It doesn’t happen to me very often, but on occasion it does. A client will say, “I don’t feel any different.” Or they may say, “In all honesty I didn’t feel the energy at all”.
What!!! How could the client not feel the wonderful and glorious energy that I felt and sensed whilst giving the treatment? How could they not ‘feel’ any different!!!
Please don’t despair, as the Reiki energy will still be working its magic and will still support the client on all the different levels (emotional/psychological/physical and spiritually.) Just because the client didn’t ‘feel’ anything doesn’t mean the Reiki wasn’t working.
Image by Swami Stream
It’s very important to have your ‘chat’ about what reiki is and what it is not, when a client first attends your practice. It’s a very good idea, to give them a run down on what they may experience (and that includes nothing).. so you could say something like:
“People sometimes experience: tingles, colours, heat, cool, floating, heaviness, sleepiness, peacefulness, or sometimes people feel nothing at all”
This gives you an opportunity to close the session, with a good discussion about what your client did or did not feel/experience after the treatment:
Reiki Practitioner: “So did you experience any of the sensations we discussed at the beginning of the appointment?”
Client: “No I’m sorry I didn’t feel a thing? I don’t think I feel any different”
Reiki Practitioner: “That’s ok, we know that some clients, feel no sensations. That’s perfectly Ok. I can still guarantee that the Reiki will have helped on many different levels, and it most certainly hasn’t caused any harm. I recommend that you keep an eye on your mood and your emotions, and your intake of water. You will probably be very thirsty over the coming days, and may have heightened emotions. If this occurs, please know that this is a natural part of Reiki. “Stuff” will be coming to the surface for you to deal with. Within a few days, you will probably feel the positives that Reiki has done for you. If you have any questions or concerns at all, please know you can ring me or email me and I will talk you through whatever you are experiencing.”
Image by nosha
By having a deep conversation before a Reiki treatment and then at the conclusion, helps me to reassure all clients, what they’ve felt is perfectly normal. No matter what the experience. This is especially true for those rare few who don’t feel the energy during the treatment. With prior knowledge that they may not feel anything, and then the discussion afterwards is powerful in helping the client understand they are not at fault, nor have they missed out on something.
Keep in mind there could be any number of factors of why someone may not have experienced the glorious energy generated in a treatment.
- The client may have ‘high’ expectations of what Reiki is (even if you have discussed it prior)
- The client may be extremely analytical
- Perhaps Reiki is truly not the modality for them
- Maybe you are not the right Reiki practitioner for the client
- Perhaps you as the practitioner were off balance or not 100 percent
These are just a few ideas as to why a person may not have felt the energy; however it’s important for you as a practitioner, to understand and accept that the Reiki is still helping and assisting even if the above factors are present.
A person does not need to believe in nor feel the Reiki for it to work. So please don’t lose faith in yourself or the modality of Reiki. Some people really don’t feel the benefits during the treatment and yet we know as Practitioners the amazing benefits it will reap for them in the coming days/weeks/months.
Thank you for reading this article and I hope it helps you to keep your faith and your belief in Reiki, when a client doesn’t feel the energy (this is bound to happen at some point in your working life).
With love, light and harmony.
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Thanks for the article Tammy. The question had occurred to me that if that happened how I would deal with it and you have covered this very well.
I really liked this article. It was very interestin and very helpfuly ( in my feature as a healer/practitioner)
^.^
“A person does not need to believe in nor feel the Reiki for it to work.”
…But there soul does need to be open.
Hi ladies, I’m so glad you enjoyed the article. xx
Wonderful & encouraging article… Thank you.
I agree with almost everything in your article except that perhaps the practitioner was off balance or not 100%. If the intention is sincere at the onset that should be all that matters. Whether or not the practitioner is off-balance is irrelevant in my opinion. Great article. Thank you.
This is a very helpful article for all practitioners! I have experienced this on a rare occasion! It can get you down and you may feel the client just thinks your a charlatan!! It can be soul destroying if you let it! But again I’ve never lost my faith in Reiki! But this article is very positive on how to handle a clients expectations prior to any treatment!! Thank you very much!!
