Reiki Hand Positions For The Front Of The Body—Treatment For Others
These images show one traditional sequence of front-of-body hand positions. They are illustrations of possible placements, not instructions to touch. A recipient can choose a hands-hovering or no-contact session, skip any position, pause or end the session.
Before each position, explain the exact movement and area and ask for a clear yes to that contact. Permission for one area does not cover another. Do not place hands on the eyes, face, neck, chest, breasts, abdomen or pelvis as a default; use a hands-off position or skip it unless the person specifically asks for contact there. The recipient stays clothed and chooses how they are covered. They may withdraw permission at any time, without explanation.
Reiki Hand Positions For The Front of the Body
1. The Back Of The Head
The illustration shows hands supporting the head. Do not lift, cradle or reposition a person's head unless they have specifically requested that movement and agreed to the contact. A hands-hovering position or skipping this step is always available. Let the person move their own head.
2. The Eyes
Keep hands away from the eyes and face. If the recipient wants this position, show where your hands would hover and ask specifically before bringing them near. They may prefer to rest their own hands over closed eyes, keep their eyes uncovered, or skip it.
3. The Ears
Do not cover or touch the ears or side of the head by default. Explain the proposed hand position and ask for permission to bring hands nearby. Hover farther away or skip it if preferred.
4. The Neck
Keep hands away from the neck. If the recipient requests a nearby position, explain exactly where your hands will be and ask before moving them into that space. Hover farther away or skip this position; never touch or encircle the neck.
5. The Chest
Treat the chest and breasts as sensitive areas. Do not place hands on the chest or collarbones as a default. If a recipient specifically asks for contact here, agree on the exact location and keep them covered; a hands-hovering position or skipping this step remains available.
6. The Solar Plexus
The illustrated position is over the abdomen. Do not touch this area by default. Explain the location and ask separately before any contact; the recipient may choose hovering or skip it. Do not press or rotate the hands.
7. The Waist
The waist and abdomen can feel personal. Ask before bringing hands near or touching this area. Keep the person covered, use hovering or skip the position if that is their preference, and stop immediately if they change their mind.
8A. The Pelvic Area—Female
Pelvic contact is not required for Reiki. Do not touch the pelvis, pubic area or genitals. If a recipient wants to include this point in their sequence, offer a hands-off position above their clothing or let them place their own hands where comfortable. Keep the person covered and stop if they ask.
8B. The Pelvic Area—Male
Pelvic contact is not required for Reiki. Do not touch the pelvis, pubic area or genitals. If a recipient wants to include this point in their sequence, offer a hands-off position above their clothing or let them place their own hands where comfortable. Keep the person covered and stop if they ask.
Before conducting a session, agree on its format, contact boundaries and a clear way to pause or stop. No position is needed for the session to be complete, and no particular sensation or response is required.
A consent conversation you can adapt
It helps to explain the whole shape of the session before you begin, then ask again at each area:
"I will show you where my hands would go before I move them. You can choose hands resting on the body, hands just above, or no contact at all. Nothing needs to be touched, including your face, chest, abdomen or pelvis. You can say stop at any time, and you do not have to explain why."
For a first session, demonstrate the hover position at a safe distance so the person can see what you mean. Ask them to tell you if the distance feels too close. If they choose contact, keep it light and over clothing, and say what you are about to do before you do it.
If someone changes their mind
A change of mind is not an inconvenience; it is the agreement working. Move your hands away immediately, re-cover the area, and ask what they would like next. Offer a pause, a seated position, a hands-off sequence, or an early finish. Do not ask them to justify the decision, and do not treat a previous yes as permission to continue.
If someone becomes tearful or quiet, pause and check in. Tears are not a sign that a position should continue. A tissue, a glass of water and a few minutes of ordinary conversation may be the most useful response.
A seated front-body sequence
For a person who cannot or does not want to lie down, the front positions can be adapted to a chair:
- Begin at the shoulders or upper chest, with permission and a hands-off option.
- Move to the solar plexus and waist only if the person agrees; a cushion behind the back can make the position easier.
- Leave out the pelvic positions unless the person specifically asks and the setting is appropriate.
- Finish at the hands or with a quiet pause.
Keep the person's feet supported and their back comfortable. Do not lean them back or adjust the chair without asking.
Questions about the front sequence
Do I have to follow the numbered order? No. The numbers are a teaching sequence. You can start at the shoulders, work on one area, or stop early.
Is it okay to skip the eyes, chest or pelvis? Yes. These are optional positions, and skipping them does not make the session incomplete.
What if the person falls asleep? Let them rest, but do not touch or reposition them while they are asleep. Wait, or gently speak their name from a distance. If they wake confused, stop and check that they are well.
How do I explain the positions without sounding clinical? Use plain words: "hands near your shoulders", "hands above your middle", "no touch here". Avoid promising that a position will release anything.
The back-of-body page covers the sequence that often follows, and Building a Respectful Reiki Practitioner–Recipient Relationship goes further into communication and boundaries.
Related topic: Treatment and hand positions, 10-day treatment with acupressure, Advanced techniques, Alternative techniques in treatment, Alternative ways to use the hands.