The 5 Reiki Concepts (that everyone should know)

I ignored reiki for years before I actually gave it a try. It seemed too mystical for me to grasp. I wanted “real” help; help that I could see, hear, and touch. Little did I know, this was the medicine that I needed the most and has had the biggest impact on my life. 

If you’ve heard about Reiki but felt like it was too far-fetched to give it a try, this information is for you. 

The practice of reiki has 5 main concepts that are similar to the mind and body practices of yoga or meditation. 

The Precepts

The precepts are five positive affirmations and guiding principles of reiki. These mantras can be used in the morning, before bed, or referenced during the day as life events stir up emotions. A Reiki practitioner may also mentally recite the precepts when giving a session. The precepts were passed down through oral tradition and translated from Japanese before World War II.

Attunements

The attunements, also known as placements, are treatments given by a reiki master that can certify a practitioner as Level 1, Level 2, or Master (there are only three levels for a Reiki healer). Think of the attunement as a deep healing treatment that clears the body and chakra systems in order for the new practitioner to act as an antenna for reiki energy.

Hand Positions

To perform a reiki treatment, there are a series of hand positions that were developed in Japan in the early 1920s. These hand positions are taught during a Reiki Level 1 training and involve either placing the hands-on or slightly above the person receiving the treatment. Reiki can be performed on oneself or others using the same guiding positions.

Treatment techniques

Techniques to begin and end a reiki session are taught in Reiki Level 1. These practices prepare the mind and body to tap into a more calm and balanced headspace to begin a session. There are additional methods that can be learned to notice and scan the body for imbalances, blocks, or buildups of energy.

Reiki Symbols

In Reiki Level 2, there are typically three visual symbols that are shared with the Reiki practitioner. These symbols were passed along from ancient Tibet and Japan and are sacred to the Reiki tradition. Because of this, they are not typically shared widely. The practitioner can visualize or draw the symbol in their mind to help deepen the meditation and practice. With the use of one of the symbols, Reiki can be performed virtually or without being physically present with the practitioner.

As always, sending you love and reiki ♡