Introduction: My Journey with Self-Reiki
Have you ever felt drawn to healing yourself on a deeper level? That’s exactly how I felt when I first discovered Reiki. After a particularly stressful period in my life, I found myself searching for natural healing methods that could address not just physical discomfort, but also emotional and spiritual imbalances.
The first time I practiced self-Reiki, I was surprised by how intuitive it felt. Placing my hands on different parts of my body and allowing the energy to flow created a sense of calm I hadn’t experienced in months. What started as curiosity quickly became a daily practice that transformed my approach to self-care and wellness.
Reiki has become my go-to tool for healing on multiple levels. Whether I’m dealing with physical pain, emotional turmoil, or simply need to restore my energy, these five simple tips have helped me get the most out of each session. I’m excited to share them with you today so you can experience the same benefits.
What is Reiki and How Does It Work?
Before diving into the tips, let’s understand what Reiki is. Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. The word “Reiki” combines two Japanese words: “rei,” meaning universal, and “ki,” meaning life energy.
Developed by Japanese Buddhist Mikao Usui in the early 20th century, Reiki works on the principle that an unseen life force energy flows through all of us. When this energy is low or blocked, we’re more likely to feel stress or get sick. When it’s high and flowing freely, we’re more capable of being happy and healthy.
Reiki practitioners use a technique called “hands-on healing” to channel this universal energy to help clear blockages and balance the energy centers (chakras) in our bodies. The beauty of Reiki is that after proper training, you can perform it on yourself anytime, anywhere.
Benefits of Self-Reiki Practice
Regular self-Reiki practice offers numerous benefits for your overall wellbeing:
- Physical healing: Helps reduce pain, inflammation, and promotes faster recovery
- Mental clarity: Clears mental fog and improves focus
- Emotional balance: Helps process difficult emotions and reduces stress
- Spiritual growth: Deepens your connection to yourself and the universe
- Better sleep: Promotes relaxation and improves sleep quality
- Increased energy: Helps remove energy blockages that may be causing fatigue
- Enhanced intuition: Strengthens your connection to your inner wisdom
Whether you’re a busy professional looking to reduce stress, a fitness enthusiast aiming to support recovery, or someone managing chronic health issues, self-Reiki can be tailored to support your specific needs.
5 Essential Tips for Effective Self-Reiki
Let me share the five most powerful tips that have enhanced my self-Reiki practice over the years:
Tip #1: Set a Clear Intention Before You Start
Before beginning your self-Reiki session, take a moment to set a clear intention. Your intention acts as a roadmap for the energy, helping it flow where it’s most needed.
Think deeply about what you want to heal. Are you dealing with physical pain in a specific area? Do you need emotional support through a difficult time? Are you seeking clarity on a decision? The more specific you can be with your intention, the more focused your healing will be.
When setting your intention, use positive language. Instead of “I want to get rid of my headache,” try “I invite healing energy to flow to my head, bringing balance and comfort.” This positive framing helps direct the energy more effectively.
Remember, there are no limits to what you can set as an intention. You can focus on healing physical ailments, emotional wounds, past traumas, or even send healing energy to future events like an upcoming presentation or difficult conversation.
Take a few deep breaths, center yourself, and state your intention either silently or out loud. Trust that the energy knows exactly where to go.
Tip #2: Let It Go and Let It Flow
A common mistake beginners make is trying too hard during a Reiki session. Remember that you’re not the source of the healing energy—you’re simply a channel for it to flow through.
If you find yourself tensing up, clenching your jaw, or feeling like you’re pushing the energy, take a step back. Relax your body and remind yourself that Reiki should feel like a calm meditation, not a strenuous exercise.
