Reiki Self-Treatment Poll
Mark Twain famously said there are liars, damn liars, and statistics. Last week’s poll illustrated his point.
PollDaddy lists the number of votes rather than the number of voters. Many readers didn’t notice this detail, and some expressed dismay at what seemed to be a low percentage of practitioners giving themselves daily Reiki treatments. But the stats were meaningless.
Which brings us to Round Two. How many Reiki practitioners give themselves daily treatment? Let’s find out.
Please respond to this very short poll and share it widely. All practitioners from all lineages, at any level of practice are asked to vote.
Can we collectively bring in over 1000 votes? The more votes we get, the more meaningful the poll is.
Once you’ve voted, click here to comment why you do or don’t practice daily self-Reiki.
Related reading:
How to Practice Reiki Self-Treatment
Usui Virtual Retreat
The Most Important Thing
INTRODUCTION to MEDICAL REIKI WEBINAR Have you been waiting for online training to help you bring Reiki into hospitals and other health care settings? Wait no more.
The Introduction to Medical Reiki Webinar will give you skills and strategies to get you started in health care. Let’s get Reiki where it is needed, and raise the professionalism of our practice. Click here to learn more.
If you liked this, you might also like:
Reiki Practice Poll
Mainstreaming Reiki: Acquiring the Power to Help
I don’t practice daily self treatment, when I feel I need a chakra clearing or something I will but generally I don’t do daily self treatments.
I am at the beginning of my journey with Reiki. I received level I and II last October and have since connected with a Reiki Master that is helping me ‘begin again’ I retook Reiki I and, at the right time, will retake Reiki II. I have come to believe that for me to be beneficial for anyone else, I must strive to be the best ‘me’ I can. I believe that daily Reiki is essential for me to do that. I do notice when I miss a day so I have made it a priority in my life.
I’m a level 3 practitioner/teacher. Some days it’s an hour (or two), some days it’s only 5 or 10 minutes…. but there is a daily self-treatment. I just don’t feel right without one. It seems to help ground out the daily meditations. Ideally I try to self-treat after meditating, but my schedule doesn’t always allow for that.
(Besides, it’s an awesome way to enhance a power nap.)
I am level II newbie. I would like to do a daily self Reiki but I don’t always get to me. However, if I do Reiki on another, I feel that I’ve given myself enlightenment that day. Usually, I do self Reiki in bed, but sometimes my cat needs it more.
Ever since my Reiki 1 class, daily self-treatment has been a part of my day – sometimes in the morning as part of my meditation, sometimes when I crawl into bed, sometimes both; sometimes for 5 minutes, sometimes an hour and 5 minutes! It keeps me grounded and feeling connected. I find that when I give to myself first, I have more to give to others.
I give myself a full Reiki treatment before I get up in the morning. When I travel, I give myself Reiki during my plane flights. I might also excuse myself for an afternoon “nap” to give myself an extra treatment each day when I’m away from home. When I attend a symphony concert or other performance, I often give myself Reiki in ways that don’t bother anyone around me. I’m someone who likes to get a lot of Reiki–if I had the money, I’d get Reiki treatments every day. (In 2002, I received 120 Reiki treatments, in addition to my daily self treatment.)
Reiki is my spiritual practice. Mrs. Takata said that Reiki was for ourselves first, then others. That’s the way I live my life.
I have honored the gift of daily self-treatment since the very first day I learned Reiki. It has been a true life saver for me, providing my body physical endurance in the midst of deterioration from severe narcolepsy over many years. Reiki also brings quiet peace and sustaining calm to my spirit, helping to counteract the assault of daily demands that so quickly envelope us in this technological age of fast paced living. Reiki is a blessing that blossoms with use.
I Reiki myself in the morning as part of my meditation practice. The amount of time varies. This way I am attuned and aligned to bless others.
I practice Reiki every morning and evening and it is what I use for my Fibromyalgia, to keep me as pain free and mobile as possible.
What a gentle way to begin and end a day, Reiki and meditation, prayer, focus on love.
I am giving my self Reiki every morning when i wake up and in the evening before i go to sleep.
In the morning it’s so refreshing and in the evening it’s relaxing to take a moment to be with myself, at the end of the day.
Reiki brought peace into my life to embrace the way it comes to me.
Love the new, simplified poll:)
I am a level 3 Reiki Master. I self-treat everyday. Reiki is one of the foundations of my spiritual path and physical health, which also includes walking every morning and contemplation. I then give myself Reiki. I will also give myself or others Reiki throughout the day as opportunities or situations arise.
I answered no to the poll, but reading the comments I realize that I do self-treat in brief periods every day – in the car, before getting out of bed in the morning, before falling asleep, while watching tv, etc. But I’m not sure that really counts. It’s definitely beneficial on many levels, but I sense it isn’t the same as the full Reiki treatment I give others.
I am sorry to say I have lapsed on giving myself Reiki daily. I don’t always have/make the time. I am going to be more thoughtful on this & try to add it back into my life everyday, if only for a few minutes.
Christine, you bring up a good point. Mrs. Takata often said a little Reiki is better than no Reiki, and there is much to be said for making any time at all to place your Reiki hands on yourself each day, many times a day, especially if you accompany that with mindfulness. That said, a full daily self-treatment brings even more benefit.
Yes I give a self treatment daily. It is the way I was taught and it is the way I teach. If I teach it and don’t do it myself what message am I giving. And it feels wonderful.Gandhi said “you need to become the change you want to see.” NAMASTE
Hi I don’t do self Reiki daily. I know I should. I guess I use the excuse I am too busy. I know the power of self Reiki. It has brought me through health issues & a recent separation. I know when I do self Reiki it helps me feel better & grounded. I am a Reiki Master Teacher. I just learnt Animal Reiki which blew my mind & has changed the way I use & teach Reiki. My teacher stressed the importance of self Reiki. I am working up to where I can do it more. Then daily.
I practice Reiki at various points throughout the day in different ways. Sometimes it could be just for a few minutes to ground myself if I sense that I am feeling nervous or stressed, and, in addition, since I set my schedule to work in a focused manner during 90 minute intervals, my breaks consist of moving away from the computer, sitting in a comfortable chair and meditating either with nentatsu-ho and one or more of the precepts or sitting in gassho and focusing on my breathing and the hara or tanden chiryo-ho, etc. I can’t say enough about the benefits of daily self-treatment.
Wow, Allison, I am so impressed with your healthful work habit. You are an inspiration. The best I’ve managed is to be aware of my breath and to set the teapot far enough away from my computer so I have to at least get up to pour a fresh cup of green tea!
Reiki self-treatment gives me peace, confidence,
energy; and it fills my love tank.
I’m a Level 3 Reiki Master. I give myself Reiki each evening at bedtime, not full treatments, but usually my stomach/abdomen. It calms me and balances me and I sleep soundly most nights. As a result I believe Reiki has diminished my pre-menopausal symptoms. I’m 51 and rarely have hot flushes, only if I’m super stressed, there again Reiki helps keep the system balanced. I do Reiki while I’m driving, on my stomach or leg or side of my head. Reiki quickly diminished a bee sting to my thumb. I walk, jog and do yoga and eat foods that my body can digest. Its a lifestyle and it works for me. I feel good most times.
I am a Level 3 Reiki Master/Teacher. I have practiced Reiki for 13 years and I may have missed 1 – 2 days of self-treatment during that time. It is beneficial in every way and I emphasize this in my classes. Reiki keeps me balanced and, as a result, I am a happy person with a great life. Whenever I’m in a stressful situation such as stuck in traffic or in a long line at a store, I treat my solar plexus and can feel myself calm down immediately. I also treat joints that want to act up and the Reiki either helps the joints or helps me tolerate the pain (probably both). Reiki is an important part of my life and my goal is to share it with as many people as possible!
I am a Nurse, therefore I Reiki, myself, my patients, the medical students, the doctors, the nursing students, the nurses, the babies, and the Mothers. I also
send Distance Reiki to my neighbors, my neighborhood, my community, my city, my country, and the world……all in less than it takes to drink my morning cup of coffee and it doesn’t cost me a dime but the rewards are infinite…..Namaste…
PS my website is not my website, it is the website of my Wonderful Reiki Teacher, Jessica Miller…..
