Depending on their level of training, practitioners can offer Reiki to people who are close
by, or also to people or animals who are a distance away (even a far distance). In the latter
case, Reiki is a type of "distant healing."
As a Reiki Master, I offer Reiki both in person as well as from a distance. When I am not present with a client during a healing session, I find it helpful to have a photograph of the animal or person that I am working with, though this is not required.
During a Reiki healing session, the client usually sits or
lies comfortably, remaining fully clothed. The practitioner places her or his hands on
or slightly above the client's body, using different hand positions.
A typical full session lasts about 45-50 minutes, though the duration of a Reiki healing session varies depending on the client and the situation.
People and animals often experience a deep state of calm, relaxation, and peace during a Reiki Session. Because Reiki goes to the source of that which most needs
healing (which may be unknown to the client and/or the practitioner), a
client may experience emotional, mental, or spiritual healing more than
an ease of physical symptoms.
Reiki is a safe healing technique with no contraindications. Sometimes a client experiences what practitioners call a "healing response."
The person may have symptoms such as a feeling of light-headedness, a headache, an emotional release, or digestive discomfort –
similar to those
experienced during a nutritional detoxification. It is
believed that these are effects of the body releasing toxins and/or
energy blocks. Clients will often find an easing of such symptoms (if
they occur) by drinking plenty of water, getting additional rest, and
possibly eating a lighter
diet.
A single Reiki treatment may bring about significant health improvement and energetic clearing. Healing is often a process, however, and one treatment may not be enough to heal an acute illness or injury, or a condition that has manifested over a long period of time. Chronic conditions can require several treatments.
A series of Reiki treatments can support the work of other healing therapies and interventions, while adding its own holistic healing properties.