Understanding Healing Reactions After Reiki
Reiki is a gentle yet powerful healing practice that helps restore balance and energy flow within the body. However, like any form of healing, it can sometimes trigger unexpected reactions, also known as healing reactions. These are completely normal and actually indicate that the healing process has begun.
As Reiki energy moves through you, it helps to release stagnant energy, clearing out emotional, mental, and physical blockages. If you’ve ever had a session and found yourself feeling emotional, tired, or even experiencing physical symptoms afterward, know that this is your body's natural way of adjusting, detoxifying, and rebalancing.
Here are some common healing reactions you might experience after a Reiki session:
1. Emotional Release
Reiki doesn’t just work on a physical level. It also brings healing to your emotions and mental health. You may find yourself experiencing:
Crying or laughter as stored emotions release
Feelings of sadness, joy, or overwhelm surfacing unexpectedly
Memories or emotions from the past coming up for healing
This is a natural and necessary part of the process. Instead of resisting, allow yourself to feel and release whatever comes up. These emotions have been stored within your energy field, and Reiki is simply helping you to clear them out.
2. Physical Symptoms (Healing Crisis)
As your body integrates the energy shift, you might experience temporary physical sensations, such as:
Headaches or lightheadedness
Fatigue or flu-like symptoms
Soreness or muscle tension release
This is often referred to as a healing crisis. It’s your body’s way of detoxifying and rebalancing itself. These symptoms are temporary and typically last only a few days. To support your body, try:
Drinking plenty of water to flush out toxins
Taking salt baths to ease physical tension (Check out my bath teas to help with this if you’re local to Queens, NY)
Resting or moving gently, depending on what your body needs
3. Heightened Awareness & Intuition
As Reiki clears energetic blockages, you may feel more present and in tune with yourself. You might notice:
Increased intuition or deeper self-awareness
Vivid dreams or symbolic messages coming through
Heightened senses, noticing things you hadn’t before
This is a sign that your energy is shifting and that you are becoming more aligned with yourself.
4. Deep Relaxation & Rejuvenation
Many people enter a deeply relaxed state during a Reiki session, many times even falling asleep. This is a good thing. It means your body is fully receiving the healing energy. Afterward, you may feel:
Calm, peaceful, and lighter
Well-rested and refreshed
More energized and clear-headed
How to Support Yourself After a Reiki Session
Stay hydrated and eat nourishing foods
Take time for self-care like salt baths, meditation, gentle movement
Journal and self reflect on any emotions that surface
Allow yourself to rest and integrate the healing
Trust the Process
Healing reactions are a sign that Reiki is working, helping your body and spirit release what no longer serves you. If you experience discomfort, don’t be alarmed as this is simply part of the adjustment period. This is one reason I offer holistic support between sessions.
For deeper healing, I often recommend weekly Reiki sessions for a month, as each session builds upon the last.
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of Reiki or have questions about how it can support your healing journey, book a session with me. Your body already knows how to heal itself. Reiki simply helps you align with that natural wisdom.
