Your first Reiki session is a significant step — an invitation to experience healing at an energetic level that most people have never accessed before. The most important thing you can bring is an open mind. But a few simple preparations can also help you arrive grounded, receptive, and ready to receive.
New to Reiki? Read our complete guide to what Reiki healing is and how it works before your session.
Before Your Session: 7 Preparation Tips
Set a Clear Intention
Before your session, take a few quiet moments to ask yourself: what am I hoping to receive from this experience? You do not need a detailed agenda — a simple intention like "I am open to receiving healing" or "I am ready to release what no longer serves me" creates a receptive energetic field. Write it down if that helps. Chandini will invite you to share your intention at the start of your session.
Wear Comfortable, Loose Clothing
You will remain fully clothed throughout your session. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing — anything you could comfortably lie in for an hour without feeling constricted. Natural fibers (cotton, linen) are ideal. Remove shoes upon arrival. Leave heavy metal jewelry at home if possible.
Eat Light and Stay Hydrated
Have a light meal 1–2 hours before your session. Avoid heavy, rich food or alcohol in the 24 hours before. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. A well-hydrated body conducts energy more efficiently and is better prepared for the detoxifying effects that can accompany energy work.
Limit Caffeine Before Your Session
Caffeine activates the sympathetic nervous system — the exact opposite of the parasympathetic state Reiki aims to cultivate. Consider limiting or avoiding caffeine for 2–3 hours before your session to arrive in a more receptive, relaxed state.
Arrive with a Few Minutes to Spare
Rushing to a healing session is counterproductive. Arrive 5–10 minutes early so you can settle into the space, take a few deep breaths, and transition out of your daily mental pace before the session begins. This buffer makes a meaningful difference in how deeply you can receive.
Silence Your Devices
Put your phone on do not disturb mode — not just silent, but fully disconnected from notifications. A buzzing phone during a session is one of the most common disruptions to deep energetic work. Your messages can wait 60–90 minutes.
Release Expectations
This is perhaps the most important preparation. Everyone experiences Reiki differently. You may feel warmth, tingling, deep relaxation, emotional waves, or very little during the session — and all of these are completely valid. The energy is working regardless of what you consciously feel. Come with curiosity rather than expectations.
What to Expect During Your Session
At Moon Healing Alchemy, your session begins with a brief intake conversation. Chandini will ask about your intentions, any areas of concern, and your general health. This is a safe, non-judgmental space — share whatever feels relevant.
You will then lie comfortably on a treatment table (or sit in a chair if preferred). Soft music, gentle lighting, and carefully chosen crystals create a healing atmosphere aligned with lunar and elemental energies. Chandini will begin working with your energy field.
Common sensations during a session include:
- Warmth or heat in specific areas of the body
- Tingling, pulsing, or gentle vibration
- A deep sense of peace or floating
- Seeing colors or light behind closed eyes
- Emotional release — tears, laughter, or waves of feeling
- Falling into a deeply relaxed, dream-like state
Some people feel very little during the session itself — and notice the most significant shifts in the days that follow: better sleep, clearer thinking, lighter emotions, new perspectives.
After Your Session: Aftercare Guidelines
- ✦Drink water — Hydrate generously in the hours following your session. Energy work has a gentle detoxifying effect and water supports the process.
- ✦Rest if you feel tired — Deep healing can be integrative work. Honor your body's signals and allow yourself to rest without guilt.
- ✦Avoid alcohol — Skip alcohol for the rest of the day. Your energy field is open and receptive; alcohol can disrupt the integration process.
- ✦Spend time in nature — A walk outside, bare feet on grass, or time near water helps ground the energy and deepen integration.
- ✦Journal — Write down any insights, images, emotions, or physical sensations from your session. These often carry important messages that become clearer over the following days.
- ✦Be gentle with yourself — Avoid overscheduling after a session. Give yourself space to integrate. The healing continues working for 24–72 hours.
“The preparation is the beginning of the healing. When you arrive with intention and openness, the energy has already started to move.”
— Chandini Botre
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to a Reiki session?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing — anything you could comfortably lie in for an hour. Natural fibers like cotton or linen are ideal. You remain fully clothed throughout. Remove shoes upon arrival. Leave heavy jewelry at home if possible, though this is a minor consideration.
Should I eat before a Reiki session?
Eat a light meal 1–2 hours before your session. Avoid heavy, rich foods or alcohol in the 24 hours before. A full stomach can make deep relaxation more difficult. Stay hydrated — drink water throughout the day. Some practitioners suggest avoiding caffeine for a few hours beforehand, as it can interfere with deep settling.
Can I talk during a Reiki session?
You can, but you do not have to. Many clients find that silence enhances their experience. If you have questions or feel moved to share something, Chandini is always present. She may offer gentle guidance at the beginning and end of sessions but maintains peaceful space during the healing work itself.
What should I do after a Reiki session?
Drink plenty of water — energy work can have a gentle detoxifying effect and hydration supports the process. Rest if you feel tired; this is normal and beneficial. Avoid alcohol for the remainder of the day. Spend time in nature if possible. Journal any insights that arise and allow your experience to integrate over the next 24–72 hours.
Ready to experience Reiki for yourself? Begin with a healing session — a relaxed, supportive experience where you can ask any questions and we discover the right approach for your unique needs.
Chandini Botre
Certified Reiki Practitioner, Registered Nurse & Founder of Moon Healing Alchemy
Chandini Botre is a certified Reiki practitioner and registered nurse who brings over 40 years of clinical care experience to her healing practice. She creates a safe, sacred space for every client's first Reiki experience. In-person and distance sessions available.
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