Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that involves the gentle practice of “laying on hands” to promote balance. The term is often interpreted as “universal life energy,” which practitioners channel to support the body’s natural ability to heal. The experience of receiving Reiki is highly personal and varies significantly from one person to the next. The subjective sensation is the focus, as the energy interacts uniquely with each individual’s system.
The Session Environment and Initial Process
A typical Reiki session is designed to create a sense of deep calm and security. The setting is usually a quiet, peaceful room, often with soft lighting and gentle, soothing music. The initial process involves lying down fully clothed, usually on a massage table, to ensure maximum comfort.
The practitioner will first discuss your intention for the session and any physical sensitivities. The actual work involves placing their hands lightly on or just above a series of locations on your body, often starting at the head and moving down the torso and limbs. This is known as the hands-on approach, though a hands-off treatment is also effective, as Reiki works through clothing and proximity.
Common Physical Sensations
During the treatment, many people report localized heat emanating from the practitioner’s hands. This warmth can be intense, even if the hands are hovering above the body, and is often interpreted as a sign of energy flow. Conversely, some individuals may feel coolness or cold spots, which is sometimes associated with the body releasing blocked energy.
Other frequent somatic experiences include gentle tingling, pulsing, or vibrational buzzing, sometimes described as a “pins-and-needles” sensation. Profound relaxation may cause a sense of deep physical sinking or heaviness, reflecting a grounding effect. Conversely, a feeling of lightness or floating is also a normal response to the deep relaxation state. A completely uneventful session where you feel nothing specific is also normal, as Reiki works on a subtle level even without dramatic physical sensations.
Mental and Emotional Responses
The internal, non-physical experience during Reiki can be varied. Many clients enter a profoundly stilled mental state where the constant chatter of the mind subsides, allowing for a deep sense of peace. This often leads to a hypnagogic state, a threshold consciousness between waking and sleeping, where you are simultaneously aware of your surroundings and deeply indrawn.
Emotional responses can manifest as an unexpected emotional release, such as the sudden urge to cry or laugh, viewed as a therapeutic release of stagnant energy. During deep relaxation, some people experience vivid visual phenomena, such as seeing colors, patterns, or faces. The feeling of peace and security can be pervasive, sometimes resulting in a “lightbulb moment” where mental clarity is achieved.
The Immediate Aftermath
As the session concludes, the immediate aftermath is typically marked by deep relaxation and calm. It is common to feel extremely grounded or slightly “spaced-out,” which can be remedied with simple grounding techniques. Some people report feeling deeply rested but slightly tired, a natural response as the body processes energetic shifts and releases accumulated stress.
Alternatively, you may feel an immediate boost of energy and mental clarity. To support the integration of the energy and aid the body’s natural cleansing process, practitioners recommend drinking plenty of water. The effects of a single session are often subtle and can continue to unfold over the next few days.