FAQ

What Can I Expect in a Typical Reiki Session?

There is no typical Reiki session-- no set protocol or length of time. Reiki can be administered by anyone who has training. There is no typical setting-- a quiet place is preferable, but Reiki can be done anywhere.

What is the setting?

At this office we use the massage room. We generally play soft music during the session as a way of masking ambient noise. A complete Reiki session can be conducted fully clothed lying on a massage table or sitting in a chair.

What does the session consist of?

Reiki is offered through light, non-invasive touch with the practitioner's hands placed on a series of locations on the head, feet and front and back of the body. The placement of the hands is not intrusive or inappropriate, nor is any pressure applied.

Hands can be held above the body if you prefer. If you are having a massage at the same appointment, you will lay comfortably on the massage table covered with the sheet and blanket normally used during the massage.

What might I experience?

The experience of Reiki is subjective, changeable, and sometimes very subtle. It is not necessary to feel anything in order to receive benefit. People often experience heat in a practitioner's hands, but sometimes the practitioner's hands feel refreshingly cool. Other common experiences are subtle pulsations where practitioner's hands are placed.

Often people fall into a deep, sleep-like meditative state, similar to the dreaminess experienced during a long massage. For other people, the first session in particular may be uneventful, although they feel somehow better afterward. The most common experience is an almost immediate release of stress and a feeling of deep relaxation.

"I feel better but cannot find the words to describe how." " I fell asleep." " I feel more relaxed." "The headache is gone." These are some of things people say after a Reiki session.

People who don't notice much the first time usually have progressively deeper experiences if they continue. You may notice other changes as the day goes on: perhaps stronger digestion, a sense of being more physically balanced and less emotionally reactive, and sleeping deeply that night.

What should I do during the session?

Rest.

• Use the rest room before your session so that you are able to rest comfortably.

• Especially if you have any shyness about being touched, ask the practitioner to show you the hand placements before starting so you are very clear about what to expect.

• Let the practitioner know of any special needs before you start. For example, if you have trouble breathing and lying flat is uncomfortable, say so. Mention if you have had surgery recently and don't want to be touched where the scar is still tender (the practitioner can float her hand here). If you are pregnant or have digestive complaints, it may not be feasible to lie on your stomach. Inform your practitioner, accommodations will be made so you can be comfortable.

As the session progresses, you will feel more relaxed. You can change your position any time. Be sure to ask for anything that will add to your comfort, such as additional cushions under your knees, a change of temperature or drink of water. Interruptions will not interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment. We can stop any time, same as with a massage.

Receiving Reiki is a passive experience. Don't try to relax, just rest. Your state will shift quite naturally as the session proceeds. Daydream, enjoy the music, or simply observe your breath or the sensations of the therapy. Fall asleep if it happens. We will wake you up when it is time to go, same as with a massage.

What happens after the session?

We may make common sense suggestions for after-care, such as drinking water and following your body's needs for rest or delicious food. These suggestions are not requirements.

People typically leave a Reiki session feeling refreshed and sometimes notice feeling more tired in the evening than usual. This is not an adverse reaction, but rather the body's natural healing response, something to be heeded. People commonly report a sense of calm and mental clarity and sleeping well after Reiki.

How many sessions should I receive?

It's really up to you. Like deciding when to schedule your next massage, you determine what works best for you.

In our office we can combine a massage session with Reiki session, either alternating treatment or first doing the complete massage and then finishing with Reiki.

Call to schedule an appointment 817-225-5431 or schedule online through this website. We will be happy to see you!