There is not a day that begins or ends where i do not do Reiki on myself. My favorite position falling asleep at night is with one hand on my heart and one on my solar plexus. When I wake up, before I get out of bed, I spend about 30 minutes walking down the front of my torso or sometimes just focusing on particular areas that want attention like my lower abdomen. When I am driving and don’t need both hands, or else am stopped in traffic, I always have one hand on me doing Reiki somewhere. I also have a small “Reiki bear” that I can hold in one hand so it is easy for me to do a full body session on myself when needed. It is so absolutely simple and effortless to put your hand(s) on yourself and just “be” with the energy. There should be no excuses for NOT giving yourself daily Reiki.
Daily self-treatment is a choice which practitioners are free to make or not. One of the reasons I favor longer classes (10 hours or so spread over at least 2 days) is so that students have enough practice time to feel confident in their ability to practice and to be aware of the tremendous benefits of daily practice so that they are more motivated to commit to practice. I also stress that Reiki is a self-care practice to optimize health and well-being.
Not everyone is taught that daily practice is the foundation. Or they may not be given enough support to realize what that means. Or they may simply choose not to. It’s an individual decision.
Yes, I do self Reiki…every morning while still in bed, w/meditation, 8 positions. I find this 15 or so minutes improves my entire day. More energy, balance, peace, patience. I didn’t realize the value when I first had my 1 & 2 Reiki training. I started later, being inspired by Pamela’s book & website.
Daily self Reiki strengthens my practice. Helps to make me a clear and present channel for Reiki energy to flow. I find it enhances my ability to hold the vibrational level during sessions for clients.
Self Reiki also promotes self awareness.
I’m always happy to read that my work has inspired people to commit to daily self-treatment. Thank you for mentioning it, Maggi.
You make an important point, Becky. The more balanced we are, the stronger our boundaries, and the less we are likely to get involved in the treatment in inappropriate (and sometimes dangerous) ways.
I practice self treatment in the morning and at some point in the evening…I have gained so much strength and acceptance from daily Reiki treatments.
Since receiving level one from Pamela my life has become balanced in ways I never previously dreamed possible…and when my life spins out of control Reiki gently guides me through the rough patches.
I wish everyone could practice Reiki!
Getchie
I am working on on Reiki and natural healing, but I need assistance and how to get a Dr to accept this treatment.
Debbie, the Introduction to Medical Reiki webinar will teach you what physicians need to know about Reiki, and strategies for health care collaboration. I’ve been bringing Reiki into hospitals, medical schools, and other health care settings since the the 1990s, and I have a lot of tips to share that will help you be successful. Click here for more information and to register.
It is my way of loving myself. Reiki brings balance and i need and desire balance.
It is just that simple………self love. I see it as the BEST way i can love myself daily.
I am a massage therapist and currently a reiki 1 practitioner but I will be taking reiki 2 on the 17th of this month. I don’t do it to my self as much as I put it in my client’s massages at the end.
After reading the postings, I decided to add some more. I just recently walked the Camino across Northern Spain. When i was climbing hills and leaning forward i would put my hands on my upper legs and give them Reiki. Climbing became actually quite easy and i was quite often the fastest climber, not out of trying to be but it became almost effortless to climb.
Here at the property Michael and i use Reiki on everything that is out of balance. We have started lawn mowers, electrical appliances, you name it and we have done it here. It is almost a joke. I cut my bare foot this week with the weed eater and immediately applied reiki. It has almost completely healed in just 2 days. When i experience this kind of expression of the reiki energy in my daily life, why would i not give myself a daily treatment….It is in my way of thinking the best way i can love and bring a small amount of balance to the universe.
I answered no also but then realized the same as previous lady said I realized I do Reiki daily in small amounts through out the day when I feel the call or am asked to do so. I’m a level II practitioner and am having such a hard time unfortunately adjusting to all the newest in my life. So,self healing will come in handy right now.I actually was telling my hubby this morning that I needed to start doing self treatments alot more everyday and also preparing my home more for cleansing and releasing my old ways of thinking.Just look at how I wake to a question about the same thing I was discussing with my husband. Ha,Ha.Ha how interesting….that’s reiki working
I practice daily self Reiki because it helps me with any situation I am in or come upon throughout the day. If I’m feeling pain or anxiety it helps me to reduce them and figure out why they are bothering me so I may free myself of pain and anxiety.
Rita Darabosh,
Reiki Master Teacher
In 2006, I had a spontaneous femur fracture, which resulted in a fall in a parking lot. To repair the damage, I had a massive orthopedic surgery. Then I developed a MRSA infection. To treat the infection, I went through many more operations to drain it and debride it, and to remodel the orthopedic implants. Treatment involved lots and lots of IV antibiotics, which ceased to work in 2009. I underwent amputation finally to remove the infection, and thought that was the end of it. However, earlier this year, I had to have a hip replacement on the opposite side as I developed vascular necrosis of the head of the femur. I sometimes wonder where it all will end.
All of these medical interventions were things that seemed totally against the grain of my earlier belief system and spiritual practices. I was on a wellness path that saw me eating organic, following preventive practices, lots of exercise. Now all that has gone down the drain, and I seem to be just holding on lately like grim death. My self treatments, which used to make me feel great, have become something that doesn’t seem to work for me. I still give myself Reiki when I think about it just for old times sake in a manner of speaking, even though nothing seems to be happening. I do still meditate, but my old sense of balance and tranquility is kaput for now.
I believe that the Reiki goes where it is needed, and I guess that it must be needed on a level much deeper than the physical realm, since I’m not perceiving any effect right not. It is just hard to keep up on when I’m so worn out with trying to keep on believing.
Beverly, I am so sorry to hear of the difficult time you are having. Do you know that you can ask for distant Reiki treatment from the community in the Discussion area of http://www.facebook.com/ReikiMed? Click here for the direct link.
I am also sorry to hear that you have stopped practicing regularly at a time when you are in such need of support just because you are not experiencing anything. When we have a headache and take an aspirin, if the headache doesn’t go away, we don’t assume the aspirin didn’t work. We know aspirin works, and we also know that some headaches are too severe to be completely banished by aspirin. We’re more likely to figure the aspirin is helping to some degree, even if not to the degree we had hoped. Our conviction in our practice can be that strong. It’s not a matter of belief, but rather contemplated practice experience.
I personally don’t subscribe to the concept that “Reiki goes where it’s needed.” To me, Reiki is that which is everywhere, all the time, the ultimate beneficent state of wellness and wholeness, and we practice our self-treatment to enhance our recognition of innate sacredness.
As in any relationship, our experience of practice doesn’t always match our expectations or our beliefs. If, however, we persist in our practice–or take it up again–we can transcend the limitations of our beliefs, and experience an inner poise even as we address extreme challenge. I think that is the point of spiritual practice, achieving and sustaining that inner poise.
Have you tried doing the Usui Virtual Retreat that I recorded? It’s free and you can do it in your life as it is, at your own pace. Perhaps the retreat would help you deepen your practice.
In my practice I treat myself with a Reiki self treatment each morning and a Healing Pathway (Healing Touch) body balancing every night. Throughout the day I do mini-balancing when aware of the need and if time allows (it only takes a minute or two). I am so grateful to have these tools for balancing myself and clearing daily stress. I know I am healthier and more calm as a result.
Modelling good self-care is essential for our students and it is also essential for the workplace and the communities where we are work and live. If others are aware of the importance of self-care, it is a gateway to further learning and self awareness in their lives.
Yes I practice daily self-treatment…. sometimes I even take the time to do it twice..
morning and evening, depending on the stress levels of the day.
It has become a part of my daily meditations, just as we are taught to say the precepts morning and evening.
I find that daily treatment keeps me fresh and in touch with myself and is an excellent way to end or begin ones day. Not to mention the healing that takes place, as well.
This is a great conversation to have. I have really enjoyed reading everyones replies. I do daily self treatment, usually two 15 min sessions a day one in the morning and one at night. During the day I also will place my hands on my back, shoulders, or head, when needed. I have found also as a practitioner that consistent daily self treatments have a positive effect on my sessions for clients. It feels as if the flow of Reiki is even stronger the more that I use Reiki during the week. I love it
As an adult I’ve always had a daily practice of some form or another, but when Reiki came into my life it felt as if I had come home. What I find most helpful is that a daily practice helps me to appreciate whatever the day brings so it is the first thing I “do” everyday.
