What to Expect from your First Session

Your first Reiki session should feel like a breath of fresh air.

Here is everything you need to know so you can arrive (or log on) feeling relaxed, open, and ready to receive.

Before Your Session

A little preparation goes a long way. In the hours leading up to your appointment:

  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You will remain fully clothed throughout the entire session.
  • Eat lightly. A heavy meal right before a session can make it harder to fully relax. A light snack is fine.
  • Limit caffeine if possible. Caffeine can make it harder to settle into the deep state of calm that makes Reiki most effective.
  • Set an intention. It does not have to be complicated. Think about what you are hoping to release, receive, or heal. Even something as simple as "I am open to whatever I need" is enough.
  • Arrive with an open mind. Reiki works whether you fully believe in it or not. All that is required is a willingness to receive.

During Your Session

Once your session begins, you will be guided to lie down comfortably and simply relax. Soft, ambient music will play in the background to support your experience.

In-Person Sessions: Your practitioner will gently place their hands just above specific areas of your body and following the energy centers from head to toe. You will not be asked to do anything except breathe and be present.

Virtual Sessions: You will receive a link to join prior to your appointment. Find a quiet, comfortable space where you will not be disturbed, lie down if possible, and treat it with the same intention as an in-person visit. Distance does not diminish the energy.

What you might feel during your session:

  • Warmth or gentle tingling in areas being worked on
  • A deep sense of peace or heaviness in the body
  • Emotional waves; it is completely okay to cry or feel unexpected feelings surface
  • Vivid mental imagery or colors
  • Drifting in and out of a relaxed, meditative state
  • Some people simply feel very still and calm, and that's okay

There are no wrong experiences. Your energy knows exactly what it needs.

After the Session: How to Support Your Healing

The work does not stop when the session ends. The 24–48 hours following your Reiki session are an important window for integration, and how you care for yourself during this time matters. You may experience vivid dreams during this time.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Drink plenty of water after your session. Energy healing can stir things up on a cellular level, and water helps your body flush out what has been released. Aim for more than your usual intake for the rest of the day.

Rest when you can. You may feel deeply relaxed, a little sleepy, or emotionally tender after a session and all of this is normal. Honor it. Give yourself permission to slow down, take a nap, or have a quiet evening. This is your body integrating the healing.

Eat nourishing, grounding foods. After energy work, light and whole foods support your body best. Think fruits, vegetables, warm soups, and herbal teas. Avoid heavy, processed, or alcohol-heavy meals immediately following your session.

Limit alcohol and recreational substances for 24 hours. These can interfere with the integration process and dull the effects of the session.

Journal if you feel called to. Thoughts, emotions, dreams, or memories may surface in the hours and days after your session. Writing them down can be a powerful part of your healing process. Do not dismiss anything, even what seems small may carry meaning.

Be gentle with yourself. Some people feel energized and clear after a session. Others feel emotional, tired, or experience what is often called a healing crisis, which a temporary increase in symptoms before things improve. This is your body recalibrating and is a sign the work is happening. It typically passes within 24–48 hours.

Have Questions or Need Support After Your Session?

I am always here. If anything comes up. Questions, unusual feelings, or simply wanting to share your experience — please do not hesitate to reach out by email. 

I typically respond within 24–48 hours and look forward to supporting you on your healing journey.