With the original Usui tradition, the practitioner would touch the person receiving Reiki. This is not necessary. I will always have my hands within 6-8 inches above you, but sometimes people receive the sensation of being touched. If this sensation makes you feel uncomfortable, please feel free to open your eyes. Reiki is most effective when you feel comfortable with your surroundings. There are many people who seek Reiki in dealing with past abuse, so I am always mindful of my hand placements. If at any point in the session you wish to stop, let me know as soon as possible so I can ground your feet and offer you a glass of water.I will be honest and say that if you are under the age of eighteen, I will kindly ask that you bring either a parent(s) or a friend with you to your sessions. If you look younger than eighteen, I will kindly ask for a state-issued identification. Reiki can be performed on anyone of any age, but if I am working with a toddler or teenager, it is best if a parent, caregiver or friend is present.
I could list all of the sensations that are felt after a Reiki session, but that would be quite a list. Most are very pleasant. There are rare occasions that involve a flare up of symptoms (ie, severe allergy sufferers will have runny nose and sneezing and then they should cease). I encourage my clients to soak in a hot salt bath or take a relaxing shower as soon as possible after a session.
Other sensations include warmth, a tingling feeling, sounds of water, temporary lightheadness, the stomach gurgles, a surge of giddy energy (that was a pleasant surprise!), feeling as though you actually received a massage or nothing at all. The end result is of feeling better and more relaxed. When I attend my teacher’s Reiki shares, everyone involved seems to also need to go to the bathroom after each session!
Every Reiki session is different. Some choose to receive Reiki once a week, every other week or once a month. It depends on you and what you would like to accomplish. And I would advise that, if you do not do so already, to keep a journal of how you are feeling and what comes up for you after each session and in the following days, weeks, etc.
What you write in your journal is your personal private business and I will never ask you what you have written. Anything you share with me during a session will be kept strictly confidential. I equate trust with comfort.