An Introduction to Reiki For Self-Care
Taking Matters Into Your Own Hands–Literally
Begin to Learn to Integrate Reiki Into Your Daily Regimen to Heighten Your Energy Flow, Positive Vibration, and Happiness
I’ve written about the benefits of Reiki before, particularly for those of us with autoimmune illnesses like multiple sclerosis or graves’ disease. But in actuality, Reiki is beneficial for every single one of us.
That’s because we all experience various stressors on a daily basis. And as you are probably aware, stress that’s left unchecked can lead to many health problems, including heart disease and diabetes. With this in mind, let’s just explore a few common questions about Reiki
Reiki Q & A
How does Reiki help keep me healthy?
Reiki is based on the principle that we all have the Universe’s energy flowing inside us.
Stress, trauma, illness, and injury work to create blockages of that energy within our bodies. It’s these blockages that cause or exacerbate illness.
Reiki sets out to balance our body’s energy and remove those blockages. This promotes our bodies to perform optimally and heal themselves, which they are innately equipped to do.
In fact, Reiki is so helpful in assisting the healing of our bodies that hospitals and clinics around the world use it as a complementary therapy for illnesses like cancer and multiple sclerosis.
What are the positive benefits of Reiki?
Studies have found that Reiki sessions can:
Promote a state of deep relaxation, which boosts healing and improves sleep
Reduce stress and anxiety
Reduce the sensation of pain
Increase energy levels
Raise internal frequency levels
Improve immune function
Improve mood
Can I perform Reiki on myself?
This gentle and non-invasive energy therapy typically involves a Reiki master either placing hands on or just above various locations on a patient’s body so as to promote a state of deep relaxation.
There is a process of attunement that you can undergo by a Reiki master, where you are taught to channel that curative energy through your hands. However, let me be clear that even without attunement, you can practice self-Reiki principles and benefit from it.
How can I practice self-Reiki on my own?
I would suggest you perform the following self-treatment every morning and evening, dedicating at least 30 minutes to each session.
Please keep in mind that if you are currently taking conventional medication to treat an illness you have been diagnosed with, Reiki self-care is not intended to replace that. It is intended as a supplement thereto, to facilitate and aid your body in healing itself. Let’s start out with a great exercise for you to try at home.
Self-Reiki Exercise
Step 1: Set the mood
Choose a calm and quiet space where you can spend the next half hour in peace.
Light a candle and, if you like, play some soft instrumental music. (Nothing adrenaline-boosting, the idea here is to calm our spiritual nerves.)
You may want to bring a favorite pillow as well.
For your practice, you may either sit in a chair with your back straight, feet grounded to the floor, and arms relaxed and out to your sides.
Or if you’re healthy enough to do so, lie down. Place a pillow under your head and a second pillow just under your knees. You may also drape a blanket over your body for comfort or to stay warm, as it’s possible your temperature will drop during the Reiki session.
Step 2: Activate the healing energy within yourself
Close your eyes and take several deep breaths – in through your nose (for a count of three) and out through your mouth (for a count of five).
As you do so, imagine a continuous stream of healing white light that flows in through the crown of your head, pours down your torso, into your heart, throughout your limbs, and out the palms of your hands.
Think of yourself as a cup being filled to the brim and overflowing with healing energy. Make a silent prayer here and ask to be filled with this life-force where you need healing most.
Step 3: Begin with your hand positions
We recommend you hold each of the below 10 positions for 3 minutes each. You may want to spend more or less time in one particular position depending on your body’s needs. (The healing energy will know where it needs to go – just listen to your body’s signals. They may be subtle, so pay careful attention!)
Also, for each position, remember to:
Focus on your breathing. It should be slow, steady, and continuous. Inhale for a count of three, exhale for a count of three to five.
Bring the healing energy that is flowing out the palms of your hands to the area that you are gently touching. Focus on that area with the energy to relieve any pain or discomfort you may have there.
Each touch should be light and gentle.
Allow the muscles and skin that are the focus of each touch to relax and release tension.
Hand Position 1: Place your hands together in a prayer position in the middle of your chest.
Hand Position 2: Gently place the palms of your hands and tips of your fingertips on top of your head.
Hand Position 3: Gently place the palms of your hands over your eyes. (Be careful not to block your nose in this position. Keep your breathing clear.)
Hand Position 4: Gently place your right hand over your throat and your left hand over your heart.
Hand Position 5: Gently place your hands just below the breast line.
Hand Position 6: Gently place your hands on your solar plexus or upper stomach.
Hand Position 7: Gently place your hands over the stomach and belly button area.
Hand Position 8: Gently place both hands on your shoulder muscles.
Hand Position 9: Gently place your hands above your waistline, where your kidneys are.
Hand Position 10: Gently place your hands on the tops or soles of your feet. If you are laying down, sit up to do this last position. Do not strain yourself. You can bring your leg up to rest on the opposite knee.
Step 4: End the session
You are now done with Reiki self-treatment, so take your hands and wipe them of any leftover energy. This seals off and closes that energy. Place your hands back into prayer and thank yourself, and the Universe, for the exchange that just took place.
Last Words
The goal in all self-care is to prioritize yourself without feeling guilty and take active, conscious steps to becoming a healthier version, both mentally and physically, of you. Being raised by a Reiki Master meant that Reiki has been in my life since I can remember. Obviously, that has helped me embrace these ideas more easily. I recognize that many of you are curious and even skeptical. I challenge you to just TRY this exercise and see if you don’t noticeably feel a difference in your energy level and state of mind.