Self-Treatment Skills Taught in Reiki Training Courses

[Sienamarsh]

If you asked a room of Reiki students which skill they use most, many would say the same thing: self-treatment. It's simple, free, and available whenever you have a few quiet minutes. Anyone considering Reiki classes will almost certainly meet it in the first session.

What Self-Treatment Means​

Self-treatment is the practice of placing your hands on or just above your own body, usually in a sequence of positions, while you breathe slowly and stay still. It's a quiet routine rather than a technique to master, and most people find the first attempt easier than they expected.

Why Courses Begin Here​

Teachers start with themselves for good reasons. It lets you experience the practice before offering it to anyone else. It builds comfort with stillness. And it gives you something to do at home straight away, which helps the lessons stick.

No Special Equipment​

You need a chair or a bed, and a few spare minutes. That's it. No tools, no music, no particular clothing. A quiet corner helps, but isn't essential.

Typical Hand Positions​

Courses usually walk you through a set of positions covering the head, chest, stomach, and sometimes the back. You hold each one for a few minutes. Teachers often tell you to let your hands rest lightly and avoid pressing. If a position feels awkward, adjust it. Comfort comes first.

A Simple Self-Treatment Sequence​

Here's a basic example:

• Sit or lie down and take three slow breaths.
• Place both hands gently over your eyes and stay for a few minutes.
• Move your hands to the sides of your head.
• Rest them on your chest, then on your stomach.
• Finish by holding your hands together and noticing how you feel.

Your teacher may show a different order, so treat this as a sketch.

Breathing and Care​

Slow breathing is the quiet partner of the hands. Breathe in through your nose, then out a little longer. When your mind wanders, bring it back without scolding yourself. That small return is the real practice. It's less about doing something and more about staying present.

How Often to Practice​

Short and regular beats long and rare. Five to ten minutes daily is a good start. Pick a time that already exists in your routine, such as after waking or before sleeping. If you miss a day, begin again the next one.

What You Might Request​

Some people feel calmer, warmer, or sleepy. Others notice very little for weeks. Both are normal. Keep a short note of how you feel afterward if that helps, but don't chase results. Expecting too much can spoil a simple practice.

Keeping It Complementary​

Self-treatment sits beside sleep, movement, and proper medical care. It doesn't replace any of them. If you have a health concern, see a qualified professional. Reiki is a gentle addition, not a treatment, and a good teacher will say so openly.

For people who want to go further after mastering the basics, structured Reiki training can build on self-treatment with additional levels, including the master-level steps the site lists. Most students take plenty of time before moving up.

Surgery​

Self-treatment is the foundation of most Reiki courses and the easiest skill to carry into daily life. Learn the positions, breathe slowly, and practice a little each day. Keep your expectations modest and your routine simple, and the habit will stay with you long after the class ends.