Reiki, which is Japanese for Universal Life Force Energy, is the life-giving energy found in all people. Reiki can be understood as our “experienced sense that being alive” or “universal life force energy.” This is the best way to understand it. Reiki therapy involves placing the hands of the therapist on different areas of the patient’s body to encourage relaxation and a feeling of calm.

Reiki is a form of healing that has roots in Japanese and ancient Chinese medicine. Reiki therapy has been more commonly used in healthcare settings since the 1990s. Reiki is used in more than 900 U.S. hospitals as a complementary therapy. Reiki is not dangerous for patients and can be used with chemotherapy, radiation and other medications in the medical treatment and prevention of cancer.

Reiki can be used in healthcare to complement and not replace regular medical treatment. Reiki enhances the body’s natural healing capabilities. This is an important fact to keep in mind.

Why is Reiki self-treatment recommended?

This document is provided as a follow up to the recent reiki treatment that you received at Taussig Cancer Institute. Taussig offers Reiki as a complementary therapy. The following treatments have been proven to be helpful in supporting the healing process of cancer patients:

  • Promotion of relaxation
  • Stress reduction and anxiety
  • Increase energy levels and reduce fatigue
  • Promotion of a greater sense of well-being

Reiki therapy is offered to patients at Taussig by certified Reiki Master Therapists. Taussig offers treatments at no cost to patients. Self-treatments are a way for Reiki therapists to help patients continue to receive the benefits of reiki every day. This document contains information on self-treatments for Reiki that you can do at your home at your own convenience. You can adapt them to your needs.

How can I prepare for a Reiki Self-treatment Session?

These suggestions will help you prepare for your Reiki self-treatment. Please read this carefully.

  • Reiki is the universal energy of life that exists in everyone. Reiki energy enhances the body’s natural healing capabilities.
  • Reiki self-treatment is encouraged for patients regardless of whether or not they feel well. Your reiki self treatments can be considered a special time you can put aside in your day to be calm and peaceful.
  • You should set aside time each day for your self-treatments with reiki in Huntington Beach. You should start your day with a 20-minute self treatment in the morning, and then continue the self-treatments for 20 minutes at night. You can also do these treatments for longer periods of time (30-60 minutes). You can also adjust the time of day to fit your needs.
  • You can find a safe space in your house to do your self-treatments. This space should be used regularly. These self-treatments can be done sitting down, on the ground, on a couch, or on the sofa.
  • If you don’t need someone to assist you, perform your self-treatments in the same room.
  • You can create a peaceful environment that is free from distracting sounds. Patients find it relaxing to listen to instrumental music while they do their self-treatments. A few examples of music for Reiki sessions are provided later in this document.
  • Once you are ready for your self-treatment with reiki, move to the designated area, put on some relaxing music and take off your shoes. Place a pillow under you head, and a second, rolled up pillow under your knees if you’re reclining. To keep warm, wrap a blanket around your body. Close your eyes. Relax your mind and body. Pay attention to any areas in your body that require special attention during your session. Remember that your self-treatment with reiki is for the highest good. During your self-treatment, take slow and relaxed breaths. It is a good idea to pay attention to your body and breath while you are performing the various hand positions.

PROCEDURE DETAILS

How can I do a self-treatment with reiki?

Follow the instructions below for hand position. You are free to make any changes that you feel will benefit you. It is recommended that you do each hand position for 20 minutes. However, don’t be concerned about how long it takes. Some hand positions may require you to hold them for longer than others. You will soon be able to memorize the hand positions with practice. Don’t worry about how you do the hand positions. Relax and do your best. It will be enough. You can also place your hands wherever you feel it is necessary for relaxation or healing.

Hand Positions

Hand Position 1 – Begin your Reiki self-treatment by placing your hands in a prayer posture in the middle your chest, just below you chin. Figure 1. For a few seconds, hold your hands in the same position as before. Then, focus your attention on your in-breaths and out-breaths. To promote relaxation, you can breathe slow and deeply again.

Hand Position 2 : Place both your hands gently on the top of the head. Figure 2. Take deep, relaxed breaths. Your attention should be on the top of you head, with your hands. This hand position will allow you to relax your muscles and skin.

Hand Position 3 : Place both your hands gently over your eyes. Figure 3. Take deep, relaxed breaths. Your attention should be on your hands and not your eyes. To improve your breathing comfort, don’t place your hands above your nose. This hand position will allow you to relax your forehead, eyes, and skin.

Hand Position 4 : Place your right hand gently over your throat, and your left hand over the center of your chest. Figure 4. Keep taking deep, relaxed breaths. Your attention should be on your heart and throat. To ensure your comfort, don’t place your hand too close to your throat. This hand position will allow you to relax your neck, throat, upper chest, and muscles.

Hand Position 5 : Place your hands below the breastline. Your middle fingers should touch each other. Figure 5. Keep taking slow, deep breaths. Concentrate your attention on the area below your breasts. This hand position will allow you to relax the muscles around your chest and ribs.

Hand Position 6 : Place your hands one-hand wide below your breastline, and gently place them over your upper stomach and into the solar plexus. Figure 6. Keep taking slow, deep breaths. Concentrate your attention on the area. This hand position will allow you to relax your muscles.

Hand Position 7 : Place your hands gently over the stomach area and navel. Figure 7. Keep taking slow, deep, and slow breaths. Concentrate your attention on the area. This hand position will allow you to relax your muscles.

Hand Position 8 : Place both your hands gently on the shoulders muscles. Refer to figure 8. Keep taking slow, deep, and steady breaths. This hand position will allow you to relax your muscles by focusing your attention on the area.

Hand Position 9 : Place your hands just above the waistline, in the area of the kidneys. Figure 9. Keep taking slow, deep breaths. This hand position will allow you to relax your muscles by focusing your attention on the area.

Hand Position10: Place your hands gently on the soles or tops of either your feet. Figure 10. This position is made easier by crossing your left leg over the right knee so that you can reach your left foot. To reach your right foot, cross your right leg over the left knee. Do not strain yourself. Do your best.