Reiki FAQ

People are scared of what they don't know, or have not previously experienced yet.

​If you've never experienced any type of energy work, the idea of the unknown may seem daunting and even scary. 

There is nothing to be scared of when it comes to Reiki. In fact, in all my 20 years as a Reiki practitioner, I've only experienced one client who didn't enjoy their session. 

Below I've answered ten of the most frequently asked questions on how to prepare for a Reiki session. 

What can I expect for my first Reiki treatment?

Every treatment session is different, so it's hard to say what to expect from the first to the tenth session. You may experience feelings (heat, buzzing, pulsing, etc.) within your body as the energy moves and releases, or you may feel nothing. 

Whatever you feel is perfect, and you will still get what you need, even if you don't feel it. So you can expect to feel relaxed after a Reiki session. 

What should I wear for my Reiki treatment?

I recommend wearing clothes that are light and comfortable. You may want to dress in layers as your body temperature can fluctuate during energy work treatments. 

Do I need to remove any clothes for a Reiki session?

​No, Reiki treatment does not require the removal of your clothes, but you may be asked to remove your shoes and socks. Any practitioner asking you to remove your clothes is going outside their boundaries. 

How long does a Reiki treatment last?

The length of a Reiki treatment may vary depending on several circumstances, but practitioners typically book their sessions in increments of 30 minutes. 

When I see my clients in person at Macri Wellness, sessions are at least 60 minutes, sometimes up to 90 if requested. Sessions lasting 30 minutes are not long enough to receive the full relaxation benefits but are certainly better than nothing if you're pressed for time. 

How many Reiki treatments do I need?

This is a decision that I leave up to the client. How often a client receives a Reiki treatment would depend on their overall wellness goals. 

I've had clients that come every two weeks because they relax enough to get a good night's rest. I've had a client who was pregnant with twins that came in weekly because it was the only time she could find comfort and relaxation within her changing body. Other clients come in monthly as part of their self-care routine. It all depends on your schedule and availability.

If you have the means, an entire 60-minute session per month is a great way to maintain your spiritual hygiene. 

Can Reiki replace medical treatment?

​Reiki in no way replaces medical treatment. I would never recommend anyone stop seeing their doctor or taking their medications as prescribed, as I am not a medical professional and cannot speak to such things.

Reiki is intended for complementary treatment in conjunction with your existing medical treatments. Please continue to follow your doctor's guidance as usual.

Do you need to be spiritual in order to benefit from Reiki?

​No! Usui Reiki is not attached to any religion or dogmatic belief system! Anyone can practice Reiki as a practitioner, and anyone can receive Reiki no matter what their belief system is. 

Do you have to believe in Reiki for it to work?

Even if a person doesn't believe in Reiki, it will still have the same benefits as a person who does. I have had many clients who were non-believers in Reiki before they got on the table, and I just let the Reiki energy experience speak for itself. So even if you don't believe in Reiki, you will still leave the table feeling calm and relaxed. 

Can children receive a Reiki treatment?

​Yes! Children tend to be very receptive to Reiki energy. However, a parent or guardian may accompany children under 18 to their session. 

Is Reiki harmful?

Reiki is completely safe and non-invasive; it cannot cause harm. Therefore, no one should avoid Reiki. Reiki can be beneficial at all stages of life, from the gestation period to the entire life cycle. Reiki can even be helpful during the final transition period at the end of the life cycle. 
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The only people who should avoid Reiki are the ones who do not want to receive it.

Are there any other questions that you have about receiving a Reiki treatment? Let me know in the comments below! 

Love,
Arielle Sterling