Written by: Melissa Marie Lopez, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
One of the reasons one may desire to learn Reiki is for self-healing of mind, body, or spirit. Reiki (pronounced Ray-Key) is a Japanese word comprised of two characters, "Rei" and "Ki" which translates to Spiritual Energy or Life Force Energy. A Japanese healing art that has been passed down for over 100 years since its rediscovery by Mikao Usui. While Reiki is not a substitute for conventional medicine, it is a useful tool in preventative and complementary medicine that is accessible to all who seek it. Additionally, Reiki is generally free from negative side effects or contraindications, unlike many conventional treatments, making it suitable for most. Not all Reiki practitioners go on to treat others; many choose to learn the art of Reiki and receive the various levels of attunements for self-healing and as a gift to share with loved ones.
Create a Sacred & Comfortable Environment
While you can perform a Reiki self-healing treatment anytime and anywhere, the greatest benefit will come from being intentional with your efforts. Begin by creating a sacred and comfortable place where you can sit, stand, or lie down, free of distractions from the outside world. You might consider lighting a candle or incense and playing some soothing Reiki music in the background.
Invoke Reiki
Raise your cupped hands upwards as you announce, “Reiki, Reiki, Reiki” either aloud or silently. While this is all that is technically needed to begin the flow of Reiki energy, I follow this with an intentional call upon the Reiki Masters Mikao Usui, Chujiro Hayashi, and Hawayo Takata to be present in the space; my Reiki Guides and Spirit Guides; the Ascended Masters; my Guardian Angels; and at times, I even call upon specific Archangels or Guides by name, depending on the circumstances. I also often set an intention for the Reiki self-healing treatment using a non-prepared prayer or call for help.
Perform a Body or Chakra Scan (if desired)
While sitting, standing, or laying down, you may want to start with a simple body or chakra scan to feel for any areas that might be specifically calling for support; you may also intuitively know what areas are. The most important thing to know when performing Reiki for self-healing is that the Reiki energy will always flow to where it is needed most, so you cannot go wrong. Feeling for subtle differences in your energy body can take time to develop, so don’t feel discouraged if you don’t notice them at first; simply trust your intuition or follow an established process.
Reiki Hand Positions for Self-Healing Treatment
Face (cover your eyes with your fingertips pointing upward)
Top of Head (palms on sides of the head with finger-tips pointing towards Crown Chakra)
Side of Head (covering ears with finger-tips pointing upward)
Back of Head (hands stacked on the back of the head)
Throat & Heart (right hand across throat and left hand on heart)
Shoulders (hands-on shoulders of the opposite arm)
Upper Stomach (finger-tips pointing toward the center)
Middle Stomach (simply shift hands down)
Lower Stomach/Sacral (shifting hands down again and pointing finger-tips downward slightly)
Middle Back (palms on low back, thumbs pointing down)
Lower Back (simply shift hands down more onto hips)
Left Foot (cusp middle of foot top and bottom)
Right Foot (cusp middle of foot top and bottom)
Hands-on Feet (cup the arch of each foot simultaneously)
Alternatively, Chakra Reiki Self-Healing Treatment
If you are familiar with the Chakra system, you can begin the healing session at the base of your spine, and move upwards, one Chakra at a time, until you feel balanced throughout.
Closing the Session
Once your self-healing session is complete, you need to ground yourself. You can bring your hands together in prayer form or however is most comfortable to you, and say aloud or silently, “I am Grounded.” You can express your thanks and gratitude to Reiki, the Reiki Masters, and to those who may have joined you in this healing process.
Alternatively, you might choose to sit in a chair with your feet planted firmly on the floor (preferably bare), close your eyes, and visualize strong deep “tree roots” emerging from the bottom of your feet, traveling deep into the center of the earth. Imagine divine white light pouring in through the top of your head (Crown Chakra), clearing and filing each Charka as it travels down your body, and exiting through the roots and into the earth. Allow this to continue for as long as you feel is necessary and when you are ready, simply open your eyes.
Regardless of how you choose to end the session, be sure to wipe your hands against one another to break the flow of Reiki energy and close.
Tips for Optimal Results
Take your time and do not rush the process; use this opportunity to practice patience
Perform regular self-healing treatments for optimal results
Understand that Reiki works for the highest and greatest good of all concerned, so there will be times when the resolution of an issue comes in the form of unanswered prayers
Reiki self-healing is a powerful tool for supporting your health and wellness of mind, body, and spirit. If you have yet to receive your attunement and this article calls to your soul, seek out a qualified Reiki Master to work with. Ask questions and explore what Reiki has to offer you.
Melissa Marie Lopez, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Melissa Marie Lopez is a community-based birth worker who guides women and pregnant people to access the full scope of reproductive healthcare they may need in a lifetime.
Melissa also holds space for doulas across New Mexico to build relationships with one another, advocate for culturally competent and trauma-informed care, and build sustainable lifeways for themselves and their communities.
Before founding Las Cruces Doula, Melissa worked for many years as a project leader and prime contract administrator for the government. After which, her personal health journey led her to create new opportunities for allopathic medicine and complementary and alternative therapies to work side-by-side through her business, Reclaim Wellness. During this time, Melissa simultaneously established herself in the community as a respected energy healer, hypnotist, doula, and childbirth educator. Pivoting during COVID, Melissa transformed her business and relaunched in January 2021 as Las Cruces Doula. By October 2021, Melissa became the first Executive Director of the New Mexico Doula Association, a grassroots community-based doula organization by and for doulas. Today, Melissa leads statewide efforts to improve maternal and child health disparities, address reproductive justice issues, and bring awareness to the art and science of midwifery.
