Self-Reiki is the practice of placing your own hands gently on or near your body in a series of positions, allowing calm, healing energy to flow while you rest. Mikao Usui considered self-treatment the foundation of Reiki, and many teachers recommend practicing daily. If you have received a Reiki attunement, you will already know how to let the energy flow. If you have not, you can still enjoy this routine as a gentle, loving touch meditation: simply rest your hands with kindness and breathe. A full routine takes about 15 minutes, around 90 seconds per position.
Your hands already know how to comfort you. This routine simply gives them a map.
Before you begin
- Find a quiet place to sit or lie down.
- Set an intention, such as "May I receive what I need for my highest good."
- Bring your palms together at your heart in gassho and breathe slowly.
- Rub your palms together and notice the warmth. See The Hand and Feet Chakras.
The ten positions
Hold each position for about 90 seconds, or as long as feels right. Keep your fingers together and your hands relaxed.
- Eyes: palms gently cupped over your eyes. For calm and inner vision.
- Temples: hands on the sides of your head. For clear thinking.
- Back of the head: one hand at the base of the skull, one at the crown. For deep relaxation.
- Throat: hands resting lightly at the collarbones, not pressing on the throat. For expression.
- Heart: both hands on the center of your chest. For love and emotional peace.
- Solar plexus: hands on the upper belly, below the ribs. For confidence.
- Navel: hands around the belly button. For creativity and emotion.
- Lower belly: hands below the navel, fingers pointing down. For grounding and vitality.
- Knees: one hand on each knee. For flexibility and moving forward.
- Feet: hold your feet, or simply direct attention there if you cannot reach. For grounding.
Closing
- Sweep your aura: with palms facing your body, slowly brush down from head to feet a few inches away.
- Gassho: palms together at the heart. Give thanks.
- Drink a glass of water and sit for a moment before standing.
Tips
- Short is fine. Even three positions on a busy day helps: head, heart, belly.
- Practice in bed, morning or night.
- Notice without judging: warmth, tingling, emotion, sleepiness.
- Pair with the principles. See The 5 Reiki Principles.
A gentle note: Self-Reiki is a gentle relaxation practice and does not replace care from a trusted practitioner for any health concern.
A sound companion for this practice
Sound Asleep by hypnotherapist Joseph Kao is a soothing guided meditation that blends words, ocean waves, and brainwave entrainment. It was created to gently lull you toward the deepest stages of sleep, night after night.
Explore Sound Asleep at iAwake
Disclosure: The iAwake links on this page are affiliate links for iAwake Technologies. If you sign up or purchase through them, Infused Lights may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Sound tools are optional companions to your practice, not medical or professional advice.
From the Infused Lights crystal shop
A simple stone held under each palm can add focus. Learn more in Crystal Reiki.
Browse all Crystals and Stones. Crystals and tools are offered as reminders for reflection and intention, not as medical care.
In The Starseed Chronicles
Reiki the Energy Flow Master is a gentle way to invite kids to place calm hands on their own hearts before sleep. Meet them here, or explore The Starseed Chronicles.
Explore pairing stones with energy in Crystal Reiki.
Part of The Reiki Basics Series
- Reiki for Animals: Sharing Calm Energy With Your Pets
- The Reiki Symbols Explained
- The 5 Reiki Principles: A Daily Practice for Lightworkers
- A 15-Minute Self-Reiki Routine (you are here)
- Crystal Reiki: Pairing Stones With Energy Work
With love and light,
Infused Lights
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