Thanks again everyone for you support and interest in the article. Denise, an important thing I teach in Reiki is if the practitioner is ‘out of sorts’ or ‘unwell’ they should not perform any treatment on anyone else. The reason for this is the most important person is yourself and so the practitioner must be at their best to channel the most for their client. If they are unwell, this is not ‘fair’ on their client. Amanda, please don’t think you are doing anything wrong if a client on occasion doesn’t feel anything. It certainly happens to all of us. Big warm hugs. Tammy xxx
I think that if the practitioner is not feeling a 100% or is out of balance, he/she should not
practice Reiki on someone else. The practitioner should practice Reiki on himself or get a Reiki treatment from someone else.
I agree that you should not practice Reiki when you are not well, since the bulk of the Reiki energy will work on you as you channel it to your client. Great article and reminder.
Thanks. Useful information.
Very good article, useful!
What if you as the reiki practitioner don’t feel anything with either distance healing or in person?
Thanks Gemma
i really like reading your articles as they guide me to new ideas and techniques
Hi Gemma and Anukampa thanks for your feedback. Gemma, the reiki will still be sent even if the practitioner and client don’t feel anything. It will still be doing it’s thing. Anukampa, I’m so glad you enjoy reading the articles and getting new ideas from them. Love, light and harmony. Tammy xxx
Thanks for that Tammy. I am a Reiki Master and I have used Reiki on many people, friends, family, strangers and they all feel it. The one person who doesn’t ‘feel’ the flow of the energy is my partner. And he would love to feel it. He always asks me why he cant feel it. It is a little upsetting as we both want this. I point out to him that he does feel its effects, he falls asleep in 5 seconds flat if I practise Reiki on him. Or if he has an injury, only if it is really serious and painful can me using Reiki alleviate it. Thank you for giving me something for him to read.
Always, Paul
Hi Paul, I’m so glad you enjoyed the article and I am glad you’ve now got something to give your partner to read. It can be frustrating and disheartening for both the client and practitioner if the energy isn’t felt, AND YET the reiki is still working it’s magic. I hope the article helps your partner to understand that neither he, nor you, are doing anything wrong simply because he can’t feel the energy. sometimes that’s just the way it goes. Wishing you both well. Big hugs. Tammy xxx
Thanks for your reply Tammy. Hope you have a beautiful day and a wonderful week ahead.
Thank you, I really needed to hear this! ♡♡♡
My husband only feels some energy some of the time though his aches and pains do subside. He is highly analytical. How can I help him to enjoy and receive the energy better? Thanks for any replies.
Hi Laurie, I’m so glad you read this article and got some from it <3. Valerie, there really isn't much you can do to help your hubby enjoy the Reiki experience more, apart from help him get comfortable on the Reiki bed/chair. If he's analytical that's just the way he is. Maybe he could read this article. My hubby is extremely analytical and scientific and yet on occasion (very rarely) he'll allow me to do a Reiki treatment on him. His only response is, "it's very relaxing isn't it!". I wouldn't push your husband to enjoy it or to receive it, if he doesn't want to. When he does allow you to do a treatment, its probably best just to accept that he feels what he feels and that's all. the reiki will still be doing it's magic and pushing for more, will actually block the energy flow. I hope this answer helps. With love, light and harmony. Tammy xx
Thank you for the article. I am a new practitioner and have experienced this. I was confused because I felt the energy during the session. I knew I should just trust the energy!
Lovely article. As a practicing Reiki master, I honestly do not feel the Reiki energy when I receive a session from someone else or when I self Reiki. But….I do feel and see the effects later. This is an example I use with my clients. The only difference I see with your suggestion, is that I was taught not to ask the client what they felt. It is ego asking if we inquire. So, at the end of my sessions, I fill out a pre printed picture of a body and the chakras. I let the client know where I felt the energy/sensations. I often find this lets the client express if they want, what they experienced and if they have questions or concerns they can be explained and discussed about their experiences at this time. s
I agree , when I inquire about what was felt by the client it wakes the ego up. I like the way you do it.
Hi Kim, lovely way to finish off a session that’s for sure. I like your suggestion of not asking if they felt anything and how you conclude. Beautiful indeed. Thanks for the feedback. Warm hugs. Tammy xxx
Excellent, excellent, excellent. Yes reiki is selfless. Wonderful way to practice.
