energy Healing

Reiki is a non-invasive treatment that involves light touch, or sometimes no touch at all. Your practitioner will move their hands over or just above specific areas of your body, usually starting at the head and working down to the feet. Each hand position is held for several minutes to allow energy to flow.

You might feel warmth, tingling, pulsing, or simply a deep sense of relaxation. Some people see colours or feel emotional release; others simply drift into a meditative, half-asleep state. Every session is unique, and there’s no right or wrong way to feel.

Reiki works by encouraging your body’s natural healing response, gently shifting stagnant energy and supporting emotional and physical balance.

The process is very similar for both in-person and distant Reiki sessions. While you won’t be in the same room with me during a distance session, the structure and flow are much the same. You’ll still lie or sit comfortably, ideally in a quiet space, and set an intention just as you would in person. I will connect with your energy remotely, and many clients report experiencing the same sensations of warmth, peace, or emotional release.

After the Reiki Session: How You Might Feel and What to Do Next

Once the session ends, your practitioner will give you time to reawaken slowly and ground yourself. Clients often describe feeling “lighter,” calm, or emotionally open. You might feel sleepy, energised, or somewhere in between.

It’s a good idea to drink water, take it easy for the rest of the day, and reflect on anything that came up. Many people find that benefits continue to unfold in the hours or days following their Reiki experience.

How Many Reiki Sessions Do You Need?

Reiki can be powerful as a one-off treatment, but its effects are cumulative. If you’re dealing with ongoing stress, anxiety, emotional challenges or simply want to deepen your connection to self, regular sessions may offer greater and more lasting support.

Some people book weekly Reiki treatments during intense times in life, while others schedule monthly sessions for maintenance and self-care. Many practitioners also offer Reiki packages or distance healing options that allow you to build a rhythm that works for your lifestyle and goals.

Final Thoughts: Reiki as a Gentle Path to Wellness

Reiki is a beautifully simple yet deeply nourishing form of energy healing. It’s gentle, supportive, and accessible to everyone, no belief system required. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or just in need of a reset, a Reiki session could be the calming support your body and mind are quietly asking for.

Ready to Experience a Reiki Session?

Whether you’re looking for in-person Reiki in your area or want to explore distance healing from the comfort of home, there’s a session type that suits your needs. Discover how Reiki can help you restore balance and reconnect with yourself.