How to Relieve Stress Through Reiki

Reiki is a traditional Japanese healing treatment focused on restoring the energy flow to the body through the practice of laying hands on and above the patient. Reiki is used to promote positive emotional, physical and spiritual health, and is often utilized in combination with other alternative and standard Western medicinal practices to purportedly relieve stress.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Quiet room
• Chair to sit on or table to lie down on

1. Find a Reiki practitioner through a directory of practitioners in your area and set up an appointment. The International Center for Reiki Training Web site provides a good starting point (see Resources below).
2. Tell your practitioner the purpose of your visit is to relieve stress. While your practitioner may also target other areas of your body, stress reduction is believed to be almost inherent in any Reiki session.
3. Lie on the massage table with all your clothing on. Unlike other types of healing practice, Reiki is done over or above the body.
4. Expect to feel heat or warmth emanating from your practitioner's hands as he or she holds them above you. As your practitioner begins to move his or her hands, the sensation of heat may seem to travel through different parts of your body.
5. Experience the flow of energy from your practitioner's hands to your body. Reiki is considered a treatment for both the client and the practitioner, so the energy flow from your practitioner's hands to your body will vary.
6. Expect your Reiki session to last anywhere from a half-hour to two hours, depending on your stress level, age and state of emotional and physical health.
7. Relax your body. You may fall asleep, have a spiritual experience, think deeply, see images or simply meditate for the duration of the treatment.
8. Plan a budget for this treatment. While beginning sessions are fairly inexpensive, weekend retreats and long-term sessions increase in price.
9. Continue to relieve your stress through Reiki after your Reiki treatment by learning the hand positions of Reiki and performing Reiki on yourself. See diagrams of hand positions at the Reiki.nu Website (see Resources below).
10. Experience a long-distance or remote healing to relieve stress by contacting a specialized remote Reiki practitioner.
11. Learn more about Reiki and self-treatment by visiting The International Center for Reiki Training Web site.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear loose clothing to experience the full benefits of your Reiki treatment.
• Holistic and alternative medicines are not designed to treat all ailments. If you are experiencing severe chest pain or stress-induced panic attacks, consult a physician immediately.
• Reiki is not a proven science and results do vary.
• Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.