During the first visit, we’ll discuss health history and intension for the session.

During the session you lie fully clothed on a comfortable massage table in a peaceful, dimly lit room, with soft music playing. Fresh sheets are put on the table for all clients. You may ask for a top sheet or blanket to cover you if it helps you to relax.

The reiki session will last about an hour. During the first half you will lay face up and then I will ask you to turn over for the second half. My massage table has removable sections in the chest area to make clients more comfortable laying face down if that is helpful.

I will gently place my hands on or slightly above different areas of your body, starting at your head and moving toward your feet. Each hand position is held for several minutes. You may feel warmth, tingling, or deep relaxation, though some people feel very little during the session itself. Many clients fall asleep or enter a meditative state.

After your session I will give you water to rehydrate and dark chocolate to ground you. It’s normal to feel effects immediately or over the following days.

Reiki sensations vary widely from person to person and even from session to session. Common experiences include:

• Warmth or coolness flowing through your body

• Gentle tingling or vibrating sensations

• A feeling of deep peace and relaxation

• Emotional releases like tears of relief

• Seeing colors or lights with eyes closed

• Feeling like you’re floating or weightless

• A sense of energy moving or shifting

• Complete mental quiet and stillness.

Some people fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed, while others remain aware but deeply relaxed. Trust that whatever you experience is exactly what your body needs in that moment.

Reiki is generally considered very safe with minimal risk of adverse effects. Some people may experience what’s called a “healing response” in the hours or days following a session, which can include temporary fatigue, emotional releases, mild headaches, intestinal discomfort, or increased thirst as the body processes the treatment. These effects are typically mild and short-lived. Very rarely, some individuals might feel temporarily more emotional or have vivid dreams. It’s important to stay hydrated after your session and get adequate rest. Reiki complements but doesn’t replace medical treatment, so always continue with prescribed medications and medical care. If you have serious health conditions, please inform your practitioner beforehand.

Reiki can be a valuable support for people dealing with pain, anxiety, and depression, though individual responses vary. Many clients find that regular Reiki sessions help them feel calmer, more centered, and better able to cope with their symptoms. The deep relaxation that Reiki provides can help break the cycle of tension that often makes pain and emotional distress worse. Some people notice improvements right away, while others find the benefits build over time with multiple sessions. While Reiki isn’t a cure, it can be a wonderful complement to your other treatments—whether that’s medication, therapy, physical therapy, or other medical care.

I have some clinical studies on reiki linked on the “What is Reiki” page.

Reiki is safe for both populations due to its gentle, non-invasive nature.

For children: Reiki can help with sleep issues, anxiety, emotional regulation, and comfort during medical treatments. Sessions are adapted to the child’s age and attention span—toddlers might receive 10-15 minutes while teens can handle full sessions. Children often respond very quickly to Reiki energy. A parent or guardian typically stays in the room, and the child can remain clothed and positioned however they’re comfortable.

For pregnant women: Reiki supports both mother and baby throughout pregnancy, potentially helping with morning sickness, fatigue, anxiety, and labor preparation. Positioning is modified for comfort, I will have you lay on your side, rather than you back or face down. Always inform both your Reiki practitioner and your healthcare provider about any complementary therapies you’re receiving during pregnancy.

Reiki and massage are fundamentally different healing modalities. Massage therapy involves direct physical manipulation of muscles and soft tissues, while Reiki is an energy healing practice that works with the body’s subtle energy systems. Reiki sessions are performed with the client fully clothed using light touch or hands-off techniques, focusing on balancing chakras and the energetic body rather than addressing muscular or structural issues.

Reiki is a healing technique, not a religion. Although it involves spiritual concepts like universal life energy and was developed by someone with Buddhist influences, Reiki itself doesn’t require adherence to any particular religious doctrine or belief system. It has no specific deity, scripture, or religious practices. People from all faith traditions—as well as those who don’t consider themselves religious—can learn and practice Reiki. Many find it complements rather than conflicts with their existing spiritual or religious beliefs.

The frequency of Reiki sessions depends on your individual needs, goals, and circumstances. For general wellness and stress management, many people find monthly sessions beneficial. If you’re dealing with acute stress, illness, or challenging life situations, you might benefit from weekly sessions initially, then space them out as you feel better. Some people prefer sessions every two weeks, while others come seasonally or whenever they feel the need for extra support. During your first session, we can discuss what might work best for your situation and budget. Remember, even occasional Reiki sessions can be deeply beneficial—there’s no minimum requirement to experience positive effects. If you are coming in frequently, I offer discounts for booking multiple appointments at once.