Reiki hand positions

Where the hands go, how long they stay, and whether touch is required. The way it is done for yourself and for someone else.

6 min read

In Reiki the hands are placed on certain areas in turn and the energy is allowed to flow. It is not complicated; what matters is not where the hand rests but that the intention is clear.

Working on yourself

You can place your hands on your head, eyes, throat, shoulders, stomach, thighs, knees, back — wherever you wish. As you place them, say “let Reiki flow”. If your hands come away, repeat the intention when you put them back.

The energy already goes where it is needed. The position of the hand does not direct it, only starts it. That is why there is no fixed list to memorise.

Working on someone else

Stay three to five minutes in each position.
The person stays fully clothed. Around private areas hold your hands 10–15 cm above the body, without contact.
If you feel heat in your hands, stay there until it passes. It can be intense; it does no harm.
Trust your intuition. If you feel drawn to place your hand somewhere, place it.

Before you begin

Wash your hands. Make sure the person is lying comfortably and is warm enough. Put on quiet music if you like, and ask them to take off their shoes and close their eyes.

As you move to the first position, say “let Reiki open” — this is the sentence that starts your intention.

Scanning the body

Before you start you can move your hands 5–15 cm above the body, from the crown to the feet and back. You may feel differences: warmth, coolness, resistance.

This helps you find the places that want more attention — not to diagnose. Scanning is a skill and develops with time; feeling nothing the first time is entirely normal.

Finishing

Shake your hands gently, clap them together and say “I am grounded”.

Do not ask the person to get up straight away; they may be drowsy for a while. Offer a glass of water and tell them to drink plenty that day — the body wants it while it clears.

Sometimes a symptom increases slightly before it improves. This is expected. For the best result, three sessions over a three-week period are recommended.

Frequently asked

Where do the hands go in Reiki?

Head, eyes, throat, shoulders, stomach, thighs, knees and back. The order is not rigid; intuition also guides you.

How long do you hold each position?

Three to five minutes. If you feel heat in your hand, wait until it passes.

Is touch required in Reiki?

No. The hands can be held a few centimetres above the body; around private areas they are held 10–15 cm above and the person stays fully clothed.

Which positions should I use on myself?

Whichever you can reach comfortably. There is no fixed list to memorise — placing your hands and saying “let Reiki flow” is enough.

What should I do after a session?

Clap your hands to ground yourself, drink plenty of water, and give yourself some space that day.

How many sessions are needed?

For the best result, three sessions over a three-week period are recommended.