Another benefit of my daily practice is that it helps me to stay fully present during my Reiki sessions with others. For me, the ability to be fully present in the context of a Reiki session feels like it facilitates a timeless space of Being for the receiver. This space, imho, is where healing begins.
I have studied Reiki I and of then course I did the required days of self healing but then I fell out of the habit. No excuse really. I’m hoping that when I take Reiki II I will be more encouraged and inspired to do the self healing daily. I’ve been feeling really good so I haven’t given it much thought. If I were to feel sick or unwell I would remember to practice on myself.
I do treat myself daily, yes. The difference in a day with self-treatment as opposed to a day without is so clear that to not self-treat is to ask for a challenge where none is needed. I find that self-treating makes me a gentler person to be around as well so I’m able to spread the wealth as it were by being a kinder soul to all I come in contact with.
Myriam, instead of counting on your Second degree class to motivate you, why not restart your daily self-treatment now, in preparation for Second degree?
I’ve been teaching since 1990, and it became so apparent that students who are practicing daily self-treatment have a better foundation for Second degree, and thus get more out of the class, that I started requiring my students to have a daily practice before qualifying for Second degree.
Part of the motivation for daily practice (besides the pure pleasure of the experience) is to be ahead of symptoms, to proactively maintain our wellness, rather than using Reiki treatment solely as an intervention when we are rundown or ill.
I am a level I practitioner, very busy and frankly lack self confidence when it comes to practicing on myself….not that I don’t feel I could pick up my notebook and re-connect, it’s just that I work a 50-60 hour week already. I know Reiki could HELP with my stress. Maybe it’s too easy to lean on my Reiki master instead. I have a family, and there are a lot of should and could(s) I need to do….’sigh’.
Nickie, please don’t let the busyness of life and the coulds/shoulds come between you and your Reiki hands. Daily self-treatment is the best thing you can do for your family, your co-workers, and yourself, and maybe the only place in which there are not competing priorities.
Why not put those Reiki hands on your body as you fall asleep and as you wake up? It’s not as if you can do it wrong. And maybe my short video on self-treatment can be a support.
Having Reiki 1 (!984) & 2(1985) Master 2000 I did not always practice self Reiki, in fact it could be quite infrequently. Going through some rough times, it finally dawned on me to do self Reiki which then became a daily practice. Felt so much more grounded plus so much more accurate readings and healings for clients.
I have given myself Reiki everyday, ever since Reiki I. (RMT now since 2004, with additional training in Karuna (R) and Reiki with Crystals.) NOTHING has been as powerful in my self healing journey as the simple hands-on Reiki sessions that I give myself. I don’t usually manage to get a whole treatment in, but always use Reiki just before sleep to bring absolute relaxation. At other times during my day, I try to practice one or two minutes of mindfulness with Reiki hands placed on a chakra or aching body part, while visualizing and “breathing in” a symbol that seems appropriate in the moment. It can transform any situation. Sometimes it just deepens my gratitude, which transforms me by bringing me into the “flow”, or deeper connection to life force energy. When I first started to self treat after Reiki I, I was intimidated by the thought (and time commitment required) of I having to treat each chakra, everyday. I now feel empowered by even the briefest of self treatment sessions, and try to communicate that to my students.
I used to meditate listening to a theta brainwave entrainment track and I now combine this with a Reiki self treatment after taking Reiki I. They compliment each other nicely. I time myself with a Reiki timer and usually remain in each position for about four minutes although I’ll go to 2 or 3 minutes if I’m on a time crunch. I love that the Reiki timer keeps me on track because I can get lost in it and don’t have the time during the week to fall too far off schedule. I do the treatments after work and come out of them feeling utterly refreshed – sometimes as if I’ve just gotten a full night’s sleep. The practice has replaced a glass of red wine after work and it’s great for stress management. I’ve also noticed that I heal from workouts much more quickly then I used to and my digestion has improved as well. I come home with a knot in my stomach from stress just about every day it seems sometimes and I can feel it dissolve in my treatments.
I have a question: Ive seen Reiki healers practicing on people without laying their hands directly on them. I’ve also asked a few friends what their responses are to Reiki given by others and the results can seem amazing – for instance one friend said the woman simply put her hands near (not on) his back where I assume the heart chakra was
and he felt something akin to wind rushing through his core.
I don’t want to assume that they’re more powerful healers and that this is an innate thing that I’ll never achieve. I believe it comes with practice and getting more in touch with my intuition. At least I hope that’s right?
Linda, thank you for bringing up some important points. To respond to your question–
Reiki is traditionally practiced using light, non-manipulative touch. When it is not possible to have contact, for example if there is a burn, the Reiki hand can be held just off the body. Some western practitioners choose to always practice off the body. Although a stack of research studies supports the healing effects of appropriate touch, sometimes people experience the subtle ways their bodies respond to the Reiki connection more vividly in the absence of touch.
However, we cannot judge the benefit of treatment by the sensations we feel. What we experience during a treatment is actually the process of our own biofield reorganizing itself toward greater balance, and has more to do with what our systems need at the moment than with the capacity of the practitioner. Sometimes that process is quite palpable, sometimes we hardly notice anything during the treatment. I myself have had treatments from colleagues who are long time practitioners–some trained by Mrs. Takata–and in the moment it felt like Reiki-light. However, the next day it was apparent to me that my state had improved in subtle but noticeable, very welcome ways.
Yes, our relationship with Reiki deepens with practice, but no, intuition really has nothing to do with the effectiveness of a treatment. The treatment response is completely beyond our control. Practitioners who practice Reiki self-treatment daily over time generally find that they become more in touch with their intuition, which enhances their own life experience. However, it really doesn’t make for a better Reiki practitioner because we have no control over the treatment; we simply place hands.
Aspiring to be the best we can be is admirable, but the goal of practicing Reiki is not to become a powerful healer. The reason to practice Reiki is to restore and maintain balance in our lives, to develop spiritually. Remember Usui’s phrase, the Secret Method of Finding Happiness. When we are balanced, when we are settled in ourselves, then our gifts are quite naturally shared in abundance.
Everyone’s gifts are valuable; there is nothing gained by comparing.
Well I was going to say I average 5 days a week for proper self treatment, but I do manage to get a hand on myself for at least a couple minutes in bed or on the train on the off days, so maybe that should count.
I treat myself with Reiki at least once every day, always before getting out of bed as i find that time to be peaceful and undisturbed by phones and emails.
i always find time during the day or in the evening when watching television to place my hands in one position and channell Reiki until the next task comes along.
on one occasion after a fall through a timber deck i badly scratched and bruised my leg in two places, one on my thigh and the other at the back of my leg below the calf.
it was easy to place my hand on my thigh at every opportunity without any effort and within 48 hours the bruising and scratches had disappeared. those on the back of my leg took over a week to heal. So self Reiki is so worthwhile.
I only apply reiki when i need, although i am in favour of applying reiki on daily basis. I think the best time of applying reiki, when we are retiring to bed. It makes our energy centres remain open.
But Nadeem, when there are so many things every day that pull us away from balance, when do we not have a need for self-treatment? Why not be proactive and practice Reiki to protect our well-being while we still have it, instead of using Reiki only as an intervention when something feels off?
I think the best time to practice self-treatment is the time when we actually will practice. That will be at different times for different people. But whenever we practice, our self-treatment reminds our system of its ability to balance and self-heal.
By this time Reiki has become part of my bedtime routine. I could say that it is soothing, comforting, etc., all true and more, but that is not why I do it. Sometimes I do it longer, more fully, than other times, depending on how sleepy I am. Sometimes I feel it more than other times. I don’t particularly expect to feel a health benefit, any more than I expect to feel an immediate health benefit from brushing my teeth. But I know that it is there.
I also answered no to this query and can relate to the others that do try to get in at least a few minutes each day. I just celebrated my 10th anniversary as a Reiki Master and have, in the past year, recognized that I was not treating mySelf as well, or often, as I should. One other aspect I had to consider was that for many years I did not consider myself worthy of this wonderful healing ~ even though I spoke of how wonderful it is and my practice increased. That’s changed, not overnight, but my practice is so much better, so much deeper, than ever! I am grateful to all who have responded ~ it’s great to read your responses!
i self treat daily in bed or if im in a rush while driving.
