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.

First, the practitioner will place their hands over the client’s eyes. The hands are placed one over each eye, and should be placed side by side in this position. The client’s eyes should be completely covered.

Second, the hands will be placed over the client’s temples. Again, reaching from the top of the client’s head, the hands will be placed so that the thumbs touch in the center of the forehead. The fingers will be covering the temples.

Third, the throat and neck will be covered. Hands should be placed on the throat of the client. The practitioner’s fingers will touch in the center of the client’s neck.

The last head placement is actually from the back of the head. The hands will be placed side by side at the back of the client’s head cupping the base of the skull.

Basic Placements For Body – Front Side

These hand positions are performed from the side of the table.

First, hands will be placed over the heart area. The practitioner will place their hands above the breasts and below the collarbone to cover the heart. Their hands should be placed so that the fingertips of one hand touch the heel of their other hand.

Next, the area known as the solar plexus will be covered. Again, the hands will be placed with the fingertips of one touching the base of their other hand. They are to be placed above the navel and near the bottom of the ribcage.

Third, the practitioner will keep their hands in this position but move just a little lower to cover the navel. Hands will probably be right over top of the waistband of the client’s pants.

The last basic position for the front of the body will be only slightly below the navel and just above the groin. Hands are to be placed in a V shape with fingertips touching at the point. Although the practitioner’s hands will be very close to the groin, they should not be touching any “private areas”. Depending on the size of the practitioner’s hands, the base of their hands will most likely be resting on the hip/pelvic bone area.

Basic Placements For Body – Back Side

All of the remaining hand positions require the client to lie on their stomach and the practitioner to hold their hands like they did for the heart area, with the fingertips of one hand touching the base of their other hand.

The first position will place the hands near the top of the client’s shoulders. Hands should be above the actual shoulder blades.

Second, the hands will be moved down just a little to cover the shoulder blades. Hands will be placed reaching across both shoulder blades at this point.

Next the hands will be lowered to the waist area. This will place the practitioner’s hands over the client’s lower back.

Last, the area called the coccyx will be covered. The practitioner’s hands will be placed over the client’s lower tailbone area. This is the last position in the twelve basic Reiki hand placements.

Wrapping Thing Up

As I mentioned before, these are only the twelve basic hand placements for a Reiki session. I often choose to include several other hand placements in my Reiki sessions, but it is entirely up to the practitioner that you choose. The preceding positions are the ones widely taught and most commonly used. This is by no means a comprehensive guide to all Reiki hand placements nor is it an established guideline for positions that must be performed. Reiki is energy, and energy flows to the areas it is most needed. Some clients may request a certain area be given Reiki energy as opposed to following a whole body routine. This is why a client should discuss with the practitioner what they hope to achieve through their sessions. The relationship between Reiki practitioner and client is very personal. Both should always be open, honest and mutually respectful.