Article by Kathleen Johnson
The Reiki treatment begins with the person lying comfortably on this/her back on the Reiki table. A bolster is placed under the knees, to alleviate any tension or strain on the lower back, and a light blanket covers the individual. After ensuring the person’s comfort, I invite the client to silently set an intention for the session, if they wish to do so. At this time, I repeat the initial intention for deep healing and blessing of the client, and also silently invoke the assistance of my guides, especially those with whom I work consistently. Soft healing music plays throughout, lights are dimmed, and candles burn gently, enhancing the atmosphere of peace and calm.
When the person is comfortably positioned on the table, I place my hands lightly on the recipient’s shoulders as Reiki begins to flow. The individual is asked to take a few long, slow, deep breaths, breathing in love and light on the inhale, and breathing out pain, tension, and worry on the exhale. In my experience, I can usually discern a decrease in tension and stress after a few moments of this brief relaxation procedure. I quietly advise the client to “relax, open yourself to the energies, and let Reiki do what it does best.”
Thus, begins the active portion of the Reiki treatment, which includes:
- The Energetic Scan
- Opening the Soles of the Feet
- Placing Crystals
- Intuitive Hand Positions
- “Dusting and Sweeping” the Energy Field
- Grounding and Closing Soles of Feet
- Balancing the Chakras
- Sealing the Healing with Selenite Wand
- Chakra Testing with a Pendulum
- Expressing Gratitude
The Energetic Scan
The Reiki treatment begins with the Energetic, or Byosen scan. This technique identifies areas most in need of healing and provides a baseline of energetic information. It also creates a field of healing energy in the aura, which enhances the flow of Reiki throughout the session.
© Kathleen Johnson
The scan is conducted by placing my non-dominant hand above the person’s Crown chakra, focusing intent on discerning areas most in need of healing. I slowly move the hand down the person’s body a few inches above the physical form and continue down to the feet, taking note of the areas that feel different in some way. This technique also helps me to receive a clear sense of the individual’s overall energy field at the beginning of the Reiki treatment, providing a basis of comparison at the end.
Opening the Soles of the Feet
The next step is to energetically open the soles of the feet. This technique was introduced to me a few years ago through Reiki’s guidance during a client session. I received clear instruction to open the person’s soles to expedite the clearing of incompatible energies during the Reiki session.
This technique involves drawing the CKR (Power Symbol) and the Holy Fire symbol (Reiki Professional may use any symbol(s) or method that resonates) over each sole and then sweeping the energy field with the intent to release and remove the energies that no longer serve, that are incompatible with the person’s path, and/or those energies not in accordance with the Highest Good. I further intend that these energies be sent to the Light to be cleansed, purified, and transmuted.
The soles remain open during the Reiki session, so that Reiki’s healing energy can efficiently release the unhealthy energies. This technique has been very effective, with most clients reporting a sense of movement and release along with feeling “lighter”. From my perspective, I have noticed increased involuntary twitching of the clients’ extremities since implementing this technique, indicating an energy release.
It is essential to close what has been energetically opened, and I take care to close the person’s soles near the end of the Reiki treatment, during Grounding.
Placing Crystals
The use of Crystals in a Reiki session creates a synergistic healing effect – or what I like to think of as an “energetic marriage”. As a Certified Crystal Healer, these gifts from Mother Earth are an important part of my Reiki sessions, and almost all involve the use of intuitively chosen crystals, customized to meet the needs of the individual. The crystals are placed on and around the client after the soles are opened, and generally remain in place for the duration, although some may be moved or replaced as per my guidance.
© Kathleen Johnson
The amount, type, and configuration of crystals depend on several factors, which are beyond the scope of this article, and is a highly intuitive process for the Reiki Professional who chooses to work with them. Reiki guided me to work with crystals in my healing practice, and I have done so from the beginning. However, please remember that Reiki guides us to work with it in the way that is right for each of us as individuals.
Intuitive Hand Placements
Once the crystals are in place, I begin channeling Reiki through the hand placements and positions, traditionally regarded as the primary part of a Reiki treatment. In my practice, I begin by standing near the client’s head with hands in Gassho, and once again invoke the assistance of my Spiritual team and guides, while offering gratitude for the deep healing and blessing that the client is receiving.
