Is it Normal to Feel like Crap after a Reiki Class? Post Attunement / Placement Cleansing Process

Short answer: yes. Totally normal.

When you receive a Reiki attunement, you’re permanently connected to the Reiki current. From that moment on, your system starts recalibrating. Not just energetically—but physically, emotionally, and spiritually too.

Think of this like getting a new system update on your phone or computer. This new update, that carries a much higher vibrational frequency, needs space to operate. All the old junk files, and lower vibrational "gunk" that doesn't allow the space for this new update has to be purged and released.

This process isn't always pleasant, but it's incredibly productive. All the lower vibrational energies that need to be purged, first need to rise to the surface and felt and be released.

The 21-Day Cleansing Cycle (What’s Actually Happening)

Traditionally, the first three weeks after an attunement are known as a cleansing or purification cycle. During this time, the energy works through your chakra system repeatedly—loosening, clearing, and reorganizing what’s been stuck.

You might notice:

• Fatigue or the need to rest more

• Emotional waves (irritability, sadness, grief, old memories)

• Physical sensations or mild discomfort

• Feeling “off” before feeling clearer

This isn’t regression—it’s release.What’s been compressed or suppressed has to be felt in order to be freed.

It’s also important to name that everyone experiences this differently. Some students barely notice anything at all, while others have a much louder, more obvious process. Neither is better or worse. The key is trusting your body’s rhythm and using this window as an invitation to lean into self-care rather than self-judgment.

Different Levels, Different Layers

• Reiki Level 1 often brings physical purification

• Reiki Level 2 tends to work more on emotional and mental patterns

• Master-level work often touches spiritual identity, purpose, and deeper truth

How to Support Yourself (Keep It Simple)

This isn’t about being perfect—just supportive.

• Drink more water

• Eat food that actually nourishes you

• Rest when your body asks

• Get outside, move gently, breathe

• Journal if emotions come up

• Do simple Reiki self-treatments regularly

Think of this phase as integration, not something to push through.

The Bigger Picture

Reiki is guided by your higher intelligence. It only brings up what you’re resourced to handle. Over time, what no longer aligns with you—habits, relationships, patterns—often falls away naturally.

Feeling uncomfortable doesn’t mean something went wrong. It usually means something is finally moving and releasing.

If you feel raw, tender, or tired after a Reiki class, your system is doing exactly what it’s meant to do.