Article by Haripriya Suraj, Reiki Master
When we use the term side effects, we refer to a phenomenon that is not very pleasant. Many medicinal drugs and conventional treatments are known to have side effects. Though unpleasant, these side effects cannot be avoided and are accepted as part of treatment.
What about Reiki? Being a natural method of healing, does it have side effects too? Yes it does. Are the side effects pleasant at least? Not always! But they can still be labelled “happy side effects.” This is because though they are unpleasant on the surface, the side effects of Reiki ultimately bring amazing benefits. And the side effects are not just limited to the physical. They can also include mental, emotional and life altering ones.
Once attuned, healers periodically experience the side effects of Reiki for the rest of their lives. However, they are most prominent following a Reiki attunement.
Some commonly experienced side effects of Reiki include:
• Cold and sore throat
• Fever
• Abdominal disturbances/Stomach upsets
• Fatigue and increased need for sleep
• Less energy
• Light headedness
• Pain and sensations in different parts of the body, often in the heart and head.
• Emergence of unhealthy old mental-emotional patterns
• Life changes- relationships, career, location etc.
It is not necessary for everyone to experience all of these side effects. Each individual is different and healing happens in a way that is right for them.
Image by Panayiotis Filippou
Every cell in our physical body carries imprints of all our experiences spanning several lifetimes. A lot of these imprints are negative, self sabotaging and karmic. Most of us were not even aware that we carried such a heavy load prior to experiencing the healing touch of Reiki. We were like dingy dark rooms, perfectly content in our limited worlds. When sunshine enters a dark room, there is no more room for darkness to stay. Similarly, the Reiki attunement makes us channels for light. As light floods our being, all the darkness stored in our cells has to leave. This is part of the healing process.
As this process takes its course, we experience the happy side effects of Reiki. This is often a long process as healing occurs in stages. Every time we heal and release one layer of darkness from our auras, we may experience some side effects. Then there is a break. Then we are guided to release the next layer and then we may experience different side effects. The body gradually flushes out every bit of toxicity stored in our cells before paving the way for greater wellness and a higher quality of life.
So, the next time you get attuned to a higher level of Reiki or experience side effects as part of periodic cleansing, welcome it!
Read also: Can Reiki do Harm?
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Haripriya Suraj is a Reiki Master, Angel Healer and Starseed Lightworker. Reiki is her constant companion from which she derives peace and contentment. She is deeply connected with the Stars and Angels and they form an integral part of her Reiki practice. Her core mission is to help bridge the worlds of Spirit and Science and to help people connect with their unique soul missions. Haripriya offers Reiki healing sessions and training programs in Bangalore, India. Reach Haripriya at lightworkersonearth.com, whenspiritmeetsscience.com on email at angelhealingbangalore@gmail.com and on Facebook at Angel Light.
Cold & sore throat is something that I have experienced every single time I got attuned, and was doing my 21-day cleansing process. I so agree with that, Haripriya.
Good to know that even ‘Emergence of unhealthy old mental-emotional patterns’ can be expected as a part of healing. Everytime this happened, I wondered as to why the long forgotten thoughts that I had dealt with and closed, were coming up again. I guess it was only my assumption that they were closed. They come up again, because they were buried somewhere deep down, but never concluded or healed.
Thankyou for the reassurance 🙂
You are absolutely right. Thank you for sharing Anisha 🙂
Are hallucinations a part of side effects (if you have had them before reiki)? Or do they continue after reiki sessions…?
I am looking for common side effects for my clients when they ask. I know of the few that people have shared with me after receiving Reiki; tired, thirsty and one person fell asleep, woke speaking of a vision but didn’t remember any of it once we were done. Are there more fairly common symptoms people receiving Reiki are experiencing? Thanks!
I experienced a swollen ankle after one of my first reiki sessions as well as drainage of my left ear. The Second session I experienced drainage in my left ear immediately. Then I noticed I was going to the restroom more than usual. I think this is all a good sign that my body was releasing all the harmful toxins/ blocks that were holding me back. I Would highly recommend it, even with the side effects.
I usually get digestive issues within a few hours.
I have been a practitioner for little over a year,I have given Reiki to a gentleman three times, the first time he felt wonderful the next day, he has some unique health problems.the last twice he has felt ill the next day. He feels disappointed.am I right in thinking the effects are the release of negative energy ? Can I minimise these effects, he wants to continue receiving reiki.
I had reiki for the first time yesterday, felt very relaxed after and slept so well last night. Today I feel totally exhausted and can hardly keep my eyes open. Is this normal?? Thanks
I have received three reiki treatments and have just had a very difficult week. My husband fell down some stairs and broke his knee cap badly which causes significant practical and financial difficulties in our household. 6 months recovery time is predicted. My daughter was sent home from school with severe stomach pains – she is never ill. A red warning light came on in my car warning of engine electronic difficulties and the opening mechanism on my back door sheered off leaving me unable to open it. I haven’t had such a bad week for a long time. Is it possible that this could be an effect of reiki?
