Basic Reiki Hand Positions

Most Reiki Masters teach their students the most commonly used hand positions for Reiki during their first level of Reiki studies. Although there are many other hand placements that are often used, the twelve placements detailed here are those that nearly every practitioner has learned and uses in their own Reiki sessions. There are four hand placements for the head, four for the front of the body, and an additional four for the back of the body. While some practitioners may lightly touch the client as they perform the hand placements, others may choose to keep their hands just above the body without direct contact. This is completely up to the practitioner and their client. If you prefer that the practitioner not directly touch you be sure to let them know. This is a matter of personal preference and they would not be offended by such a request nor would it affect the Reiki energy you are receiving.

Many well-experienced practitioners may also be guided by their own inner senses to direct Reiki energy to particular areas, which may include placements other than those read about here. Short Reiki sessions, like those performed in free trail sessions or at Reiki booths at an event, often only use a few of the traditional positions since they are done in a limited time and with only a chair for the potential client. A regular Reiki session usually involves a Reiki table, although it is not entirely necessary.

The benefits of Reiki energy will be achieved no matter where the receiver is or how they are standing, sitting, or laying. Reiki is the channeling of the Universal Life Energy and the power of that energy is strong enough to not need confines and rules to make it work.

Basic Hand Positions For The Head

Although they are listed as first, second, etc. it is not necessary that they be performed in this particular order. For head positions the practitioner usually stands at the top of the table reaching from over the top of the client’s head.