First, the most important thing: you don’t have to do anything. Not before, not during, not after. A session happens whether you’ve lit a candle and lain down, or you’re answering emails at your desk.
But some people like having a few small ways to settle in, and to come back afterward. So here are some ideas. Take what’s useful and leave the rest.
If you’d like the step-by-step of a session itself, start with What to expect in a distance Reiki session.
How do I prepare for a distance Reiki session?
You don’t need to. But if you’d like to, here are some gentle options.
Before you book
- Choose a time that’s kind to you. Some people like a quiet morning. Some like the end of the day, so they can rest afterward. There’s no best time.
- Think about what you’d like to bring, if anything. A relationship, a moment from your past, something you carry from your family, an object, a space, something coming up, or “I’m not sure yet.” A few words is plenty.
A few minutes before
- Silence what you can. If you can, turn off notifications, except for texts from me.
- Get comfortable. A blanket, a pillow under your knees, loose clothes, whatever feels good.
- Have some water nearby.
- Let the people (and animals) you live with know, if you’d like some quiet. Or don’t. Reiki doesn’t need silence.
If you don’t have time to prepare
That’s completely fine. Many people spend their session doing something ordinary, like folding laundry, sitting at their desk, or walking the dog.
The one thing to avoid: please don’t drive or do anything that needs your full attention during a session, since some people get sleepy.
What should I do during a distance Reiki session?
Whatever you’d like.
You can lie down and rest. You can sit quietly. You can keep working. You can fall asleep. You can think about what you chose to bring, or think about nothing in particular.
My teacher noticed that many people come to Reiki after trying meditation and feeling like they did it wrong. Reiki isn’t like that. There’s no technique to get right, and you can’t do it wrong.
If you’d like to stop at any point, for any reason, text me “stop.”
How do I take care of myself after Reiki?
Again, nothing is required. But here are some gentle ideas.
Take your time
When the session ends, you don’t need to jump back into your day. If you can, give yourself a few minutes before you look at your phone or start something new.
Drink some water, and eat something if you’re hungry
It’s a simple way to come back into your body.
Do something ordinary
My teacher has a lovely way of thinking about grounding. Some people think they have to walk barefoot outside or do a special practice. She says grounding can be anything that brings you back to the everyday: cooking, reading, laughing at something silly, doing the dishes. Nature is grounding for some people, but not for everyone. Find what works for you.
Rest, if you can
Some people feel lighter after a session. Some feel sleepy or a little tired. If you can rest, rest. If you can’t, that’s okay too.
Write it down, if you want to
Some people like to jot down anything they noticed, felt, or thought about. Some don’t. Either is fine.
Is it normal to feel emotional after Reiki?
It can be. Sometimes feelings come up during a session, and sometimes they come up later that day, or the next day. Some people cry. Some feel relief. Some feel unsettled for a little while.
If that happens:
- be gentle with yourself;
- let the feeling be there without needing to understand it;
- reach out to someone you trust, or your therapist if you have one.
If something feels heavy or frightening, or you need support right away, call or text 988, or text HOME to 741741. Both are free and open 24 hours a day.
What if I didn’t feel anything?
That’s okay. It happens often, and it doesn’t mean the session didn’t happen, or that you did something wrong. Some people notice things later. Some never notice anything in particular, and still like the quiet twenty minutes.
Should I tell you how it went?
Only if you’d like to. When the session is done, I’ll text you a short note about what I noticed. You don’t need to reply. If you want to share what you felt, I’m glad to hear it. If you’d rather keep it to yourself, that’s welcome too.
Common questions
Can I have caffeine or alcohol before a session? There are no rules. Some people find it easier to relax without a lot of caffeine. If you’ve been drinking, it’s kind to yourself to wait for another day, but that’s your choice.
Can I take a shower or exercise afterward? Yes. Do whatever feels good.
How long do I need to rest afterward? As long as you’d like, or not at all. There’s no required time.
Can I book another session right away? You can, but you don’t need to. Many people wait a while and see how they feel. I like to think of it as a craving. If you crave more, come back. If you don’t, all good. I’ll never tell you that you need more sessions.
Can I have Reiki if I’m on medication? Yes. Reiki doesn’t involve taking anything. Please keep taking your medication as prescribed, and don’t stop or change it because of Reiki.