Understanding the impact of a spiritual detox, and how to best support your healing journey in the aftermath
So, you’ve had a complementary healing session, but what happens after the soothing energy washes over you? I recently embarked on a remote Reiki session with Claire Paphitis, the Ayurveda Coach, and on the days directly after, was caught off-guard by the spiritual fallout: physical fatigue, and an emotional detox.
Reiki, the ancient Japanese practice of energy healing, has seen an uptick in searches over recent years. As an energy-healing intervention, it has gained in popularity as a non-invasive and non-pharmacological approach. The aim is to create balance and harmony in the body by redirecting the flow of energy, and removing any blockages (which are believed to cause illnesses and stress).
While it is a relaxing, holistic therapy, with any healing journey you need time and space to process it, and your feelings, in the aftermath. Sometimes referred to as a ‘Reiki hangover’, there can be a temporary discomfort that follows a session, where you might feel more fatigued, or emotionally sensitive, as your energy flow adjusts, before experiencing the long-term benefits.
So, if you’re keen to give it a go, here are a few effective ways to support yourself as you take these healing steps.
Make time for rest
You might not think you need to set time aside to recuperate post-session, since you would have been lying down for an hour receiving your treatment. However, carving out space for rest is essential to your recovery. “Rest enables our bodies to focus on the process of healing that can be taking place, and offers an opportunity to process our emotions after a Reiki session,” Claire says.
Rehydrate your body
There’s not much that good old H2O can’t fix. Whether we want clearer skin, a more focused mind, or better sleep, water is likely a go-to solution. So, it may come as no surprise that it’s believed that water can help to flush out any ‘stuck’ toxins. “When we receive Reiki from a practitioner or Reiki master, we are awakening the flow of Reiki energy within us,” Claire explains. “This can sometimes create powerful shifts, unlocking our deep intuition, and bringing buried emotions to the surface. Reiki triggers your body’s natural healing process, and water helps to aid in the removal of the toxins that are released as part of this.”
Write and reflect
In my experience, journaling is the easiest, cheapest, and most effective self-care practice you can commit to. And it is just as important when it comes to processing feelings after your sessions. “I always ask my clients to reflect after a Reiki session,” Claire says. “We can learn a lot about what our subconscious might be suppressing, so journaling, or talking to a trusted friend or your Reiki practitioner, can all be helpful ways to allow any of the feelings that have come up to be processed. It’s an opportunity to be ‘seen’, and then released if need be.”
Natural healing
Nature has a unique way of grounding us, and promoting healing. After a Reiki session, spending time outdoors can help you reconnect with yourself, and the world around you. “I recommend being in nature, especially around trees, which are rooted into the earth and rising up to the sky,” Claire shares. “Trees absorb the life energy we call ‘ki’ and being in their presence, or even giving them a hug, allows us to benefit from this.”
Why not take a walk in a park, sit by a river, or simply enjoy your garden to help calm and clear your thoughts, and any lingering emotions after a session?
Nourish your body
Whether we’re dealing with a physical or emotional hangover, the tendency is to reach for something comforting to make us feel better. However, we should be striving for support, rather than comfort. According to Claire, it’s best to avoid alcohol and processed foods, and instead opt for healthy nourishing foods to support your body, and assist in the natural healing process. “If you feel the Reiki in a particular part of the body, and feel called to give this area some further attention, you can also sit quietly with your eyes closed, place your hands over that particular part (for example the heart or throat), and focus your breathing into that space,” says Claire. “Imagine it expanding, and filling with light with every breath.”
Release your worries
If you’re feeling apprehensive before you begin your session, Claire reassures that there is nothing to worry about. “People often stress if they are not ‘focusing on receiving Reiki’, or if they are unable to really switch off during the session, fearing that the Reiki won’t work. However, Reiki knows exactly what to do, and where to flow. We don’t have to do anything. Just come with an open heart, ready to receive.”
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