Can You Do Reiki on Yourself? A Beginner's Guide to Self-Reiki
Written by Amy Orsini, Reiki Master Teacher, Sound Practitioner & Life Coach at Three Little Birds, Purley, London.
One of the questions I'm asked most often - whether it's after a Reiki session, during a Reiki course, or from someone discovering Reiki for the first time - is:
Can you actually do Reiki on yourself?
The answer is yes.
Self-Reiki is one of the foundations of Reiki practice. In fact, after completing a Reiki Level 1 course and receiving your attunements, many people begin by practising on themselves before sharing Reiki with others.
For many practitioners, self-Reiki becomes a simple part of everyday life - a few quiet minutes to pause, reconnect and support their wellbeing.
Here's what self-Reiki is, how it works, and how to get started.
What is self-Reiki?
Self-Reiki is simply the practice of offering Reiki to yourself.
Instead of receiving Reiki from a practitioner, you place your own hands gently on or just above different areas of your body, allowing the Reiki energy to flow.
Many people choose to practise self-Reiki:
- as part of their morning routine
- during meditation
- before going to bed
- in the bath
- after a stressful day
- during times of change or emotional overwhelm
- whenever they want to create a few moments of calm
One of the things I love most about Reiki is that it doesn't need to be complicated. You don't need lots of equipment or a lengthy ritual - just a little time and a willingness to be present.
Can anyone practise self-Reiki?
To practise traditional Usui Reiki on yourself, you'll first need to complete a Reiki Level 1 course and receive your Reiki attunements in-person from a qualified Reiki Master Teacher.
Your Level 1 course introduces you to:
- the history and principles of Reiki
- hand positions for self-treatment
- practising Reiki with others
- developing a regular self-Reiki practice
- using Reiki safely and confidently
Once you've been attuned, Reiki becomes something you can return to throughout your life.
How is self-Reiki different from receiving Reiki from a practitioner?
The technique itself is very similar. In both cases, hands are placed gently on or just above the body while Reiki flows naturally.
The main differences are:
Guidance
During a Reiki session, your practitioner holds space for you, guides the session, and responds to what they notice throughout the treatment.
With self-Reiki, you're both the practitioner and the recipient. Many people find this becomes easier and more natural with regular practice.
Environment
A professional Reiki treatment usually takes place in a calm, dedicated treatment room.
Self-Reiki can happen almost anywhere - on your bed, your sofa, in your favourite chair, or wherever you feel comfortable and unlikely to be disturbed.
Frequency
One of the greatest benefits of self-Reiki is that you can practise whenever you choose.
Many people enjoy receiving a professional Reiki treatment every few weeks while also using self-Reiki as part of their regular wellbeing routine.
Simple self-Reiki hand positions
If you've completed your Reiki Level 1 training, these are some of the hand positions commonly used for self-treatment:
- Hands gently covering the crown
- Hands resting over the eyes and forehead
- Hands gently covering the ears
- Hands hovering over the throat
- Hands resting on the heart
- Hands over the upper abdomen
- Hands over the lower abdomen
Stay in each position for as long as feels comfortable.
Some people like to spend two or three minutes in each position, while others simply follow their intuition and move when they feel ready.
There is no need to force the process.
How to begin a self-Reiki practice
Starting a self-Reiki practice once you've been attuned to Reiki doesn't need to be complicated.
Find a quiet space
Choose somewhere comfortable where you're unlikely to be interrupted for a few minutes.
Take a few slow breaths
Allow your breathing to settle before placing your hands on your body.
Let go of expectations
Some people notice warmth, tingling or deep relaxation.
Others notice very little at first.
Both experiences are completely normal.
Keep it simple
Even five or ten minutes of self-Reiki can become a meaningful part of your day.
Consistency is often more valuable than length.
Is self-Reiki enough?
Self-Reiki can be a wonderful daily practice, but many people continue to receive Reiki treatments from a practitioner as well.
The two complement one another.
During a professional Reiki session, you have the opportunity to simply receive, relax and allow someone else to hold the space for you.
Many of my students tell me they value having both - a regular self-Reiki practice at home and occasional Reiki treatments for deeper relaxation and support.
Learn Reiki in Purley, South London
If you'd like to learn how to practise self-Reiki safely and confidently, I offer small-group, in-person Reiki training in Purley, South London.
Courses include:
- Reiki Level 1 (Shoden)
- Reiki Level 2 (Okuden)
- Reiki Master Teacher (Shinpiden)
- Reiki refresher courses for all levels
Groups are kept intentionally small so you'll receive plenty of individual guidance, hands-on practice and support throughout your training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can beginners do Reiki on themselves?
Yes. Self-Reiki is introduced during Reiki Level 1 training and is often the first way students begin using Reiki in everyday life.
How long should I practise self-Reiki?
There isn't a set time. Even five to ten minutes can be beneficial, while some people enjoy longer sessions.
Can I learn self-Reiki without taking a course?
Traditional Usui Reiki is taught through in-person Reiki training, where you receive attunements from a Reiki Master Teacher. These attunements are an important part of becoming a Reiki practitioner.
Should I still have Reiki treatments if I practise self-Reiki?
Many people enjoy both. Self-Reiki can become part of your daily wellbeing routine, while practitioner-led sessions provide dedicated time to relax and simply receive.
Can anyone learn Reiki?
Yes! Anyone can learn Reiki.
Reiki Level 1 is suitable for beginners and no previous experience is needed. During the course, you'll receive Reiki attunements and learn how to practise Reiki safely on yourself and, your loved ones and your pets.
Ready to begin?
If you'd like to learn Reiki for yourself, explore my Reiki Level 1 training in Purley, South London.
Or, if you'd prefer to experience Reiki before learning to practise it yourself, you're very welcome to book an in-person Reiki session in my peaceful treatment room or a distance Reiki session if you're further afield.
If you have questions before booking, contact me!
Iām always happy to help you work out whether learning Reiki is the right next step for you.
Listen to Episode 6 of The Three Little Birds Podcast here: All about Reiki
Have a wonderful day, my friend,
Amy
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