The Reiki Cafe 

Hello,
I'm new here and to Reiki. Last night I went to a Reiki meditation group for the first time with a friend. I had two people lay their hands on me. I got a very weird, strong, somewhat uncomfortable feeling in my body when the first person laid hands on me. When the person was touching my head and neck I got very hot and sweaty, nauseated, and felt like I was going to black out. This went on for about 5 minutes. When they moved to my shoulders and arms, I still felt strong feelings in my body but the other feelings went away. I didn't get the same reaction when the second person touched me. After the meditation I was totally exhausted. Is that normal? It kind of freaked me out.
Flutterby

Dear Flutterby,
Sorry to hear your session was so uncomfortable. This would be a good time to set boundries and end a session as sometimes it can be too intense, just as a person has to tell a massage therapist when they are putting too much pressure as to cause too much pain. Dialog is important. and glad you could post your experience.
thanks,
peace,
Prosperity

Hi Flutterby,

Welcome to the cafe :)

Some practitioners are just not so good at keeping their own 'stuff' to themselves when treating others and this may have been why you experienced what you did with the first person and not the second. I agree with Prosperity in that if you are feeling uncomfortable it is better to end the session; you can always use the excuse that you are feeling unwell to save any awkward discussions about not feeling comfortable with a particular practitioner. As for the exhaustion, you can feel tired, relaxed or alternatively you can feel energised by a Reiki treatment. If you were feeling totally drained then I would say that you should use some grounding and protection techniques next time you attend a meditation group.

I once had a similar situation at a Reiki share as a newbie when one of the practitioners there thought it was a great idea to press very hard on my brow chakra(third eye). I had a splitting headache and felt nauseous for hours after. It made me very aware of how not to do Reiki on others. I always put myself and the recipient in a bubble of white light when giving or receiving a treatment.

I hope this experience hasn't put you off trying Reiki again :)

Gentle Blessings
Helen

Thank you both for answering back. I didn't end the session because it was my first time, and it was a group. I didn't want to disturb the others. I was amazed that I actually felt someting. I was a bit skeptical. I'd like to go back. The people and building had good vibes. Just a little nervous I might have the same reaction.
Peace
flutterby

Hi Flutterby,

I agree with the others. If you are ever uncomfortable you have the right to end a session, especially if you are new to Reiki.
Your energy system may not have been ready to have that much strong energy flowing into you. It can be a shock to the system.
You might try speaking with your guides. Tell them you feel uncomfortable and can they please adjust the energy for you. Guides, teachers, guardians and angels are marvelous creatures. In energy work they can become your best friends.

Blessings
Ashkee