Reiki Q&A: Answers to 10 Common Questions Before Your First Session
- aurorahealing44
- Apr 6, 2025
- 4 min read
What is Reiki? How do I prepare for my first session? And what else should I know?
If you've found yourself face-to-face with a slew of questions after first learning about Reiki, don’t worry—you’re definitely not alone! The world of energy is vast and awe-inspiring, and we will always have more to learn!
In an effort to help you get more acquainted with this beautiful healing practice, here are answers to 10 common questions about Reiki.
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a Japanese form of energy healing that originated in the 1800s. The word “Reiki” comes from two Japanese terms: “Rei” (meaning universal or spiritual) and “Ki” (meaning life energy).
This sacred practice is based on the belief that life force energy flows through all living things and can be harnessed to support physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
Reiki is a gentle practice where a practitioner channels this healing life force energy through their hands. It can be conducted either with the gentle laying of hands or completely hands-off, with the practitioner working slightly above the body or from a distance. The aim is to promote overall wellness by clearing, aligning, and reinvigorating your energy field.
How Can Reiki Help You?
Everyday stressors can hinder the free flow of this life force energy. Overtime, the untreated buildup of these energetic blocks may result in emotional, mental and physical symptoms.
Reiki treatments help empower the body’s natural ability to heal itself by restoring its energy flow, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
What are the Benefits of Reiki?
Reiki offers a wide range of benefits, making it a popular choice for many seeking relief or support. Here are some (of many!) common reasons people turn to Reiki:
o Stress reduction and relaxation
o Pain relief or management
o Emotional healing and clarity
o Improved overall well-being and energy flow
o Support during physical or emotional recovery
o Relief from feelings of overwhelm or scatteredness
Note on Reiki and Traditional Care: While Reiki is a wonderful complement to medical treatments, it is not a replacement for professional medical care. If you’re experiencing symptoms requiring urgent attention, please contact your physician or mental health provider.
How is Reiki Administered?
Reiki sessions are typically led by a practitioner who channels life force energy through their hands to the recipient. This can involve gently placing their hands on the body, hovering just above it, or using a fully hands-off approach—whichever feels most comfortable for you.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Reiki is its ability to transcend time and distance. This means you can experience the same healing benefits through distance or online sessions as you would in person!
What Can I Expect to Feel During a Reiki Session?
Every Reiki session is unique, and individual experiences can vary. Many people report feeling deeply relaxed, with some even falling asleep. Other common sensations include:
o Shifts in temperature (such as feeling warmth or coolness)
o Tingling or body chills
o A sense of lightness or heaviness
It’s worth noting that not everyone experiences physical sensations, and that’s perfectly okay. The effectiveness of Reiki isn’t determined by whether or not you feel anything in particular—the energy works regardless of sensory perception.
What Should I Wear to My Reiki Session?
Reiki is administered fully clothed. While Reiki is effective regardless of clothing, the most important consideration for the Reiki recipient is that they are comfortable. In my experience, gentle, loose clothing is preferred by most clients. Many also choose to remove any heavy jewelry, belts, watches, or other accessories that may cause distraction or discomfort during a session.
It is also recommended to consider bringing layers, as your body may experience slight temperature changes during or after the session.
Is Reiki Safe?
Yes, Reiki is completely safe. It is a gentle, non-invasive practice that uses life force energy, which is an inherent part of all living things. Reiki is suitable for everyone, regardless of age, health condition, or even species—it can benefit people, plants, and animals alike.
While Reiki is perfectly safe, it is important to note that, on occasion, clients may experience what is referred to as a “detox” after a session. This is the body’s way of releasing toxins that were treated during the session. Clients may experience physical releases (such as increased urination or a runny nose), or emotional releases (i.e. crying). Feel free to contact me with any questions related to detox symptoms.
Reiki does no harm and is intended to complement, not replace, traditional medical treatments.
What is the History of Reiki?
The story of Traditional Reiki begins in Japan in the early 1900s when its founder, Mikao Usui, embarked on a decade-long quest to rediscover the ancient healing practice referenced in various religions. After years of searching, he received his first attunement and experienced profound spiritual revelations during 21 days of intensive meditation, fasting, and prayer on Mount Kurama.
Usui then dedicated his life to spreading Reiki across Japan, training Reiki Masters, including his successor, Chujiro Hayashi, who later established a Reiki clinic in Tokyo. Among the clinic’s patients was Hawayo Takata, who learned the practice and is credited with introducing Reiki to the West and expanding its global reach. Dive deeper into the History of Reiki here.
Is Reiki affiliated with any specific Religion?
No, Reiki is non-dogmatic nor is connected to any particular religion or belief system. It is a universal practice, open to individuals of all backgrounds and faiths, and does not require you to change your personal beliefs.
10. Where can I learn more about Reiki?
There are countless resources available to deepen your understanding of Reiki’s origins, practices, and research. I'd recommend checking out the Center for Reiki Research to learn about the latest scientific studies related to Reiki's incredible healing energy.
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