The hand positions for Reiki healing were added to the practice when it became formalised, after Usui Sensei’s death. The hand positions are a good guideline for beginners. As you become more adept in your Reiki practice, you will find your intuition guides your hands.
Starting by placing your hands on the recipients shoulders: allows you to connect with the recipient and gives them a few moments to relax in to the treatment.
Then starting with the crown chakra, treat each of the seven chakras in turn. Treat each chakra for 3 to 5 minutes. As your intuition develops, you will feel when to move on to the next chakra.
Having treated each chakra, move on to the knees. Our knees represent ego and pride. Then move on to the ankles, which represent mobility and direction. Finally treat the feet, which helps to ground the recipient.
Once the treatment is complete: gently advise the recipient and allow them to ‘come back’ in their own time.
It’s a good idea to drink plenty of water after a Reiki treatment, as the treatment promotes a natural detox.