Bea Lutterbeck, RN, Reiki Master
PO Box 3588, Camarillo, CA 93011
Phone: 805.643.4330

Reiki Treatments:  What to Expect
Where Will My Reiki Treatment Take Place?
Do I Undress for Reiki?
Is Reiki Like Massage?
Will I Be Covered During My Session?
Is It Okay to Eat Before Reiki?
What Will Reiki Feel Like?
How Long Is a Reiki Session?
How Will I Feel After My Session?
What Should I Do During My Session?
How Will I Feel After My Session?

Reiki Treatments:  What to Expect

Most people have lots of questions before their first Reiki treatment.  This page answers the questions I'm most frequently asked.  I've added pictures of some of the hand positions used during a Reiki treatment, too.  The same information presented here is available in my brochure "Reiki:  What to Expect During Your Appointment."  Click here to download a copy of the brochure. 

Where Will My Reiki Treatment Take Place?

Reiki is a hands-on healing practice that can be done anywhere.  I've done a quick session in the middle of a noisy restaurant, sessions at a patient's bedside in the hospital, sessions on a conference table converted into a massage table at a Cancer Center, sessions at my home, and sessions in a private office.  The information presented here describes the more typical scenario, when you visit a Reiki practitioner at their office or home-office.

Your Reiki treatment session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room.  Soft music will be played to help you relax. You will lie on a massage table especially designed for your comfort.  If you are unable to lie on flat on a massage table, your treatment can be done while you are sitting in a chair or wheelchair.     [Top]

Do I Undress for Reiki?

No.  You do not undress for your Reiki treatments.  However, you should wear casual,  loose, comfortable clothing.  Natural fiber is preferred.  Bring or wear a pair of warm socks to wear during your session, as you may feel chilled once deeply relaxed.    [Top]

Is Reiki Like Massage?

No.  Reiki is a gentle, yet highly effective, non-invasive healing practice that is done with a very light touch upon various parts of the body in a pattern that promotes deep relaxation, stress reduction and healing.  Reiki practitioners do not manipulate the body during treatment. A typical full-body session includes 12 standard hand positions that begin at your head and work down the body to your feet.  The front side of the body is treated first and then the back side  Private areas are always respectfully avoided during treatment.   [Top]

Will I Be Covered During My Reiki Session?

Yes.  You will be covered with a flannel sheet or light, natural fiber blanket to ensure your warmth and comfort.  Occasionally, your arms, legs and feet will be uncovered to provide better access for treatment.    [Top]

Is It Okay to Eat Before Reiki?

You will be lying flat during your Reiki session, so do not eat a big, heavy meal beforehand.  However, if you are hungry, eating a very light meal or snack is recommended.  If possible, do not drink any caffeinated beverages the day of treatment.  [Top]

What Will Reiki Feel Like?

Reiki feels very nurturing, comforting, relaxing and healing.  Some people experience nothing more than feeling deeply relaxed, while others say that they can feel a gentle “flowing” through their body.  Some describe this as feeling subtle, vague sensations of warmth or mild tingling.   It is common for a limb to jerk slightly or for the stomach to gurgle noisily (called the “Reiki rumble”) during treatment.  Reiki is so deeply relaxing that many people fall asleep, while others enter into a blissful state of expanded inner awareness.  Eyes closed, some people report “seeing” beautiful colors..  Experiences vary from person to person and from session to session.   [Top]

How Long Is a Reiki Session?

Reiki sessions are individualized based on client need. A typical, full-body Reiki session is one hour. Always allow extra time before you session to discuss treatment goals, as well as time afterwards to get grounded and become fully alert, so that you’re safe to drive home.
[Top]

 What Should I Do During My Reiki Session?

Make your self comfortable.  Most people just close their eyes, quiet their minds and completely relax or snooze. Feel free to ask questions at any time, as well as to make your needs known.   [Top]

 How Will I Feel After My Session?  

Usually, you’ll feel peaceful, calm, and very deeply relaxed. This might make you feel slowed down at first, but then you’ll feel energized and vibrant.  After Reiki people often say they experience heightened awareness with colors appearing brighter, sounds clearer, and flavors more intense. Typically, physical and / or emotional pain is reduced, and insights about issues of concern are experienced.   

Because Reiki is a subtle energy therapy, it’s effects are experienced at the cellular level.  As it speeds healing, Reiki can occasionally increase symptoms, but this is usually tolerable and very short-lived. Reiki can have a detoxification effect similar to what is experienced after massage, so be sure to drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids after your session 

Most people feel Reiki’s greatest beneficial effects about three days after treatment.  Don't hesitate to call your Reiki practitioner if you have any questions or concerns after your session.   [Top]

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