Self-Care After a Reiki Session

After a Reiki session your energetic body remains in a state of flux as it seeks stabilization and reintegration. It is important to support and assist this process.

Reiki Moves Energy

During a Reiki session, blocked or stagnant energy may be broken up and released, the energy of trauma or injury transmuted, the flow of energy directed in a more balanced way. Depending upon how in tune you are with your own body, you may be aware of these shifts or not. Regardless, changes are taking place. A lot happens!

Here’s how to obtain the greatest benefit from a Reiki Session:

Listen to your body. You may feel energized and enthusiastic about taking on new projects or tackling old ones. You may feel tired and need rest. You may want to spend the remainder of your day with a good book. Respond appropriately by giving your body what it asks for.

Avoid taking a bath or shower for 12 hours following a session to help energy stabilize. Then within 24 hours, if possible, take a salt bath, adding 2 cups or more of sea salt to warm bath water and soaking for 20 minutes or longer. This helps to cleanse the body energetically as well as remove toxins from the skin, the body’s largest organ for breathing. It is also nurturing and refreshing. If you don’t have access to a bathtub, you can rub sea salt on your body in the shower.

For 3 days following a Reiki session:

1. Avoid alcohol and limit caffeine.
2. Drink enough water to stay well hydrated.
3. Eat light, healthy meals abundant in vegetables and fruit. Avoid red meat.
4. Get adequate rest. Exercise moderately. Avoid strenuous workouts. 
5. Spend time in nature—walk in a park; sit quietly near a body of water.
6. Meditate or allow yourself 15-30 minutes of quiet time each day.
7. Minimize screen time.
8. Notice your feelings and the physical sensations in your body. Placing your attention on shifts taking place and insights gained will assist in anchoring new patterns, allowing them to become habit more easily. You may find it helpful to journal impressions that come to you during and following a session.
9. If you receive other energy work such as massage, chiropractic, acupuncture, sound healing, etc., schedule at least 3 days after receiving a Reiki session.

Your Reiki session will still be beneficial if you do not follow these suggestions

Your Reiki session will be beneficial whether you follow these suggestions or not; however, incorporating them into your regimen will allow the energetic realignments set in motion during the session to stabilize and integrate more effectively on all levels: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Extend this period beyond three days if you are experiencing a healing reaction (see below). Or incorporate them in support of a healthy lifestyle!

Healing Reactions

After a Reiki treatment you may experience physical symptoms such as headache, nausea, fatigue. Occasionally, pain or discomfort will intensify briefly before releasing. These experiences are sometimes referred to as a Healing Reaction or a Healing Catharsis and are usually an indication that the body is detoxifying as it moves through the healing process. Should this happen, extend the regimen recommended above, taking care to stay well hydrated, get plenty of rest, and generally be kind to yourself.

Such symptoms usually dissipate within a few days. They are more likely to occur if you have not had energy sessions previously, if you have a chronic condition, or if you are chronically stressed. They are typically an indication that more Reiki is needed. If symptoms persist, consult a medical professional, as they may be unrelated to the session.

For additional information on healing reactions, see my blog post: https://reikiforliving.org/sound-reiki-healing-reactions-aid-the-healing-process/

Consistent Treatment Over Time

As with any lifestyle change or self-care regimen, the greatest benefit from Reiki comes with consistent treatment over time. Consider adding regular Reiki sessions to your wellness regimen. If you would like to learn how to treat yourself with Reiki, consider taking Reiki classes.

©2023 Marianne Streich, Reiki for Living. All rights reserved. For reposting permission, contact Marianne. Reiki practitioners and teachers are welcome to print this page and share with clients and students.

Marianne is a Seattle-Area Reiki Master Teacher and Practitioner. She is the author of Reiki: A Guide for the Practice of Levels I and II and a former editor, contributor, and columnist for Reiki News Magazine.