I self treat myself everyday, sometimes twice a day. I like doing it in the morning because at night when I start I fall asleep before I can even move I hands to another position ; )
I have a question, I was taught that when I do Reiki it should be quite with soothing music playing. No talking! Pamela Miles, when you were on Dr Oz show you were actually talking while giving Reiki.. Did you draw the Reiki Symbles before going on air?? I have completed my 3B and ready for my 3C class, or maybe I missed something?
The only reason to play music while practicing Reiki would be for your own, or your client’s, enjoyment. Similarly, the only reason not to talk during a treatment is so that the person receiving the treatment can be indrawn.
A quiet clinical setting is always desirable, but not always feasible, and it’s important to be practical. We can do whatever we need to do while practicing Reiki, including dial 911 with one hand in an emergency. When I offer Reiki in the O.R.during surgery, there is no soft music, there is constant talking, and I need to be able to interact with the surgical staff–all while offering a Reiki treatment.
I honestly don’t remember if I used the symbols when we were filming the Dr. Oz show, but if I did use them, I would have done so internally. In my tradition, we do not draw the symbols in front of others.
I don’t know if you missed anything, Lou, but perhaps you want to devote yourself to practice for a while rather than classes, and see what comes of that.
I practice Reiki every morning before I get out bed. It’s a wonderful way to center myself before I begin the activities of my day. I’m a Level 1 practitioner, usually limiting my practice to myself and my husband, who suffers from chronic pain. A Reiki treatment can alleviate his severe pain and anxiety very effectively, helping him to get on with his day. Reiki is a constant in our lives.
I have treated myself daily for more than 20 years. Looking back I am stunned at what a difference it has made to me. Sometimes I wouldn’t do a treatment because there wasn’t time and when I did it again, the question would arise about why I had skipped it, because it would make such a difference. My health has been good, and when things would happen in my life it was as if Reiki helped me live all experiences in a way that held me when I could have ‘fallen’.
Now it is hard to imagine not having Reiki, not treating myself and not having the daily feeling of sacred living that Reiki brings. It doesn’t render every day easy but the not easy days are simply lighter. My gratitude is huge for the simple gift I received when I was initiated into Reiki so long ago, and for finding out that wondrous things can come in gentle, strong and loving ways!
I suffer from Dercum’s Disease and use Reiki to help me handle this disease, since there isn’t really any effective treatment. My benefits include pain relief and some other symptoms are greatly reduced. I am so far from being well, but my life quality has been improved so much since learning Reiki two years ago. I have Reiki II now.
A better question for me might be when I don’t do Reiki. I do it most mornings before I attempt to get out of bed, when I take a nap (most days), night before I sleep, and when I meditate (1-3 times a day). I also place my hands on painful spots throughout the day while watching TV, surfing the net, and I even send Reiki to myself to cover whole days. I love to share Reiki with others as I can and love the benefits I get from that. I guess I kind of layer my Reiki if that’s possible.
I love Reiki and by doing that I am now able to love myself.
Lisa, you have mentioned by far the most important transformation that comes with consistent self-treatment: self-love.
Some people notice a shift from the beginning, but whether we notice it or not, with consistent self-treatment over time, our minds settle, and we come to appreciate the precious opportunity of our own lives, just as they are, a realization that brings both profound contentment and deep motivation. Thank you!
I self treat daily; in morning and at night. I try to live an authentic lifestyle. To me, Reiki is more than just another modality for healing, it is a viable way of life.
I do, but it’s rarely a full treatment. I recently started a practice of my own and am a mother of two very young, very busy boys! I find that my self-Reiki practice comes in the form of right before bed, in the shower, or when I wake up in the middle of the night. I’m always giving Reiki to my babies, my husband, neighbors, or whenever it is called for.
I began my Reiki journey in 2001 and find it interesting that once i really started daily practice, Reiki incorporated me into its life as much as I made it apart of mine. If that makes any sense. Not sure how to explain it. But it changed many things.
I practice self treatment every day. Usually, it is 2 0r three minutes each position.I use Reiki on my husband for his Bell”s palsy, and other sore spots he gets from working hard. My female Lhasa-terrior mix has to be under the table . She loves the enegy! My son swears by Reiki treatments on his shoulder. I feel as though I am connected to everyone when I practice Reiki, whether it is on myself or treating someone else.
I was doing Reiki on myself everyday then had some emotional trauma that completely threw me off course. I am doing Reiki on myself again and have decided to quit my bank job to devote my life to my Reiki practice. I usually do my self Reiki at bedtime which helps me sleep better. I also start each day with Reiki prayer and mini meditation. I’m looking forward to my last day at the bank (7/23) and my first day of full time Reiki – for myself and others.
I practice self Reiki each day – at least once – usually when I am retiring for the evening. It also has been particularly helpful when I wake up in the middle of the night, and have a difficult time getting back to sleep because my mind is racing, thinking about all that I have on my “To Do” list. It centers me, grounds me, and allows me to get back to sleep. If I have an ailment – headache, muscle pain – self Reiki is always so dependable at improving my pain.
I love my daily Reiki self practice! I rely on my practice to center myself in warmth, peace and love.
The self practice is my daily bread. I feel better more centered, more in myself when I practice every day Reiki for myself.
I answered no (at least not in the traditional self-healing method). I do distant healing every night using the Takata method. Since there are usually many healing requests, I post all the names (self included) in a standard composition book that I call “The Reiki Distant Healing Book”. This way, the nightly distant healing is sent to many, and includes self. I just celebrated 2yrs as RM and was taught not to spend more than 20 minutes on self-healing, so as distant healing is usually intended for others, it is a great way to include myself without worrying about time limitations.
I do Reiki self treatment everyday, even if it’s only for a few minutes. I read somewhere that a little bit of Reiki is better than no Reiki at all.
I feel it is important to do self treatments because in order for me to help others, I need to help myself first. Now, I realize this may sound selfish, but I am no good to anyone if I don’t look after myself.
It doesn’t sound selfish at all, Jo; it sounds practical. Good for you!
And it was Mrs. Takata who famously said, “A little Reiki is better than no Reiki.” She also said, “First yourself.”
Thanks for this reminder. I have second-degree Reiki and usually send to a number of persons. I try to do this daily, buuuut, sometimes sleep overtakes me first. Joyce’s idea of including myself within the healing requests is something I intend to do from now on and will persevere more diligently to daily self-healing as well.
There is something about hands-on self-treatment that is so valuable. It may be no more effective than distant self-treatment from the Reiki perspective, but the touch and the time given to oneself in such a palpable way has an additional impact, seems more real to the mind, reminds us of our self-worth.
I had to answer no to the poll, I’m guilty of putting most of my time into doing for others but have learned when to pull back and leave time for myself. For whatever reason I’ve not included Reiki in that time for me, however I’ve received alot of inspiration in reading through the comments and fully intend to change that immediately!
You put a big smile on my face, Elizabeth!
Hi there, im level 3 and on July 24th im going for Reiki Master.As time goes on, I get better at doing self-Reiki. Usually at night in bed. I find I sleep better and helps me wine down. Also, like many others, I have alot on my plate, so by doing self-Reiki it really helps mentally. Remember, count your blessings, not your problems.
I moved away from practicing Reiki for myself daily for awhile. Mostly doing for others. In the last two months I have returned to self care, working my way up to daily care. I have been working with someone with distance healing and that has been helpful for me to regain some trust that was greatly damaged by the instructor I had for Reiki. I need to move forward now, and let all that heal. Reiki is not my former instructor and the benefits of the practice far outweigh the emotional and spiritual fracture. I’m glad I found you on FB and on line. Let the healing begin!
Looks like you are off to a good start, Denise. So wise of you to distinguish between Reiki and your Reiki master.
I try to do a daily self treatment, even if it might be abbreviated, to keep myself healthy and to center myself.
July 16, 2019 at 5:39pm
I usually start my day with a self treatment, 30-45 min., sometimes less. I do so for my own well being, as well as to improve my skills.
