Preparing for a reiki session is straightforward: wear comfortable clothes, drink plenty of water, and arrive with a general sense of what you’d like to get out of the experience. You’ll be fully clothed and lying down for about 45 minutes, so the goal is to set yourself up to relax as deeply as possible. A little preparation beforehand can make a real difference in how the session feels.
What to Wear
Soft, loose-fitting clothing is ideal. Think yoga pants, a relaxed t-shirt, or anything you’d comfortably nap in. You’ll stay fully clothed the entire time, so there’s no need to change into a gown or remove layers. Avoid tight waistbands, stiff jeans, or anything that digs into your skin when you’re lying flat. You’ll also want to remove jewelry, watches, and belts before the session starts, since these can create pressure points or become distracting while you’re trying to settle in.
Eat Light, Skip the Caffeine
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks before your appointment. A cup of coffee or an energy drink can make it harder to quiet your mind and relax your body, which is the whole point. The same goes for heavy meals. Eating a large lunch right before lying down for 45 minutes is likely to leave you uncomfortable and distracted by digestion rather than present in the experience.
A light snack an hour or two beforehand is fine if you’re hungry. You don’t want to show up starving either, since a growling stomach is its own kind of distraction.
Drink Extra Water
Most reiki practitioners recommend drinking more water than usual both before and after your session. The reasoning is similar to why massage therapists suggest the same thing: your body processes the experience better when it’s well hydrated. Practitioners often describe water as an energy conductor and suggest that staying hydrated helps your body respond more fully during the session.
There’s no specific amount you need to hit. Just make a point of sipping water throughout the day leading up to your appointment, and keep drinking after you leave. Some people feel tired or slightly off in the hours following a session, and good hydration seems to ease that transition.
Set a Loose Intention
One of the most useful things you can do before arriving is spend a few minutes thinking about why you booked the session. You don’t need a perfectly worded goal or a spiritual affirmation. Just get clear on what you’re hoping to experience. Are you looking for stress relief? Working through grief? Trying to ease physical tension in a specific area? Curious and open to whatever happens?
Some people find it helpful to think in two directions: what they want to invite in (calm, clarity, energy) and what they’re ready to let go of (anxiety, tension, a pattern that isn’t serving them). Your practitioner may ask about your intention at the start of the session, so having even a rough idea saves you from drawing a blank on the table. If nothing specific comes to mind, “I’m open to whatever I need right now” is a perfectly valid intention.
Know What to Expect From the Intake Process
Most practitioners will have you fill out a short intake form before your first session. This typically covers basic health information: any medications you’re taking, whether you’re currently seeing a doctor, and your reason for coming in. You’ll often be asked whether you have sensitivity to touch or fragrances, since some practitioners use essential oils or place their hands lightly on the body during the session.
The form will usually ask you to describe your reason for the session in terms of physical concerns, emotional concerns, or mental and spiritual goals. This isn’t a medical exam. It’s just context that helps your practitioner tailor the experience. Be honest about what’s going on, especially if you have areas of your body where touch is uncomfortable or painful. Reiki is noninvasive and has no known contraindications, so there are no medical conditions that would prevent you from receiving a session. St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust notes that reiki can safely be used for all patients.
Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early for your first visit to handle paperwork without feeling rushed. Return visits are typically quicker to get started.
Prepare Your Mind, Not a Script
The single biggest mistake first-timers make is trying too hard to “do it right.” Reiki is a passive experience on your end. You lie down, close your eyes, and let the practitioner work. You don’t need to meditate, visualize anything, or clear your mind completely. If thoughts come, let them drift by. If you fall asleep, that’s fine and actually common.
Some practical things that help: silence your phone completely (not just vibrate), use the restroom before the session starts, and let go of any expectation about what you’re supposed to feel. Some people experience warmth, tingling, or waves of emotion. Others feel deeply relaxed but nothing dramatic. Both responses are normal, and neither means the session “worked” more or less than the other.
Plan Your Time After the Session
Give yourself a buffer afterward. Scheduling a reiki session between back-to-back meetings or right before a stressful event defeats the purpose. Many people feel deeply relaxed, slightly spacey, or emotionally tender after a session, and jumping straight into a hectic environment can feel jarring.
If possible, keep the rest of your day low-key. A quiet walk, a warm bath, or simply sitting with a glass of water for 15 minutes before driving can help you ease back into your routine. Continue drinking extra water for the rest of the day. Some people notice shifts in their sleep, mood, or energy levels over the following 24 to 48 hours, so it helps to pay attention to how you feel without overanalyzing it.