Honouring what comes after the Session

After a Reiki session or Reiki Attunement (I'll do a seperate post on that), a women’s circle, or a cacao ceremony, many people leave feeling lighter, calmer, more connected. There’s a sense of deep peace, as though your whole being has exhaled.

But sometimes, that’s not the whole story.

For some, the hours or days after a session can bring unexpected emotions, old memories, or even physical sensations back to the surface. This is often called a healing crisis — although I prefer to think of it as integration or energy detox.

It’s not a sign that something has gone wrong. It’s a sign that something is moving.

What’s actually happening?

When we work with energy — whether through Reiki, sacred cacao, or deep sharing in circle — we’re releasing old patterns, beliefs, and stored emotions that no longer serve us.

Think of it like a gentle shake of a snow globe. What’s been resting quietly at the bottom starts swirling. Some of what rises may be joyful. Some may be uncomfortable. All of it is information.

Your body and energy system might respond by letting go of “old” energy on every level — physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. This can look like:

• Emotional waves – sadness, anger, joy, or vulnerability surfacing unexpectedly.

• Fatigue or extra sleepiness – your nervous system is recalibrating.

• Flu-like symptoms – body aches, chills, or a general “off” feeling as your system clears.

• Physical echoes – a brief return of old aches or tension.

• Vivid dreams or memories – the subconscious making sense of the release.

  
  

These responses usually pass within a few days. Sometimes the deeper shifts continue for weeks, showing up in the form of new insights, changing habits, or greater clarity.

The pace of healing

In a shared space like a group session, we can create beautiful shifts — open doors, plant seeds, and set healing in motion.

But real, lasting transformation often happens in layers, over time. What we do together in one sitting is sometimes the beginning of the process, and the feelings that rise afterwards can be your inner self’s way of saying: "This is the next place to bring your attention."

It’s not about “fixing” everything at once — it’s about allowing what’s ready to move, to move, and giving yourself the space and support to continue the journey.

Supporting yourself afterwards

If you notice big feelings or shifts in the days after a session, here are some ways to care for yourself:

• Ground – stand barefoot on the earth, breathe deeply, and imagine roots growing down.

• Hydrate – drink plenty of water to help your body flush and integrate.

• Journal – write down thoughts, feelings, or body sensations to track patterns and insights.

• Rest – your body is integrating. Honour its pace.

• Tap it out – use EFT tapping on whatever emotions or physical discomfort arise to help them process with more ease. "Tap and Breathe" is a great technique for this. You can download my free "The Art of Letting Go - Gentle practices for mid-life women" (in my shop or click the link) , for instructions on how to do this technique.

• Move gently – walking, stretching, or light shaking can help energy flow.

• Reframe the experience – instead of thinking “I don’t feel good”, gently affirm “I am healing” or “My body knows what it’s doing”.

• Seek support – whether it's sending me a message with any queries, (I always follow up after a Reiki session anyway), booking another session with me, speaking to a trusted friend, or another modality that feels right for you. Trust your intuition here.

  
  

Final thoughts

If you leave a session with me and something rises that feels tender or uncomfortable, please know: this is not failure. This is the work doing what it’s meant to do.

Sacred work is not always about instant bliss. Sometimes it’s about making the unseen seen — so you can choose what to keep and what to lovingly let go.

I am so grateful to walk alongside you in this way. Thank you for stepping into the healing space, for allowing yourself to soften, and for trusting me to hold you here.

If it’s rising, it’s ready — ready to be met with love. I’m so honoured to hold you in this space as you allow yourself to soften and let the healing happen.

You’re allowing your truth to emerge. And I’ll always meet you there.