If you’re curious about Reiki but not sure what actually happens in a Reiki session, you’re in good company. A lot of people who book their first session with us have the same questions. Do I undress? Do I have to believe in it? What will I feel? Will it be weird?
Let me walk you through it, so you can go in relaxed.
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a gentle, hands-on or hands-off practice that supports relaxation and a sense of energetic balance. The practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above different areas of your body, working with subtle energy with the aim of helping your nervous system calm down and your body let go of tension it’s been holding.
You don’t need to believe anything in particular for a session. You just need to be open to resting.
Reiki is a wellness practice. It’s not medical or mental health treatment, and it doesn’t replace care from your doctor or therapist. Many people use it alongside that care as a way to relax.
What happens in a Reiki session, step by step
Every practitioner has their own style, but a session usually looks something like this.
1. A short conversation. Your practitioner will check in about how you’re feeling, anything you’d like support with, and any areas of your body that are tender or off-limits. This is a good time to ask questions.
2. Getting comfortable. You’ll lie down, usually on your back, fully clothed. Reiki doesn’t involve undressing. You might be offered a pillow under your knees and a blanket.
3. The Reiki itself. Your practitioner will place their hands lightly on or just above different parts of your body, often moving slowly from the head toward the feet. Touch is gentle, never pressure or massage. If you’d prefer hands-off, just say so.
4. Rest. There’s nothing you need to do. You don’t need to meditate, visualize or concentrate. Simply rest and allow your body to receive. Many people drift off.
5. Coming back. At the end, your practitioner will let you know the session is complete. Take your time sitting up. There’s often a short chat afterward about anything you noticed.
What does Reiki feel like?
Everyone’s experience is a little different. People often describe:
- Warmth where the practitioner’s hands are
- Tingling or a gentle buzzing sensation
- Heaviness, as if you are sinking into the floor beneath you
- A calm, dreamy state, somewhere between awake and asleep
- Emotional release, like a few tears or a sudden sense of lightness
- Nothing dramatic, just a very good rest
All of these are normal. There’s no right way to experience Reiki.
How will I feel after Reiki?
Many people leave feeling relaxed, calm and a bit slower. Some feel more clear-headed. Others feel sleepy and want a quiet evening. Some people say they sleep better that night.
Give yourself a little space afterward if you can. Drink some water. Don’t rush straight into a stressful meeting if you can help it.
Who is Reiki good for?
Reiki can be especially supportive if you’re dealing with:
- Stress or overwhelm
- Restlessness or a busy mind
- Emotional fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Feeling disconnected or out of balance
- A simple desire for deeper relaxation and restoration
It also pairs beautifully with yoga. While yoga helps you move and strengthen the body, Reiki lets you slow down, integrate and restore.
Reiki at Revolution Yoga in Rockville Centre
We have two Reiki practitioners at our studio.
Micheline Debono works with the body’s energy systems through Reiki, tuning forks, crystals, visualization and intuitive technique. Reiki sessions are 60 minutes for $165 or 90 minutes for $199. Sessions with Micheline are by request, and we’ll reply to confirm a time. She also offers intuitive energy work, in person or virtually.
Dan Prevete offers traditional Reiki sessions designed to support deep relaxation and a sense of energetic balance. His sessions are 55 minutes for $125.
You can see both, and book, on our energy healing page. If you’d like to add sound to your experience, our practitioners also offer sound healing.
If the booking calendar gives you any trouble, call us at (516) 619-6421 and we’ll book you directly.
A few tips for your first Reiki session
- Wear comfortable, loose clothes.
- Arrive a few minutes early so you’re not rushing in.
- Tell your practitioner about any injuries, health conditions or pregnancy.
- Let go of expectations. Whatever you feel, or don’t feel, is fine.
- Remember you can speak up at any time if you’d like the touch changed or would prefer hands-off.
If you’ve been carrying a lot lately, a Reiki session is a sweet way to set it down for an hour.
