Opening the Reiki Practice

1. Gasshō (合掌) – Hands in Prayer Position
   • Place palms together at the heart center.
   • This symbolizes respect, focus, and humility.
   • Many practitioners silently say: “Reiki ni rei o suru” (I bow to Reiki / I honor Reiki).
2. Rei-ju (Connection / Invocation)
   • Silently invite Reiki energy.
   • In Japanese tradition, it is not about “commanding” but about surrendering and allowing Reiki to flow.
   • Mentally repeat: “Reiki, please flow through me for the highest good.”
3. Joshin Kokyū-hō (浄心呼吸法 – Purifying Breath Method)
   • Breathe in Reiki light into the tanden (lower abdomen).
   • As you exhale, expand the light through your body and aura.
   • This centers and cleanses you before giving Reiki.
4. Reiji-hō (霊示法 – Indication from Spirit)
   • Place hands in gasshō at the forehead.
   • Ask Reiki to guide your hands to where healing is most needed.
   • Stay still until you feel intuitive guidance (byosen sensations: heat, pulsing, tingling).

🌿 Main Reiki Healing Practice

• Use Byosen Reikan-hō (病腺霊感法 – Scanning for illness/imbalance) to sense energetic blockages.
• Follow with hand positions (either traditional 12 positions or intuitive placement guided by Reiji-hō).
• Allow Reiki to flow naturally, not forcing, just being a channel.
• Some lineages also chant sacred kotodama (vibration mantras of Reiki symbols) instead of visualizing symbols.

Closing the Reiki Practice 

1. Ken’yoku-hō (乾浴法 – Dry Bath / Aura Cleansing)
   • A self-cleansing technique, brushing the hands across the body to cut unnecessary energy connections.
   • Traditionally done at both start and end of sessions.
2. Gokai (五戒 – Reciting the Five Reiki Principles)
   • Many Japanese practitioners close by chanting the 5 Reiki Principles aloud in Japanese:
     Kyo dake wa, Ikaru-na, Shinpai suna, Kansha shite, Gyō o hageme, Hito ni shinsetsu ni.
     (“Just for today, do not anger, do not worry, be grateful, do your work diligently, be kind to others.”)
3. Gasshō – Gratitude
   • Return hands to prayer position, bow slightly, and thank Reiki, the universe, and the recipient.
   • This seals the session in reverence and humility.