I cannot imagine 2 better reasons, Barbara!
Speaking for myself… why would a Reiki Master not do a self-treatment? Not only is a daily self-treatment, per my understanding and belief, one of the basic foundations of our practice; it is a commitment we make as part of the Master Path. It is also one of the greatest gifts we can give to ourselves, and therefore to those around us. Daily self-treatment helps us to grow in our own understanding of Reiki and Reiki practice, as well as in our own healing. Daily Reiki has helped me to get through some very difficult times… physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
I teach daily self-treatment in my classes, and I believe you cannot teach what you do not know. Whether or not my students do what I teach them in class is up to them.
Reiki is the Essence of my Life! It is the most precious thing I ever received. Thats why I practice every day. It gives me the power, the joy, the happiness. Since I started this practice in the early nineties. there was no day without Reiki. I never can have too much…
With Love and Blessings… Helga
I try faithfully to give myself Reiki every day in one way or another. weather it’s simply sitting on my bed holding a crystal which I have given a master attunement to,for at least 10 or 20 minutes and sending loving energy to myself, or actually using hand positions on some part of my body that feels weaker than the rest of me does. I find it to be very helpful to me in every way. I don’t know if anyone else has the same experience I have with Reiki, but I find that I recieve more energy when I work on others than when I am directly working on myself. I think the reason behind this is because one pulls much more energy when working with and on others than just on one-self. and I also think it’s because Reiki was meant to be used primarily to heal others. It was not meant to be hoarded by one. That’s just my theory. not to mention,I always feel way better when I’m working with & on others than just myself.
Usui’s Reiki practice has always been primarily for spiritual self-development. If we don’t take care of ourselves, what do we have to offer others besides good intentions–and how long will we even be able to offer that much?
Pamela, of course you are right, but I think I understand what Syrena is saying. Giving Reiki, especially to someone who is ill, often has more of a “kick” than giving it to myself. I must admit I like the kick; it is a sort of side benefit, but I don’t think it is the main point of Reiki.
Judith, for me, it’s not about being right, although I do count on you readers to correct me if I make a misstatement of fact.
My concern is with Syrena’s statement, “It {Reiki} was not meant to be hoarded by one.” Self-treatment is not hoarding Reiki; it’s giving to others in the most effective way, by taking care of ourselves. Mrs. Takata taught, “First yourself.” The flight attendant instructs us to put the oxygen mask on ourselves first, before those around us, even if they are frail.
Daily self-treatment is usually not as eventful as offering treatment to someone else. We practice daily self-treatment to maintain our well-being, so it makes sense that after we’ve been practicing daily self-treatment for a while, most of our daily self-sessions would be low-key.
Thanks. I think we are saying more or less the same thing. The self-treatment is routine to the extent that one does it routinely, and even though sometimes I, at least, find that it transcends the routine, I don’t do it in the expectation of anything more than relaxation. Giving or sending Reiki to someone else is much more variable, precisely because it isn’t just me.
After having experience Reiki and its self-treatment effect, I feel that my day won’t be complete without the daily practice.
My Reiki master told us…way back in ’88, when I recieved Reiki 1, to do the two head positions every morning. When I started doing it daily, in the mid-nineties, I noticed it put me to sleep faster, and just felt like the right thing to do each morning. I also noticed that it cured the eating disorder I had struggled with for years…and as I continued self treatment, the eating disorder dropped away like clothes on a burlesque dancer…layer by layer. I sometimes get “too busy”, like if I’m being rushed to get up, but I was, in the course of a few years, able to completely rid my subtle bodies of any bulemic/anorexic thoughts or tendencies. It took a while, but only because I was inconsistent. I am convinced that mental disorders like bulemia are held deeply in our subtle bodies, and no amount of talk therapy can resolve that reality…one must work on the energetic bodies. I would like to work with women with eating disorders, and help heal them through healing the subtle energetic parts of the body….the etheric body especially is involved. I went thru a decade of counselling, to no avail. That, mis amigos, is why people don’t ever get over eating disorders with traditional therapy…so…pass it on!!!
Talk therapy, especially with a gifted and trusted therapist, can be a valuable support. Many of my students have found that their talk therapy became more productive after they started practicing Reiki.
Mrs. Takata often said that Reiki treatment goes to the cause and creates balance at the root level. That is not to say that other treatments aren’t useful, but in my experience, they become more effective when Reiki treatment is added to the mix.
Absolutely! In the beginning, I wasn’t doing Reiki self-treatments. I was too focused on healing others. It wasn’t until I went to one of Pamela Miles’ Medical Reiki course and learned the importance of it. From that moment on, I’ve been doing it about 2-4 times a day — in the car, at the hair salon, watching TV, while reading, etc. I’ve also found myself more in tune with the various levels of pulsations from Reiki self-treatment and how my body responds to it. I firmly believe this has made me a far better Reiki Practitioner! Thank you!
Daily self treatments is one of those things that I know I SHOULD do, but hardly ever get to. A poor excuse at best. I do use Reiki just about every day in some way though – either on one of my children, or a friend, or a client, or a plant that looks a little droopy. I find that even if I am not doing it on myself, that just having the energy flow through me to give to someone else is still beneficial to me.
It’s great that you are consciously reaching for Reiki, Yonit, and we definitely benefit when we practice on others.
But it’s not the same as when we practice on ourselves. Mrs. Takata was very clear: First yourself.
Perhaps you are making self-treatment too complicated? The short self-treatment video might help you simplify so you find it more accessible. And remember that your children benefit when you take good care of yourself.
I don’t use reiki daily. But when i was in pain with radial nerve damage, i did self-treatment daily. It was the only thing that would stop the pain. Now i use it when i’m in pain or if a friend needs it. I need to start using it everyday again. If for no other reason than to relieve stress!
Yes, I do daily reiki self treatments. I find that, among other things, it quiets my mind and helps to give me a restful sleep, so I usually do it while laying in bed. I do this daily because I want to be the best healer that I can possibly be, and I want to be as healthy as possible.
It is a case of “practice what you preach” and “physician (healer) heal thyself”
Since I always begin a Reiki session with a prayer, I find that also the Reiki flows on its own whenever I put my hands in prayer position; so when I pray in church, or at home, the Reiki automatically starts flowing.
I always offer myself Reiki first thing in the morning as I say my prayers. When possible (and self disciplined) I like to take another specific 20 minute time period for a “formal” session for myself.
I am happy to say I do practice Reiki every single day, in some way.
When I had Reiki level 1 I did not practice self-treatment very much as I had learned it to treat others. My Reiki journey has taught me since then that I was led to Reiki so I could heal MYSELF first and that was a huge shift in understanding for me!
Now, I am currently studying to become a Master/Teacher and it is so important for me to “walk my talk” before I teach any students. So I practice daily, and although every day does not allow for a full front / back session of self-treatment, at the very least it is several minutes of my Reiki hands on belly & heart in the evening (which I so often fall asleep to).
I use reiki daily to heal myself and my surroundings.. protection for the home, healing energy for the home and self.
I start with reiking my coffee in the morning…. and using reiki to receive the blessing of the sun as it rises.
If I leave home I protect the door from intrustion with reiki. In walking, driving, everyday actions I find myself using reiki.
I had diverticulosis. the doctor wanted to operate afterwards. I used reiki and the next cat scan showed the area as clear… no operation necessary !!!!!!!
I find reiki a magnificent gift which is miraculous. I am thankful for having it.
Giving Reiki is receiving Reiki, so on the days when I am a channel of energy for others, I always benefit. And since I prepare to work with others by self-treatment, then the answer is certainly yes on those days.
As for the other days–Do I self-treat daily? That’s like asking, “Do I breathe daily? Eat daily?” It doesn’t have to be “formal,” but since I have established my intention as “allowing Reiki energy to flow through me to whomever and whatever I touch, if they need and will accept it,” the Reiki flows automatically, including to me (’cause I always need and certainly will accept it!). Sometimes my hand will find itself on a place on my body that needs help, and hand and body will start to heat up without my conscious thought. Lucky me!
Of course daily self-treatment “doesn’t have to be ‘formal,’” Kiki, but why wouldn’t you want it to be? Why not make that space in your life for daily formal self-treatment, treatment that has a form to it?
