Reiki Self-Treatment: a simple somatic meditation

Note: Most of what I share here is written for students who are learning Reiki and building a personal practice, though anyone can try the basic hand placements.

Reiki isn’t only something you receive from a practitioner. One of the most valuable parts of Reiki training is learning how to treat yourself. Self-treatment is the foundation of the entire system. When people commit to a regular practice—even ten minutes a day—they often notice calmer mornings, steadier emotions, and a feeling of returning to themselves.

What Self-Treatment Is

Self-treatment is a sequence of hand placements on your own body, paired with relaxed breathing and a quiet awareness. No special mindset or technique is required.

You don’t need to visualize energy or “make something happen.” Your only job is to show up, place your hands, and breathe. The simplicity is its strength. The body responds to attention, warmth, stillness, and regular contact.

Why Self-Treatment Matters

Reiki Level One is traditionally dedicated to personal healing. Self-treatment helps clear internal stress before offering Reiki to others. It strengthens intuition, creates emotional steadiness, and builds confidence in your sensitivity and awareness.

A consistent self-practice supports:

• better sleep

• calmer nervous system

• more grounded decision-making

• less reactivity

• clearer boundaries

• steadier energy throughout the day

Many students are surprised by how much shifts from this small, daily ritual.

How to Begin

Choose a time you can realistically commit to. Early mornings, lunch breaks, or before bed all work well. Sit comfortably or lie down. Place your hands gently in the placements you learned: usually over the eyes, temples, throat, heart, solar plexus, lower belly, and anywhere else that feels supportive.

Breathe naturally and allow your body to soften under your hands. Even five minutes creates a noticeable difference. Over time, the practice becomes a quiet anchor in your day.

Staying Consistent

Self-treatment isn’t about perfection. Some days feel strong and centered. Other days feel distracted or foggy. Every session counts. The goal is not to create dramatic results. The goal is to build a relationship with your own energy, attention, and presence.

This is the heart of Reiki!

The more you treat yourself, the clearer and more confident you’ll feel in every part of your life—and the more steady and effective you’ll become if you choose to treat others.