What to Expect
The experience of Reiki is subjective, changeable, and sometimes very subtle. When activated by the practioner, Reiki flows through one individual to another through the laying on of hands. The recipient receives only what they need. Reiki is experienced in several different ways. To some there is a feeling of warmth or coldness to the practioners hands. Some people can actually feel a pulsating rhythm, some feel a trembling sensation or tingling and sometimes, the recipient doesn't feel anything physical, but experiences a sense of calmness and relaxation within themselves.
People often comment how comforting they find the experience of Reiki to be. An interesting study reported that recipients frequently feel that they are hovering in a threshold state of consciousness, simultaneously aware of their surroundings and deeply indrawn. Some people fall into a deep, sleeplike meditative state. Sometimes the experience of Reiki is dramatic, while for other people, the first session in particular may be uneventful, although they feel somehow better afterward. The most common experience is an almost immediate release of stress and a feeling of deep relaxation.
Reiki is cumulative and even people who don't notice much the first time usually have progressively deeper experiences if they continue. Besides the immediate experience of the Reiki, you may notice other changes that continue to unfold as the day goes on: perhaps stronger digestion, a sense of being more centered and poised and less reactive, and sleeping deeply that night.
Reiki is doing its job, no matter what you feel. Because Reiki is working on eliminating toxins from the body, people who receive treatments can sometimes feel a little worse for a short while after a session.
It simply indicates that the core of the sickness, pain or issue is being brought to the surface so that it can be dealt with effectively by the body's natural cleansing system. The majority of people feel better immediately. if you have a session and you feel geat afterwards, that does not mean you missed something! Reiki works with your body in the way that is most beneficial to you at the moment. Trust in the intelligence of your body and the Reiki energy to work together for your greatest benefit.
A complete Reiki session is offered to a fully clothed recipient who is lying on a treatment table or sitting comfortably supported in a chair.
Most commonly, Reiki is offered through light, non-invasive touch with the practitioner's hands placed and held on a series of locations on the head and front and back of the torso. The placement of the hands should never be intrusive or inappropriate, nor should there be any pressure.
Additional placements on the limbs can be done as needed (for example, if there is an injury or surgical scar), and some practitioners routinely do so. The Reiki practitioner can hold her hands just off the body if needed (for example, in the presence of an open wound or burn), and some practitioners always offer Reiki in this way.
The Effects of Reiki
The outcome of each treatment is determined by the needs of the individual who is receiving the treatment.
Below are some common occurrences, which occur in most treatments:
Creativity is increased Relieves stress and pain
Relaxes muscle spasm. Stimulates the immune system.
Works on causal levels of dis-ease Creates the feeling of being whole
Energy is balanced and increased. Emotions are released more easily.
Awareness is increased. Stress is more easily released.
Natural healing is accelerated. Assists the body in cleansing toxins.