How Is Reiki Performed in Practice?

Last Updated on August 29, 2022

Has your clinician recommended Reiki to you? Have you been asking yourself, researching more on how is Reiki performed?

Reiki is a spiritual healing practice that promotes wellbeing throughout the body by channeling “chi” (or universal life energy). This practice comes with numerous health benefits that range from physical nature like aches and pains to more emotional-driven healing.

Unlike traditional medicine and treatment, Reiki doesn’t rely on scientific-based evidence to treat its patients. But practitioners posit the resounding results that have been observed by undergoing Reiki treatment.

There have also been many numerous anecdotes that highlight the effects as well. These effects treat both cancer patients and people with anxiety and depression alike from their various symptoms.

Now the question lies, how is Reiki performed for it to apply to a wide subset of people? Let’s dive deep into this ancient Asian practice.

Table of Contents

Who can perform the Reiki session?

Reiki practitioners don’t need to undergo long, arduous training regimens to consider themselves qualified to administer training. You can already perform this ritual to people after attending a one-weekend-long prep course.

There are more tiers and skills needed to become an advanced Reiki practitioner or Reiki master. Nearly anyone can become qualified to perform a Reiki session with the right training.

Here are the Reiki levels:

Level 1 (Shoden): The practitioner’s initiation to the practice; open to all like your family, friends, and yourself. Self-reiki is the goal at this level or working on personal obstacles.
Level 2 (Okuden): Grants practitioner’s the ability to practice Reiki on others; also deepens their skills using Reiki’s five symbols.
Level 3 (Shinpiden & Reiki Master): Teacher’s level; can attune new Reiki practitioners. Has a deep commitment to Reiki

What are the types of Reiki sessions? How is Reiki performed in the clinic?

There are many types of Reiki treatments that have branched off from the original version by Dr. Mikao Usui. Some of the more popular types include:

Western Reiki: a.k.a. Usui Reiki, this puts emotions and feelings at the forefront to allow self-treatment; non-invasive.
Eastern Reiki: used to remove bad habits and curb addiction
Lightarian Reiki: This allows the patient to enhance their awareness

There are several more types that would apply to different patients, from pain reduction to healing emotional trauma. Ask your local medical clinician what best applies to you by openly describing your situation.

What is distance healing?

Reiki practitioners can use a proxy or visualize to send Reiki energy to their patients. The distant Reiki symbol brings the patient and practitioner together to heal and gain energy from the Reiki ritual.

The patient doesn’t have to do anything too different than they would in a typical session; they just need to lie still on a flat surface preferably. The energy transmission would be just as strong as if it were an on-site practice.

Where is the setting of Reiki therapy?

You can perform Reiki next to anywhere where it’s quiet and you can relax. Preferably, you can have it done on-site in a Reiki therapist’s clinic. Usually, they’ll have a properly designated place to administer and facilitate the practice.

Other places where Reiki can be administered include hospices, hospitals, nursing homes, or other health care settings.

During the start, they’ll likely ask you to lie down on a flat surface or bed. The therapist won’t say a word during the ritual too, respecting the sanctity of the ritual. If you’re following distant reiki instead, replicate the practice as you would on-site by lying on a flat surface.

What happens during the session?

Lasting anywhere between 20 to 90 minutes, your first appointment is when you’ll meet your Reiki practitioner.

A short chat will follow after. Usually, you’ll disclose your symptoms and worries at this time, as well as sensitive places to touch or injuries.

Once you’re done chatting, you’ll be asked to lie down on a flat table or mat. They will then play soft, relaxing music while covering you with a blanket. Both you and the practitioner will practice silence here, though you can ask or express what you’re feeling at anytime.

Then, the practitioner will start with all sorts of hand position over your (or your pet dog’s)body. They may just let it float, though they may also lightly touch your body. During this time, the practitioner acts as the conduit that transfers the universal life force energy to you. This aids in the release of any energy blocks found in your nervous system and body.

Usually, during the session, you’ll feel new sensations like tingling or heat in your body. Some people reported seeing vivid visualizations of pictures or having their old memories return to them. Don’t get too attached to these new feelings—it’s expected to go even deeper as you continue with Reiki.

Related: Is Reiki Bad?

Should I bring or ingest anything before Reiki?

You can prepare by wearing comfortable clothes, like cotton, silk, or linen. Remove your glasses and shoes before laying down on the mat—and mute your phone.

You aren’t expected to ingest anything during the Reiki session. Reiki practitioners may use crystals to supplement the process to release energy blockages. But, aside from that, there’s not much for you to prepare aside from an accepting state of mind.

What happens after the Reiki session?

You may feel deeply calm, peaceful, or energized after the Reiki session. The lay-on-hands practice would have helped release the accumulated stress throughout your body.

Conclusion

Reiki draws much of its influence in Eastern tradition and medicine. While not as scientifically backed as prescribed treatment, it releases bad energy, allowing your body to heal naturally.

If you want Reiki performed on you, find a reliable practitioner by asking your local healthcare facility or clinician.