Thank you for your comment
thank you i like this article
Thanks for posting this article, it sure helps to be able to articulate with clients in a professional manner.
Hi, i have Reiki 1 and 2 degree and i have to say that i dont feel anything when i do my Daily self healing and i dont feel anything when someone send me Reiki so i wonder if i have some blockages that i dont feel the healing.
Regards Rune
Hi My One of the son did not expect my reiki energy he is suffering lot off problem he literally hate me .what I have to do now keep doing it. Or I should quit.plase answer me same to my husband .They thought i am doing Blake magic .Culd you Piz give me your number so that I can explain every thing thanks .
Kaneez, you can do a reiki sheild for your family and in your reiki meditation you can send then healing energy for there highest good. Do meditation and say mantras they are powerful and transformative.
Nameste
Your article is very enlightening when dealing with people personally !
But regarding to “clients” I’ve got another question when using my reiki notebook. I hope you can share another article or even here to help me about it.
I’ve been applying reiki everyday since I started using my reiki notebook, and it seems that some people don’t change for better.
My point is that only 10% has been achieved with such a practice. I’ve been using the notebook according to my reiki master’s guidelines since last September after receiving my Reiki Second Level.
Is it possible that something is wrong or incomplete ?
Thanks
Hi Joao, I’m interested in how your achieved your 10 % ? Sometimes people change for the better and we are totally unaware of this because once they leave our care, we don’t know what happens. Some people may never tell us how they are going afterwards? Please trust that you are doing things correctly and that you are giving love when giving reiki and that you can do no harm. If people don’t want to change then it doesn’t matter how much reiki you give… If someone doesn’t want to help themselves or are unwilling to do the work, then Reiki won’t make a huge difference. I hope this helps. Much love. Tammy x
Hi Tammy,
This article answered questions I have asked another Reiki Master who could not give me a definitive reason. In a common sense way you explained it well. Thank you! I became a Reiki Master in August and this reassures my confidence 🙂
Hi Jhane, I am thrilled to read that you are a new Reiki Master. Congratulations. I’m also happy to read you’ve found this article helpful, and that it’s given you reassurance. Big warm hugs. Tammy xxx
I am having a tremendous amount of discomfort in my body after having one round of chemo can reiki help in this manner please help
Hi Kim, I am dreadfully sorry to read you are in so much discomfort. As reiki is such a soothing and relaxing modality, I am sure it would help you feel better and assist you to get through the chemo process. Reiki CANNOT cure cancer or anything like that, but it can certainly help you to feel more relaxed and calm.. and reiki helps the body to help itself. It can do no harm. I hope you are able to find a practitioner in your area. Warm hugs. Tammy xx
I found this article very interesting. After a recent massage the therapist (and, I found out later, Reiki master) said to me, “I’ll bet you were wondering what all that was during the massage! I added some Reiki, so you probably saw flashes of light or some other effects. I hope that it didn’t startle you, but you are probably feeling wonderful!” In all honesty, I didn’t feel a thing, either during or after the treatment, and if she hadn’t told me about the Reiki I never would have guessed.
I can’t help but wonder how many people think they feel something from Reiki because of their expectations to feel something from Reiki. In my case, I wasn’t expecting anything and I didn’t perceive anything at all.
Wow DDD thanks for sharing. That surprises me, as the BIG thing about Reiki is the practitioner must obtain permission to give Reiki. In your case it wasn’t given because you were not asked. I doubt you received any Reiki because of this failure for permission. I feel the Reiki may not have gone to you at all but rather out into nature. Thanks so much for sharing your experience. Big hugs. Tammy xxx
So if Reiki can’t work unless permission from the subject is granted before the session begins, that means that there would be no way to test its efficacy in a scientific, double-blind experiment.
No offense, but given that criterion it’s no wonder that Reiki is not taken seriously by the scientific community. Surely you are not neglecting to take into account the power of suggestion?
No offense but I’m not interested at all with science or needing it to explain Reiki. Scientists don’t have all the answers and people are free to make up their own minds.
No offense, but you would be able to help millions of more people –literally–by demonstrating through scientific means that Reiki exists. Money for research into Reiki would be freely given, thousands of therapeutic treatment centers would be set up all over the world, and people who were disbelievers previously would be standing in line for treatment.
