Before the session begins, the practitioner will perform a smudging of the client with sage or palo santo and may ask that the client do the same for her. This helps purify and cleanse the space and individuals of any negative energy to make room for the good.
Remaining fully clothed, the client can then either lay down on the massage table, or sit in a chair, whichever is more comfortable. The practitioner will then guide you through a breathing and/or visualization exercise to help you relax and settle into the space. All that you need to do is relax and be as receptive to this loving energy as possible.
Reiki is known as ‘the laying of hands’, to channel Universal life force energy, and the session can be performed with little or no contact as preferred. It is as effective either way. The practitioner works intuitively with the energy of Reiki while incorporating the frequency of tuning forks into each session as needed. When utilized, the energy combination strengthens the effects of clearing, balancing and recharging. During a session, you may go into a meditative state, you may fall asleep (Reiki naps are the best!), you may just feel completely relaxed, immediately calm, like a weight has been lifted.
For some it’s a sense of clarity for others it’s an emotional journey, or you may find that your mind is all over the place. This is okay! Don’t get upset about it. Don’t try to stifle the emotions that may get stirred up. They are being brought to the surface for healing. It’s what we’re here for right?! Take a deep breath, thank your wonderful mind for all the thoughts, and then bring your awareness back to the room, your breathing, the moment, yourself. Know that you are completely supported through this process, allow the release.
It is common to feel different physical sensations throughout a Reiki session too. Gentle warmth or even heat (like that of a heating pad on high), coolness, and tingling (almost feels electric), some can’t explain the feeling. It’s all completely normal. Know that it’s a safe treatment and you are in a safe place. When the session is complete, the practitioner will gently bring your awareness back to the room. She will have time to discuss anything that may have come up during the session.