Anne, I don’t think the bad luck your having is anything to do with Reiki.Reiki is a positive energy.it can cause side effects due to clearing blockages so physical illness after yes, but not the things you describe. Sending you love no luck x
i am a practioner and have given reiki to a number of clients who have felt ill even vomited the next day after treatment the first session. Subsequent treat meant shave made them feel wonderful. I gave a treatment to the wife of one of my clients because she saw the benefit that her husband received but after she left and went shopping she had a huge tummy upset and was very distressed whilst out shopping. It has put her off completely.i have explained that this can happen but she unwilling to try another treatment which is a shame because she was so relaxed initially after her treatment.
I felt weak after 4th day self healing
I was sick after treatment about four days after. that happened about three times, this time I didn’t, but feel incredible tired on fourth day. I have been going a few months. pat
PAT, why do you continue if it makes you sick? How about this: hungry spirits with no life in them act like vampires, and feed off your life and the life of others who submit to them. Who are those spirits. God gives you life and you give it away.
reiki doesn’t help, destroy your bond with God, feeling sick it’s just a sign your body gives you to make you understand that this is wrong. I suggest to all of you to find another way to get better, such as praying God.
God bless you all and protect your uncertain and lost future.
It’s interesting to note your reply. The truth is, and I speak from my own personal experience, that Reiki provides a pathway to God Itself.
The last thing religion wants however is a nation of individuals who have realized the power of God shining through them.
I pray your ignorance doesn’t stand in your way of truly finding God yourself.
God Bless you.
I feel very tired today after reiki but not sick shake a lot during treatment , heady pat
Pat,
you are being sucked dry of your life energy. Have you seen spider webs with a fly on the web, and only a shell of the fly has remained – the fly was sucked dry. For its own good?
Is this a good thing, or not – you decide.
Hi there, i received 3 Reiki sessions so far and I got great benefits for my stress headaches and emotional pain, the first 2 sessions I hardly felt anything but on the 3rd one I had chest pain, I felt that every breath I took came out with pain, the pain remained 2 days after, I did not mind it because it made me believe that Reiki works, i feel much calmer and very less aggressive after this 3rd painful session!
I had reiki done for the first time on Wed. I received it after a deep tissue massage. I felt very relaxed but weird at the same time. i had felt like I had been drugged (which I had not been). I have not been able to shake this feeling since. Is it possible to do reiki wrong to garner such a long term negative effect from having it done? Is this normal? What can I do to help myself feel better?
Is it possible that you People have lost your mind – you see clear signs that your body is getting sick, your body is talking to you, screaming to you for help, but you ignore it. Why? In order to trust something someone told you. If you got those symptoms unrelated to reiki, would you not think something is wrong? Would you not seek medical help? – what made you think it’s ok to get sick in order to gain health ?
The heady feeling is the higher energy that lifts up your vibration. When major blockages are cleared, the body releases endorphins and heady hormones, simultaneously your mind vibrates with higher consciousness. All healers go through such states. One just have to walk on grass or do grounding exercise to bring the energy down to body. That is why most healers I know have less threshold for alcohol. They are always in heady state conducive for channelling healing energies. You will just get accustomed to it and ground it. Congratulations for the breakthrough!
Like Reiki, Kundalini can also be dangerous. Both are awakenings and remove filters our brains cannot handle. It’s best to stay away from any holistic type of healing. For more information I’d suggest reading a book from Michael Newton on past life regressions/memories of the afterlife.
Since my first reiki session I have flu like symptoms… Sore throat, aching limbs, very bad headache etc. 3 days on and I still have these symptoms, how long do they normally last? I have another session in 3 days and don’t want to feel ill for another week! Please help someone.
It is ok. Most emotional and cellular memories are ready to be dealt with, so they come up layer by layer. Have an understanding regarding your client’s boundary issues. The dependent personalities always find ways to seek consolation. And discuss these ‘ weird’ illnesses with the client. Often they have stories that are real.
My father was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the summer of 2013; His initial symptoms were quite noticeable. He first experienced weakness in his right arm and his speech and swallowing abilities were profoundly affected. We all did our best to seek help for this disease no medications they prescribe worked ,we were all scared we might lost him due to his condition, as he had been his brother’s caregiver a few years earlier for the same disease before he past. doctor recommend nuatural treatment from total cure herbal foundation for his ALS we have no choice to give a try on natural organic treatment ,this herbal cure has effectively reverse my father condition ,losing his balance which led to stumbling and falling stop after the completing the herbal supplement which include his weakness in his right arm and his speech, home remedies from totalcureherbsfoundation .co m is the best although their service is a little bit expensive but it worth it, they save lives.