Frequently, a tear falls from a client’s closed eye during a Reiki session. Or, a client sobs for an extended length of time during a treatment, or shortly after the treatment ends. Tears may fall for many reasons, but as Reiki practitioners we welcome these tears and know they are a sign that some type of healing has occurred for a client. Sometimes, clients know exactly why the tears flowed; other times they have no idea and may even apologize for crying.
A common cause of tears is a release of an emotional block, especially related to a loss. Many people are uncomfortable expressing feelings of grief and loss. They may have been told it is time to “get over it and move on” when a loved one dies, a marriage ends in divorce, or a cherished job was lost. The feelings are still there, but to uphold an appearance of strength, the person fights against expressing the emotions. These emotions stay inside, festering into emotional blocks and possibly causing physical problems. The healing energies of Reiki can release these blocks, and the tears come.
Sometimes, however, the client states she has no idea why tears flowed. She cannot identify any losses she is grieving, or reasons why she might have cried. There is something deeper going on….
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Sometimes, it is the simple act of being touched compassionately by another human being. For many people, physical touches are no longer a part of their lives, due to a loss of a close, intimate relationship. In other situations, recent physical touches have only come in the form of dominating, or abusive ways. Remembering how wonderful the human touch can be feels overwhelming, and tears flow. The client may express feelings of appreciation and gratitude for the kind and loving contact that has been missing in her life.
There is another possibility of why tears fall during or after a Reiki session. The gentle, yet powerful, Reiki energies are often indescribable; each one of us has experienced this ourselves. There are times when words cannot express the magnificence of the Unconditional Love available in our lives. During a Reiki session, the connection between the human person and the Divine Spirit can feel truly awesome. Although this Energy is always within us, and surrounds us, when we become aware of the connection, it can feel miraculous. There is an awakening on a soul level; it is virtually impossible to describe the emotions during the experience. When our clients (or we) say we cannot describe what the Reiki session felt like, it is true. There are no words that can describe it well!
When these moments occur, we should always reassure clients the emotions came, for their highest good. Everything happens for a reason. We can provide comfort by reminding them it is not always necessary to identify the cause of tears, but we know some kind of healing occurred. The healing may be as simple, and as profound, as remembering this truth – Unconditional Love is always present in our lives.
Article by Deborah Lloyd, Reiki Master
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Deborah Lloyd is a Usui and Karuna Reiki® Master and certified holistic therapy practitioner, providing Distant Reiki sessions and training in Asheville, NC. Deborah is the author of two books, 22 Messages from the Archangels; and, Believe and it is True: A Story of Healing and Life Lessons. She is also one of the co-authors of Reiki 101: 101 Answers for Your Reiki Questions. Reach Deborah at deb@deblloydhealing.com and on Facebook at Deb Lloyd Healing.
I frequently shed tears when giving self Reiki or when receiving it. I believe it is because of the indescribable beauty of connecting with the Divine. But I have been told it is because I feel unworthy to receive the healing.
The reason is what you say the reason is. Because you are the ultimate expert on yourself. Rock on in the indescribable Beauty of the Divine, Michael!
Anjum and Dr. Rajeswari,
The power of Reiki never ceases to amaze. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.
Blessings to you both,
Deborah
That sounds so very beautiful!…You are a true LightWorker!
Thank you for your comment, TeriAnn.
Blessings to you,
Deborah
I often shed tears when doing my own daily self healing. I believe there is only positivity connected with Reiki healing so I know it is a good thing for me.
Michael and Shelby,
I appreciate your comments. Michael, I agree that tears can occur when we connect with the Divine, simply overwhelming at times!! It is sad that someone has told you tears mean you think you are unworthy to receive healing – I do not think that is true….
Reiki is a strong Loving and Healing Energy.
Many blessings to both of you,
Deborah
Beautiful.
I have myself cried many times when my emotional blocks were released and also many times when I was in awe of the divine healing energy I was experiencing.
Thanks Deborah for sharing this article.
It’s true. My Reiki channels also feel this kind of emotions. Many times tears flow from my eyes, without my knowledge.Thank you Reiki.
Dear Anjum and Dr. Rajeswari,
Thank you for sharing your experiences with Reiki – truly awesome!
Many blessings to you,
Deborah
I usually cry when I give reiki to clients! Sometimes they even notice. It happens when I feel their sadness or grief. It doesn’t feel bad, but it is a little embarrassing, especially when my mascara runs. I cry more than my clients do!
Sharon,
This is a lovely testimony to the overwhelming powers of Reiki energy. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Blessings,
Deborah
I feel better when the tears flow but it is with such a burst of emotion from my heart that wells up and has to escape .. a very moving experience
Gemma,
You are so right….feeling emotions from the heart are very moving! Thanks for sharing.
Many blessings to you,
Deborah
why there is so much yawning and tears fall during my self healing?
Aditya,
One of the most important aspects of yawning is it causes us to breathe more deeply. It is one way the body signals that deep breaths, vs. shallow ones, is what your body needs at that moment. It could very well be connected to the tears – whatever emotions are coming up during self-Reiki may be causing you to breathe more shallowly.
So, please pay attention to your emotions and thoughts – and take deep breaths!
Please let me know if this works for you,
Deborath
Sure thanks?
Is it common for the practitioner to shed tears while giving Reiki??
Dear Beth,
I have not heard if this is common, or not, but really that is not important! I think many of the reasons why clients shed tears can also be relevant for the practitioner. It can simply be a reaction to the Reiki energies that are flowing through you while giving Reiki.
There are times when my eyes become tear-filled, as the energies can feel overwhelming, both in love and strength. Sometimes, it happens when clients share their experiences of the session.
Blessings to you and your Reiki work,
Deborah
I give reiki to myself mainly to ease my pain and I have given distant reiki for my frind’s pain.Thus my experience is limited.But I do feel grateful though not shedding tears
Dear Anupama,
Not everyone sheds tears; it is a phenomenon that I, and other Reiki practitioners, have witnessed.
Reiki is a gift for which many of us give gratitude!!
Blessings to you in your Reiki practice,
Deborah
This is an amazing release.I cried like a baby when I recieved my Master Reiki.
Such an emotional release and healing.
..much like crying for a vision to receive direction💖
This also happened to me during my first attunement! A flood of released emotion. Almost indescribable ! I refer to them as tears of sorrow and tears of joy! Choosing to let go of an old thought pattern and replace it with new healing intention! Blessings be to you!
I allways think when tears appears this sing that I am connected with Reiki.