Reiki FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens during a Reiki session?
2. What does Reiki feel like?
3. When can I expect results?
4. What religion is Reiki associated with?
5. How is Reiki different than massage?
6. Where does Reiki come from? How does it work?
7. Is the practitioner a healer?
8. Is Reiki better than professional medical treatment?
9. What is the healing environment like?
10. Does it hurt?
11. How long does a session last?
12. I’ve heard of people feeling worse after Reiki. Why?
1. Q. What happens during a Reiki session?
A. The session will begin with a brief Q & A period, where the client may bring up any issues or
concerns and discuss them with the practitioner. When s/he is ready, the client will take his/her place
on the Reiki table (or chair, if it’s more comfortable). The client will always remain fully clothed.
They may, however, remove shoes and jewelry for comfort if they wish.
The practitioner will begin by scanning the client’s energy field (approximately 2” to 6” above the
body), and will take note of any blockages or imbalances. This is accomplished by running his/her
hand over the client’s energy field, or aura, and taking note of any differences of what is felt. This
helps the practitioner know if there are any additional areas that may need treatment.
The practitioner will then begin at the client’s head, placing his/her hands on the crown chakra (the top
of the head) and allow the Reiki energy to begin flowing. The next hand position typically followed can
be found on the chart (see attached diagram). It is important to note, however, that the hand position
chart is only a guide and is not always used by all practitioners.) Each hand position lasts between 3-5
minutes, depending on the energy flow and how strong the need. An entire session lasts between 45
minutes to an hour, and ends with the practitioner doing a final ‘sweep’ of the client’s energy field to
remove any remaining negativity from the aura.
2. Q. What does Reiki feel like?
A. While Reiki feels like many different things to many different people, the most common feeling is
warmth. Some say the energy feels similar to an ultrasound. It is very common for the practitioner’s
hands to become very warm during a session. If at any time it becomes uncomfortable, please tell your
practitioner immediately! Reiki can also be ‘beamed’ from several inches above the body, thus treating
the aura, first.
Tingling is another common sensation felt during a session. As is throbbing or pulsing from the
practitioner’s hands. You may experience a cool sensation (typically over a burn), or you may feel
nothing at all. These are all very normal. But probably the most common sensation felt during a Reiki
session is the surge of glowing warmth that passes from the practitioner’s hands to the client’s body.
3. Q. When can I expect results?
A. Depending on the level of healing needed, it could take several sessions, or several years. On
the other hand, a recent or less serious injury (such as a headache, or stomach cramps) could be
alleviated almost immediately.
There is always the possibility that complete recovery can not and will not be attained in this lifetime.
However, there are many, many cases where Reiki has helped to cu re everything from minor aches
and pains to terminal illnesses and diseases. The longer something has been in your system (be it
physical or emotional),the longer it normally takes to heal. Something like a burn or broken bone
typically heals itself much faster. So while it is not wise to expect a complete healing after your first
Reiki session, it is quite probably you’ll feel better than you did when you arrived. The important thing
is to go to your session without any expectations, only an open mind.
4. Q. What religion is Reiki associated with?
A. Reiki is not related with any religion. It is strictly spiritual. It does not condemn, it holds no
prejudice, it has no favorites, and does not pick and choose who it will work for according to their
beliefs. The only belief required is that of a supreme being (…whom I prefer to call ‘God’!) Reiki is
the sum of all the healing energy in the universe, and it is made available to us all through that supreme
being, whenever we need it.
5. Q. How is Reiki different than massage?
A. When massage is administered, there is typically some type of tissue manipulation. Massage usually
involves rubbing and kneading the skin while partially undressed. During a Reiki session, the client
remains fully clothes, and may even be offered a blanket to keep warm. The hands are placed on
various locations of the body and remain perfectly still for an average of three to five minutes. In cases
where touching the body may be painful or uncomfortable, the practitioner’s hands can be held above
the area while still administering the same results.
6. Q. Where does Reiki come from? How does it work?
A. Reiki, translated to “Universal Life Force”, comes from the one, supreme being. (I prefer to call
Him ‘God’.) It is a gift made available to all of us whenever – and as often as – we need it. An
attuned practitioner has the ability to channel this energy at will, and administer it to herself, or someone
else. It can be done hands-on, or sent distantly. It’s guided by intent. The person getting Reiki intends
on receiving it, and the person giving the Reiki intends on delivering it. The flow of energy runs from
the practitioner’s hands into the entire being of the other person. (Aura, physical body, mental and
spiritual bodies.) It balances the chakras and fills the person with pure love and light, thus flushing out
toxins as necessary, helping to cleanse the body and allow for it to heal itself. The flow of energy is
most typically felt as a warmth running through the body.
7. Q. Is the practitioner a healer?
A. The person who administers your Reiki session is simply someone attuned to do so. They,
themselves, are not healers. Reiki comes from God, and the practitioner is simply a channel. Anyone
can be attuned to Reiki through a Reiki master.
8. Q. Is Reiki better than professional medical treatment?
A. Absolutely not! Reiki can be used safely in conjunction with your medicines and doctors’ visits,
but never, ever in place of them!
9. Q. What is the healing environment like?
A. Different practitioners have different preferences. Typically, there is low lighting, candles, incense,
and relaxing music. The one, unwavering factor is a calm and quiet, stress-free place where the person
receiving the Reiki can feel totally relaxed and at ease.
10. Q. Does it hurt?
A. Depending on where the Reiki is working and how severe the issue, there is a possibility of some
discomfort. This is uncommon and doesn’t usually persist.
11. Q. How long does a session last?
A. A session typically lasts anywhere from 45 minutes to one hour.
12. Q. I’ve heard of people feeling worse after Reiki. Why?
A. When a student of Reiki is attuned, they’re told to prepare for a cleansing period. During this time,
the Reiki energy is working on many levels, and the body is able to rid itself of toxins and negativity.
This sometimes causes stress on the body and induces things such as depression, a common cold, or
diarrhea. The newly attuned practitioners are advised to drink lots of water during the following weeks,
as dehydration is a possibility. Very similarly, someone experiencing Reiki may find a particular pain
worsening as the body heals itself and releases it. It’s important to note, this does not always happen
and should not affect your decision when considering a treatment.

If you did not find the answer to your question above, please feel free to e-mail me. I will get back to you shortly.
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