Self-Treatment vs. Receiving Reiki

Article by Deborah Lloyd, Reiki Master

Many Reiki practitioners have pondered the question: Why does it seem receiving Reiki from another person is better than doing self-treatments of Reiki? Since Reiki is Universal Life Force Energy, there are no differences in the quality, or amount, of healing energy being channeled during self-treatments. However, there are other differences worth exploring…

All of us are human beings! Therefore, we bring our human needs, our life experiences, and emotions into the session when receiving Reiki from another. There are special gifts received during the exchange of Reiki between two people. There is the touch of another pair of hands – so soft, warm and comforting. The skin, a living organ of the body, delights in this extraordinary skin-to-skin contact. The practitioner is a testimony to the compassion and caring that is possible in human interactions.

Even though you may receive spiritual guidance for others while giving Reiki, this may not occur as easily during self-treatment sessions. Or, if you do receive intuitive guidance, you may find yourself dismissing the thoughts, or thinking about the message itself. Sometimes, there is a loss of objectivity, since the message is given directly to you. Another issue may be that it is more difficult, or seemingly impossible, to detect energy blockages or imbalances where they exist, within your own energetic field. When you simply relax as a recipient, and let another Reiki practitioner channel the energy, you have a more passive role. You can calm your mind, release any thoughts that may arise, and simply enjoy the experience. For many, it is easier to find the inner stillness when receiving, rather than giving, Reiki to ourselves.

When there are two Reiki practitioners involved in a session, amazing things can happen. One plus one is so much more than two! A special bond of understanding is created when two Reiki practitioners work together. As both people have experienced the attunement process and opened their beings to this healing modality, a unique aspect is brought into the relationship of giver and receiver. The mutual experience of Reiki practice brings a deep wisdom, a knowing, to the session, as both persons understand the unlimited possibilities of Reiki.

But, let me emphasize this again – the quality and amount of Reiki healing energies are not diminished during self-treatments. These energies are just as powerful and healing, as those received from another practitioner. The real difference lies in our subjective experience of the events; this is not a negative thing, but rather simply a part of being human, with our own thoughts and feelings. Do not set aside self-treatments, rather use self-treatments frequently, even daily. Occasionally, treat yourself to a Reiki session, because you will benefit from it and simply enjoy the session. It is always a wonderful blessing in our lives!

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Deborah Lloyd is a Usui and Karuna Reiki® Master and certified holistic therapy practitioner, providing Distant Reiki sessions and training in Asheville, NC. Deborah is the author of two books, 22 Messages from the Archangels; and, Believe and it is True: A Story of Healing and Life Lessons. She is also one of the co-authors of Reiki 101: 101 Answers for Your Reiki Questions. Reach Deborah at deb@deblloydhealing.com and on Facebook at Deb Lloyd Healing.