Reiki · 17 September 2026 · 6 min read
What Happens in a Reiki Healing Session?
Curious about Reiki but not sure what to expect? A step-by-step look at a Reiki healing session — preparation, what the healer does, what you might feel, distance Reiki, aftercare and how Reiki is used for spaces.
By Dr. Kimaya Parikh-Ambekar, Vastu consultant, Andheri East, Mumbai
01
What is Reiki healing?
Reiki is a Japanese energy-healing practice in which a trained practitioner channels universal life energy, through their hands, to support relaxation and the body's natural healing processes. The word comes from “Rei”, meaning universal, and “Ki”, meaning life energy.
Reiki is gentle and non-invasive. It does not involve massage, manipulation or any medicines, and it is used as a complementary practice for physical, emotional and mental well-being — alongside, never instead of, medical or psychological care.
02
How should you prepare for a Reiki session?
Wear comfortable clothes
You stay fully clothed, so choose loose, comfortable clothing. You may be asked to remove shoes, spectacles or heavy jewellery.
Eat lightly
A light meal a little while before the session helps you relax without feeling sleepy or uncomfortable.
Arrive a little early
Give yourself a few quiet minutes to settle rather than rushing in from traffic.
Think about your intention
Note what you would like support with — stress, sleep, emotional heaviness or general balance.
Share medical information
Mention any health conditions, pregnancy or ongoing treatment. Continue your prescribed treatment as usual.
03
What happens step by step during a Reiki session?
A Reiki session usually follows a calm, simple sequence from conversation to rest.
1. A short conversation
The healer asks about your concerns and explains the process, so you know what to expect.
2. Settling in
You lie on a treatment couch or sit in a chair, fully clothed, and are invited to close your eyes and breathe slowly.
3. Hand positions
The healer places their hands lightly on, or a few inches above, a series of positions — commonly the head, shoulders, chest, abdomen, knees and feet — holding each for a few minutes. You can ask for a no-touch session if you prefer.
4. Focused areas
The healer may spend longer on areas that feel blocked or that relate to your concern.
5. Closing and rest
The session ends gently. You are given time to rest, sit up slowly and drink some water.
6. Brief discussion
The healer may share observations and suggest simple self-care or a follow-up.
04
What do you feel during Reiki?
Most people feel deeply relaxed during Reiki, and some notice warmth, coolness, tingling or a gentle heaviness where the healer's hands rest. Others see colours, feel emotional or simply fall asleep. Some people feel very little during the session and notice a sense of calm later in the day.
All of these experiences are normal. There is no right or wrong way to feel, and nothing needs to be forced.
05
Can Reiki be done at a distance?
Yes — Reiki can be given at a distance, which is useful for people who live in another city, have limited mobility or cannot travel easily across Mumbai. For distance Reiki, you agree on a time, sit or lie down somewhere quiet at home, and relax while the healer sends Reiki. A short call before and after helps you share concerns and experiences.
Distance Reiki follows the same intention as an in-person session, and many people find it just as relaxing.
06
What should you do after a Reiki session?
- Drink plenty of water through the rest of the day.
- Keep the evening light and restful if you can; avoid heavy meals and alcohol.
- Notice your sleep, mood and energy over the next few days, and jot down anything that stands out.
- Some people feel tired or emotional for a short while as they unwind — rest and be gentle with yourself.
- Continue any medical treatment exactly as advised by your doctor.
07
How many Reiki sessions do you need?
The number of sessions depends on your concern and how you respond. Some people come for a single session to relax and reset, while others choose a short series to work on a longer-standing issue such as stress or disturbed sleep. Your healer can suggest a plan after the first session, and you are always free to decide what feels right.
08
How is Reiki used for homes and offices?
Reiki is also used to heal spaces, in a practice called Reiki Vastu. Here, Reiki energy is channelled into zones of a home or office that feel dense or stagnant, and used to activate Vastu remedies such as crystals, pyramids and yantras. It can be done on-site or remotely and needs no structural changes. See our Reiki Vastu page for details.
09
When to consult an expert
Consider a Reiki session when you want support for stress, emotional heaviness or general balance, or when you feel your home itself needs cleansing. Dr. Kimaya Parikh-Ambekar of VastuKimaya, Andheri East, Mumbai, offers Reiki healing for people and Reiki Vastu for spaces, in person or at a distance. Reiki complements, but does not replace, medical or psychological care — please keep consulting your doctor for any health concern.
Questions
Frequently asked
Do I need to undress for Reiki?
No. You remain fully clothed throughout a Reiki session. You may only be asked to remove shoes, spectacles or heavy jewellery for comfort.
Does the Reiki healer touch you?
The healer places their hands lightly on or a few inches above the body. If you prefer, you can ask for a no-touch session.
Is Reiki safe?
Reiki is gentle and non-invasive, with no massage or medicines involved. It complements, but does not replace, medical care, so continue any treatment prescribed by your doctor.
What if I feel nothing during Reiki?
That is normal. Some people feel little during the session and notice calm or better sleep later. There is no right or wrong way to experience Reiki.
Can Reiki be done online or at a distance?
Yes. Distance Reiki is done at an agreed time while you relax at home, usually with a short call before and after.
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