Our breath has a form, a rhythm. No matter how much it varies in speed and depth, there is always the rhythm of inhalation and exhalation. Simply bringing our awareness to the form of the breath changes our state.
Giving a form to your daily self-treatment has many benefits:
we value our well-being and our practice enough to make time for it, so that we are practicing what we preach;
we spend time being still and quiet with ourselves, savoring our Reiki connection;
we relax into a rhythm of care (like the rhythm of sleeping and waking) that supports our feeling safe and centered as we go through our days.
I do self treatments everyday, it keeps me centered. My dog Mia loves it too. When I give treatments to others I too get a treatment. Reiki is wonderful and can come from different parts of your body. Give Reiki with your eyes, your heart, your mind, it works all the time. I love it and you too Pamela for all the good you do in the Reiki community. Thanks so much.
I do a full Reiki treatment on my self each night when I first get in bed. My bedtime Reiki ritual helps resolve any energies of the day and the quality of my sleep and dreamtime work. My kitties curl up on the bed with me – you know how cats love Reiki energy too and I see the energy radiating out in a spiral to them on the bed with me. Bed time is an opportunity to also send Reiki to others and to the planet. I live within 30′ of the Gulf of Mexico and I have a long term commmitment to sending Reiki to the Gulf and all marine life and the coastal communities and economies.
I self-treat myself with reiki daily, usually in bed in a.m or p.m and sometimes in chair while watching TV or reading. It is very helpful for reducing discomfort and bring peace and harmony.
I started to read about reiki in 2004 and took 1st degree in 2005 and 2nd degree in 2006. It has helped many that I have given reiki sessions. I am also an LPN.
I love to do Reiki on myself in the morning. I am able to feel the energy move through my body (more in the morning than at night) and get in a very peaceful state to prepare me and help me to bring that peaceful energy to my job. Sometimes, I get in a very blissful state and feel like I am being cradled in God’s hands and other times, I fall asleep for a few minutes and wake up feeling even more refreshed. I am no longer able to do this every day, it just depends on how much time I have in the morning.
I do Reiki on myself as I go to sleep every night. Also, during the day if I need a pick me up, to de-stress, or if I have pain, I do Reiki on myself. I was doing Reiki on my neck as I was driving home tonight as I had a horrific headache and tight neck. In the 10 minute ride home, I had released a lot of energy and the pain went from an 8 or 9 down to a 2.
My Reiki teacher gave us homework for the rest of our lives – to do reiki on ourselves every day. I give the same homework to my students.
Many, many years ago, I didn’t always do Reiki on myself but when I started seeing clients, I felt it was my obligation to them to be as clear a channel as possible for them so I started doing Reiki on myself. After several months, I could feel the energy move through my body and now, I know how good it feels and important, so I still do it.
I use Reiki for pain management and relaxation. I use Reiki and Energy Medicine hand in hand. I try to do it every day, and vary my time when I do it day or evening. Sometime more than once a day if I need to. My dogs Mia and Jasmine love to receive it also they will lay next to me til I finish and wait there turn.
About 2 years ago Reiki has opened up a whole new world of self healing it is amazing the energy we all have within us. I was into crystals, herbs, and aroma therapy, Reiki has been a great addition to my resources. I bless everyone involved in Reiki and send Reiki to all of you as we can all use more.
I should practice every day. Most days I do work on myself. I am really not sure why I do not. I have realized that I need structure a daily routine for myself~!
I have been a practicing Reiki practitioner since 2005, and a Reiki Master since 2006. I admit at times, I let my Reiki practice lapse due to other concerns, but I’ve recently began self-treatments again. It helps immensely with the aches and pains associated with my Cerebral Palsy, and as I’ve found, it helps me sleep better at night – I don’t wake up as much. I agree that the daily practice is essential
I do give myself a Reiki treatment everday but it isn’t always a full treatment. It usually will depend what I have experienced or about to experience that will help me to decide. On the occasion that I do not give myself a treatment I end up feeling like I need to ground.
I don’t do Reiki on myself everyday, a few days a week though. But I do use it everyday on my prayers, thoughts, and the people I come in contact with. Although you are correct in that we should use it everyday on ourselves, I personally find that I feel better when I do seft treatments about every other day. I appreciate the results I get better. Most practioners would probably disagree with that, but it works for me personally. I do however attend a Healing Church and am more than happy to volunteer or agree when asked to do Reiki at any services when needed. I attend Reiki circles, healing services and Sunday services that always include healings. Reiki is never far from my thoughts at any time during the day. I have overcome a chronic disease that was to take my life 3 years ago. Today I am walking around a testament to the powers of Rieki. I recieved short Reiki sessions every week for almost 2 years until I finally learned it myself. I believe in its good. Although I still find a very few people outside my church that even know what Reiki is. I hope that one day its recognized as easily as the word Tylenol.
Namaste.
I try to give myself a little Reiki every day…either morning or night.
Like to ground myself and connect with the Reiki before I get out of bed in the morning…it helps keep me in tune for the day.
To me, there’s no question about whether I treat myself daily or not. It’s just there, like eating every day! And I welcome it gratefully, just like my daily meals
. I practice Reiki daily since I was initiated in 2004, and I follow the practice of Usui Shiki Ryoho in this as a still point, to constantly learn to know myself and Reiki. It’s always a full treatment and it can last anything between 50 minutes and 3 hours 
. My daily self-treatment is my compass, it connects me with what truly guides me, and I wouldn’t miss it for the world. What has really helped me to develop this spiritual discipline in my life, is doing Reiki self-treatments in groups, synchronically! It made me more conscious of the powerful ritual that Reiki self-treatment is for me. I have been so lucky as to have a Reiki Master (Rebecca Bredenhof, The Hague) who organised this. Thanks Pamela, for initiating this poll! Kind regards, Anne, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Jo, do you know that Mrs. Takata wanted Reiki practice/treatment to be as common as aspirin? I share that goal.
I channel Reiki throughout the day as I need it if something comes up. I always give myself at least 15 minutes of self treatment before I go to sleep at night. I have good dreams and sleep well. I am in radient health at the ripe age of 58. I believe Reiki self treatment and trades with other practicioners is greatly responsible for this.
I have gotten away from giving myself daily treatments this past year b/c of a lot of other things that have taken priority this past year. When I was giving myself regular treatments it was either before I went to sleep at night or before getting out of bed in the morning and I love to do it if I awake in the middle of the night!
I Reiki myself everyday as part of my meditation. Together… a powerhouse of balance and calm. Remember heal yourself first then others. If I miss a day, I don’t fret just start again the day after.
Take small steps first and don’t become discouraged if you don’t Reiki yourself daily. Self-treating isn’t a contest but a goal to reach. Look at the positive. If you Reiki’ed yourself twice this week it’s more than last week. Before you realize it…you will be self treating everyday.
I go to sleep every night doing Reiki on myself. During the day, as needed for self and/or others. I have a practice and teach. Have been a part of a hospital program for almost nine years. Thanks for all you do.
I practice reiki for myself when I fell the need or at night before or during the night if I wake up.
I feel treating yourself is a good way to keep yourself centered and focused when treating clients.
I practise every day, even if only for ten minutes. It helps me feel peaceful and filled with love. I believe my practice has made a difference in my life that seems impossible to measure.
I am Reiki II certified. I am almost ashamed to say I don’t treat myself daily. I had a recent wake up call with the post about not treating daily is like a person not taking their prescription medicine. So true. I have made a pact with myself-starting tonight, I will begin again! What a gift to have and waste the healing potential! I need all the healing I can get. My daughter passed away June 30, 2009 at the age of 23. I need the emotional strength treatment brings.
When I feel the need, I self Reiki, and the end results are always right on. Why wouldn’t you?
I’m interested to read that Serena gives herself at night as I do. Serena is a very dear friend, but we have never discussed when we gave ourselves Reiki each day. My day feels incomplete if I do not both give myself Reiki each day and also repeat the Reiki Principles. Reiki is so much a part of my life in small and large ways, that I can’t imagine what it would be like not to do a self treatment. One thing I know is that my life would not be a full, vibrant and joyous as it is now.
