What happens in a reiki session?

Before the session starts

Most reiki sessions begin with a short conversation. The practitioner will ask what brings you in — whether you are dealing with stress, physical tension, emotional heaviness, or simply curious — and what, if anything, you are hoping to address. You do not need to have a specific intention. "I just want to see what this is" is a completely valid reason to book.

You remain fully clothed throughout a reiki session. The practitioner will ask you to remove your shoes and lie down on a treatment table or comfortable surface. Some practitioners use a light, cosy blanket. Soft music or silence are both common — this varies by practitioner and is worth asking about in advance if you have a preference.

What the practitioner does

In reiki, the practitioner places their hands either gently on the body or just above it, working through a series of hand positions that correspond to different areas — head, throat, chest, abdomen, and legs. Each position is typically held for several minutes. The intention is to channel universal life energy (known in Japanese as ki) to wherever the body needs it.

The practitioner is not directing energy from themselves — they are acting as a conduit. This is why reiki practitioners rarely feel depleted after giving a session, and why distance reiki — sessions conducted remotely — is also considered effective by many practitioners and clients.

What you might experience during the session

Experiences during a reiki session vary enormously from person to person, and from session to session with the same person. Some of the most commonly reported sensations include:

• Warmth or heat under or near the practitioner's hands — even when they are not touching
• Tingling or a light pulsing sensation moving through the body
• A deep sense of relaxation, sometimes likened to the feeling just before sleep
• Emotional release — unexpected tears, laughter, or a wave of feeling that passes through and resolves
• Vivid imagery, colours, or memories arising behind closed eyes
• Feeling very little in the moment but noticing significant shifts in the days after

Not feeling much during the session does not mean it did not work. The body's processing often continues for 48 to 72 hours after a session. Sleep quality, emotional tone, and physical tension levels in the days that follow are often more telling than what you felt on the table.

How long does a reiki session last?

A typical reiki session lasts between 45 and 90 minutes. The hands-on or hands-hovering portion is usually 45–60 minutes, with time before and after for conversation and integration. Some practitioners offer shorter introductory sessions of 30 minutes. For a first session, 60 minutes is usually ideal — it gives enough time to relax fully into the experience.

What happens after the session

After the session ends, the practitioner will give you a moment to come back to the room gradually. Most people feel noticeably calmer and heavier — in a good way. You may also feel slightly spacey or tender emotionally. This is normal and usually passes within a few hours.

The practitioner will typically share observations from the session — areas where they noticed more energy, any sensations they experienced, or intuitive impressions that arose. Some practitioners offer detailed verbal feedback; others are briefer. Knowing their approach beforehand helps set expectations.

The integration period

The 24–72 hours after a reiki session are worth paying attention to. Rest where possible. Drink more water than usual. Notice what arises emotionally or physically without trying to push it away. Some people experience a brief period of emotional sensitivity or mild fatigue — this is considered a normal detox response as the body shifts.

Writing down what you notice — in a journal or even a note on your phone — helps you track the effects of the session over time and gives you useful material to bring to your next appointment if you continue.

Online vs in-person reiki: does it work remotely?

Distance reiki is a recognised practice within the reiki tradition. Practitioners use intention and established techniques to send reiki across distance — something that has been taught since the earliest Usui lineage. Many clients report experiences during distance sessions that are indistinguishable from in-person work.

For a first session, in-person can be helpful simply because the physical setting of lying down in a dedicated space tends to support relaxation. But if online is your only option, or if the practitioner you most resonate with is based remotely, do not let that stop you. Browse practitioners offering online sessions in our directory.

How many sessions do you need?

A single session can produce noticeable effects. But like most holistic practices, the deeper benefits tend to emerge with regularity. Many people start with three sessions close together — weekly or fortnightly — to establish a baseline, and then move to monthly maintenance once they have a sense of what the work offers them.

There is no fixed formula. The right cadence depends on what you are working with and what feels sustainable. Trust your own experience as your guide.