Here’s how to ensure you’re letting the energy flow naturally:
- Maintain a relaxed posture: Whether sitting or lying down, ensure your body is comfortable but alert
- Keep your breathing slow and steady: Deep belly breaths help maintain the flow of energy
- Release expectations: Don’t try to force specific sensations or outcomes
- Trust the process: Remember that the energy is intelligent and knows where to go
If your mind starts to wander or you begin to doubt whether the energy is flowing, gently bring your attention back to your breath and the sensations in your hands. Some people feel warmth, tingling, or pulsing; others might not feel anything at all. All experiences are valid.
Tip #3: Use Your Intuition
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to Reiki. While there are traditional hand positions that cover the major energy centers, always trust your intuition about where to place your hands.
If you feel drawn to place your hands on a particular area of your body, follow that instinct. Your higher self often knows exactly what needs healing, even if it’s not obvious to your conscious mind.
Your intuition might also guide you to incorporate other healing tools into your practice. If you feel called to use crystals, essential oils, sound healing, or other complementary therapies alongside your Reiki practice, trust that guidance.
Some ways to strengthen your intuitive connection during Reiki:
- Check in with your body: Before starting, scan your body and note areas that feel tight, painful, or in need of attention
- Visualize the energy: Some people find it helpful to visualize the energy as light, color, or warmth flowing through their hands
- Listen to subtle messages: Pay attention to thoughts, images, or feelings that arise during your session
- Journal about your experiences: Writing down what you notice during and after sessions can help you recognize patterns
Remember, there’s no wrong way to practice self-Reiki. The more you trust your intuition, the more powerful your sessions will become.
Tip #4: Clear Your Energy After Each Session
After completing a self-Reiki session, it’s important to clear your energy field. During a session, you might absorb negative energies or emotions that were released. Clearing helps prevent these energies from lingering in your aura.
There are several effective methods for clearing your energy:
- Smudging: Using sage, palo santo, or other sacred herbs to cleanse your energy field
- Sound cleansing: Using bells, singing bowls, or tuning forks to break up stagnant energy
- Visualization: Imagining a shower of light washing away any residual negative energy
- Salt baths: Soaking in Epsom salts or sea salt to draw out impurities
- Energy sweeping: Using your hands to sweep down your aura from head to toe
Personally, I prefer using palo santo or a clearing spray to cleanse my aura after a session. I immediately feel lighter and more vibrant after this simple practice.
Don’t skip this step! Clearing your energy is especially important if you’ve been working on deep emotional issues or if you’ve been healing others with Reiki. It helps maintain your energetic boundaries and prevents compassion fatigue.
Tip #5: Reflect After Your Session
Taking time to reflect after your self-Reiki practice enhances the benefits and helps you deepen your understanding of your healing journey.
Journaling is a powerful way to process what came up during your session. Note any physical sensations, emotions, thoughts, or insights that arose. Did you feel energy moving in certain areas? Did memories or emotions surface? Did you receive any intuitive guidance?
If writing isn’t your preferred method of reflection, consider:
- Creating art: Drawing, painting, or collaging can help express what words cannot
- Voice recording: Speaking your observations aloud
- Movement: Dancing or gentle movement to integrate the energy
- Meditation: Sitting quietly to absorb the experience
Tracking your experiences over time helps you notice patterns. You might discover that certain issues keep arising, indicating areas that need deeper healing work. You might also notice improvements in chronic conditions or emotional patterns that have shifted through regular practice.
Creating a Sacred Space for Your Self-Reiki Practice
Setting up a dedicated space for your Reiki practice can significantly enhance your experience. Here’s how to create a space that supports your healing:
Choosing the Right Location
Find a quiet, clean area where you won’t be disturbed. This could be a corner of your bedroom, a spare room, or even your living room during quiet hours. The key is to choose a space where you feel comfortable and safe.
