what to expect from an online Reiki session
If you're curious about Reiki but a bit hesitant about the whole distance healing thing, I get it.
I've heard from so many people who wonder how on earth energy work can possibly be as effective through a screen as it is in person. It's a fair question. But as a Reiki practitioner, I want to walk you through what an online session actually looks like, and why it can be just as powerful (sometimes even more so) as experiencing the treatment in person.
what is Reiki?
Before we dive in, let's talk about what Reiki actually is.
The word combines two Japanese terms: ‘rei’ (universal) and ‘ki’ (life energy). It's a gentle healing practice that was developed by Mikao Usui in the early 1920s, and consists of channelling universal life force energy to help restore balance in the body, mind, and spirit.
The idea is that when energy becomes blocked or depleted, it can show up as physical or emotional discomfort. Indeed, there is plenty of research to back up the idea that many chronic diseases are a result of how well we process emotional energy in the body.
Reiki is an intelligent, universal energy that moves gently through the body, helping get things flowing naturally again, supporting your body's ability to heal itself. For this reason, it can be used as a complementary therapy to support a wide range of issues, such as chronic illness, chronic pain, trauma, anxiety, and more.
When delivered regularly, research shows that people see improvements in stress, anxiety, fatigue, pain, sleep, emotional wellbeing, and overall life satisfaction. One study even found this to be true when compared to a control group receiving ‘fake’ Reiki, which I found particularly interesting!
in-person Reiki sessions
An in-person Reiki session normally asks that the client lie down and receive a hands-on treatment. Once you are relaxed, I would then use my hands to gently scan the energetic field above your body (the aura) and notice any areas that require attention.
Following this, I use symbols and intention to connect the power of Reiki, then gently place my hands on parts of your body, using hand placements (this is a good overview if you’re curious!) to direct the energy where it needs to go.
The good news is that Reiki is an intelligent energy, which means the energy always knows where to go in the body and will always deliver what is in your best interests.
how distance Reiki works
Reiki energy doesn't care about physical boundaries. Call it a connection to God, Goddess, the universe, a higher power… whatever you want to call it, if you accept that this power exists, it makes complete sense that it wouldn’t be limited by time or space.
The same healing energy that you experience when I have my hands physically on your body can be channelled to you wherever you are in the world. And many of the people I’ve treated report feeling sensations of warmth, tingling, or deep relaxation even though we're miles apart.
It still surprises me sometimes, but it works.
before your session
Once you’re ready to book your session, head over to this booking page and choose your date and time. [coming soon!]
Then, I'll send over some preparation guidelines. I suggest finding a quiet, comfortable space where you won't be interrupted, as this allows you to enjoy the experience of being in a meditative state for the length of the treatment.
However, if you’re extremely busy, or in a living situation where privacy is hard to guarantee, you can actually just go about your day as normal, and I’ll carry out the treatment. As long as you’ve consented to the treatment, then you’ll be open to receiving it.
With that said, lying down in a cosy space and resting for a while as you receive Reiki really is a beautiful experience, so if you can create space to do that, I recommend that you do!
during your online Reiki session
We'll start with a short video call at your scheduled time, where you can share what's been going on for you. Whether that's physical discomfort, emotional stress, or simply a desire for some relaxation and balance, this will help me know which areas of the body and which chakras need the most attention.
There's never any pressure to share more than you're comfortable with. Personally, I didn’t know why I went to my first Reiki session; I just felt drawn to it, and that’s OK!
When you’re ready to get started, I’ll close the video call and work remotely to deliver your treatment. I’ll work on the same premise as an in-person session, except I’ll do so using visualisation. I’ll scan your aura for blockages, use symbols and intention to connect the power of Reiki, then visualise placing my hands on parts of your body to direct the energy where it needs to go.
During this part, all you need to do is relax with your eyes closed while I channel Reiki energy and direct it towards you. Some people drift off to sleep, and that's absolutely fine – the energy will still do its work!
Others stay in a lovely meditative state, experiencing different sensations or visualisations. There's no right or wrong way to receive Reiki, which is something I always try to remind people.
what you might experience
Everyone's experience is totally unique, which is one of the things I love about this work. It allows you to connect with your mind, body, and spirit in a way that many of us rarely get the chance to do.
With that said, there are some more common experiences. For example, you might feel warmth or coolness moving through different areas of your body, tingling sensations or gentle pulsing, or you might just feel really relaxed.
Some people have an emotional release, see vivid colours, or experience meaningful images, and some people feel nothing at all. The absence of sensation doesn't mean nothing's happening. The energy goes where it's needed most, and sometimes the effects become apparent in the hours and days following your session rather than during it.
after your session
Once the energy work is complete, I’ll follow up with an email shortly afterwards, sharing any insights that came up during the treatment.
I generally recommend drinking plenty of water after your session and being gentle with yourself for the rest of the day. Some people feel energised afterwards, while others feel sleepy, and both responses are completely normal as your body processes the healing energy.
why distance Reiki might be right for you
Although there will always be people who prefer to have a hands-on, in-person treatment, distance Reiki is ideal if you have mobility challenges, live somewhere remote, or simply prefer the comfort of your own space. It's also perfect if you've got a busy schedule, as there's no travel time (or stress) involved.
You can literally lie in bed, have your session, and then take a nap!
The most important ingredient for any Reiki session is your openness to receiving. If you're willing to trust the process, then you might be surprised by just how powerful distance healing can be.
