How to Prepare for Your First Reiki Session: A Simple Checklist

How do you prepare for your first Reiki session? Honestly, very little: an open mind, comfortable clothes, and a willingness to rest are most of it. Reiki asks nothing of you, but a few small things beforehand help you settle in faster and get more from the quiet. Here is a simple checklist for before, during, and after.

In the hours before

Eat something light so you are neither hungry nor heavy, and drink some water, since staying hydrated before and after supports the body. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing; you stay fully dressed throughout. If you can, leave a little buffer so you are not rushing in stressed and out late. And set a gentle, loose intention if you like, not a demand, just a sense of what you would like to soften or make space for. I would like to rest is plenty.

What to bring and wear

Comfortable layers are ideal, since body temperature can shift during energy work. Beyond that, nothing is required. For an in-studio session, you really only need to bring yourself; if you would like a fuller sense of the experience first, here is what to expect at your first Reiki session.

During your session

Your only job is to relax and receive. You do not have to clear your mind or do anything correctly. If thoughts wander, let them; if emotions or sensations come up, let those move through too. Some people feel warmth or tingling, some drift to sleep, some simply rest. All of it is fine.

After your session

Come back slowly; there is no need to leap up. Drink water, and if you can, keep the rest of the day or evening gentle. Reiki tends to keep working quietly in the hours that follow, so give yourself a little ease. Some people feel calm, some pleasantly tired, some notice a lingering softness.

If your session is at a distance

The prep is the same, plus setting up your space at home. See how to prepare for a distance Reiki session for the full at-home setup: a quiet room, phone silenced, lights low, headphones ready.

Book your first session and we will guide you through the rest. ✧

Frequently asked questions

What should you do before a Reiki session? Eat lightly, hydrate, wear comfortable clothes, arrive unhurried, and set a gentle, loose intention if you would like.

What should I wear to a Reiki session? Comfortable, loose layers. You stay fully clothed, and layers help since body temperature can shift.

Do you need to do anything during Reiki? No. Your only job is to relax and receive; there is no right way to do it.

What should you do after a Reiki session? Come back slowly, drink water, and keep things gentle, since the calm tends to linger for hours.