Essential Elements for Your Reiki Space
While Reiki doesn’t require any special equipment, these elements can enhance your practice:
| Item | Purpose |
| Comfortable mat or cushion | Provides physical support during your session |
| Blanket | Keeps you warm as your body temperature may drop during relaxation |
| Soft lighting | Creates a calming atmosphere (candles or salt lamps work well) |
| Calming music | Helps quiet the mind (optional) |
| Journal and pen | For reflection after your session |
| Crystals | Can amplify energy (clear quartz, amethyst, and rose quartz work well) |
| Essential oils | Lavender or frankincense can deepen relaxation |
Preparing Your Space Before Each Session
Before beginning your practice, take a few moments to prepare your space:
- Clear the clutter from the area
- Ensure electronic devices are turned off or on silent mode
- Consider smudging or diffusing essential oils to cleanse the energy
- Set any tools you’ll need within easy reach
- Adjust the lighting and temperature for comfort
Remember, your practice space should feel inviting and sacred. Taking the time to create an environment that supports your healing shows respect for the practice and yourself.
Basic Self-Reiki Hand Positions for Beginners
While I encourage you to follow your intuition, learning these basic hand positions will give you a solid foundation for your self-Reiki practice. Each position should be held for 3-5 minutes, or until you feel the energy flow subside.
Head Positions
- Crown of the head: Place both hands lightly on top of your head, fingers pointing toward the back of your head
- Forehead/Third Eye: Cover your forehead with your hands, with fingers touching slightly at the center
- Eyes: Cup your hands lightly over your closed eyes without putting pressure on them
- Ears: Place your hands over your ears, with palms covering the ear area
Torso Positions
- Throat: Rest your hands on the front of your throat or cross them over this area
- Heart: Place your hands over the center of your chest, one on top of the other
- Solar Plexus: Position your hands over your upper abdomen, just below your breastbone
- Lower Abdomen: Rest your hands below your navel, covering the lower abdomen area
Limb Positions
- Knees: Place one hand on each knee
- Feet: Hold the bottom of each foot, one at a time
For a complete session, work through all positions from head to feet. However, if time is limited, focus on the areas where you feel most drawn to work.
Integrating Self-Reiki into Your Daily Routine
One of the greatest benefits of self-Reiki is its flexibility. Here are some ways to incorporate it into your busy schedule:
Quick Morning Reiki (5-10 minutes)
Start your day with a brief Reiki session focused on setting intentions and energizing your body:
- Place hands on your heart center for 2-3 minutes while setting positive intentions for the day
- Move hands to your solar plexus for 2-3 minutes to boost confidence and energy
- End with hands on the crown of your head for 1-2 minutes to invite clarity and guidance
Lunchtime Reset (3-5 minutes)
Even a few minutes of Reiki during your lunch break can help reset your energy:
- Find a quiet spot (even if it’s your car or an empty conference room)
- Place your hands on your solar plexus to aid digestion
- Move your hands to your forehead to clear mental fog and improve focus for the afternoon
Bedtime Reiki for Better Sleep (10-15 minutes)
End your day with a calming Reiki practice:
- Begin with your hands on your third eye to quiet the mind
- Move to your heart center to process the day’s emotions
- End with hands on your lower abdomen on the ground and prepare for rest
Remember, consistency is more important than duration. Even 5 minutes of daily Reiki will yield better results than an hour-long session once a month.
Common Challenges in Self-Reiki Practice and How to Overcome Them
Even the most dedicated practitioners face challenges. Here are solutions to common issues:
“I don’t feel anything happening.”
Many beginners worry when they don’t feel immediate sensations. Remember:
- Subtle energy can be very gentle—some people feel heat or tingling, while others simply notice a sense of calm
- Try closing your eyes and focusing on your breath to increase sensitivity
- Trust that the energy is working even when you can’t feel it
- With regular practice, your sensitivity will likely increase over time
“My mind keeps wandering.”
Mental chatter is normal, especially for beginners:
- When you notice your mind wandering, gently bring your focus back to your breath or the sensation in your hands
- Try silently repeating your intention as a mantra
- Background music or nature sounds can help anchor your attention
- Remember that Reiki is not about perfect concentration—the energy flows regardless
“I don’t have time for a full session.”
