Self-Reiki is a simple routine in which you place your hands in a set sequence of positions on your own body, hold each for a few minutes, and let the energy flow. A full session takes 15 to 20 minutes, needs no equipment and no belief - just quiet time lying down.
This is the practice taught at Reiki Level 1, and it is the part of Reiki that most people actually use every day. If you already know the basics, this is your practice routine; if you are new, the sequence below will make sense once you have had an attunement.
Before you begin
- Choose a quiet spot where you will not be disturbed for 15 minutes.
- Lie on your back on a mat or bed, or sit in a comfortable chair with your feet on the floor.
- Phone on silent. Remove tight jewellery if it is uncomfortable.
- Keep a light blanket nearby - the body often cools down during deep relaxation.
The 15-minute self-Reiki routine
- Set an intention (30 seconds). A simple thought is enough: "For my highest good, for relaxation and wellbeing." Reiki does not need complicated affirmations.
- Head and crown - 2 minutes. Cups your hands lightly over the top of the head, fingers relaxed, elbows supported.
- Face and eyes - 2 minutes. Hands gently over the eyes or cheeks, without pressing. This position is the favourite for anyone who works long hours on a screen.
- Throat - 1 minute. Hands resting lightly on the throat or just above it.
- Chest and heart - 2 minutes. Hands flat on the chest, one above the other, if comfortable.
- Abdomen - 2 minutes. Hands on the lower ribcage or abdomen, wherever they rest naturally.
- Knees and feet - 2 minutes each. Hands on the knees, then over the feet. This is the part people skip - and usually the part that feels most settling.
- Closing - 1 minute. Hands back over the abdomen, three slow breaths, then gently open your eyes and sit up slowly.
Total: about 14 to 16 minutes. If you are short of time, do the head, heart and feet positions only - five minutes is better than nothing.
What you may feel during self-Reiki
- Warmth or coolness in the palms or in the area under the hands.
- Heaviness, tingling or a floating sensation.
- Emotional release - occasionally a few tears with no obvious reason. Let it pass.
- Nothing at all. This is also completely normal, and does not mean it is not working.
How often should you practise?
Traditionally, daily practice for the first 21 days after Level 1 is recommended so the habit settles in. After that, most people settle at once a day - often before sleep - or three to four times a week. Consistency matters more than duration.
Common mistakes
- Pressing hard. Light contact or hands slightly above the body is enough; pressure is not Reiki.
- Chasing sensations. If you look for tingling, you will miss the relaxation that is the actual point.
- Skipping the feet and knees because they seem unimportant.
- Practising on a full stomach and then feeling uncomfortable.
- Expecting an illness to disappear. Self-Reiki supports relaxation and wellbeing; it does not replace medical care.
Where self-Reiki fits with everything else
Self-Reiki works well alongside a professional Reiki session in Amritsar, meditation, or astrological remedies. Some clients like to hold a simple intention during self-Reiki for the period their astrology consultation identified as demanding.
If you have not been attuned yet, the Reiki Level 1 & 2 course covers Level 1 attunement, self-healing positions and practice, and then moves on to healing others and distance work in Level 2. Read the Level 1 vs Level 2 difference to see which suits you.
Frequently asked questions
Can I practise self-Reiki without training?
Anyone can rest their hands on their own body and relax, but the traditional practice begins with a Level 1 attunement and training, which is why the positions and sequence are taught properly.
How long until I notice a difference?
Most people notice better sleep or lower tension within the first week of daily practice. Experiences vary, and there is no guaranteed outcome.
Can I do self-Reiki in bed before sleeping?
Yes, and it is the most common time. You can fall asleep mid-practice; simply finish the remaining positions another day.
Does self-Reiki replace a session with a practitioner?
No, but it complements one. A practitioner brings training, distance and an outside perspective; self-practice keeps the momentum going between sessions.
