Experiencing Reiki for the first time
24th October 2024 - New Experience Number 27
I wasn’t sure what to expect from experiencing reiki for the first time.
I knew that it was fairly minimal contact from the practitioner, and that it had a lot to do with energy, but that’s about as far as my knowledge went.
With an open mind, I went to give it a go as one of my 52 new things in 2024. Here’s more about the practice, what it was like, and how you can give it a go too.
What Is Reiki?
If you’ve never had reiki before you might be wondering, is it a treatment, a therapy, an alternative medicine?
In a nutshell, it’s a bit like a massage, except you keep your clothes on and the practitioner will only occasionally touch you. Any physical contact is generally static, and is always light and gentle.
Some reiki therapists may additionally use stones or crystals during the practice. Others may include some music.
It originated in Japan and the idea is that energy from the universe is harnessed by the therapist and used to support emotional and physical healing in the person receiving the treatment.
Whilst there’s a lot of controversy around some very bold claims, the practice has been reported to reduce stress and relaxation.
If you’re interested in finding out more about what reiki is, take a look at reiki.org
For Some People, It’s A Bit Too Much To Buy Into
If the thought of having your chakras opened by very minimal human touch, and the idea that your energy will flow easily thanks to a spiritual force, is too much of a step out of the ordinary, then this won’t be for you.
My Other Half is a man of science. He likes fact. He likes clear cause and effect. He likes concrete evidence and outcomes. Anything slightly spiritual or relating to the cosmos is too much, and Reiki would certainly be too far out of his comfort zone to enjoy it.
Whilst some people fully embrace spiritual connections and are perhaps more in-tune with their chakras, I was definitely on the fence when I went for my first ever reiki treatment. However, I always try to keep an open mind about these things, and was prepared for whatever might happen.
Experiencing Reiki In York City Centre
Ossie Sudio is an oasis of calm, which is no mean feat considering one of York’s busiest streets runs just outside. Hat’s off to all of the hard work that has gone into creating it.
Decorated in neutral colours, the therapy room was warm and inviting. The subtle aroma from a silently flickering candle, and low relaxing music created a tranquil space.
My therapist welcomed me in with a smile. As I’d never experienced reiki before, she explained what would happen during the session.
Her gentle manner made me feel I was in safe hands and I was looking forward to experiencing whatever sensations might crop up.
I’m not entirely sure if she would be called a therapist or a practitioner. She’s called a treatment provider on the website, but that’s a bit long and sounds too clinical, so I’m sticking with therapist throughout this post.
Getting Comfortable And Beginning
I absolutely hate having to get my feet out in front of people, so it was a bonus that I could keep my socks on. In fact, the only thing I had to take off was my shoes.
Lying face up on the massage table, cosily under a blanket, I closed my eyes. Inhaling deeply, the session began.
With a touch that felt like a whisper, my therapist started with her hands gently at the sides of my head. It was surprisingly grounding.
However, it took me a while to relax as I was acutely aware of my breathing which seemed quite shallow, and although my eyes were closed I couldn’t stop them flitting about beneath my eyelids.
Ridiculously, I worried that my therapist would notice these things too, which made it harder to settle in. Of course there is no right or wrong way to ‘be’ when you experience reiki, and once I told myself this a few times I gradually felt more at ease.
The Touch
The touch wasn’t constant, but when there was contact it was always light. When she softly pressed on my shoulders it made me very aware that it felt as though they were carrying a lot of tension.
Clasping my feet felt unexpectedly reassuring, and the delicate push on my hips felt remarkably comforting.
The Movement
Moving like a feather around the table, I could barely hear a sound as my therapist carried out the treatment. Yet I could sense where she was. Perhaps it was her energy, or perhaps it was the subtle difference in light and temperature.
She was incredibly mindful, making the whole session both peaceful and smooth as she transitioned from one part of the body to the next.
The Final Part Of The Session
In the briefing at the start, my therapist had informed me the session would wrap up with some singing. For this, she would channel the spirits around her and vocalise them, using some percussion for accompaniment.
With the softest breath, she began to sing. Lilting tunefully, the words made no sense at all, but I couldn’t prevent my inquisitive mind from trying to identify any recognisable sounds or patterns.
I’ll admit this did feel a little ‘out there’ to me. It wasn’t unpleasant and I felt perfectly at ease. Personally, I’d describe it as a gentle wake up, and a way to start to come out of the relaxation.
I don’t know if this happens with all reiki practitioners, and I’m sure other people will feel more in-tune with this part of the treatment.
Wrapping Up
After slowly sitting up, I sipped the cooling glass of water which I hadn’t realised I needed.
Before I left, I was instructed to take it easy for the rest of the day, and if possible, not to spend too much time around big groups as my energy would be susceptible to it.
Finally, I was invited to take an affirmation card. The words on the back providing an intention to help lower anxiety if implemented.
I was grateful to my therapist for such a relaxing first experience of reiki. Her calming demeanour and gentle persona had made it a wonderful first session.
Unexpected Responses From Experiencing Reiki
Some people experience a floating feeling, others feel vibrations, whilst others see colours. Occasionally people have reported seeing angels and for some people there’s nothing except relaxation.
Personally, I didn’t experience anything unusual. I think I saw colours behind my eyelids which maybe changed depending on where my therapist was.
Other than that, I felt very relaxed and zen like. Whether that was from the energy movement and the universe, or simply from lying still, it was a blissful result.
Would I Have Reiki Again?
I wouldn’t say no.
Having now tried reiki, I prefer the sensations that come from an actual massage, but anything which helps you to relax is good in my book.
Why I Think Experiencing Reiki Is A Positive Thing, Whether You’re Spiritual Or Not
Even if you don’t have any particularly obvious reactions during the treatment, I still think it’s an incredibly positive thing to do.
It’s permission to be still and give the thinking mind a break, allowing you to reset, recalibrate and recharge.
You might argue that you could lie still at home for free, but, would you commit to it? I know I’d be likely to fidget, or give up early, or be distracted by my phone, or completely skip it because life is so busy.
So, having a session is almost like you’re making yourself accountable to giving yourself a break.
Knowing there is someone in the room with you, that you are supposed to be relaxing, and that you are paying for the treatment, almost makes it an enforced period of time to pause. Whilst that may not sound the most therapeutic experience, that’s the very least you will take away.
Want To Try It Yourself?
- I tried reiki at Ossie Studio in York.
- There are lots of reiki practitioners around the world.
- Why not ask any friends who have tried it for recommendations of where to try it?
Cost Of Experience
- My 1 hour session cost £45
- The price will vary depending on where you have your treatment and the duration of the session.
Recommendations
- Wear something comfortable, as you’ll be lying still for a while.
- Keep an open mind. Perhaps you’ll experience something spiritual, but you’ll at least have some time for relaxing.
- Consider an eye mask. It may help to block out any light and ensure your eyes stay closed. Your therapist may have one you can borrow, or you may want to take your own.
- Focus on the breath. If you find it hard to settle in at first, concentrate on slowly inhaling and exhaling.
- Relax and let it happen. Whether you experience anything spiritual or not, enjoy the time and space to unwind.