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Booking your first Reiki session can feel a little mysterious. Friends may have told you it was deeply relaxing, but nobody explained the practical parts. Do you undress? Will the practitioner touch you? How long does it take?
These are completely reasonable questions, especially if you're new to energy work or exploring wellness in a new city like Medellín. Knowing what happens at a Reiki session ahead of time helps you feel calm, informed, and in control of your experience.
Here's a clear, honest guide to what to expect from a Reiki session, from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave.
What Is a Reiki Session?
Reiki is a Japanese energy practice developed by Mikao Usui in the 1920s. Practitioners describe it as channeling "life force energy" through their hands to encourage relaxation and a sense of balance.
So, what is a Reiki session in practical terms? It's a quiet, one-on-one appointment where you rest, usually lying down, while a trained practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above different areas of your body.
Reiki is a complementary practice. It isn't a replacement for medical or mental health care, and a good practitioner won't diagnose conditions or promise specific results. Many people simply value it as dedicated time to slow down, breathe, and rest.
What Happens During a Reiki Session?
Every practitioner has their own style, but most sessions follow a similar flow.
- A short conversation. Your practitioner will usually ask what brought you in, whether you've tried Reiki before, and whether there are areas or types of touch you'd like to avoid. This is the best moment to share your preferences.
- Getting comfortable. You'll typically lie on your back on a massage table or padded mat, with a pillow and blanket. Sitting in a chair is also an option if lying down isn't comfortable.
- The energy work. The practitioner moves slowly through a series of hand positions, often starting near the head and working toward the feet. Each position may last a few minutes. Some play soft music; others prefer silence.
- Closing and check-in. At the end, you'll have a moment to come back to the room. Many practitioners invite you to share how you feel and offer a glass of water.
You don't need to do anything during this time. You can close your eyes, drift off, or simply notice your breath.
Do You Stay Dressed During Reiki?
Yes. You stay fully clothed for a Reiki session. Unlike massage, Reiki doesn't involve oils or direct skin-on-skin contact, so there's no need to undress.
You may be asked to remove your shoes, glasses, or bulky jewelry so you can lie comfortably. Beyond that, what you wear is up to you. Loose, breathable clothing works best, and soft cotton layers suit Medellín's mild climate well.
If a practitioner ever asks you to remove clothing for Reiki, you are free to decline and end the session.
Is There Touching During a Reiki Session?
It depends on the practitioner's approach and, most importantly, on your comfort. There are two common styles.
Hands-On Reiki
In a hands-on Reiki session, the practitioner rests their hands lightly on clothed areas of the body, such as the head, shoulders, abdomen, knees, and feet. The touch is gentle and still. There's no pressing, rubbing, or massage.
Sensitive areas like the breasts and groin are never touched. When a practitioner works near these areas, they hold their hands above the body instead.
Hands-Off Reiki
In hands-off Reiki, the practitioner holds their hands a few centimeters to several inches above your body throughout the session. Many practitioners say the energy flows the same way whether or not their hands make contact, so choosing this option doesn't mean a "lesser" session.
Can You Request a No-Touch Session?
Absolutely. You can ask for a fully hands-off session before you begin, or change your mind at any point during it. A professional practitioner will adjust without question.
Consent in Reiki is ongoing. You're always free to:
- Ask the practitioner to explain what they're about to do
- Say no to touch on any specific area
- Ask for a pause, a break, or to stop the session entirely
Your comfort comes first. Speaking up is never rude.
How Long Is a Reiki Session?
Most Reiki sessions last between 45 and 90 minutes. A standard full session is often around 60 minutes, including a brief check-in at the start and a few minutes to reorient at the end.
Some practitioners offer shorter 20–30 minute sessions, which can be a gentle introduction if you're curious but unsure. Longer sessions may combine Reiki with other practices, such as guided breathing or sound healing.
When you book, check the listed duration so you can plan your day around it. It's also worth leaving 10–15 minutes afterward to rest before heading back out into the city.
What Might You Feel During a Reiki Session?
Experiences vary widely, and there's no "right" way for a session to feel. People commonly describe:
- Warmth, tingling, or a gentle heaviness in the body
- Deep relaxation, sometimes to the point of falling asleep
- Colors or images appearing behind closed eyes
- An emotional release, such as wanting to cry or laugh
- Very little at all
All of these are normal. Some people leave feeling calm and grounded; others feel sleepy or reflective for the rest of the day. Because experiences differ so much, it helps to go in with curiosity rather than specific expectations.
How to Prepare for Your First Reiki Session
A little preparation helps you settle in faster and enjoy your time fully.
- Wear comfortable clothes. Choose soft, non-restrictive layers you can relax in.
- Eat lightly. A heavy meal right beforehand can make lying still uncomfortable.
- Hydrate. Drink water before and after your session.
- Arrive a few minutes early. Rushing in from traffic makes it harder to unwind.
- Set a simple intention. Rest, stress relief, or plain curiosity are all valid reasons to book.
- Share your boundaries. Tell your practitioner about touch preferences, injuries, or areas to avoid.
- Keep your regular care in place. If you're managing a health condition, keep working with your doctor and treat Reiki as a complement.
- Choose someone you can talk to easily. Communicating comfortably, in your preferred language, makes a real difference in how safe and relaxed you feel.
Book an English-Speaking Reiki Session in Medellín with Dharma
Finding a trusted Reiki practitioner in a new city can be hard, especially if your Spanish is still a work in progress. That's where Dharma comes in.
Dharma helps travelers, expats, and locals find and book vetted energy healers in Medellín, in English or Spanish. You can browse practitioners, choose one whose style feels right for you, and share your preferences, including a no-touch session, before you arrive.
Ready to experience Reiki for yourself? Book a Reiki session through Dharma, download the Dharma app on your iPhone, and enjoy 20% off your first session. A calmer, more grounded afternoon in Medellín could be just a few taps away.
