I recently read what I can only say was a very disturbing account of a persons first ever reiki session. The person went along to a “friends” husband who was, aswell as a reiki person, a medical doctor.

Now, you would expect to be reasonably confident to follow this persons instructions. Well, think again. He asked this poor lady to undress, completely, and then proceeded to give her hands on reiki, everywhere.

This is perhaps an extreme example of things NOT okay for your first reiki session. But, here is a list of some others I have heard, not just in reiki circles, which if you are confronted with you should head for the hills.

1. Nudity

Reiki does not require you to remove your clothing. Even during a massage your body is covered except for the area being worked on. If someone asks you to undress, leave. Immediately.

2. Inappropriate contact

Reiki can be given 1-2cm above the body. There is no need to make contact with areas of sensitivity. Genitals for one. But, other areas we might not feel comfortable with, like the face or neck.

3. Inappropriate advances

A reiki session should be a professional and safe experience. If the reiki person is overly intimate during or after the session, you should feel comfortable to let them know, and leave. You should feel no obligation to be socially or personally involved with the reiki person outside of the sessions.

4. Asking for extra money

If the person you visit charges for their services. Fine. If the person asks you for more money to “help” them further their spiritual mission, or some other spiritual project, that is not okay and you should leave.

5. Conducting the session in an unsafe environment

This may include anywhere where you do not feel comfortable. Trust your feelings. If you do not feel okay. Do not stay. This also includes situations where people are pushed way past what they are comfortable with. I know people that LOVE giving reiki in the middle of crowded places, buses, parks, shopping malls. For some this is very confronting. If you do not like it, just politely say not today, thanks.

6. Giving you an attunement on your first day

All good reiki practitioners will give people an introductory reiki session, usually at no charge. If someone offers to attune you to reiki on your first day, I would tell them no thanks. I would also wonder why they are in such a hurry. Slow and steady is the best, with all spiritual matters. Sure, things can move fast at times and the healing comes strongly, but that is on the reiki side. People should always be down to earth and supportive. You should never feel pushed. That is the message here.

7. Telling you wierd things

(a) You have the aura of Jesus (do not laugh, someone has said this to me)
(b) They are Jesus, Buddha, Lao Tzu (whoever) re-incarnated, or a close disciple of them re-incarnated
(c) You need to leave your partner, family, kids, job, city, or in any other way significantly change you current life situation
(d) Anything about Aliens. That they help them give you reiki. They are coming to save them. They can save you.
(e) Reiki is going to fix you, make you all better again. (especially if you have a serious illness)
(f) They channel enlightened Masters, and have messages or teachings for you
(g) There is one true religion. Theirs.
(h) You are seriously ill.
(i) They are your spiritual teacher. And it is a miracle you have found them in this life.
(k) You are their spiritual teacher and it is a miracle they have found you in this life.
(l) They get direct messages from Usui, Takata, Hayashi or any other Reiki elder.