Receiving Reiki

Article by Angie Webster

If you read my articles with any regularity, you know I am a strong advocate of doing self Reiki every day. I have a number of articles on this topic and I mention it quite frequently in my writing. Self Reiki serves to help us become more familiar with our tool as it heals us.

However, I also believe it is a very good thing to receive Reiki from others now and then. When we receive Reiki from another, we are able to simply rest our body and allow the other practitioner to follow the hand positions. We can fully drift into the sleepy, meditative state without concern about where our hands are or what we have to do. It is tremendously healing and soothing to allow another person to do this.

Particularly if you have an illness or are having surgery, I recommend seeking at least one treatment from another practitioner, in addition to your own daily self treatment practice. Not everyone can afford this option or has another practitioner nearby, but if you are able to, it may speed your recovery time and will at least ease your discomfort and help you feel better. Also, remember that distant Reiki works just as well as in person Reiki, although touch is very soothing.

Even if you are in good health overall, it can be a good thing to seek a treatment from another practitioner a few times a year. In addition to boosting your own healing and allowing you to relax and be pampered, you get to deeply connect with another healer. This gives you an opportunity to experience another practitioner’s way of practicing, what his or her energy feels like, what Reiki feels like flowing through them and to share tips and suggestions. It is a fantastic way to network and build friendships and community, as well.

When you receive Reiki from another, don’t get caught up in trying to pay attention to how they do a session! It can sometimes be tempting to compare and learn the entire session, rather than fully relax. Allow your mind and body to simply melt into the table and let go. Tell yourself you are ready to fully receive the treatment.

Aside from simply scheduling an appointment, there are a few ways you can receive Reiki from a fellow practitioner:

1.  Reiki shares. This is a gathering of several Reiki practitioners in order to exchange Reiki with each other, and sometimes with non-practitioners who are invited, as well. Check online or with your local Reiki practitioners office to see if there are any near you. If not, consider starting one yourself in your home or Reiki practice.
2.  Reiki trades. Offer to trade Reiki with another practitioner, distantly or locally, so that each of you gets to receive a Reiki treatment.
3.  Attune a family member. If you are a Reiki Master Teacher, you can train a family member so that the two of you can share Reiki with each other, as well as with others. This benefits so many, since the newly attuned Reiki practitioner can now ripple those Reiki waves out into the world!

Don’t stop your Reiki self treatment. Do it every day. Refer to my other article if you need encouragement to do it. But look into the benefits of having the occasional treatment from another practitioner, as well. Allow your body and mind to simply rest and receive. This is a very healing practice. We do lots of giving as Reiki practitioners. Most of us need to practice receiving! What better way than with a Reiki session!

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Angie Webster made a significant contribution to the Reiki community, with a particular focus on Animal Reiki, which she had a deep affection for. As a knowledgeable Reiki Master Teacher and Author, she conducted online courses on energy healing, herbalism, flower essences, and personal growth.
She is the author of “Animal Reiki: How it Heals, Teaches & Reconnects Us with Nature” and “Reiki from A to Z”. Currently, Angie has decided to retire from her professional life to devote more time to her health, family, and the little joys of life.