Are you going in for your first Reiki treatment, but you’re not quite sure what to expect? Read on to demystify the experience!

Reiki (pronounced “ray – key”) is a healing technique developed in the early 1900’s by Mikao Usui in Japan. It is an art-form that is passed from Master to student. The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words, Rei & Ki, meaning universal life force energy. Reiki practitioners interact with this life force energy to bring balance, relaxation, and well-being to clients.

During a Reiki session, clients rest comfortably and fully clothed on a massage table. Unlike massage therapy or other “hands-on” treatments, with Reiki, there is no manipulation of muscles or tissue. Instead, the Reiki practitioner will apply a very light pressure or gentle touch to areas of the body that correspond to important energy centers. Depending on your comfort, the practitioner may also hover their hands over certain areas of the body. For example, if you don’t want your abdomen or feet touched, your practitioner will place their hands 2-3 inches over these areas without touching you. It is important to know that sensitive or private areas are never touched during a Reiki session.

To begin a session, many Reiki practitioners will play relaxing music or lead you through a guided meditation. To facilitate relaxation, sessions generally have minimal talking (unless you want to communicate something to your practitioner). You are invited to close your eyes, relax, and even fall asleep if you feel like it!

Reiki hand positions

Throughout the session, the practitioner will rotate between some of the pictured hand positions below (or variations of them), usually beginning at the head. The practitioner may spend more or less time in some areas, depending on your needs. When touched, you may feel a warming or cooling sensation, tingles, or a gentle pressure, but the session should never feel painful or uncomfortable. You can expect your Reiki session to be a relaxing, balancing, and stress-relieving experience.

When your session is over, the Reiki practitioner will usually take a few moments to discuss any energy blockages or findings with you. It is a good idea to drink plenty of water after your session and take some extra time for self-care, if your schedule allows it. To help maintain positive results, Reiki sessions can be scheduled on a regular basis. Many clients choose to come monthly.

If you’d like to give Reiki a try in Ottawa, I’m happy to accept new in-person clients. If you live elsewhere, I also offer distant Reiki sessions.