How to guide energy with your own hands and feel subtle shifts in your body

Why Knowing the Basics of Reiki Hand Positions Matters

Many people come to me asking, “Do I have to be a Reiki Master to feel energy?”My answer is always the same: No.Your hands already know how to listen. They just need gentle guidance.

Learning a few simple hand placements is like learning a new language for your body — a way to communicate trust, comfort and balance to your nervous system.

I wrote this guide because so many of my clients wanted to practice self-Reiki at home but felt unsure about where to place their hands, how long to stay in one spot, or what they should feel.

Preparing Your Space guide

Before you begin, set the tone:

• Find a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed.

• Sit or lie down comfortably.

• Take a few deep breaths.

• If you like, play soft music or light a candle.

I always remind people: intention matters more than perfection. Even if you feel ‘nothing’, your body is listening.

The Basic Reiki Hand Positions for Self-Practice

Below is a gentle sequence you can try for about 15–20 minutes. Feel free to adjust — trust your intuition.

1. Crown of the Head: Place both hands lightly on top of your head. Imagine warmth flowing into your mind, washing away scattered thoughts. Stay for 1–2 minutes.

2. Eyes and Temples Cup your hands over your eyes or rest them on your temples. Breathe slowly. Many people feel a soft pulsing here — it helps soothe mental fatigue.

3. Throat: Gently place one or both hands over your throat. This area holds unspoken words. You may feel a gentle warmth or tingling.

4. Heart Centre Rest your palms over your chest. Feel the rise and fall of your breath. Stay here as long as you like — this is where many people feel emotion surface.

5. Solar Plexus Place hands above your stomach. This is your centre of confidence and self-trust. A slight warmth or gentle flutter is normal.

6. Lower Belly Hands on the lower abdomen help ground scattered energy. Feel your belly soften with each exhale.

7. Knees or Feet (optional)If you have time, place hands on your knees or feet. This helps ‘seal’ the session and bring your awareness back to your body.

What Sensations to Expect

People often ask, “How will I know it’s working?” Energy feels different for everyone — you might sense warmth, slight pulsing, tingling or a wave of calm. Some feel nothing at first — that’s normal too. Trust that your body receives what it needs.

How I Learned to Trust This Practice

When I first studied Reiki, I worried that I wasn’t ‘sensitive’ enough. Over time, I realised that the real skill is not forcing but softening and listening.

In my sessions at Reiki & Sound Healing Drogheda, I guide my clients to reconnect with this inner trust. It’s not about being perfect — it’s about being present.

Final Tips

• Drink a glass of water afterwards.

• Take a few quiet minutes to notice how you feel.

• Practice often. The more you show up for your body, the more it responds.

Marta Jedlinska- Reiki & Sound Healing

Hands gently resting over the heart — a simple act of calm, trust and healing. Marta Jedlinska – Reiki & Sound Healing

Understanding hands-on healing techniques begins with a clear step by step Reiki hand placement approach. Learning how to use hand positions in Reiki allows energy to move through the body in a head to toe Reiki guide format. When practicing Reiki hand positions for self treatment, many notice feeling warmth and tingling in Reiki as part of Reiki energy flow sensations. These signs, along with other common sensations during Reiki session, reflect the body’s response. Use palm placements for chakra balancing to target energy centers effectively. Follow beginner tips for Reiki hand sequence to build confidence and flow.