Get the Most Out of Your Reiki Session

Article by Patti Deschaine

You’ve found a practitioner, carved some time out of your busy schedule, checked google maps for the location and made your appointment. What else is needed to ensure you get the most out of your Reiki session? You might be surprised to learn that you have already done the hardest part. Similar to other healing practices such yoga or meditation, bringing yourself to a place of healing requires discipline and commitment. It is not easy to put aside the demands of our daily life to make time for healing. Be sure to give yourself credit for understanding the importance of self-care.

Now that you have arrived, decide to leave your worldly cares behind. This is your time. Be fully present.

A Reiki healer uses breath and intent to connect to energy and transmit pure universal healing energy to you. There is not a lot you have to do except for lie back and be comfortable. Use your own breath to release the pressures of the day. Reiki energy is intelligent and will flow exactly to where it is needed. You will never receive too much or too little. The sensation typically feels warm and soothing, however it can also be cool depending on what your body needs. Reiki awakens the body’s innate ability to heal itself.

You may feel relief immediately as stress and anxiety melt away. You can also feel energized as Reiki flows and clears blocked energy in your Chakras; the energy centers located along the spine. Or you may not feel too much of anything right away, but notice a difference hours or days later as the energy fully integrates. Occasionally, a Reiki session can bring up strong emotions we may have not dealt with appropriately or fully– if this happens, by all means, allow them to surface completely and release as necessary. Your Reiki practitioner has seen this before and will never judge your emotional response.

Here are some practical suggestions to enhance your experience:

• Before your session – have a light snack so that you are not suddenly starving during your session. Avoid drinking a lot of coffee or tea, you will not want to be hyper or in need of a restroom mid-way through.
• Some practitioners use crystals in their healing sessions, but if you’d like, you can bring your own. Wear crystal jewelry or carry a small crystal in your pocket. It will absorb the energy and continue to vibrate with it for hours or days after your session.
• Once you are on the table, be fully present. Let go of the job, the kids, the spouse, your hovering in-laws. This is your time. Set your intent to receive healing. Your intent is almost as important as the practitioners, and relax – let your body be completely supported where you lie. Visualize your connection to the table and the table’s solid connection to earth. Allow your vision to grow roots through the layers deep into earth’s crystalline core.
• Breathe in deeply, filling the lungs then exhaling all the air. Settle in and let the energy work on you. A good Reiki session can provide a deep meditative state.
• After your session – resist the urge to jump back into your day. You’ve done a great job prioritizing and finding time for healing. When you leave your session try to find some time and space to let the healing continue to work on you. Find a quiet space to relax. Have something healthy to eat. Eating a light meal or snack will help ground you and provide the vital nutrients your body need to self-heal. Remember to drink water to stay hydrated too.
• And don’t forget to make your next appointment. Regular sessions offer preventative benefits and are a valuable tool to add to your wellness program.

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Patti Deschaine is a traditionally trained Usui Reiki Master, Lightarian Reiki Master, and owner of Maja Energy Works and Reiki Healing. She resides and practices in Wilmington, NC. She enjoys all types of Reiki and particularly loves using Reiki on animals. Patti can be found at MajaEnergyWorks.