Susan H – it appears you are someone that needs scientific evidence to ‘believe’ in something and if it can not be explained you dismiss it or put a label on it like the power of suggestion. This of course does not cover how someone feels the effect via distance reiki. You have that right to believe what you wish. Just because science does not YET have a way to measure Reiki does not mean down the track they will find a way to scientifically prove, what we already know. Just like years ago they had no way to measure DNA and now they do and we all accept it. Science will catch up, and eventually find a way to demonstrate scientifically – what is happening. There is already great research happening for those that need ‘science’ and for the rest there are already millions of people enjoying the benefits of reiki everyday. Those that need science before they try alternatives – are missing out unfortunately because they’ve made ‘science’ their god and if can’t be proven by their ‘god’ it’s not real.
Just because I, Tammy Hatherill, is not interested in the science, because i already know it works.. others are and research is being done.
This is a good piece of writing:
What is the status of the research?
While the debate on how best to study integrative therapies such as Reiki is gaining steam, research attempts have been and continue to be made. Nonetheless, research into Reiki is just beginning. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has completed five studies looking at Reiki’s ability to benefit people with diabetes, advanced AIDS, prostate cancer, fibromyalgia, and stress.
Other published studies have looked at the effect of Reiki on measures of stress hormones, blood pressure, heart rate, and immune responsivity, and on subjective reports of anxiety, pain and depression. The studies to date are typically small, and not every study is well designed. However, overlapping data from some of the stronger studies support the ability of Reiki to reduce anxiety and pain, and suggest its usefulness to induce relaxation, improve fatigue and depressive symptoms, and strengthen overall wellbeing. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews contains a review on the use of touch therapies (including Reiki) for pain and a protocol for use of Reiki for psychological symptoms.
Reiki has been increasingly offered as part of workplace wellness programs to address burnout and improve skills in healthcare and other industries, as well as in university wellness centers.
Taken from: http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/reiki/what-does-research-say-about-reiki
I will no longer enter into any more debate with you Susan H because you are entitled to your ‘scientific’ stance as millions of others are entitled to our beautiful view towards reiki. This is a reiki site where we all encourage and support each other.
With love, light and harmony.
Tammy xxx
Whoa–I never said that I require “scientific evidence to believe in something”. I’m completely open-minded about Reiki. I came here to learn more about it and ask a few questions. I’m surprised that you would interpret my questioning as disbelieving.
The only reason that I brought up scientific testing of Reiki is that I know that positive results from controlled scientific testing would be the best way to promote Reiki. Isn’t that your goal?
I’m really surprised by your strong reaction to a few questions from someone trying to learn, and even more disappointed that you chose to shut down what I had hoped to be a productive dialogue.
Peace.
DDD this has inspired a new article for me, thank you… keep an eye out for my articles. Tammy xx
Hi Tammy, I am a Reiki Usui method Master Teacher/Certified Massage Therapist/ Moxa Therapy practioner/Teacher,Certified Medical Assistant. Clairvoyant Minister.When I went through my early Reiki training I admit I was a bit skeptical. During a training practice at level 2 I acted the client part and another student as the practitioner. She got very animated chatting I’ve me with the Teacher and was waving her hands around. I had a tissue over my closed eyes and I said” I don’t know what you’re doing to me right now but it feels like you’re stirring up my stomach and I’m getting very nauseated.”. I realized that I was actually feeling the Reiki . That made me a serious believer.My teacher also told me people mistakenly think of Reiki as a form of massage.I was thinking about that as I read the replies here. I just want to add, its important to explain the difference at the beginning of a Reiki session.
I’ve been following the “scientific” thread with great interest. I would have suggested exactly as you had, the information about Complimentary Alternative Medicine, which our Scientifically trained communities of Medical Practitoners are most actively including along with General medical therapies, training for nurses and doctors of hands on healing and spiritual counseling. I worked at a traditional medical facility where a Physician shared with me her experiences with near death episodes that she had observed and had proof of. The “Scientific “Community is no longer doubtful of how much there is to learn and apply on so many levels for effective healing combining mind/body therapies.
