You finish a Reiki session feeling peaceful, and then the next day you are suddenly tired, teary, or a little off. Many people search “feeling worse after Reiki” in a moment of worry. If that is you, take a breath. What you are feeling is common, it usually passes quickly, and it is often a sign that something old is finally moving.
In energy healing, this is often called a healing crisis or detox reaction. As a Reiki Master who has given thousands of distant sessions, I have walked many clients through it. Here is what it is, the most common symptoms, how long it lasts, and what to do.
What Is a Healing Crisis?
A healing crisis is a temporary period, usually one to three days, when you feel physically or emotionally unsettled after energy work. In energy healing, it is understood as the body and energy field releasing tension, stored emotions, and old patterns. When something that has been held down for a long time comes up to be released, you may feel it briefly on its way out.
Think of cleaning a closet that has been stuffed for years. Before it looks organized, everything comes out onto the floor, and the room looks messier than before. That middle stage is uncomfortable, but it is part of the process.
Common Reiki Side Effects and Healing Crisis Symptoms
Physical
- Tiredness or a strong need to sleep
- Mild headache
- Feeling thirsty or hungry
- More vivid dreams
- Temporary aches in areas that already held tension
- Feeling hot, cold, or tingly
Emotional
- Crying without a clear reason
- Memories surfacing
- Short bursts of irritability or sadness
- Feeling vulnerable or sensitive
- A sense of relief mixed with confusion
Positive Effects
Not every after-effect is uncomfortable. Many people experience deeper sleep, more energy, clearer thinking, a lighter mood, and a stronger sense of calm. Some feel the uncomfortable part first and the positive part a few days later.
Why Does This Happen?
From an energetic point of view, Reiki encourages the body and energy field to return to balance. When balance returns, what no longer belongs begins to release. That can include:
- Stored emotions that were never fully felt, such as grief, anger, or fear.
- Physical tension held in the muscles for months or years.
- Nervous system shifts, as the body moves from stress mode into rest mode. When you finally slow down, you notice how tired you really are.
Deep relaxation itself can make people feel sleepy and emotional. That is a natural response, not a sign that something went wrong.
How Long Does a Healing Crisis Last?
For most people, it lasts 24 to 72 hours. Emotional waves may come and go for up to a week after a deep session, especially if you are working through grief, trauma, or a big life change. After this period, most clients report feeling lighter, calmer, and clearer than before the session.
What to Do After a Reiki Session
- Drink plenty of water. Hydration supports the body as it releases and resets.
- Rest. If you feel tired, sleep. Your body is asking for recovery time.
- Eat simple, nourishing food. Protein-rich meals and fewer heavy, processed foods help you feel grounded.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine for a day or two.
- Take a warm bath. Adding lavender Epsom salt is relaxing and helps you unwind.
- Journal. Write down feelings, dreams, and memories that come up. Patterns often become clear later. A simple guided healing journal can make this easier.
- Spend time in nature or walk barefoot to ground your energy.
- Be gentle with yourself. Postpone big decisions or difficult conversations if you can.
I go into more detail in my article on what to do after a distant energy healing session.
When to Seek Medical Help
A healing crisis should feel mild and should ease within a few days. Please contact a doctor if symptoms are severe, get worse instead of better, last longer than a week, or feel unrelated to the session. If you are struggling emotionally, reach out to a mental health professional or someone you trust. Reiki is complementary care, and your safety always comes first.
Does Everyone Get a Healing Crisis?
No. Many people feel only relaxation and peace. Others feel nothing during the session and notice small improvements over the following days. A healing crisis is neither required nor a measure of how well a session worked. Each person’s energy releases in its own way and its own time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal to cry after Reiki?
Yes, very normal. Tears are one of the most natural ways the body releases stored emotion. Let them come without judgment.
Why am I so tired after Reiki?
Reiki often helps the nervous system relax deeply. When stress lifts, your body finally feels how much rest it needs.
Can distant Reiki cause a healing crisis?
Yes. Distant Reiki works with the same energy as in-person sessions, so the after-effects can be very similar.
Should I stop Reiki if I have a healing crisis?
Not usually. Give yourself a few days to integrate before your next session, and let your practitioner know what you experienced so the next session can be adjusted.
Trust the Process
Feeling a little worse before feeling better is a natural part of many healing journeys. Rest, hydrate, be kind to yourself, and let the release finish. On the other side, there is usually more space, more peace, and more energy than before.
If you are looking for gentle, personalized support, I offer distant Reiki and Angelic Sphere of Light sessions through my Etsy shop, Holistic Art Studio, and I always include aftercare guidance with every session.
This article is for general wellness and spiritual education. Reiki is complementary and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health care. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
