What Is a Reiki Healing Crisis?
Understanding the body's response to deep energy work
Reiki, known for its ability to promote peace, balance, and nervous system healing, doesn’t always feel gentle in the moment. Sometimes, the body responds in a more intense way — not because something has gone wrong, but because something deep is being released.
This is often called a "Reiki Healing Crisis" — and if you’ve ever felt strange or sensitive after a session, this may explain why.
1. What Is a Healing Crisis?
A healing crisis is a short window where your body and energy system go through a period of adjustment after a Reiki session. It may feel uncomfortable, but it’s often a sign that your system is releasing what’s no longer needed — energy, emotion, or patterns that have been held tightly, sometimes for years.
This release allows more energy to flow freely again. The body recalibrates, and often, on the other side, you feel lighter, more clear, and more grounded.
2. Common Symptoms
Not everyone experiences a healing crisis. But for those who do, it usually passes within 24–48 hours. Here are some symptoms you might notice:
Tiredness or fatigue
Headaches or brain fog
Digestive shifts
Mood swings or irritability
Unexpected emotions like sadness, grief, or anger
Sometimes these symptoms come as a surprise — but they’re simply signs that your body is clearing and rebalancing.
3. Why It Happens
Reiki moves energy. When that energy touches something old — trauma, grief, emotional patterns, or unprocessed memories — it can stir things up.
Think of it like stirring water that’s been still for a long time. At first, things feel murky. But with time, movement brings clarity.
Your nervous system is adjusting. Your cells are detoxing. Your emotional body is processing. All of it is temporary.
4. How to Support Yourself
If you do go through a healing crisis, remember — it’s your body healing, not hurting. Here are a few things that can help:
a. Rest + Hydration
Give your body the space to integrate. Drink water. Take naps. Nourish yourself gently.
b. Safe Support
Let your practitioner know how you're feeling. A good energy healer will help you feel held, not alone.
c. Emotional Expression
Tears, journaling, voice notes, movement — whatever feels natural. Let it move through. Suppressing emotions slows healing.
d. Trust the Process
Even if it feels confusing, trust that your body is doing what it needs to do. The more you allow, the quicker it passes.
5. Gentle Reminder
Not everyone has a healing crisis — and that doesn’t mean Reiki “didn’t work.” Reiki always meets you where you are. Sometimes it moves subtly. Sometimes it moves LOUDLY.
Both are valid. Both are healing.
If you have questions, want to explore this more, or are ready to experience a session yourself, I’d love to guide you.
Reach out or visit:
www.amylynnlohr.com
With warmth and trust,
Amy Lohr
Sensory Reiki™ | Maui + Virtual