How to Prepare for Reiki: What to Expect at Your First Session

Preparing for Reiki is simple. Wear something comfortable, eat lightly, drink some water and give yourself a quiet window before and after the session. If your session is virtual, set up a private place where you can lie down undisturbed. That covers most of it. The rest of this guide explains each step, what happens during the session, and what Reiki usually costs.

Quick checklist for your first Reiki session

• Wear soft, loose clothing
• Eat a light meal an hour or two before
• Drink a glass of water
• Avoid alcohol that day, and go easy on caffeine
• Think of one or two things you would like support with
• Plan a gentle hour afterward with nothing urgent
• For a virtual session: a quiet room, somewhere to lie down, a charged device and headphones

The day before

You do not need to change your routine much. A few small things help you arrive settled.

• Sleep as well as you can. Being very tired is fine, but you may fall asleep during the session.
• Go easy on alcohol. Many practitioners suggest skipping it the day before and the day of, so you arrive clear-headed.
• Jot down what is on your mind. A few words about why you are booking, how you have been sleeping, or what feels heavy right now. You can share as much or as little as you like.
• Note any health information worth mentioning, such as pregnancy, recent surgery, injuries or places you would prefer not to be touched in an in-person session.

The day of your session

• Eat lightly. A small meal or snack an hour or two beforehand keeps you comfortable without feeling heavy.
• Drink water. Have a glass before and keep one nearby for after.
• Limit caffeine. A cup of coffee is fine for most people, but a lot of caffeine can make it harder to relax.
• Leave a buffer. Try not to go straight from a stressful meeting into your session. Even ten minutes of quiet helps.
• Wear comfortable clothes. Leggings, joggers, a T-shirt or a soft sweater. Remove belts, watches and heavy jewelry if they bother you when lying down.

How to prepare for a virtual Reiki session

A virtual session takes a little extra setup, since your home becomes the treatment room. Most of these steps take a few minutes.

Choose your spot

• Pick a room where you can close the door and will not be interrupted for the full session.
• Lie on a bed, a sofa, a yoga mat with cushions, or recline in a comfortable chair. Lying flat on your back is most common.
• Have a pillow under your head and another under your knees if your lower back likes support.
• Keep a blanket nearby. Body temperature often drops as you relax.

Set up your device

• Charge your phone, tablet or laptop, or keep it plugged in.
• Test your video link and internet connection before the session starts.
• Use headphones if you want to hear the practitioner clearly without holding the device.
• Switch on Do Not Disturb so messages and calls do not break your rest.
• Place the device somewhere stable where it will not fall.

Prepare your space

• Let anyone at home know you need an uninterrupted hour.
• Settle pets somewhere else if they are likely to climb on you or demand attention.
• Dim the lights or draw the curtains if that helps you relax.
• Keep water and tissues within reach. Emotions sometimes come up.
• Use the bathroom right before you begin.

Check the time

Sessions with Chandini run Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Eastern Time. If you live in another time zone, double-check the time on your confirmation.

For more on how Reiki works remotely, see distance Reiki: how it works.

What to expect at a Reiki session

Most Reiki sessions follow the same basic pattern, whether in person or online.

1. Check-in. You talk briefly about how you are and what you would like support with. This is also the time to ask questions.
2. Getting comfortable. You lie down, close your eyes and take a few slow breaths.
3. The Reiki. In person, the practitioner rests their hands lightly on you or holds them just above your body, moving through a series of positions. In a virtual session, they work remotely while you rest. Either way, you do not need to do anything.
4. Coming back. You are gently brought back at the end. Take your time before sitting up.
5. Closing conversation. You can share what you noticed. The practitioner may offer a few observations or simple suggestions.

What you might feel

Warmth, tingling, heaviness, a floating sensation, sleepiness or emotions are all common. So is feeling nothing in particular. There is no right way to experience Reiki. If you fall asleep, that is fine.

What if you cannot relax?

That is normal, especially the first time. Your mind may wander to your to-do list. Let it, then bring your attention back to your breath. You can open your eyes, shift position or speak at any point.

After your Reiki session

• Drink water and eat something simple if you are hungry.
• Move slowly. Sit for a minute before standing.
• Keep the rest of the day light if you can. A walk, a bath or an early night are good choices.
• Notice how you feel over the next day or two. Some people feel lighter and more rested. Some feel tired or emotional for a short while.
• Write down anything that stood out, so you can compare if you book again.

If anything feels strong, unusual or lasts more than a couple of days, check in with your doctor. Reiki is complementary and does not replace medical care.

How much does Reiki cost?

Reiki prices vary a lot. They depend on the practitioner, where they work, how long the session is and whether it is in person or virtual. It is worth checking what is included, such as the length of the session and any conversation before and after.

With Chandini, all sessions are virtual and pay what feels right, from $11 to $111:

Elemental Balance is the session that centers on Reiki. The free consultation comes first, so you can ask questions and choose the right session before paying anything.

Questions to ask before you book

• How long is the session, and how much of it is hands-on or energy work?
• Is it in person or virtual, and what do I need at home for a virtual session?
• What happens if I need to reschedule?
• Do you offer a first conversation before I commit?
• How do you work alongside medical or mental-health care?

A practitioner who answers these openly is a good sign. For a full checklist, read how to choose a Reiki practitioner.

Working with Chandini

Chandini Botre offers Reiki in her virtual Elemental Balance session, along with Pranic Healing and crystal work. Her nursing background shapes a calm, practical approach, and she is happy to talk you through setup on your first call. Learn more on the Reiki healing page, or start with a free consultation through book a session.