How a Reiki Session Works

Becky Nakamura • September 8, 2025

If you’ve never experienced Reiki before, you might be wondering what to expect. The idea of “energy healing” can feel mysterious at first, but in truth, a Reiki session is a simple, calming, and nurturing experience. Many people arrive curious, sometimes even a little uncertain, and leave feeling peaceful, lighter, and more connected to themselves.

Woman receiving Reiki treatment; hands placed over chest, eyes closed, on a green mat.

Arriving and Getting Comfortable

Each session begins with a short conversation. This is a time for you to share how you’ve been feeling, what you’d like support with, so you can then set an intention for your session. There’s no pressure and no need to prepare — Reiki meets you exactly as you are.

You’ll then be invited to lie down on a comfortable treatment table, fully clothed, or sit in a chair if that feels better for you. A blanket or cushion may be offered to ensure you feel completely relaxed. The goal is to create a safe, quiet space where you can truly let go.


The Gentle Flow of Reiki

Once you’re settled, I will begin by placing my hands lightly on or just above your body in a series of positions. Unlike massage, there is no pressure or manipulation. Instead, my hands remain still, allowing Reiki — universal life energy — to flow wherever it is needed most.

As this happens, people often describe a variety of sensations: warmth, tingling, gentle pulsations, or even a soothing wave of calm moving through the body. Some drift into a dreamlike state, while others simply feel deeply relaxed and at peace. Every session is unique, and your body naturally takes in what it needs.


Creating Space for Healing

The true gift of Reiki is the deep state of rest it encourages. In this restful space, your body can shift out of stress mode and into healing mode. Whether you are carrying physical tension, emotional heaviness, or mental overwhelm, Reiki helps create the conditions for balance and renewal. It’s less about “doing” and more about “allowing” — giving yourself permission to receive and simply be.


Closing the Session

As the session comes to an end, I gently withdraw my hands and allows you a few quiet moments to reawaken and return to the present. Many people describe feeling lighter, calmer, and clearer, as though they’ve set down a burden they didn’t realize they were carrying. Others notice a gentle uplift in mood or simply enjoy a sense of calm that lingers throughout the day.


Aftercare and Integration

The effects of Reiki often continue after your session. You may notice better sleep, improved focus, or a deeper sense of ease in the days that follow. Drinking water, resting when possible, and listening to your body’s needs can help you integrate the experience fully.

At its heart, a Reiki session is a gift of time and presence — a moment just for you. It is an invitation to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the quiet strength within you.


🌿 If you feel curious about Reiki, I warmly invite you to book a session or reach out with your questions. Sometimes the smallest step toward self-care can open the door to profound renewal.

Woman holding a pendulum with chakra beads, gazing at it with a focused expression.
By Becky Nakamura September 8, 2025
Stepping into your first Reiki session can feel both exciting and a little mysterious. You may wonder what to expect, how to prepare, or whether there’s anything special you need to do beforehand.
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