Although I still utilize many of the hand placements learned in my Level 1 class, they look much different now, because they are highly intuitive and guided by Reiki. This quality has become even more pronounced since becoming a Holy Fire II Reiki Master. My hands are now more physically active in the session, as they swirl around the client, sweep across the auric field, and pull out blockages and unhealthy energies. However, they can be astonishingly still and focused when needed. My hands frequently “sweep up” the healing energy, directing it to the Light, and I have come to know that this is Reiki’s way of elevating the person’s vibration. Much of this activity occurs involuntarily as I simply observe, remaining focused and present for the client.
Initially, I resisted deviating from my tried-and-true hand positions, thinking that this new behavior was an odd and unwelcome aberration. But, as before, Reiki was very patient with me, and I soon recognized the value of letting its amazing energy take the lead. Clients experienced new levels of healing and relaxation, and I was, and still am, grateful for the opportunity to facilitate this sacred process.
© Kathleen Johnson
Another remarkable change is that Reiki now tells me when the session is complete. In the early days, I was careful to keep my hands in a position for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the energetic information received. As time went on, and my intuition and trust in Reiki developed, I gradually realized that the time spent in each position was immaterial, and that it was indeed, “all about the energy.” As Reiki gives the person exactly what is needed, it lets me know when this has been accomplished. The energy changes, becoming softer and subdued. This shift is my signal that the healing is complete at that time. Many times, my guides will also come forward to confirm this.
“Dusting and Sweeping” the Energy Field
Although I typically dust and sweep the person’s energy field several times during the session, I always take care to perform another thorough sweep following the conclusion of the hand placements. There are many ways to conduct a dust and sweep; however, I generally begin above the person’s head and sweep my hands down well past the feet, sweeping out and around the energy field, to encompass as much of the aura as possible. The “dusting” is a back and forth motion across the person’s body, again starting at the head and ending well below the feet.
As is everything in a Reiki session, the “dust and sweep” is done with intention. I intend that any energetic debris or residue, that is not in accordance with the client’s Highest Good, be released and sent to the Light.
Grounding, and Closing the Soles of the Feet
The Reiki Professional is aware of the importance of grounding in a Reiki session, and Reiki has worked with me to develop an effective grounding practice. Following the dusting and sweeping, I lightly hold or touch the person’s feet, with the intent to ground and return the individual fully into the physical body. I then offer a Grounding and Cleansing Affirmation on behalf of the client, intending that he/she be “Grounded to Mother Earth, Connected to Spirit, and Centered in the Heart.” This affirmation also serves to release and remove unhealthy energies that may still remain.
Once the grounding is complete, the soles of the feet are energetically closed. I again draw the Holy Fire and Power Symbols on each sole and tap each one three times, intending that the energies of the symbols remain in the auric field for grounding, protection, and empowerment. As per Reiki’s guidance, I usually follow this with another light sweep to smooth the person’s energy field.
Balancing the Chakras
At the end of a Professional Reiki Session, the client’s primary chakras are usually quite balanced. However, intentionally balancing the chakras is still an important part of my Reiki sessions as a Reiki Professional. In my experience, this is a relatively quick procedure, because of the healing provided by the Reiki treatment. Even so, sometimes a chakra requires additional care, and the balancing procedure is very helpful.
Each chakra is balanced individually with its polar opposite, which brings the upper and lower chakras into harmony with each other. A balance among all the chakras is essential for wellness.
To balance the chakras, I begin with the intention to balance and clear each of the chakras. My left hand hovers above the Root chakra and the right hand hovers above the Crown, until it feels complete. My left hand then hovers above the Sacral chakra, and the right is placed above the Third Eye, again until it feels complete. The left hand moves to the Solar Plexus chakra, and the right hand is placed above the Throat chakra, until balanced. The final position is with both hands “stacked” over the Heart chakra, which balances the energies of the upper and lower chakras. This is held until balance is achieved, usually no more than several seconds.
Sealing the Healing with a Selenite Wand
When the chakras are balanced, I seal the healing in and around the auric field. Reiki guided me to use this technique a few years ago. When I first began doing this, I sealed the healing by intention and softly playing a crystal singing bowl above the client’s physical form. I have also used my hands to seal the healing, as well as a feather. However, for the past two years, the sealing is accomplished with a Selenite wand along with my intent.
© Kathleen Johnson
Beginning above the client’s head, I gently sweep the wand down the left side, below the feet, and then up the right side. I then draw the wand down the center of the auric field, up and down several times, as I silently repeat, “I seal this healing in love and light.” Some time ago, Reiki guided me to draw the Infinity symbol over the client’s aura, which I still do.
