Pre-Session Nerves Are Completely Normal
You've decided to try Remote Reiki – congratulations! You might feel excited, curious, or even a bit uncertain right now. That's completely normal. Most people wonder before their first session:
- "Will I feel anything?"
- "What do I need to do?"
- "Can I do something wrong?"
- "How does it work over distance?"
- "What if it doesn't work for me?"
This guide answers all these questions and more. By the end, you'll know exactly what to expect and can relax into your first Reiki experience.
Before the Session: Proper Preparation
24 Hours Before
Good news: you don't need to do much! Remote Reiki is a very gentle practice requiring no intensive preparation. However, there are some things that can enhance your experience:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Good hydration supports energy flow.
- Avoid heavy meals: 2-3 hours before the session, avoid large, heavy meals. A light snack is perfectly fine.
- Reduce stimulants: Try to minimize caffeine and alcohol on session day. They can impair your ability to perceive subtle energy.
- Inform your household: Ensure you'll be undisturbed at the scheduled time. Ask family or roommates not to disturb you for 60-90 minutes.
30 Minutes Before
Now it gets real. Here's how to prepare your space and yourself:
- Choose your spot: Find a comfortable, quiet place. This could be your bed, the couch, a yoga mat, or a comfortable chair.
- Create atmosphere: Dim the lights, put your phone on silent (or airplane mode), and ensure a comfortable room temperature. Keep a blanket within reach.
- Optional – but nice: You can play soft music, light a candle, or use incense. But it's not necessary!
- Comfortable clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing without tight bands or belts.
- Bathroom break: Use the bathroom beforehand so you won't be disturbed during the session.
Setting Your Intention
Unlike a doctor's visit, there are no "symptoms" you need to list. But it can be helpful to set an intention:
"I am open to healing and relaxation."
"I allow my body to release what it no longer needs."
"I receive this energy with gratitude and trust."
An intention is like a gentle signpost for the energy. It doesn't need to be complicated – a simple thought is perfectly sufficient.
During the Session: What Actually Happens
The Process (typically 45-60 minutes)
Right at the scheduled time, you begin to relax. The Reiki practitioner will send healing energy to you at the same time – even if you're hundreds of miles apart.
What you should do:
- Lie or sit comfortably
- Close your eyes (this helps you turn inward)
- Breathe calmly and naturally
- Allow yourself to receive without forcing anything
- Let thoughts come and go without holding onto them
What you DON'T need to do:
- You don't need to meditate or use special breathing techniques
- You don't need to concentrate or strain
- You don't need to feel or experience "correctly"
- You don't need to stay awake (falling asleep is totally okay!)
What You Might Feel (or Not)
Everyone experiences Remote Reiki differently. There's no "right" or "wrong." Here are common experiences:
Physical Sensations:
- Warmth: Many feel pleasant warmth flowing through the body
- Tingling: Gentle prickling in hands, feet, or other body parts
- Heaviness or lightness: The body can feel heavy and grounded – or feather-light
- Pulsing: Gentle pulsating sensations in various places
- Coolness: Sometimes pleasant coolness instead of warmth
Emotional Experiences:
- Deep relaxation: A feeling that goes deeper than normal relaxation
- Emotional release: Some cry gently – this is letting go, not sadness
- Joy and peace: A feeling of inner peace or causeless joy
- Serenity: Deep calm that transcends normal relaxation
Visual Impressions:
- Colors: Many see colors behind closed eyes – often purple, blue, or gold
- Light: Bright points of light or gently pulsing light
- Images: Sometimes symbolic images or memories appear
Mental States:
- Mental silence: The usual mental chatter becomes quieter
- Daydreaming: A state between waking and sleeping
- Clarity: Sudden insights or realizations
- Simply nothing: And that's perfectly fine too!
What If I Don't Feel Anything?
This is important to understand: Not everyone feels strong physical sensations during the first session – and that does NOT mean it's not working!
The energy works on many levels, some of which are more subtle than others. Some people are simply less sensitive to energetic sensations but still experience profound changes in the days after.
Compare it to seeds germinating in soil: you see nothing above ground initially, but growth is already happening underground.
Is Falling Asleep Allowed?
Absolutely! In fact, many people fall asleep during their first Remote Reiki session. This is a sign that your body feels safe enough to let go. The energy works even in sleep – some would say even better, because the conscious mind isn't in the way.
After the Session: Aftercare
Immediately After (0-30 minutes)
When the session ends, open your eyes slowly. Many feel a bit dazed or as if waking from a deep dream. Take time for the transition:
- Stretch gently: Move fingers and toes, then arms and legs
- Stay lying/sitting: Don't rush back to daily life. 5-10 minutes of rest are valuable
- Drink water: A large glass of water helps support energy flow and flush toxins
- Journaling (optional): If you like, write down what you experienced. It's fascinating to look back on later
The First 24 Hours
In the hours and days after your first session, quite a bit can happen:
Positive Signs:
- Deeper, more restful sleep
- More energy and vitality
- Improved mood and clarity
- Reduced pain or tension
- Feeling of lightness
Possible "Healing Crises" (rare but normal):
- Mild fatigue (body processing)
- Emotional release (letting go of old patterns)
- Increased urination (detoxification)
- Vivid dreams
- Temporary intensification of symptoms
These so-called "healing crises" are signs that your body is releasing old patterns. They rarely last longer than 24-48 hours and are actually positive, even if they feel uncomfortable initially.
Support the Healing Process
Get the most out of your session:
- Drink plenty of water: 2-3 liters throughout the day
- Rest: Don't plan strenuous activities right after the session
- Eat healthily: Light, nutritious meals support the body
- Gentle movement: A walk in fresh air can be wonderful
- Observe without judging: Notice what changes without evaluating it
Common Questions About the First Session
How long does a Remote Reiki session last?
You often feel the acute relaxation immediately. Deeper changes can unfold over several days. The energy continues working in your system for up to 48 hours after the session.
Do I need just one session or several?
One session can already be wonderful, but for sustainable changes we recommend 4-6 sessions over several weeks. Remember: a muscle doesn't get strong after one workout either.
Can I receive Reiki during menstruation?
Absolutely! Reiki can be especially soothing during menstruation and help with cramps. There are no contraindications.
Do I need to be religious or spiritual?
No! Reiki is not a religion and requires no specific belief. It works independently of your worldview.
Can Reiki harm?
Reiki is absolutely safe. There are no known side effects except occasional, temporary healing crises (see above). The energy goes where it's needed – never too much, never too little.
What if I'm disturbed during the session?
No problem! If you're briefly interrupted (doorbell, urgent bathroom), just return to your spot afterward. The connection remains.
After the First Session: What's Next?
After your first Remote Reiki experience, you have several options:
Option 1: Individual sessions as needed
Book sessions whenever you need them – during stress, sleep problems, or when you feel out of balance.
Option 2: Regular sessions (recommended)
For sustainable changes: 1-2 sessions per week for 4-6 weeks, then reduce to weekly or monthly maintenance sessions.
Option 3: Intensive program
For chronic issues: 3 sessions per week for 2-3 weeks for profound transformation.
Your Journey Begins Now
Your first Remote Reiki session is the beginning of a wonderful journey to greater wellbeing, inner peace, and energetic balance. You've already taken the most important step: The decision to care for yourself.
Enter the experience with openness and curiosity – without expectations, but with trust. Whatever you experience is exactly right for you in this moment.
Welcome to your healing journey. Your body, mind, and soul thank you.