I appreciate your sincerity and offering of your Reiki newsletter and teaching tools. Many blessings. Iris
Hi Iris, thank you for your message. I appreciate you taking the time to write your thoughts and opinions. Big warm hugs. Tammy xxx
Thanks Tammy. (((Hug)))
Thanks for the article, very interesting.though I wonder has anyone come across a situation where the client says I’ve not felt anything théefore I’m not payin?howvdid you deal with it?(whether it happened at a practice or you did a home visit)
That’s a great article that I’m sure I’ll use some day. Great information to know. Thanks.
Thank you for this. I was thinking I was not tuning into my client the same as others.
Dear Tammy Let me say Thank You . This has been a puzzlement of mine and now its clear, I see just how important the conversations with your Client’s are and how to handle this. Namaste
Love and Light, Ali Evans
Thanks everyone who has commented on this article. I am thrilled that most of you have found it interesting and helpful. Warm hugs. Tammy xxx
Hello Tammy,
The article was very interesting. Hope you can post more such enlightening articles. There was a time when I would be concerned if I didn’t feel warmth or tingling sensation while administering Reiki but I have stopped worrying about that. I have observed that if I persist with Reiki during the next session, then the flow is more pronounced and I assume that may be there were blockages which were preventing free flow.
Amit
Hi Amit, I’m happy you found the article interesting. If you click on my name near the article it should take you to all the articles I have written for Reiki Rays. Tammy
Here is my question and the answer for Susan H.
Question : ” Where is the scientific evidence of love? Have you ever heard of someone who was able to scientifically prove that love exists?”
REIKI is LOVE my dear!!
Reiki can heal and do wonders, same as love can.
REIKI is same as sunlight. It makes you feel loved, warm, at peace and alive.
Sending you lots of Love, Light and Peace my dear.
Tamy Hatheril, I wish the same to you too and keep on spreading the love, light and harmony please. =)
Thank you Erwina, I will definitely keep doing what I’m doing. Big hugs. Tammy xxx
I do distance reiki and sending reiki to where it needs to go for healing. When I fell in love with Reiki after my first attuenment. I started to do self healing on myself and my body was sucking the energy from the divine like a new born baby with its mom.
I learn so much from Self healing from reiki.
I then i wanted to try the distance healing and all of my clients thus far have felt healing heat energy and warmth and love.
I love science also and yes it would be fancinating to see. I purchased a pendulum and i was curious about the symbols and saying the name of the symptoms.
The pendulum didn’t move with my hand. I drew the symbol on my hand, it still did move. Then i said the symbols names and it moved and it moved fast. It was completely fascinating to me.
I have also been doing a lot of clearning work with myself.. practicing breate of fire and other kudlini exercise. To charge myself.
So many people are blocked, and have huge expectations, this article is fantastic and so true. I have stopped taking clients for the moment the energy wasnt clearing from me and i actually went into the ocean to clear myself. I also want to work with fertility doing reiki wombs to aid woman to conceive. Living in usa alot of people have mixed feelings about reiki and some might give it a try, i am so sensitive to energy that i want to work with clients who really understand reiki and want to do dedicated work to manifest something beautiful if its for there highest good. I want to perserve my channel. I also send reiki to natural disasters and to family and friends.
The more you connect with yourself and your spirit, they will is no need for science to prove to the world. The answers will be right in you.
When you meditate, your intuition, your clairvoyance goes higher with Reiki. Not everything needs to be under a microphone some things are.
We are all energy and in constant rotation. As Reiki Masters we have open ourselves up to do selfless non ego work. Thats the beauty of Reiki.
Honor your temples and continue to work on yourself.
Nameste everyone.
Thanks Tanya for your lovely words xx
Thanks Tammy for such a wonderful information coz sometimes I too faced such clients who doesn’t feel the Reikii vibes.
So I found a way out for it , I draw a Cho Ku Rey on their sahasrar chakra and request Reikii to open the blockage in the client’s aura so that they should feel the sacred energy, and for my surprise, it worked and worked out all the time I face such situations.
Now I m happy that now I came to know, this was not only my problem but others too face such situations.
Reikirays has taught me a lot. As if I got a mentor who can solve my so called problems occurring during my healing sessions,
Thank-you once again.