Reiki doesn’t have to be time-consuming:
- Even 5 minutes of focused energy work is beneficial
- Target specific areas rather than doing a full-body session when time is limited
- Incorporate Reiki into existing routines (like while watching TV or before sleep)
- Remember that consistency is more important than duration
“I’m not sure if I’m doing it correctly.”
Self-doubt is common when learning any new practice:
- Trust that there’s no “wrong” way to do Reiki—your intention to heal is what matters most
- Consider taking a formal Reiki class to build confidence and receive attunements
- Connect with other practitioners through online forums or local groups
- Keep a journal to track your experiences and notice patterns of improvement
How to Deepen Your Self-Reiki Practice
As you become more comfortable with the basics, consider these ways to enhance your practice:
Working with Symbols
If you’ve received level 2 Reiki training, incorporate the sacred symbols into your self-healing:
- Use the Power Symbol to boost your energy or strengthen your intention
- Apply the Emotional Healing Symbol when working with challenging emotions
- Draw the Distance Symbol to send healing to past traumas or future events
Combining Reiki with Other Healing Modalities
Reiki works beautifully with other wellness practices:
- Meditation: Begin with Reiki and transition into meditation, or vice versa
- Yoga: Give yourself Reiki after yoga to enhance the benefits of your practice
- Breathwork: Combine specific breathing techniques with Reiki for deeper release
- Affirmations: Repeat positive affirmations while channeling Reiki energy
- Crystal healing: Place crystals on or around your body during self-Reiki
Developing a Regular Practice Schedule
Creating a consistent practice enhances results:
- Set aside specific times each day for your practice
- Start with shorter, more frequent sessions rather than occasional long ones
- Create calendar reminders until the habit is established
- Join a 21-day Reiki challenge to build momentum
Frequently Asked Questions About Self-Reiki
Do I need formal training to practice Reiki on myself?
While formal training and attunements enhance your ability to channel Reiki energy, you can still practice a form of energy healing on yourself without certification. Many of the techniques described in this article can be beneficial even without formal training. However, receiving proper attunements from a Reiki Master Teacher will significantly amplify your ability to channel the energy.
How long should a self-Reiki session last?
The ideal session length varies depending on your needs and schedule. A complete self-treatment covering all the basic hand positions typically takes 45-60 minutes. However, even 5-10 minutes of focused Reiki on a specific area can be beneficial. Listen to your body—sometimes you’ll need longer sessions, while other times a quick energy boost will suffice.
Can Reiki help with specific health conditions?
Reiki works as a complementary therapy that supports overall wellbeing. While many practitioners report improvements in various conditions—from chronic pain to anxiety—it’s important to remember that Reiki is not a replacement for medical treatment. Always consult healthcare professionals for serious health concerns and use Reiki as a complementary approach.
How often should I practice self-Reiki?
For best results, try to practice daily, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Consistency is more important than duration. Many practitioners find that a brief morning session sets a positive tone for the day, while an evening practice promotes better sleep. During times of stress, illness, or emotional challenge, you might benefit from multiple short sessions throughout the day.
Conclusion: Your Self-Healing Journey Begins Now
Self-Reiki is a beautiful gift you can give yourself every day. By incorporating these five essential tips—setting clear intentions, allowing energy to flow effortlessly, trusting your intuition, clearing your energy afterward, and reflecting on your experience—you’ll develop a practice that truly supports your unique healing journey.
Remember that self-Reiki is more than just a technique—it’s a relationship with your own energy and inner wisdom. As with any relationship, it deepens with time, attention, and respect.
Whether you’re dealing with physical discomfort, emotional challenges, or simply seeking greater balance in your life, consistent Reiki practice can be transformative. Start where you are, with whatever time you have available, and trust the process.
I’d love to hear about your experiences with these tips! Have you tried self-Reiki before? Which of these suggestions resonates most with you? Share your journey in the comments below, and let’s support each other in this beautiful practice of self-healing.
[Note: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Reiki should be used as a complement to, not a replacement for, professional medical care.]