Guide5 min readUpdated 8 September 2026

What to expect from a Reiki session

A plain guide to your first Reiki session in New Zealand: what happens on the table, how long it takes, what it feels like, and how to pick a practitioner.

Reiki is one of the most common things people book through this directory. It is also one of the least understood. If you have never had a session, this guide walks you through it from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave.

What Reiki is

Reiki is a hands-on practice that began in Japan in the early twentieth century. The word is usually translated as “universal energy”. A practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above your body. The intention is to support your own sense of calm and balance.

Reiki NZ Inc., the professional body for Reiki practitioners here, describes it as a gentle practice that “supports the body’s self-healing ability”. People who practise Reiki talk about energy, ki or life force. That is the language of the tradition, and your practitioner will likely use it.

It is worth being clear about the evidence. The United States National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says Reiki “hasn’t been clearly shown to be effective for any health-related purpose”. It also says Reiki has not been shown to cause harm. Most people who book Reiki are looking for rest, quiet and a sense of being cared for. Those are reasonable things to want.

Before you arrive

You do not need to prepare much. Wear comfortable clothes. You stay fully dressed for the whole session, so there is no need to undress. Eat a light meal beforehand rather than arriving hungry or very full. Leave a little extra time so you are not rushing in.

If you take medicines or have a health condition, tell the practitioner. A good practitioner will ask anyway. Reiki does not replace your doctor, and it should not delay any treatment you need.

When you arrive

Most sessions begin with a short chat. The practitioner will ask why you have come and whether anything is bothering you. This might take five to ten minutes. You can say as much or as little as you like. Some people come with a specific worry. Others just want to switch off.

The room is usually quiet and warm. Many practitioners play soft music or dim the lights. You will be asked to lie on a massage-style table, face up, often with a blanket. If lying down is hard for you, you can sit in a chair instead.

During the session

The practitioner will move around the table and rest their hands in a series of positions. Common positions are the head, shoulders, chest, stomach, knees and feet. Some practitioners hold their hands a few centimetres above your body instead of touching you. Tell them beforehand if you prefer no touch at all. That is a normal request.

Each hand position is held for a few minutes. There is no pressure, rubbing or manipulation. This is not massage. Reiki NZ Inc. says a full session usually lasts about an hour. Cancer Research UK gives a range of twenty minutes to an hour. Ask when you book so you know what you are paying for.

What does it feel like? People describe warmth, tingling, heaviness or a feeling of sinking into the table. Many fall asleep. Some feel emotional. Some feel nothing at all beyond a pleasant rest. None of these is right or wrong. There is no need to try to feel anything.

After the session

The practitioner will let you know when they have finished and give you a moment to sit up slowly. Have a glass of water. Many people feel relaxed and a little dreamy for an hour or two. A short walk or a quiet evening suits most people better than rushing back to work.

Some practitioners suggest a series of sessions. Reiki NZ Inc. says “one or a series of sessions may be required”. You do not have to commit to more on the day. It is fine to go home, see how you feel, and decide later.

Choosing a Reiki practitioner in New Zealand

Reiki is not a regulated health profession in New Zealand. Anyone can call themselves a Reiki practitioner. That makes a few simple checks worthwhile.

• Ask about training. Reiki NZ Inc. recognises levels one to three. It says a professional practitioner should hold at least level two. Level one is for self-practice and family.
• Ask about membership. Membership of Reiki NZ Inc. is voluntary, but members agree to a code of ethics and rules of practice.
• Ask about insurance and first aid. Reiki NZ Inc. recommends both for professional practitioners.
• Trust your instincts. You should feel safe and respected. If a practitioner makes big promises about curing illness, walk away. No reputable practitioner should do that.

Fees vary by region and by practitioner. See our guide to what readings and healing sessions cost for typical ranges and the questions to ask.

Is Reiki right for you?

Reiki suits people who want a quiet, gentle hour with no pressure to talk. It is safe for almost everyone, including people who are unwell, as long as it sits alongside proper medical care rather than replacing it. If you are living with a serious condition, tell your treatment team you are having Reiki. Most will have no objection.

If you would rather have a session that involves conversation and guidance, a spiritual healer may suit you better. If you are curious about how Reiki compares with other hands-on approaches, read energy healing: Reiki, pranic and other approaches compared.

This guide describes what a practice involves and what people seek from it. It is general information, not medical advice. These services do not replace care from a registered health professional. If you have a health concern, talk with your doctor or call Healthline on 0800 611 116.

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