What happens in a reiki session?
You lie fully clothed on a couch, or sit in a chair, while the practitioner rests their hands lightly on you or holds them just above you, moving slowly from your head towards your feet. Most sessions last about an hour, are quiet and calm, and many people find them deeply relaxing. Nothing is pressed or manipulated, and you can ask for no touch at all.
Step by step
- A short chat. Why you have come, how you are feeling and any health matters the practitioner should know about.
- Getting comfortable. You take off your shoes and lie on a couch with a blanket and pillow, or sit in a chair if that suits you better. Clothes stay on.
- The reiki itself. The practitioner places their hands lightly in a series of positions, often around the head, shoulders, front and back, or holds them just off the body. Each position may be held for a few minutes.
- Quiet. Usually soft music or silence. You do not need to do anything, and many people doze.
- Coming round. You are given a moment to sit up slowly, a glass of water and a chance to talk about how it felt.
What does reiki feel like?
People describe it in different ways: warmth from the hands, tingling, heaviness, a sense of floating, or simply feeling very calm. Some people see colours behind closed eyes or notice emotions coming up, and some feel nothing in particular apart from being relaxed. All of that is normal, and there is no right way for it to feel.
Try something tonight
Want to unwind before your first session? A guided relaxation recording lets you try that same kind of quiet stillness tonight.
Relaxation recordings are not medical treatment. Please only listen somewhere safe where you can relax, never while driving.
Or see someone: find reiki practitioners near you
Reiki practitioners are listed with the holistic and reiki practitioners in the Practitioner directory, each with a phone number. Pick your town:
Or by what you would like help with: relaxation and wellbeing
Can I ask for no touch?
Yes. Reiki can be given with the hands held just above your body, and a good practitioner will ask what you are comfortable with before they begin. You can ask them to avoid certain areas, or to stop at any point. Any touch should be light and never on intimate areas.
How often, and how many sessions?
Some people come for a single session to unwind. Others book a few sessions a week or so apart, then come back now and then when life feels busy. There is no fixed course, so ask the practitioner how they usually work and decide what feels right for you.
Roughly what does it cost?
A reiki session of about an hour commonly costs around £35 to £70 in the UK, depending on where you are and the practitioner's experience. Shorter sessions and introductory offers are common. Distance reiki, where the practitioner works without you in the room, is usually priced about the same.
Before your first session
- Wear loose, comfortable clothes.
- Have a light meal rather than a big one beforehand.
- Mention any health conditions, injuries or pregnancy.
- Leave a little time afterwards so you are not rushing back into a busy day.
More questions
Do I have to take my clothes off?
No. Reiki is given fully clothed. You usually just take off your shoes, and perhaps your glasses or a belt for comfort.
Will I fall asleep?
You might. Many people drift off, and that is absolutely fine.
Is reiki religious?
No. Reiki is not tied to any religion, and people of all faiths and none have it.
Can I have reiki if I am pregnant or unwell?
Many practitioners offer gentle sessions in pregnancy and alongside medical care. Tell them about your health first, and carry on with any treatment your doctor has given you.
Can reiki be done at a distance?
Many practitioners offer distance reiki, where you rest at home at an agreed time. Some people find it just as relaxing.