Your First Reiki Session on the Upper East Side: What Happens and How to Prepare
Curious about Reiki but not sure what actually happens? A plain guide to a first session at ROW 89 on the Upper East Side: what to wear, how long to book, what it feels like and what it is not.
89
By ROW 89 Team
· 5 min read
A first Reiki session is simple: you stay dressed, lie down or sit, and rest while the practitioner's hands sit lightly on you or just above you. People who have never tried Reiki tend to ask us about it in a lowered voice, as if the question were silly. It isn't, and the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year's are when we hear it most.
Quick answer: what happens at a first Reiki session?
You stay fully clothed and lie comfortably or sit while the practitioner rests their hands lightly on you, or holds them just above you.
There is nothing you need to do. Most people simply rest; some doze off.
Sessions at ROW 89 are 15, 30 or 60 minutes ($39, $69 or $129).
People book Reiki to slow down and relax. It is not a medical treatment and does not replace care from your doctor.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Reiki is offered at ROW 89 for relaxation only.
What Reiki is, in plain words
Reiki is a Japanese relaxation technique. The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) describes it as a practice in which the practitioner's hands rest lightly on the person or just above them. It is based on the traditional idea of an unseen life-force energy.
We think it is fair to tell you what the research says, too. According to the NCCIH, Reiki "hasn't been clearly shown to be effective for any health-related purpose," and it has not been shown to cause harm either. So we describe it the way our clients do: a quiet half hour or hour, lying still, with nothing asked of you. Many people book a session simply to slow down, relax and ease everyday stress.
What happens, step by step
A short conversation. Your practitioner asks what brought you in and whether you're comfortable with light touch. If you would rather not be touched, say so; hands can stay just above the body.
You get comfortable. You remain dressed, lying down or seated.
The session. The practitioner moves slowly through a series of hand positions, often starting near the head and shoulders. The room is quiet. You can close your eyes, breathe normally and let your mind wander.
A slow finish. You're given a moment before you sit up. Have some water and take your time going back out to East 89th Street.
What do people feel? It varies. Some notice warmth from the practitioner's hands or a heavy, drowsy calm. Some fall asleep. Some feel nothing in particular beyond having rested, and that is a normal first session.
How to prepare for your first Reiki session
Wear something comfortable. Soft, loose layers are ideal, and shoes that slip off easily.
Arrive a few minutes early. Rushing in from the subway and lying straight down makes it harder to settle.
Tell your practitioner about anything that makes lying flat uncomfortable, and whether you prefer touch or no touch.
Plan a quiet half hour afterward. A walk to Carl Schurz Park or along the East River suits the mood better than going straight back to email.
Which session length should I book?
Session
Length
Price
Good for
Express Reiki
15 minutes
$39
Trying it for the first time, or a lunch-hour pause
Reiki
30 minutes
$69
A first full session; long enough to settle
Reiki
60 minutes
$129
Anyone who takes a while to switch off
Packages of four sessions are $209 (30 minutes each) or $409 (60 minutes each).
Who Reiki is for, and what it is not
Reiki at ROW 89 is for relaxation and a break from everyday stress. It is gentle, you stay clothed, and it asks nothing of you physically, which is why some people who don't enjoy massage like it.
It is not a diagnosis or a treatment for any illness, injury or mental-health condition, and it is not a replacement for seeing your doctor. If you are dealing with pain, anxiety that interferes with daily life, or any medical concern, please talk to a licensed medical professional.
Looking for something more hands-on? A 25-minute facial massage ($59) is on the facial menu.
Frequently asked questions
What should I expect at my first Reiki session?
You stay fully clothed and lie down or sit while the practitioner places their hands lightly on you or just above you in a series of positions. The room is quiet, there is nothing you need to do, and most people simply rest.
How long is a Reiki session, and what does it cost?
At ROW 89, Express Reiki is 15 minutes for $39, a 30-minute session is $69 and a 60-minute session is $129. Packages of four sessions are $209 for 30-minute sessions and $409 for 60-minute sessions.
How many Reiki sessions do I need?
There is no required number. Some people book a single session to relax before a busy week, and others like a regular appointment. Start with one and decide from there.
Is Reiki a medical treatment?
No. At ROW 89, Reiki is offered for relaxation only. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says Reiki has not been clearly shown to be effective for any health-related purpose and has not been shown to have harmful effects. It does not replace care from your doctor.
Book at ROW 89
ROW 89 is at 219A East 89th Street, between Second and Third Avenues, in Yorkville on the Upper East Side, a short walk from Carnegie Hill and a few stops up from Lenox Hill. We're about 5 minutes on foot from the 86th Street Q station and about 10 minutes from the 86th Street 4/5/6. We're open 10am–8pm daily (closed Thanksgiving and December 25).