I am always curious when people say they practice when they feel the need. When don’t we have the need? Every day, a thousand things take us off our center. Why wait until we feel the need? Why not be proactive and restore balance every day, before we feel the need?
I give myself Reiki before I fall asleep at night and upon awakening in the morning. Just a few minutes for balancing. (Then if they are around, I give my cats some Reiki, too.)
If I had time I would do Reiki self treatments daily… I do get lots of benefit from it. Often I will meditate, do distant reiki treatment, or just a short treatment….. I do also receive Reiki from other people sometimes, but this isn’t regularly. I find I also get benefit if I give Reiki to someone else…..
Barbara, I don’t think it’s just people who have time on their hands (pardon the pun) who practice daily self-treatment.
People who recognize that it makes sense to stay in front of the daily stress factor make daily self-treatment a priority. The session may be shorter some days than others, but practicing self-treatment every day brings benefits beyond what we receive when we offer treatment to others.
I think its important that practitioner apply Reiki to themselves to keep their health balanced. So that they can pass that healing energy over to others. I have a clinical practice in Reiki and in Reflexology and I apply them both to myself before I see my patience. Mixing with self treatments and regular exercise keeps the body in fine tune.
I am going on my 4th year of practicing Reiki. I’ve had 2 different teachers. ( I am attuned by one teacher at level 3. I finished Reiki 1 & 2 with my current teacher.) One teacher told me “yes, yes yes, to self Reiki. My new teacher told me No, no no to self Reiki as it only instills unhealthy patterns in ourselves that we may not even know are there.
So I am very undecided. Very confused. Even disappointed. Who is really “right?” And why would one be the only way that I should consider? I am realizing that Reiki teachers develop their own opinions and as I do respect that, I feel compelled to make MY own decisions as well. Yet I am still undecided…
Sandra, I had never heard a stricture against self-treatment until recently, and now again here.
It doesn’t make any sense to me why self-treatment would instill unhealthy patterns in us, but not in others when we offer them treatment.
I agree with you that Reiki practitioners develop their own opinions; the problem comes when they represent them as fact rather than opinion, which happens far too often.
Hawayo Takata, the Reiki master who brought Reiki to the US with her Reiki master, Chujiro Hayashi, who was trained by Usui, told her students, “First yourself.” Takata’s students have told me that Takata herself practiced self-treatment.
When I recently interviewed Japanese Reiki masters Hyakuten Inamoto and Hiroshi Doi, they specified that Usui’s practice was for spiritual self-development.
Aline, may I send you Reiki? Since my son died last February 13, I have been overwhelmed by the kindness and support of others who have sent Reiki to me. But I feel that self-Reiki has also helped me to hold onto myself to the extent I have been able to do so. I hope I can help you to help yourself.
Pamela,
I am so thankful for your inquiry and website (Grazi Rosie!) I have missed exchanging information with other practitioners, and it is wonderful to read all of the responses.
I received Level II about 14 years ago in New York and usually practice at least once daily. There have been times where I have felt off or ‘not right’, and realized that it was because I did not do my self practice. That inspires me to do it daily! It might be for 5-10 minutes or for two hours+ when driving somewhere… when I am waiting in line, when I catch myself being anxious, when cooking/ baking a special something…
Before I work with clients, teach my students or go into interviews. It’s a lovely way to go to sleep. Practicing Reiki and other subtle energy work has supported me in my process of improving my health, opening to life and guiding me in knowing my spiritual self. I am preparing for Level 3; self practice has given me the confidence to leap into my passions – even if they are not understood or recognized by family or friends around me! Learning Reiki has been the cornerstone and turning point to my own healing and growth, and is a wonderful way to give and receive light with others…
I explain to new students that daily self-treatment is like doing the scales or simple warm-ups to a musician. Everyone can benefit and learn from self-treatment…besides, it is a healthy addiction!
I don’t do daily self treatments. Live is too hectic and I just forget about it. Thanks for the reminder! I know it works and I should do more of it.
I do qigong and tai chi weekly to heighten my qi and to handle stress……but I do not do a daily self treatment. When I have a client….I do qigong and do some energy clearing exercises prior to treatment….but, again, I do not do daily self treatment. I thought this was sufficient…..but maybe I need to rethink my point of view.
MaryAnn, we come in contact with stressors everyday, so practicing self-care everyday is important to keep “things” from piling up–like tidying up a room regularly (I’m much better at self-treatment than at tidying up!).
Qigong/taiji are powerful practices, and they are essentially different than Reiki practice. But choose the one you are most drawn to, and practice it every day. Daily practice is an investment that pays dividends for life.
Why not try daily practice for 3 weeks and see if you notice any difference?
I meditate every day and do the macrocosmic orbit ( as described in Rand). It takes about 10-15 minutes to do everything. I make it a part of my morning routine after the shower and cuppa. I do Reiki on me as a part of that process.
YES! I think of it as my spiritual shower….I too, being human have traveled the path of “maybe tomorrow, I feel ok today” but have changed that mindset. Self-treatment is just that…a “treat” for your soul, wash away the negative just as you wash away the dirt of the day, give thanks for all you have and all you do for others and Mother Earth.
Do self Reiki daily to show gratitude to your spirit for sustaining you…and to God the Creator for allowing you to be a vessel…it’s your turn to treat yourself.
Love and Blessings
I self-treat every evening as soon as I go to bed. It is the perfect beginning to a peaceful night’s sleep.
Reiki is always with me. I do self-treatment almost every day. It is refreshing. I feel healthier and ammune to diseases. I recommend to all practitioners the same.
I do at least a 1/2 hour of self reiki every day. Where I need to grow is in the pratice of doing reiki to my food before I eat. I usually reiki bless any water I drink and I make sure to give every client a cool cup of reiki blessed water after each treatment.
I take 30 -40 minutes faithfully (in the am usually) for a self reiki treatment for the last year or so,it has helped me cope with health and emotional issues.Before that i did reiki on myself for short periods at a time during the day and always before i went to sleep at night,then i would place my hands on my chest and tummy. I also did a longer period periodically then.
I do Reiki professionaly and offer it to my friends and family when possible and send it to lots of people.i think learning it was one of the best things i ever did.
Kathleen
I hear it’s important to do daily self-treatment, but I don’t do it. Honestly, when I’ve done it, I didn’t feel anything beneficial was happening. When I receive Reiki from a Reiki Professional or Reiki Practitioner, I feel a difference–a beneficial one. Hence, the lack of self-treatment. When I listened to one of your videos on asking a practitioner/professional if they do self-treatment, I realized that if I want to be a professional, I need to practice daily self-treatment. I’m going to try to do my best to include daily self-treatment in my life–no matter what/how I feel.
Dawn, rather than judging from the experience of a single session, why don’t you make a commitment to yourself to practice daily self-treatment for a period of time, and then evaluate the difference it makes in your life?
I love to do Reiki. When I practice it daily I feel that I have done something honoring my self and what I need to be the person I want to be. Thanks for asking
Reiki has become part of my daily spiritual practice. Recently, I was diagnosed with an acute and rare kidney illness and I am so grateful that I have this opportunity to expand my self-healing abilities. Learning about and feeling the power of the healing love, light and energy of Reiki. This experience is helping me to learn more about balance and how to take care of myself. I believe this is part of the lessons that I am to learn so that I will be a better teacher. Thank you for providing a venue to discuss this wonderful subject.
I am a Reiki Master working towards a full time practice. I practice Reiki on myself daily. I also give Reiki to my pets and husband daily. (Even if they are sleeping!) I do this to remind myself of who I am and what I am here for. I do it to keep the energy flowing, out of habit, and to feel balanced, grounded, and to honor my place in the world. I believe that change begins within, and like that saying, Be the change you wish to see in the world. What if everyone did Reiki self-practice daily? What a wonderful world it would be!
