Something new can bring up a lot of questions – especially when it’s something as subtle and deeply personal as Reiki. Whether you’re feeling curious, cautious, excited, or skeptical, it’s completely normal to want to understand what you’re stepping into. This blog post is here to help. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Reiki people ask before their first Reiki session. My hope is to demystify the experience and create a space of ease, so you can walk into (or log on to) your first session with openness and trust.
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a gentle energy practice that promotes relaxation, balance, and overall well-being. The word “Reiki” comes from two Japanese words: Rei (universal/spiritual/wisdom) and Ki (life force energy). In simple terms, Reiki can be thought of as spiritually guided life force energy.
Reiki is typically offered through light, non-invasive touch or with hands hovering slightly above the body. The practitioner doesn’t direct or force the energy – instead they become a channel, allowing Reiki to flow where it is needed most.
It’s not tied to any religion or belief system, and you don’t need to believe in Reiki for it to work. Reiki supports the body’s natural ability to heal by helping you relax, feel safe, and come back into balance.
How Does Reiki Work?
Reiki works by activating your body’s parasympathetic nervous system – the part of your system responsible for rest, recovery, and healing. When you’re stressed or anxious, your body moves into fight-or-flight mode, making it harder for healing to happen.
Reiki helps you shift out of that stress response. As your body relaxes, your breath deepens, your heart rate slows, and your mind begins to quiet. In that space of calm, your energy begins to realign, and the body’s natural healing processes are supported.
While the exact mechanism may not be fully understood by science, the results speak for themselves; people often feel more centered, grounded, and at peace after a session.
Do I Have to Believe in Reiki for it to Work?
No. Reiki is not a belief system, and it’s not powered by faith or positive thinking. It’s an experiential practice. You don’t need to believe anything at all – you’re simply invited to relax and receive.
Many people who are skeptical at first end up being surprised by how deeply relaxed and supported they feel after a session. If anything, curiosity is more helpful than belief. Just stay open to the experience and notice what you feel.
Can Reiki be Done at a Distance?
Yes. Reiki is not limited by space or time. A trained practitioner can offer Reiki remotely just as effectively as in person. Distance sessions are typically done over the phone or video call, or you might simply rest quietly during a scheduled time while the practitioner sends Reiki.
Clients often report feeling the same calming sensations and emotional clarity during a distance session as they do in-person. If anything, distance Reiki offers even more flexibility and comfort- you get to relax in your own space, in your favorite chair or bed, without having to travel.
What Does a Reiki Session Feel Like?
Everyone experiences Reiki differently – and that’s perfectly okay. Some people feel warmth, tingling, or waves of energy. Others feel deeply relaxed, floaty, or even fall asleep. Some people feel very little physically but notice shifts in their mood or energy afterward.
There is no right or wrong way to feel during a session. The best approach is to release expectations and simply observe what you notice. Reiki works on a subtle level and continues to support you even after the session ends.
What if I Don’t Feel Anything?
That’s completely normal too. Just because you don’t feel something right away doesn’t mean nothing is happening. Reiki moves through the body’s energetic system, supporting what’s ready to shift. Sometimes the effects are immediate and sometimes they unfold gradually.
Think of it like watering a plant – you might not see growth right away, but something is happening beneath the surface. Trust that your body and energy know exactly what to do with the support they receive.
What Do I Wear to a Session?
Wear comfortable clothes – there’s no need to dress up. Reiki is typically done fully clothed while you lie down or sit comfortably. If we’re meeting online for a distance session, just make sure you have a quiet, private space where you can relax without interruptions.
Is Reiki Safe?
Yes. Reiki is safe for everyone, including children, pregnant people, and those with chronic illnesses or on medication. Because it’s non-invasive and doesn’t involve any manipulation of the body, there are no harmful side effects. Reiki doesn’t interfere with medical treatments – it supports them.
Of course, Reiki is not a replacement for medical care, but it can be a valuable part of a holistic wellness routine.
How Often Should I Receive Reiki?
That depends on your needs. Some people come weekly during a challenging time or transition. Others come monthly or seasonally for maintenance and support. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer – trust your intuition and listen to what your body and spirit are asking for. Many clients notice that they “just know” when its time for another session. The more you tune into yourself, the easier it becomes to recognize when your energy is calling for support.
Can Reiki Help With Specific Issues, Like Anxiety or Grief?
Yes. Reiki can be incredibly supportive during times of emotional stress, anxiety, grief, or transition. It doesn’t erase emotions or rush the healing process – instead, it offers a safe container where emotions can be felt, processed, and gently released.
Reiki helps create the internal conditions where healing can happen. Many clients find they can breathe more deeply, sleep more soundly, and handle life’s challenges with more clarity and grace after sessions.
Will I Receive a Reading or Intuitive Message During a Session?
Not in my practice. While some Reiki practitioners combine their sessions with intuitive guidance or messages, I take a different approach. I believe Reiki flows where it is needed most and works o a level beyond the logical mind.
Rather than interpreting your experience for you, I hold space for your own insights, to surface naturally. You may have your own intuitive impressions during or after a session, and I encourage you to trust those.
What Happens After a Session?
After a Reiki session, it’s common to feel very relaxed, calm, or even a little sleepy. Some people feel energized and clear, while others feel like resting. You may also notice emotions or memories arise in the days that follow. This is normal – Reiki continues to work even after the session ends.
It’s helpful to drink water, take it easy, and give yourself time to integrate. Journaling, resting, or spending quiet time in nature can also support the process.
Is Reiki a Spiritual Practice?
Reiki is not tied to any specific religion or dogma, but many people experience it as a spiritual support system. It reconnects you to your own inner guidance, wisdom, and wholeness.
You don’t need to believe in anything outside yourself to benefit from Reiki – it simply meets you where you are, and it supports you in returning to balance. If you have a spiritual path, Reiki can deepen your connection. If you don’t, it simply supports your well-being.
Can I Learn to Practice Reiki Myself?
Yes! Many people who begin by receiving Reiki eventually feel called to learn it for themselves. Reiki training is simple, accessible, and empowering. Once you’re attuned, you can begin offering Reiki to yourself or others right away. Learning Reiki is a beautiful act of self-care. It helps you slow down, tune-in, and create space in your life for healing. Whether you’re drawn to use it just for yourself or to support others, Reiki is a lifelong tool you can always return to.
Final Thoughts
Stepping into Reiki is like stepping into stillness – a quiet return to yourself. You don’t need to know how it works or have it all figured out. Reiki meets you exactly where you are and offers support in a way that is gentle, subtle, and deeply transformative.
If you still have questions or want to explore Reiki further, you’re always welcome to reach out. Whether you’re receiving Reiki for the first time or simply feeling called to reconnect with your energy, I’m honored to be a part of your journey.