Namste ……
Thank you Sarika for your comments and suggestions with using the Cho Ku Rei to assist. Big hugs. Tammy xxx
With Love and Gratitude
Hi Tammy,
Thanks for the article and I hope you are well! 🙂
My two cents are that the only couple of times that my clients haven’t felt anything over the years is when they have been bought Reiki as a gift. Even though I did tell them for Reiki to work, they needed an intention for healing and to only use it when in need.
My conclusion from this I felt that their chakras were actually already in balance and that they were generally happy in life. I put this to them at the end of the session and it seems I had been right. They had just come for the experience… although they did feel incredibly relaxed, very little energy was drawn through as it wasn’t needed.
I no longer sell Reiki gift vouchers.
Charmaine, Reiki Master Teacher, Cape Town
Great point Charmaine. Its good they were nice and relaxed regardless. I know a few people who don’t sell gift vouchers for Reiki for similar reasons. Much love. Tammy xxx
I am a reiki practioner and I’d say 95% of my clients feel something and I feel it in my hands while giving it. However when I am given reiki I never feel anything. I have had results with a hurt neck being healed but I never feel anything. It is completely disheartening but doesn’t stop me from giving to others. I just wish I felt what they do.
Wow Lynn that is fascinating…. I’m so glad you know it’s magical healing properties even though you personally don’t feel it when receiving Reiki… and yet you do when giving it. Mmmm this has me pondering on why that is. Fascinating indeed. Sending love, light and harmony. Tammy xxx
Dear all,
My “problem” is the exact opposite. I am a certified Reiki master and sometimes don’t feel much, but it is still working. My Reiki teacher, who has more than 20 years of experience, almost jumped off the mat when I gave Reiki to her. She said she had never felt that much light/energy/love in her whole life. Well, I didn’t feel a thing. Now what?
Also, when I receive Reiki myself, I often feel cold in places where the Reiki practicioner feels warmth. It seems I’m somehow “the other way round”!?
The energy is still flowing, oft that I’m sure, since I can see the energy flowing as color patterns with my “inner vision” whenever it does.
Cheers from Switzerland, Satasha
Hi Satasha, how wonderful to be so unique and different. I would embrace that and keep doing the wonderful work you do. Every one experiences reiki differently and your giving and receiving is unique to you xxx
Thank you Tammy!
Hi, Tamny
I am attuned to Reiki-2 and daily take Reiki self-healing. But problem is that I have never felt “that” energy passing through me, sometimes I even doubt whether Reiki is flowing through me or not.
Is there anyway I can assure my self that Nope everything is fine, I am attuned perfectly and Reiki is passing through me?
Regards,
Vaibhav
Vaibhav, if you have been attuned to level 2 than you need to believe you are channelling Reiki
Okay, I think I am getting what you are saying. Thanks for the reply.
One more question….Can we give Reiki while sitting or lying crossed-legged ?
Regards,
Vaibhav
Very good book
Really good article. Thanks! Good reminder of what to tell clients and a reminder for us as well.
Thanks Shellini, I’m so glad you found the reminder helpful. Sometimes, no matter how experienced we are, a reminder comes in handy xxx
I agree with Denise. I don’t feel energies yet I have seen by dowsing that the energy is there where I channeled it to.
IE: I bought a crystal that was supposedly treated by a Reiki master to healing properties. I felt no energy when holding the crystal. I dowsed with a clear crystal pendulum and got a CW movement of the pendulum which supposedly is a movement of negative energy. I put the crystal under running tap water, well water, for 5 minutes or so. Then I dowsed it again and got no movement of the dowsing. I then performed a Reiki power energy treatment using cho ku rei and DKM. Now the dowsing showed CCW movement around the crystal. I still felt no energy while holding the crystal but IMO the dowsing CCW movement impressed me that Reiki energy was in the crystal now.
We do our part of being the channel and Reiki will do its part.
My very first teacher told me that for about 3 months of working with energy she felt nothing but had faith that it was working. One day, all of a sudden her hands warmed up and vibrated; almost scared the heck out of her!
I have practiced Reiki with friends and family for decades and although I have had quite a few Reiki practioners work on me, I have never felt it. I have felt the benefits though. I also do not feel it when I work on myself, but feel the benefits. Strange, right? It’s all good.
Tammy…Very tactful…I shall adopt that if I may, as you say…it doesn’t happen very often but by explaining first is a good idea…
Blessings
Richard UK