Explore an optional sequence with supported alternatives at every stage.
Illustrated positions, alternatives, and transitions
Each posture and position is entirely optional. Rest your hands in your lap or on cushions whenever you need.
- 1. Hands in lap (resting base)
Palms resting comfortably on thighs or a lap cushion. The foundational position for settling, resting, and closing.
- 2. Hand on forearm (supported)
One hand rests lightly on the opposite supported forearm. Elbows remain resting close to your ribcage.
- 3. Upper abdomen (supported)
One or both palms rest lightly over clothing below the ribcage. Keep forearms propped by cushions to avoid shoulder tension.
- 4. Crown hover or light rest
Optional light rest or hovering 1–2 inches above the crown. Lower hands immediately whenever shoulder fatigue appears.
- 5. Lying down alternative (supine)
Lying flat with pillows supporting head and knees. Hands rest gently on the abdomen or sides without reaching.
- 6. Spacious hands-off alternative
Hands remain resting in your lap while attention stays open. No hovering in mid-air required; attention replaces reach.
A learning sequence, not a body map
These positions provide a simple structure for the self-practice in this chapter. They are original course adaptations, not a claim to reproduce one historical sequence. The International House of Reiki describes hand-position sequences as structures for learning rather than a single compulsory order. Different traditions teach different arrangements. Here, comfort and clear choices guide which of the suggested positions you use.
Begin fully clothed. Use only light contact that feels comfortable, or no touch. There is no need to press, rub, massage, search for tender places, or hold a hand somewhere until a sensation appears. Do not place pressure on your eyes or throat, and do not use positions on breasts or intimate areas. A position you prefer to leave out needs no substitute beyond resting your hands in your lap.
1. Start with supported hands
Sit in your chosen position and let both hands rest on your thighs, in your lap, or on a cushion already placed there. Palms can face up, down, or towards each other. Allow your fingers to rest without making a special shape. If your hands do not comfortably meet, keep them apart. This is both the starting position and an alternative for the entire exercise.
Notice the practical arrangement: are your shoulders being pulled up, are your wrists bent awkwardly, or are you reaching forwards? Adjust the support rather than trying to hold the pose more carefully. One hand may be placed differently from the other. You are finding a position for your own body, not creating a symmetrical picture.
2. Try a forearm or outer upper arm
If you would like a change, rest one hand lightly on the opposite forearm, with that arm supported in your lap. Leave the other hand resting. You may change sides, stay on one side, or return to the starting position. Keep the reach small. It is equally acceptable to place a hand beside the forearm without touching, provided you do not have to hold your arm in the air.
Another optional place is the outside of the opposite upper arm, away from the armpit and chest. Only try it if your shoulder and elbow remain comfortable. Do not pull your arm across your body to reach further. If the position becomes effortful, lower the hand. You are free to use the forearm position instead or leave both out.
3. An optional position at the crown
If raising a hand is comfortable for you, you may briefly rest one hand lightly at the top of your head, with fingers lying loosely. Keep the other hand supported. There is no need to cup the face, cover the eyes, reach behind the head, or touch the neck. Lower the hand as soon as you wish, including immediately if lifting it feels unsuitable.
You do not need to use this position at all. If a drawing shows it, read the drawing as one available option, not the centrepiece of the practice. Your lap-rest alternative remains complete. A no-touch version should not require hovering until your arm tires; leaving your hands supported while directing your attention to the written instruction is enough.
4. Optional abdomen, then return to rest
You may rest one or both hands lightly over clothing on the upper abdomen, below the ribcage, if that is a comfortable and welcome place for you. Do not press, probe, or move towards breasts or intimate areas. Skip this option if you do not want contact there or if there is any discomfort, wound, dressing, device, or care advice that makes the suggestion unsuitable. Use your lap instead.
Finish by returning your hands to your thighs or lap. Move between positions at your own pace, without required timings. You may use one position, several, or only the starting rest. In Gentle self-practice, you will have a chance to put this simple beginning, choice, and ending together. There is no missing step to make up if you leave a position out.
When transitioning between positions, move slowly and one hand at a time. This keeps contact smooth and allows your shoulders to stay relaxed. Keep your elbows resting gently against your sides rather than flaring them outward, which quickly tires the neck and shoulder muscles.
Position and ergonomics check
Decision scenario: Managing shoulder fatigue during practice
While exploring an optional hand position at your upper chest, your shoulder begins to ache and tense up after 90 seconds. What is the most skillful response?
Sources and further reading
- International House of Reiki: What hand positions to use for Self-Treatment with Reiki? — This Reiki school describes sequences as learning structures rather than one mandatory order. The positions here are original optional course adaptations, not a historical sequence or a medical prescription.