How does Reiki work? Everything you need to know about Reiki Energy Healing
With Reiki energy healing gaining popularity and becoming an addition to offerings in anywhere from yoga studios to spas around the world, many wonder what really happens during a Reiki session. Here are some common questions about Reiki and everything you need to know before your first session.
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a form of Japanese energy healing that is used to help the body mentally, physically, and emotionally. Reiki comes from the Japanese words “Rei” which means “Universal Life” and “Ki” which means energy. If you’re familiar with the universal life force “prana” we talk about in yoga breathwork practices (pranayama), you can think of Reiki energy in a similar way.
How is Reiki healing practiced?
A practitioner may use light hands on touch or hands above the body to tap into the client's energy, but this proximity is not required, as distance Reiki can be practiced as well. While it can be helpful and interesting to share personal information and needs with your practitioner, it is not necessary, as they will be able to observe what areas need to be worked on during the session.
What happens during the Reiki session?
In a Reiki session, the client will be laying down, fully clothed, on a massage table or on the floor supported with yoga props. Comfortable clothes are recommended and anything electronic/bluetooth like smart watches or rings will be removed. The practitioner will have already typically reviewed a questionnaire with any important information, but the beginning of the session is a great time to share anything or ask questions.
With peaceful music or sounds in the background, the practitioner may begin by guiding the client to connect to their breath and enter a relaxed state. Many sessions will begin at the head and go from there, but it really depends on where you have requested or where the practitioner feels drawn to spend time working on.
During the session, the practitioner may work on the whole body or spend a longer amount of time on specific areas depending on the client’s needs and where they feel drawn to work. Oftentimes the practitioner may come back to certain areas later in the session. Each session will be different and each client will have a different experience each time.
The session may end with some closing breathwork, a mindfulness practice or ringing of bells or a gong to help guide the client back to being present in their body.
What does Reiki feel like?
Reiki can feel different for each person and even different for the same person from session to session. Many people say that Reiki energy healing feels like a warmth or tingling sensation. It is not necessary to feel anything in particular for Reiki healing to be taking place. Some may feel their emotions changing or physical sensations in their body shifting. Emotional responses such as crying or even laughing are also perfectly normal and not out of the ordinary to experience. There is never a need to be embarrassed or awkward about your reaction to a Reiki session, as there is never any judgment or right or wrong way to experience it and, most likely, your practitioner has seen it all.
What should I do before or after a Reiki Session?
Combining a Reiki session with other forms of self-care can help enhance the benefits. Most importantly, make sure you allot plenty of time so you won’t feel rushed before or after the session. Be sure to use the restroom before and do anything that will help you be comfortable and able to relax. Drink plenty of water and take time to reflect on how you’re feeling. It can be nice to include time for a slow rest of the day and incorporate some journaling, gentle movement or meditation.
Have additional questions or interest in experiencing a Reiki session? Contact YogaBaum@YogaBaum.com or book a session here.