Before your first Reiki session

Reiki is a gentle, hands-on (or hands-near) energy therapy that has been practised in various forms for around a century. In the UK it is offered in private practices, clinics, hospices and some hospitals, usually alongside conventional care rather than instead of it. If you have booked your first appointment, a little preparation can help you settle into the experience more easily.

Most practitioners will begin with a short consultation, either by phone beforehand or in person on the day. They will ask about your general health, any medical conditions, medication, injuries, pregnancy, and what you are hoping to gain from the session. Be honest here. Reiki is generally considered very safe, but a reputable practitioner needs to know if you have a pacemaker, recent surgery, or a mental health condition that might shape how you respond.

A few practical points help on the day:

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing — you remain fully clothed throughout.
• Avoid a heavy meal in the hour before; a light snack is fine.
• Skip alcohol and recreational drugs on the day.
• Arrive a few minutes early so you are not rushing.
• Bring a list of any questions you want to ask.

How a session is arranged

A typical session lasts between 45 and 90 minutes, with the hands-on or hands-near portion often lasting around 45 to 60 minutes. You will usually lie on a treatment couch, though some practitioners work with you seated in a chair if lying down is uncomfortable. A blanket is often offered, and the room is normally quiet, warm and softly lit, sometimes with gentle music.

The practitioner will place their hands lightly on or just above a sequence of positions — commonly the head, shoulders, chest, abdomen, knees and feet. In some styles the hands stay still for several minutes at each point; in others they move more fluidly. Some practitioners work entirely off the body if you prefer not to be touched, and this is just as valid. Nothing is expected of you beyond lying still and breathing normally.

Before starting, a good practitioner will explain exactly what they intend to do and confirm that you are happy with it. You can ask them to stop, adjust a position, or leave the room at any point. Consent is not a one-off formality — it is an ongoing conversation.

What you may feel during a session

People describe a wide range of sensations, and all of them are normal. You might notice warmth, gentle tingling, coolness, a faint pulsing, or a sense of heaviness in your limbs. Many people simply feel deeply relaxed and drift in and out of a light sleep-like state. Others feel nothing unusual at all during the session, then notice the benefits later.

Emotional responses are also common. Some clients find tears arrive without warning, or a wave of sadness, relief or calm. This is not a sign that something has gone wrong. If it happens, let it pass; the practitioner will usually stay quiet and simply hold the space.

You may also notice your mind becoming busy, especially in the first ten minutes. That is normal too. There is no need to force your thoughts away. If a practitioner speaks during the session, it should be brief and for your comfort — you are welcome to ask for silence if you would prefer it.

Afterwards: the hours and days that follow

The effects of a session often continue after you leave. Many people feel calm, cosy and slightly spaced out, so it is wise not to schedule anything demanding straight afterwards. Give yourself twenty minutes or so before driving, if you can.

Some people experience mild after-effects in the following day or two, including tiredness, thirst, vivid dreams, a fleeting headache, or a temporary emotional dip. These usually settle quickly. To support yourself:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Aim for an early night if you feel tired.
• Choose gentle movement — a short walk rather than a hard workout.
• Avoid alcohol for the rest of the day.
• Jot down anything you noticed, as patterns often emerge over several sessions.

One session can feel lovely, but Reiki tends to work cumulatively. Many people book a short series, perhaps three or four spaced a week or two apart, then move to occasional maintenance sessions.

Choosing a qualified practitioner

Reiki is not statutorily regulated in the UK, so it pays to ask a few questions. A well-trained practitioner should be happy to tell you:

• Where and with whom they trained, and to what level (often First, Second or Master).
• Whether they hold professional insurance.
• Whether they belong to a recognised professional body or voluntary register.
• How long a session lasts and what it costs.
• Whether they have experience with your particular situation — stress, chronic pain, cancer support, pregnancy, bereavement or anxiety.

Ask about their cancellation policy, too, and whether they offer distance sessions if you cannot attend in person. Trust your instinct about the person as much as the qualifications. You should feel heard, respected and unhurried.

Finally, remember that Reiki sits alongside medical care, not in place of it. Never stop prescribed treatment or delay seeking medical advice because you are having Reiki. Approached with that in mind, it can be a genuinely supportive part of a wider approach to mindful wellbeing.