Triggers and Emotional Responses to Reiki

In this post, I want to share a little about how Reiki can sometimes trigger strong emotional responses, and why that can actually be a healthy part of the healing process.

A few of my clients’ responses to Reiki have reminded me that a session can sometimes leave you looking and feeling as though you’ve just woken from a deep sleep – puffy-faced, a little disoriented, and clearly processing something deep you might not want to show. There may be tears, waves of emotion, or old, forgotten, suppressed, or hidden memories gently surfacing – or even bursting through like an uncontrolled explosion.

In a deep state of relaxation, the mind and body finally have space to release and offload hidden trauma or tension. Reiki can bring forgotten or deeply suppressed memories into awareness. Some people may feel emotional, sensitive, or even triggered during or after a session, and this is a natural part of the healing process.

I’ve experienced this myself. A few years ago, I joined a paid group shamanic session at a festival with a rather unempathic practitioner. They rescheduled the group an hour earlier than originally advertised, didn’t apologise (I had even taken a photo of the schedule to make sure I arrived on time), and I went in feeling irritated and unsettled. At the end, their closing statement was simply: “If any trauma arises, please visit the First Aid tent.”

During that workshop, a trauma block I’d been carrying for decades surfaced. Initially, I was angry: there was no aftercare, I’d missed half the session because of the reschedule, and they hadn’t been honest about the change – all on top of a big emotional release. Then I realised something important: despite all of that, it was actually the best £20 I’d spent that year, even though I only attended half the workshop. That session shifted something I’d been holding for a very long time.

It’s important to remember that the practitioner is not the source of these blocks; they simply facilitate the release. The emotions and memories that surface are yours, arising because your system is ready to let them go – this is the time, this is the place.

What to Do if You Feel Triggered After Reiki

If you feel emotional or triggered after a Reiki session, try to give yourself time and space to integrate what has surfaced. Gently ground yourself with water, rest, and simple, soothing activities, and avoid numbing out with alcohol or over-stimulation if you can. If something feels overwhelming or confusing, you are always welcome to reach out to me for a check-in, ask questions, or book a follow-up session to help you process the experience in a supported way.