Reiki Hand Positions - Self Treatment

The traditional Hand Positions of Reiki

A little guice and overview of the self-treatment hand positions with images for you

Hand position on the throat

For any Reiki practitioner, using the traditional hand positions can be a wonderful way to begin their Reiki journey. It helps develop a deeper sense of the practice and builds confidence in working with different energies. These hand positions serve as a great tool for understanding where energy flows with ease and where Byosen or blockages might be present. Over time, it often feels natural to place the hands intuitively and deviate from the set positions. My own treatments have become completely intuitive (unless I’m working specifically with the chakras or on a particular concern) – I rarely rely on the traditional hand positions anymore. Still, they remain an important tool and a valuable guide, especially when starting out.

The traditional hand positions are usually taught and practiced in every Reiki Level 1 training. While the exact number and sequence of positions may vary slightly depending on the lineage of the Reiki teacher, these differences are minimal, and most of the hand positions remain the same.

Even if you haven’t yet received Reiki training, you are welcome to explore the hand positions, placing your hands on the suggested areas and simply noticing how it feels. See if you can sense any differences from one area to another. Once you have received your Reiki attunement—your initiation into the respective level—you will also have the ability to actively channel life force energy into these areas.

Overview of the Traditional Hand Positions

Find a comfortable seated position—whether on a chair, a sofa, or the floor—somewhere you can settle into a light meditative state while still feeling at ease in your body.

Remember to keep your hands slightly cupped with your fingers together. Before you begin, take a moment to invite Reiki, the source of all being and light, to flow through you and fill you with healing life force energy.

First Position

Cover your eyes gently with your hands. Your fingertips rest on your forehead, while your thumbs are placed lightly on the outer edges of your eyes.

Second Position

Let your hands slide slightly to the sides, resting on your cheeks. Your thumbs should naturally fall just below your ears.

Third Position

Place your hands on the back of your head. Here, you have two options:

Option A – Place both hands side by side.

Option B – Stack your hands on top of each other.

Fourth Position

Make a small adjustment: keep one hand on the back of your head while placing the other gently on the crown of your head.

Fifth Position

Place both hands on the crown of your head, allowing Reiki to flow through this energy center.

Sixth Position

Let your hands glide down to rest on the back of your neck, offering warmth and relaxation to this area.

Seventh Position

Let your hands glide forward towards your throat. Again, you have two options: place your hands side by side or one on top of the other. Be mindful not to apply too much pressure to this sensitive area.

Eighth Position

Now, we reach the chest area. You can either place one hand on your chest and the other between your collarbones, or rest both hands gently on your chest.

Ninth Position

Let your hands move down to rest on your lower ribs, allowing the energy to flow into this space.

Tenth Position

Place your hands gently over your navel area, letting the warmth and energy settle there.

Eleventh Position

Move your hands lower, resting them over your lower abdomen and belly.

Twelfth Position

Now, we reach the sacral area. You have two options: either place your hands one on top of the other, with one covering the intimate area and the other resting lightly above it, or position both hands side by side over your pelvic area.

Thirteenth Position

We continue with the upper body from the back, placing the hands over the lower shoulder blades.

Fourteenth Position

Move your hands slightly lower, resting them over the mid-back and waist area.

Fifteenth Position

Here, you have a choice again—you can either place your hands on your lower back or let them glide further down to rest over your tailbone.

Sixteenth Position

Now, we reach the legs. You have two options:

• Option A: Start by placing both hands on both knees, then move them down to both ankles.

• Option B: Place one hand on your left knee and the other on your left ankle, then switch sides.

Final Position: The Soles of the Feet

To complete the practice, gently place your hands on the soles of your feet.

Closing the Practice

Bow in gratitude—to Reiki, to yourself, and to the universal energy flowing through you.

Using Traditional Hand Positions in Your Practice

If possible, try practicing the hand positions multiple times before making adjustments. This will help you develop a deep awareness of how the energy at each spot shifts over time. Comparing these subtle changes can provide valuable insights into your practice.

You may notice that certain positions feel more natural or inviting, while others challenge your patience. Perhaps some areas call for more attention, while others feel lighter. As you become more confident with the hand positions, feel free to move beyond the structured sequence. Let go of the order and place your hands wherever your intuition guides you. Trust that your energy knows exactly where it needs to go.

Curious?

If you feel drawn to learning Reiki yourself, I’d love to support you on your journey! Reach out, and we’ll find the best way for you to start your training.

Get in touch!