Before Your Session
What to Wear
One of the beautiful things about Reiki is its simplicity. You remain fully clothed throughout the entire session, so wear whatever feels comfortable to you. Loose, soft clothing works well—think cosy loungewear or anything that doesn’t restrict your movement or breathing. Avoid anything too tight or with uncomfortable fastenings that might dig in whilst you’re lying down.
What to Avoid
It’s helpful to come to your session without heavy perfume or strong scents, as the experience is meant to be calming for all the senses. If possible, avoid caffeine or heavy meals right before your appointment—you want your body to feel settled and ready to relax.
Setting Your Intention
Before you arrive, you might like to take a quiet moment to think about what you’re hoping for from the session. Perhaps it’s stress relief, better sleep, emotional release, or simply some peaceful time for yourself. Whatever brought you to Reiki is welcome—trust that you know what you need.
Arriving for Your Session
When you arrive, you’ll be welcomed into a calm, peaceful space. We’ll have a brief chat before we begin—this is your opportunity to share anything you’d like me to know. How have you been feeling? Is there anything specific you’d like support with? Any areas of tension or discomfort in your body?
This conversation helps me tailor the session to your needs, but please don’t worry if you’re not sure what to say. Simply being present is enough.
The Reiki Session Itself
Getting Comfortable
You’ll be invited to lie down on a comfortable treatment table, usually on your back to begin with. I’ll make sure you’re warm and supported with cushions and blankets. The lighting will be soft, and there may be gentle music playing in the background if you wish—or you can bring your own music, or have no sound at all. Whatever works for you. The environment is designed to help you let go and relax.
How Reiki is Given
During the session, I’ll place my hands gently on or just above various parts of your body, starting typically at your head and working down towards your feet. Each hand position is held for several minutes, allowing the treatment to work where it’s needed most.
The touch is light and non-invasive—there’s no massage or manipulation involved. If you prefer not to be touched directly, I can hold my hands just above your body instead. Your comfort is always the priority.
What You Might Feel
Every person’s experience with Reiki is unique, and there’s no “right” way to experience it. Here are some of the sensations people commonly report:
• Warmth or heat radiating from my hands
• Tingling sensations moving through the body
• Deep relaxation settling in surprisingly quickly
• A sense of floating or feeling very light
• Waves of calm washing over you
• Emotional releases—some people find themselves tearing up or feeling lighter
• Drowsiness or drifting into a peaceful, meditative state
• Nothing at all initially—and that’s perfectly fine too
I remember my own first Reiki session—I felt absolutely nothing during it and left feeling quite sceptical. But over the next day or two, something shifted. I felt more energised, calmer, and somehow more capable of handling what life was throwing at me. Reiki often works in subtle, gradual ways.
What to Do During the Session
Your only job is to rest. You don’t need to do anything, think anything specific, or make anything happen. Simply allow yourself to receive. Your breathing may naturally slow and deepen. Your mind may wander or settle into stillness. You might drift off to sleep. All of these are welcome.
Some people like to focus on their breath or set an intention. Others simply let their awareness rest wherever it wants to go. There’s no wrong approach.
After Your Session
Coming Back
When the session is complete, I’ll gently let you know and give you time to come back to awareness slowly. There’s no rush—take your time sitting up and reorienting yourself.
How You Might Feel
People often describe feeling:
Deeply relaxed and peaceful
Refreshed, as though they’ve had restorative sleep
Lighter emotionally
More grounded and centred
Quiet in their mind
Energised yet calm
Occasionally, some people feel emotional or notice old feelings surfacing—this is part of the healing process and usually passes quickly.
Integration Time
After your session, it’s lovely if you can give yourself some gentle time rather than rushing straight back into a busy schedule. Perhaps enjoy a cup of tea, take a quiet walk, or simply sit with the experience for a while.
In the Hours and Days Following
Reiki often continues to work after the session ends. In the days following your first session, you might notice shifts—perhaps you sleep a bit better, feel calmer in situations that usually stress you, or simply feel more like yourself.
Some people feel the effects immediately, whilst others notice gradual changes over time. Everyone’s experience unfolds at its own pace, and there’s no “right” timeline for noticing benefits.
Supporting Your Experience
In the days after your session, be gentle with yourself. Drink plenty of water to help your body integrate the session. Rest if you feel called to. Notice what’s shifting without trying to force or analyse it.
Curious about the longer-term benefits of regular Reiki? Visit my Benefits page to explore how Reiki supports different aspects of life—from managing work stress to navigating life transitions.
You’re Ready
If you’ve read this far, you’re already prepared for your first Reiki session. The most important things to bring are an open mind and a willingness to give yourself this time for rest and restoration.
Remember, there’s no way to “do it wrong.” Your body knows how to receive care—you simply need to give it the space and permission to do so.
Have questions about preparation, session frequency, or where to find me? Visit my FAQs page for all the practical details.
Ready to experience your first Reiki session? Book your appointment and take this gentle step towards greater calm and wellbeing.
