Reiki Basics
This is the basic outline for a Reiki session.
For those who haven't studied Reiki, it is always done with a gentle light (non ticklish) to medium touch, that does not involve any pushing, rubbing, or attempts to manipulate the body's tissues. (See "How to" photos for hand positions.)
Reiki can also be done off the body (hands away from the body several inches) and always with respect to personal space and boundaries. Even licensed practitioners cannot touch the breast and genital areas, nor can they "hover" too close/long over those areas.* (see below) Some people also do not like having their hands, feet, abdomen, or other areas physically touched, so ask first.
Have the client wear comfortable clothing. This allows them to be at ease and feel safe and secure, especially if they've never had any type of body or energy work done before. They can sit up, however it's much more relaxing to lay down, and a massage table provides the most comfort and support.
Two basic and very important steps before beginning a treatment is (1) ask permission and (2) wash your hands, (also brush your teeth/ use a breath freshener if necessary), whether the person or object is present or not. (This is based on the precept of honoring your self and others.)
Reiki symbols can be drawn over the client (the inch or so away from their body), or in the air around the room. Some practitioners don't do either, as they feel once the symbols are infused in their awareness, they're automatically running during a session. Any of these are a matter of personal choice, and it's fun to experiment to see if there's any difference in the way either you or the person you're treating feels or responds.
This can also be applied to hand positions, or the use of Reiki related tools. The basic hand positions are invaluable, and very effective. However, being guided by higher awareness* also plays a valuable role in Reiki. (*See Reiki blog about Integrity and Honesty.)
This means if you get the sense to use a different hand position (or Reiki tool), there's usually a vary valid reason for this. With practice, it becomes quite easy to sense things going on in an energy field (which surrounds all matter).
Any good practitioner not only addresses the areas of complaint, they also treat the other involved areas. This may result in some creative treatments, however the results are more complete and beneficial.
When finished with the session, remember to thank the recipient. This officially ends the treatment, and allows the energies to properly disengage. It's also a good practice to make short notes about what occurred. This tracks what worked best, and charts progress. Clients not only like to feel their issues have been addressed, they also really appreciate being told how they're progressing.
* Some instructors and practitioners may have a model/client hold their hands over a sensitive or boundary area, and then gently place their hand on top of the clients - see "How to" photos. If you ever do this, make sure they've given permission beforehand, and don't hold your hand over theirs too long. Otherwise, always treat boundary areas "off the body".
All rights reserved. All articles, blogs, and photos on this site are copyrighted and may not be stored, retrieved, copied, or sold without express permission.
The information contained on this site is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure. Nor is it intended to replace the advice of your primary care provider. No liability is assumed by the author or editor for the use or misuse of any information contained herein.
For those who haven't studied Reiki, it is always done with a gentle light (non ticklish) to medium touch, that does not involve any pushing, rubbing, or attempts to manipulate the body's tissues. (See "How to" photos for hand positions.)
Reiki can also be done off the body (hands away from the body several inches) and always with respect to personal space and boundaries. Even licensed practitioners cannot touch the breast and genital areas, nor can they "hover" too close/long over those areas.* (see below) Some people also do not like having their hands, feet, abdomen, or other areas physically touched, so ask first.
Have the client wear comfortable clothing. This allows them to be at ease and feel safe and secure, especially if they've never had any type of body or energy work done before. They can sit up, however it's much more relaxing to lay down, and a massage table provides the most comfort and support.
Two basic and very important steps before beginning a treatment is (1) ask permission and (2) wash your hands, (also brush your teeth/ use a breath freshener if necessary), whether the person or object is present or not. (This is based on the precept of honoring your self and others.)
Reiki symbols can be drawn over the client (the inch or so away from their body), or in the air around the room. Some practitioners don't do either, as they feel once the symbols are infused in their awareness, they're automatically running during a session. Any of these are a matter of personal choice, and it's fun to experiment to see if there's any difference in the way either you or the person you're treating feels or responds.
This can also be applied to hand positions, or the use of Reiki related tools. The basic hand positions are invaluable, and very effective. However, being guided by higher awareness* also plays a valuable role in Reiki. (*See Reiki blog about Integrity and Honesty.)
This means if you get the sense to use a different hand position (or Reiki tool), there's usually a vary valid reason for this. With practice, it becomes quite easy to sense things going on in an energy field (which surrounds all matter).
Any good practitioner not only addresses the areas of complaint, they also treat the other involved areas. This may result in some creative treatments, however the results are more complete and beneficial.
When finished with the session, remember to thank the recipient. This officially ends the treatment, and allows the energies to properly disengage. It's also a good practice to make short notes about what occurred. This tracks what worked best, and charts progress. Clients not only like to feel their issues have been addressed, they also really appreciate being told how they're progressing.
* Some instructors and practitioners may have a model/client hold their hands over a sensitive or boundary area, and then gently place their hand on top of the clients - see "How to" photos. If you ever do this, make sure they've given permission beforehand, and don't hold your hand over theirs too long. Otherwise, always treat boundary areas "off the body".
All rights reserved. All articles, blogs, and photos on this site are copyrighted and may not be stored, retrieved, copied, or sold without express permission.
The information contained on this site is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure. Nor is it intended to replace the advice of your primary care provider. No liability is assumed by the author or editor for the use or misuse of any information contained herein.