What Exactly Happens During a Reiki Session?

A few years ago, I was with my Reiki Master Teacher Pamela Miles hosting her Reiki & Medicine class in Atlanta, GA. She shared this tidbit that opened my perspective on Reiki practice and its applicability to mainstream medicine.  

Did you know that doctors were prescribing aspirin before the mechanism of action (MOA) was discovered? Meaning, it was unknown how the drug worked, but, doctors and scientists could see that it was relieving fever, pain and inflammation.

It was a household product for 70 years before scientists discovered the MOA. Sometimes, we find something that works before we discover why it works.

Similarly, with Reiki practice, the mechanism of action is unknown. Yes, if you go on the internet you will find theories about what is believed to be happening, but science has yet to discover exactly what happens during a Reiki session.

However, there is data and it is pointing to significant differences between recipients’ pre and post session states.  Anecdotally, clients express an improvement in pain levels, anxiety, sleep quality, and mood. 

Understandably, it’s smart to want to know what something is before trying it, and it is important to vet your practitioners as well. But while we wait for science and technology to advance on the specifics, I say look at the data and give and consider how it might benefit you. 

Here are some of the most commonly reported sensations and observations from my clients:

Physiological observations:

“I felt heat” (or chills)

“My muscles relaxed”

“My breathing is deeper”

“My stomach started rumbling” 

“I felt subtle movements”

Inner experience observation:

“I felt deep support and love.”

“I felt comforted.”

“I felt peace.”

“I feel so happy and uplifted.” 

“I felt like my soul was acknowledged.”

Outcome observations:

“I slept better”

“I was nicer to my family and coworkers”

“I have more clarity about what I need to do.”

“My pain is gone.”

“I felt ready to tackle the day”

Research is showing that Reiki treatments encourage balance in your system, and no two sessions are the same because what your system needs will vary on different days, and at different times.

While Reiki treatments are experienced differently by everyone, these are a sample of commonly reported observations. Some notice physiological changes immediately, others notice a shift in their internal state, and if you tune in afterwards, you may notice a subtle but positive shift in your day. 

Ready to book your first reiki session? Visit the services section on my website to learn more about my in-person and distance reiki offerings.