This procedure evokes a feeling of deep peace and calm, for myself and the client. It is a lovely way to conclude a healing session.
Testing the Chakras with a Pendulum
The final step in the Reiki treatment before rousing the client is to test the chakras with a pendulum. Prior to beginning this, I remove any crystals from the client, so their energy does not interfere with the chakra reading.
Although many experts advise to begin with the Root chakra when testing with a pendulum, I have consistently been guided to start at the Crown chakra. Each practitioner will decide which method is best for him/her.
The pendulum is held in my dominant hand approximately 6 inches above the physical body. I ask the pendulum to show me the chakra in question, and after a few moments, it will respond to the chakra’s energy and begin to move in a circular motion. As a RP, I look for a healthy spin, not too fast or slow, and an arc that is neither a tight circle nor a wide swooping orbit. Additionally, it is important that all seven primary chakras have a similar spin and arc, which indicates balance. Occasionally, a chakra may require additional Reiki to achieve balance, but in my experience, this is the exception rather than the rule.
Expressing Gratitude (and Rousing the Client)
To formally conclude the session, I draw the Holy Fire and Power Symbol over the person’s Solar Plexus chakra (a RP may use any symbol that resonates), while silently stating, “You are deeply healed and blessed by the power of Reiki.” After a final dust and sweep from head to toe, I bring my hands to Gassho and express gratitude for this sacred gift and the opportunity to spread healing in the world.
I then lightly touch the client’s shoulder to bring him/her back and allow some time for the person to fully return. Some individuals require more time than others, and I allow this to unfold naturally, without rushing it. I utilize this time to pour a glass of pure Reiki-charged water for the client, as well as myself. Energy work makes me very thirsty!
After the client has sufficiently roused from the session, he/she is invited to take a seat in a chair, sip some water, and have a piece (or two) of good-quality chocolate, which I always have available. Chocolate is very grounding, which provides a great reason to eat it!
As I gather my notes and gradually turn up the lights, I offer the person pen and paper if they wish to write down their experience.
* This is the 3rd article of an insightful 4-part series on Professional Reiki Session topic by RMT Kathleen Johnson. Stay tuned!
Previous article: The Professional Reiki Session – The Pre-Session Intake and/or Discussion (Part 2/4)
What’s next: The Professional Reiki Session – Post-Session Processing (Part 4/4)
© 2018 Kathleen Johnson
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Kathleen Johnson is a Holy Fire III Reiki Master, Usui Reiki Master, Kundalini Reiki Master, and a Certified Crystal Healer. She is also a Past-Life Soul Regression Therapist, and an Angelic Soul Activation Practitioner. As a Spiritual Teacher and Mentor, she assists others in discovering their unique path to wellness, wholeness, and authenticity.
Kathleen is the Founder of UniverSoul Heart, LLC, a holistic healing and wellness practice based in Pennsylvania, USA. Her education includes a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in Criminology, as well as extensive postgraduate studies in Mental Health Counseling and Transpersonal Psychology. Although she taught Reiki for several years, this changed in 2020 when Reiki’s guidance redirected her focus to working with individuals during this pivotal time in humanity’s history.
Kathleen is committed to raising awareness of the benefits of Reiki and holistic wellness. To that end, she has been a co-host as well as a presenter and sponsor for the Reiki Rays Annual Summit since 2017. She has also been a featured guest in numerous radio interviews and also hosted “UniverSoul Heart Radio with Kathleen Johnson- Sensible Spirituality for Everyday Living” on Transformation Talk Radio. Most recently, she co-hosted Seasons 1-3 on the “Beyond the Reiki Gateway” podcast, and in January 2025 was interviewed by MysticMag, in which she shares healing insights and revelations during her transformative journey as founder of UniverSoul Heart. In February 2025, she was a guest on “The Way 126” podcast to discuss Reiki and its benefits.
In her personal life, Kathleen is a passionate advocate for animals and Mother Earth, and as such, committed to a compassionate plant-based lifestyle. In 2021, she became certified as a Plant-Based Nutritionist through Cornell University’s Nutrition Studies Program. She is the mother of 4 grown sons and grandmother to two beautiful babies, who each clutch a substantial piece of her heart in their precious little hands.
Kathleen’s articles about Reiki and Spirituality have been published on Reiki Rays, Reiki News Magazine, and Medium.com. Her eBook “Let Reiki Guide the Way” is available on her website.
Kathleen can be contacted at kjohnson@universoulheart.net.
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