Article by Sierra Koch
One of the main reasons those newly attuned to Reiki do not continue on the healing path is because they don’t feel anything. During class, we get feedback from our fellow classmates that they can feel heat, or cold, or tingling, etc. when we practice on each other. But for some, when they get home they don’t have feedback and they feel like they have lost the ability to feel the energy. It can be super frustrating, but it can be helped.
Here are some practical tips on increasing your hand sensitivity so you can more easily feel Reiki.
The first tip is to practice. Every day. Without excuses. Even if it is 1 minute of practice time. You are the perfect practice subject because you are always there to practice on. You may not feel anything at first, but if you do not practice you never will.
Second, let go of the need to feel anything when you practice. It holds you back. Simply take the time to relax, Reiki, and notice how your body feels not necessarily your hands. Notice how you feel before, during, and after Reiki. I’m not talking about client work, but personal self-Reiki.
Third, rub your hands together before placing them in gassho or before placing them on yourself or client. It helps open the hand chakras and allows you to be more sensitive to energies.
Image by MariaGodfrida
Now it is time to play with my last tip. Touch everything. (Disclaimer: do not touch private parts, do not touch dangerous things, use common sense). Run your hands over leather jackets. Feel the difference between a smooth clean pencil eraser and a used one. Touch tree bark. Pet a fluffy bunny. Walk through a fabric store and feel every type of fabric you can find, and yarn, and lace, and ribbon. Feel the coolness of an ice cube. The heat a computer gives off after a long day. Pick things up and notice the weight. Does clear quartz feel different than rose quartz?
Touch everything and notice how each texture, temperature, weight, and material makes you feel. Do you cringe when you touch slimy soap in the shower? Does the feeling of cotton candy make you want to clear your energies as soon as possible? Does the ruffle on a collar make you want to cut cords? Does heat make you shiver?
Touching everything and gauging how it makes you feel makes it easier for you to discover what the sensation means to you. For me heat in any spot means extra attention goes there. Heavy energy means something needs to be cleared out. Each person is going to come up with their own individual meanings behind each sensation, but you gotta practice to uncover what yours are.
Practice and let go are the ultimate tips. You can not get by with not practicing if you want to increase your hand sensitivity.
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Sierra Koch is a Reiki Master Teacher whose passion in life is spreading the joy of Reiki. She invites you to learn how to play with your Reiki practice.
I did my level 1 about 6 weeks ago and have done self healing every night since, i also kerp a diary on my feelings which i think is a great idea to look back on. I can honestly say i always get some kind of feeling through my body. I love this journey i am on. Nsmaste
Keeping a journal is a very good idea. I’m glad you are enjoying the journey 🙂 It’s a fun one to be on!
Sierra
I have my Reiki II and give healing at my spiritual church plus I work on loved ones and have also been giving distant healings.
I Had my attunment last August. Admittedly I have not done much Reiki since. However I now feel it is time to do a daily practice starting on myself. Especially since I stumbled across your Facebook page. I know it is a sign/push in the direction I need to go. Thank you for being there.
I am a Reiki Master and have been using Reiki since 1996. Each day I accept it’s healing energy and give thanks for the gift that has been given to me. When I cannot find time to work on others, I work on myself. In order to help balance the bodies (mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical) of someone else you have to have your in balance. Enjoy this road and practice daily even if for only a few minutes.
I dig this, I love the sensations I get in my hands by practicing reiki, food diary is another good one, I notice certain foods or combinations dim the energy between my hands…. might be of interest to others.
Thank you Sierra for this well written and thoughtful article. I agree 100%, daily practice on yourself is essential!!! Let Reiki flow without expectations and the beautiful healing peace that ensues is greater than the sum of all sensations. Blessings to all who are called to heal and serve, let it simply flow.
I am so grateful to be able to participate in a monthly free Reiki share which has helped immensely. Some clients give great feedback, and I have experienced a myriad of sensations!
What a great thing to focus on. I like the tone in which you write. Thank you for the tips!
Sue
Hi Sue,
I love this article. Can you please tell me how to discard the melted Reiki candles after they are used? Dumping them with garbage is not an option. Thank you!
Dear Lisa, glad you enjoyed the article. If you have a glass candle jar it can be recycled and used to add Reiki intention notes or create a small Reiki box or happiness jar. Also, you can melt old candles into molds to make new ones for your Reiki practice. Blessings!