Does Reiki Have Any Side Effects?

With origins dating back to the 1800s, Reiki has a long history as a spiritually based form of energy healing. At its core, Reiki is the practice of aligning health by promoting physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being in a holistic fashion. Reiki is grounded in the belief that all life shares a universal energy, and that this life force energy influences our well-being. The practice is used principally to clear negative energy, alleviate pain, and assist with numerous other issues.

Side Effects of Reiki Massage

Physical Side Effects

Unusual Sensations

Many people describe tingling, buzzing, and gently throbbing sensations as energy moves throughout the body. These sensations are generally described as pleasant, but can be unsettling for those who weren’t expecting them. 

Temporary Fatigue

Reiki sessions can be emotionally and physically exhausting, in spite of their gentle nature. People often report feeling exhausted after a session. Those who experience this side effect are advised to listen to their body and indulge in extra rest.

Digestive Changes

Individuals sometimes note feelings of indigestion after sessions. These changes are short term, but you may have the sensation of needing to burp, or pass gas, for example. As with many of the other side effects, these are a result of changes in the alignment of your body’s energies.

Emotional Side Effects

Reiki can be spiritually and emotionally demanding, and people often experience a wide range of emotional responses during and after sessions. Some report feeling embarrassed or anxious, while others might feel uncomfortable without understanding why. People undergoing Reiki massage often enter a heightened emotional state during and after the session. This includes a general increase in emotional sensitivity. This presents in the form of enhanced empathy and improved ability to connect emotionally with others.

Additional emotional side effects of Reiki include:

Mood Swings

Many people report mood swings in the immediate aftermath of a Reiki session. This is natural, as shifting energies allow for the release of suppressed emotions. As with most side effects, this is temporary, and passes quickly.

Spiritual Awareness

One of the most commonly reported emotional side effects is a sense of spiritual awareness and connectedness. Reiki itself does not require people to hold any particular spiritual beliefs, but after a session, many people report greater spiritual awareness.

Dreamlike State

Immediately after a session, some people experience a dreamlike state. These individuals report increased playfulness and creativity, as well as an overall decrease in stress. When this feeling passes, it is generally replaced by a sense of calm and peace.

Is Reiki Safe?

Reiki is a pharmacologically safe, medically non-invasive form of alternative therapy. It involves only light physical contact, if any, and does not require manipulation or massage of muscle tissue. In addition, no substances or medications are used in Reiki. While people do sometimes experience side effects after Reiki, they are temporary and are a sign of the body’s natural healing processes.

Managing Side Effects

After a Reiki session, it’s important to engage in self-care to help manage side effects. Sticking to healthy foods and limiting intake of things like caffeine is advisable, for example. It may also be helpful to blend a journaling practice with your Reiki sessions. After the session, take some time to write down symptoms, sensations, emotions, and thoughts as they flow through you. 

Schedule an Appointment

Are you interested in exploring Reiki? At HeartSeed, we integrate care for the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of our clients. Reiki is a powerful tool for stress reduction and the treatment of other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression. To learn more about Reiki, please feel free to reach out to us!