I definitely practice daily self treatment. It was easy at the beginning – excited to be doing something new that actually helped me ease pain, relax, and improve sleep. As I felt better, the self treatments slowed down and even stopped for a while. Until I was reminded of how important it is to put ourselves first – my health took a sidestep. If we aren’t healthy who exactly can we help? So I started again, slowly at first – every night was the easiest as I would start with a few positions and then end up with my hands on my heart as I fell asleep. Over time, I began in the mornings for just a few minutes before I got out of bed. Then as I went through the brief morning routine of brushing my teeth and washing my face – I just intended Reiki to flow. I took this time to focus on the toothbrush on my teeth, feel the texture of the facecloth on my face and the temperature of the water. Sometimes I’d get caught up in just feeling and watching the water flow – like a child in wonderment… until the calls of my family brought me back to them and what we were to be doing that day. I kept reminders on sticky notes around so I would ‘run’ into them and then I would take a moment to stop and allow Reiki to flow in and around me and whomever I was with if that was the case: In the car, at the school, at the grocery store, sitting at my desk, on the telephone, making dinner, walking in the park…. the list is endless. Eventually the gaps between all the different times during the day became shorter and shorter. Reiki has become my lifestyle. Sometimes in this very busy world we get sidetracked. For me, it was easier to start small, and forgive myself when I thought I should be doing more. Reiki definitely helped me with the forgiveness piece – for self and others:) My Reiki Journey began 10 years ago. I am living it for the rest of my life. What a gift!
I practice self-reiki daily before getting out of bed, and deliberately set my alarm clock thirty minutes early. It is a ‘prayer’ for me, and grounds me for the rest of the day, and wakes up my awareness to my spiritual side. I immediately feel relief, comfort and a lightness from this practice. Relief, yes, and comfort, yes…..even when I wasn’t aware that I needed relief and comfort…the end result proves that I did. I am then ready to face the day.
I have been self-treating daily for perhaps ten years after being reminded to do so by Phyllis Furumoto at a gathering. Odd that I had forgotten it As a master, I do teach self-treatment and now am practicing what I teach every night and every morning. Sometimes I use a self-treattment in place of a nap and feel as refreshed as if I had had an hour nap. I remind my students frequently to treat themselves.
I self-treat twice per day, once when I get up and once before sleep, with a full treatment each time. It has been a powerfully transformational experience that I intend on continuing for the rest of my life. I have meditated and practiced various spiritual techniques over the last 25 years or so, but I am relatively new to Reiki. That said, I tend to enter a fairly deep state of meditation while doing self-treatment and have found that it has increased my ‘spiritual insights’ exponentially. I was not expecting this considering how long I had been practicing meditation, and am very grateful for it! Of course, it also provides many physical and emotional rewards – I have more energy, am more centered, more focused, and really everything physically ‘works better’. Reiki does truly heal on all levels. I have my Reiki master to thank for making a keen point of the importance of daily practice (thanks Fay)!
I am master reiki healer. I always try to have a reiki self treatment but if I can not I do the short treatment for myself.
New level 1, didn’t understand to self treat everyday. Guess I have too many unasked questions: are hand positions important or does it flow where needed, are all hand positions required for full treatment, do you cut the ties to yourself, what happens if you forget to cut the ties to another you are treating, just feel a lot of confusion. Also what is a reiki bear as mentioned in earlier post? Thanks for listening and for answers coming.
Ellen, may I suggest that you read the How to Practice Reiki Self-Treatment post? A lot of your questions are addressed there.
How long was your First degree training–how many hours over how many meetings?
The training was a 1 day training from 9-4. That was everything and a manual was given, which will also be used if I choose to take Level II. I heard about the training from a friend which was why I took the class.
Thanks for you reply.
Part of the 5 precepts of Master Usui is joining your hands in gassho every morning and evening with the intention of self-treatment. I am new to REiki I and II and daily practice is important to stay connected, daily treatment helps me to stay grounded.
I practice every morning sometimes for 5 minutes to 1/2 hour before beginning my day. I also make time in the evening for 5 minutes too.
I find it to be a great self-meditation
I practice morning before getting out of bed and in the evening before going to sleep. I am new First degree, so I do not always get through a full treatment without falling asleep
However, I practice whenever I can during the day, also. I agree with Bradley that “everything works better.” I find this to be true emotionally and physically. I have been receiving Reiki for 8 yrs now and since I have received First Degree training, I can no longer imagine starting the day without Reiki. I contemplated the training for a very long time and my intention and decision was from a deliberate, mindful place. Reiki has been very important in my healing over the years and self-treatment is the next step for me. Reiki is in my awareness often and it is just easy to practice at any and every possible moment.
I practice daily self Reiki. Its not always a full treatment, but I do try to fit one inbefore bed every night. I’m a new level 2 and my Reiki master stressed the value of self treatment. I think it will help me become a better practitioner and it just feels good!
I do full Self-Treatments every day, at least twice. Morning, and night, and if I can I’ll sneak some spot treatments (whatever hand placement I can do in public) through my day (subway, sitting at desk, etc.). I feel that the more I do it the better it gets.
I’m First Degree Reiki practitioner since July 11th when I received training from Pamela Miles.
Blessings
L
I am an Usui and Karuna Reiki Master and though I don’t speak the names or have to visualize actual symbols much anymore, I do lay hands on my throat, solar plexus, and lower abdomen–and fall asleep. I sleep well, and the names and faces of people I think of sending energy to have told me they sense it. I guess it’s self-treatment. I’ve been immersed in Reiki for 10 years and it seems that my plants, my family, my friends, and certainly myself have reaped the delicious benefits of living Reiki.
I have started with my self treatments after a long time as I am having problems with falling asleep and dont get a restfull sleep .. After drawing the symbols for how long should I leave my hand in each position for?? Will the 3 minutes of my Reiki CD suffice?? Also does anyone know of any hand positions I can use in bed (i like to lie on my side) to help me get a better sleep.
Kevin, 3 minutes following along with the Reiki cd is absolutely sufficient. Eventually when you find you may not always want to listen to the cd, you will get to know how long to hold a position – sometimes less time and sometimes more. As far as hand positions while lying on your side. What works for me, is to get comfortable on my side and see where my hands can fit comfortably. I find working on my face easier on my side as I can rest one of my arms on the bed/pillow. It’s quite easy to put one hand under the side of the head that’s on the pillow and let the other either be on the opposite side; but if your arm gets tired then let it fall to your throat or upper chest. Anywhere on the sides of the body is comfortable, too, as are the knees if you bed your legs up as in the fetal position. There are no wrong hand positions. Play with it, and let Reiki guide you.
I advise my students that 3 minutes is minimal, and I share with them Mrs. Takata’s advice to be mindful of the full treatment protocol while developing an intuitive feel for practice. One of the things you’ll find is that there are placements where your hands want to linger longer than others. If you prefer to use a CD or Reiki chime timer, you can think of it as more of a guide, and it’s fine if you want to remain for 2 intervals, or split 3 intervals between 2 placements. Remember, it’s your practice, so make it work for you.
You can bring the pinkie sides of your hands together and place them on the crown of your head. You may want a small cushion between your elbows. Or you can put on hand on your crown and the heel of the other on your forehead.
Remember that it is the cumulative effect of daily self-treatment that brings the greatest benefit. Your system will quiet down and become stronger from the inside out as you continue to practice over time. I encourage you to think long term, not just short term sleep solution.
Thank you Virginia and Pamela for replying to my queries. I really appreciate your input. I have been practising my self treaments daily for the last few days with my CD. I just want to concentrate on the treatments by themselves rather than do them while watching TV or when travelling to work etc. I’d like to order the Reiki chime. Can it be delivered to New Zealand as that is where I live??
Kevin, yes, they will ship to you in New Zealand.
Hi .. Does Reiki flow out of the back of hand as well as the front. Just wondering as it would make self treatment for the positions on the back much easier especially the back of the heart chakra and the back of the solar plexus chakra …
Kevin ..
Cannot really help with this one, Kevin, as it is not my experience that Reiki flows. Rather, it seems to me that the sense of flow comes from the perceived reorganization happening in one’s own biofield. The balancing effect of Reiki practice emerges from deep within you as your body’s own self-healing mechanisms engage.
You might find this of interest: Toward A More Plausible Reiki Model. The most important thing is that we place our hands, not where we place them.
I particularly like the way UK Reiki master Colin Powell expresses it: Qi flows, Reiki glows.
Hi Kevin,
My experience over the years is that Reiki will reach anywhere in your body it needs to. Put your hands where you are guided. Intend the Reiki to flow where you need it. Reiki has its own intelligence and will go where it needs to go.