Reiki Healing Session: What to Expect and How It Supports Holistic Well-being
Booking your first Reiki session can feel a little like stepping into the unknown. You may have heard friends describe deep relaxation, warmth, or a feeling of lightness, and yet you might still wonder what actually happens. Will you need to undress? Will you feel anything at all? What if you fall asleep? These are completely natural questions, and almost everyone asks them before their first session. In this guide, we walk you gently through the whole experience, from how to prepare and what happens on the treatment table, to how you might feel in the days afterwards and how online Reiki sessions work. By the end, you will know exactly what to expect, so you can simply relax and enjoy it. If you would like to learn more about Reiki itself first, read our beginner's guide, What Is Reiki?
How to Prepare for Your Reiki Session
One of the lovely things about Reiki is that it needs very little preparation. Wear comfortable, loose clothing, as you will stay fully dressed during the whole session. It helps to eat something light beforehand rather than a heavy meal, and to drink a glass of water. If you can, try to arrive a few minutes early so you do not feel rushed, and give yourself a little quiet time afterwards rather than going straight back into a busy schedule.
It can also be helpful to think about what you would like from your session. Perhaps you feel stressed or tired, you are going through a difficult time emotionally, or you simply wish to feel more balanced and connected. You do not need a specific reason, and there is no need to believe in anything. An open mind and a willingness to relax are all you need to bring with you.
What Happens During a Reiki Healing Session
Your session usually begins with a short, friendly conversation. Your practitioner will ask how you are feeling, whether there is anything you would like to focus on, and whether you have any questions. This is a good moment to share anything that feels important to you, such as areas of tension in your body, emotional challenges, or simply the wish for deep rest. Everything you share is treated with care and confidentiality.
You are then invited to lie down comfortably on a treatment table, fully clothed, often with a soft blanket and a pillow under your knees. Some people prefer to sit in a chair, which is also perfectly fine. Gentle music may play in the background, and the room is usually calm and softly lit. Your practitioner then places their hands lightly on or just above different parts of your body, usually starting at the head and slowly moving towards the feet. The touch is always gentle and non-invasive, with no pressure, massage, or manipulation. If you prefer not to be touched at all, the whole session can be given with the hands held slightly above the body.
Throughout the session, your only task is to rest. You can close your eyes, breathe naturally, and let go. There is nothing you need to do and nothing you need to achieve. At the end, your practitioner will gently let you know that the session is complete and give you a moment to come back slowly before sitting up.
What You May Feel During Reiki
Every Reiki session is different, and every person experiences Reiki in their own way. Many people feel warmth, often quite strong, from the practitioner's hands. Others notice tingling, gentle waves of energy, a feeling of heaviness as the body relaxes deeply, or a lightness, as if they were floating. Some see colours or images with their eyes closed, and some simply feel very peaceful and calm.
It is also completely normal to fall asleep, and Reiki continues to work even when you do. Sometimes emotions come up during a session, and you might feel like laughing or crying. This is a natural part of letting go, and a good practitioner will hold a safe and caring space for whatever arises. And if you do not feel anything special at all, that is fine too. Many people only notice the effects afterwards, when they realise how rested, calm, or clear they feel.
After Your Reiki Session
After a Reiki session, most people feel deeply relaxed, peaceful, and grounded. Some feel full of fresh energy, while others feel pleasantly sleepy and ready for an early night. Drinking plenty of water and taking things slowly for the rest of the day helps you integrate the experience. A gentle walk in nature, a warm bath, or some quiet time with a journal can be a beautiful way to continue the feeling of calm.
In the days that follow, you may notice that you sleep better, feel lighter, or see a situation in your life with more clarity. Occasionally, emotions or memories may come up as your system continues to rebalance. This is usually a sign of release, and it tends to pass naturally. If you have any questions after your session, you are always welcome to reach out to your practitioner.
How Reiki Supports Holistic Well-being
Holistic well-being means caring for the whole person, body, mind, emotions, and spirit, rather than looking at just one part. Reiki fits beautifully into this approach because it works on all these levels at the same time. On a physical level, the deep relaxation of a Reiki session gives your body a rare chance to rest and restore. On a mental level, many people notice that their thoughts slow down and their mind becomes quieter and clearer. On an emotional level, Reiki can help you release tension and feel more balanced and at peace. And on a spiritual level, many people describe a feeling of connection, to themselves, to others, and to something greater.
Reiki is a complementary practice. It works well alongside conventional medical care, psychotherapy, yoga, meditation, and other forms of self-care, but it should never replace medical treatment. If you have any health concerns, it is always wise to also speak with your doctor.
How Many Reiki Sessions Do You Need?
There is no fixed number of Reiki sessions, and every person is different. Some people come for a single session when they need deep rest or support through a stressful time, and they feel the benefit right away. Others enjoy regular sessions, for example once a week or once a month, as part of their self-care routine, much like a regular yoga class or massage. If you are going through a particularly difficult period, a series of three or four sessions close together can give you deeper and more lasting support. Your practitioner can help you find a rhythm that suits you, but in the end, it is always your choice, and you can simply follow what feels right.
Online Reiki Sessions: Does Distance Reiki Work?
Reiki is not limited by distance. In the second level of Reiki training, practitioners learn how to send Reiki to someone who is not physically present, whether they are in the next room or on the other side of the world. This is called distance Reiki, and it allows you to receive a session from the comfort of your own home.
An online Reiki session usually begins with a short video call, where you talk with your practitioner just as you would in person. You then lie down comfortably in a quiet space where you will not be disturbed, while your practitioner sends Reiki to you. Many people are surprised by how much they feel during a distance session, often the same warmth, tingling, and deep relaxation they would feel in person. Online Reiki is a wonderful option if you live far away, travel often, find it hard to leave home, or simply love the idea of receiving healing in your own familiar surroundings.
Reiki Sessions with Punnu Wasu
Punnu Wasu is a Reiki Grand Master with more than 35 years of experience in Reiki, meditation, and holistic healing. Rooted in the bhakti traditions of India, he brings warmth, sensitivity, and deep experience to every session. Depending on your needs, Punnu sometimes combines Reiki with other holistic healing modalities, such as chakra balancing, crystal healing, or sound healing, so that each session is tailored to you.
Punnu offers Reiki sessions daily, both in person and online. In person, he works in Bali and in Switzerland, and wherever you are in the world, you can also book an online Reiki session with him. You can find all the details and book your session on the Holistic Healing page.
If you enjoy your Reiki session and feel drawn to learn Reiki yourself, Punnu also teaches Reiki trainings in Bali and Switzerland. You can read more about this path in our guide, How to Become a Reiki Healer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reiki Sessions
Do I need to undress for a Reiki session?
No. You stay fully clothed during the whole Reiki session. It helps to wear comfortable, loose clothing so you can relax easily.
Is Reiki safe?
Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive practice, and it is generally considered safe for people of all ages. It is a complementary practice and should be used alongside, not instead of, conventional medical care.
What if I fall asleep during my Reiki session?
That is completely fine and very common. Falling asleep is a sign of deep relaxation, and Reiki continues to work while you rest.
Do I need to believe in Reiki for it to work?
No. You do not need any particular belief to receive Reiki. An open mind and a willingness to relax are enough.
Can I receive Reiki while pregnant, or give it to my child or pet?
Yes. Reiki is gentle enough for pregnant women, children, older people, and even animals. If you are pregnant or have a medical condition, it is always a good idea to let your practitioner know before your session.
Is an online Reiki session as effective as an in-person session?
Many people find that online sessions feel just as deep and relaxing as in-person sessions. Reiki is not limited by distance, so you can choose whichever option suits you best.