Reiki is a Japanese form of energy healing developed in the 20th century by Mikao Usui in Japan. The term translates to “universal life energy.” Practitioners place their hands lightly on or just above the recipient’s body, believing this energy is transferred through the palms to encourage the body’s natural self-healing abilities and promote relaxation. This guide details the preparation, hand positions, and steps for closing a session.
Essential Preparation Before Treatment
Creating a supportive and calm environment is the first step. The treatment space should be quiet, featuring a comfortable surface, such as a massage table, for the recipient to lie on. Soft lighting, like lamps or candles, and a comfortable room temperature create a serene ambiance. A blanket ensures the recipient remains warm and relaxed throughout the treatment.
The practitioner must also prepare themselves by taking steps to clear their own energy and establish a clear intention for the session. This often involves a short period of grounding, which focuses the practitioner’s awareness in the present moment and helps to prevent them from taking on the recipient’s energy. Setting a positive intention for the recipient’s highest good guides the energy flow and focuses the practitioner’s mind.
Preparation involves careful attention to the recipient’s comfort. Obtain clear consent before any physical contact and explain that the recipient remains fully clothed. Encourage the recipient to drink water beforehand, which supports the energy flow, and to remove any restrictive clothing or jewelry. A light meal is also recommended, as heavy digestion can interfere with the treatment’s relaxing effects.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hand Positions
The physical application follows a standard sequence of hand placements across the body, though intuition may guide practitioners to areas of greater need. Hands are generally held in each position for three to five minutes. They should be relaxed, with fingers held together to concentrate the energy flow, and placed gently on or slightly above the body.
The session typically begins with positions around the head, which is believed to help quiet the mind and induce a state of deep relaxation. This sequence often starts by placing hands lightly over the eyes and forehead, followed by moving to the temples. The practitioner then cradles the back of the head, allowing the hands to rest on the table or a pillow, which can be particularly soothing for the recipient.
The treatment progresses to the front of the torso, covering the major energy centers. Positions include placing hands gently over the throat, the heart center (middle of the chest), the solar plexus (above the stomach), and finally the lower abdomen or hip area. These placements balance the body’s core energy and address emotional or physical tension.
The final part of the core sequence treats the back of the body, requiring the recipient to turn over. The practitioner places hands over the shoulder blades. The sequence continues over the mid-back, including the kidney area, and concludes with placements over the lower back and hips. This methodical approach addresses the entire energetic field, promoting wholeness and balance.
Closing the Session and Post-Treatment Care
Once the sequence of hand positions is complete, the practitioner must gently close the session to integrate the energy work. This is often done by “sweeping” or smoothing the recipient’s aura, which involves moving the hands a few inches above the body from the head down to the feet. A final placement of the hands on the soles of the feet is a common technique used to ground the recipient’s energy, helping them to feel more present and less “floaty” after the treatment.
Allow the recipient a few minutes to rest quietly on the table before being gently brought back to full awareness. Offer a glass of water immediately following the session, as the energy work can initiate a detoxification process in the body. The practitioner should advise the recipient to take it easy for the remainder of the day and to continue drinking extra water for up to 48 hours.
Recipients may experience temporary detoxification symptoms, such as increased emotionality or fatigue, as the body processes the energetic shifts. Advise them to listen to their body’s needs, prioritizing rest and avoiding stimulants like caffeine and alcohol for a day or two. Finally, the practitioner should engage in self-care, such as grounding or cleansing their own energy, to disconnect from the recipient and maintain energetic balance.