Virtual Reiki? How It Works + What To Expect
I want to clarify something that I get asked from time to time - how does virtual reiki work?
Introduction
Let me start by saying that this is a totally valid question. Reiki seems like a situation where you’re holding your hands over, or even directly touching someone. How on earth does it work when you’re across the country or around the world?
The cheeky answer is that it doesn’t “on earth.” The more serious answer is that Reiki is a powerful energy that isn’t bound by time or space. Just like prayer. My mom in Indiana can pray for me (and I know she does!) and the prayers get where they are meant to go. I am impacted in the ways I am meant to be impacted.
And note, this isn’t a new thing. It’s not like March 2020 happened and the Reiki world was like “hmmm we should be virtual.” The whole practice of Reiki has been set up that way from the beginning.
Distance Healing Has Always Been A Part Of Reiki
An extremely brief history of Reiki is that Dr. Usui was given Reiki energy and specific symbols to use it for different situations (mental/emotional challenges, protection, etc). One of those symbols he received was the distant healing symbol.
The symbol has always been used to send Reiki to people you are not presently with. It is also powerful to use with past and future events. I’ve done healing myself by sending Reiki back to younger versions of myself who were facing a challenge. I’ve also used it to send Reiki ahead of myself and friends while traveling.
Part of the instruction to become a practitioner is learning how to use this symbol and create a deep connection despite physical distance.
How The Session Goes
For your virtual session, you can either sit comfortably or lay down. It can be helpful to have an eye cover and/or headphones so you can really settle into the space without outside distractions. I also recommend having a blanket and water as well.
I begin by sharing a beautiful sound bowls track softly in the background and leading us in a meditation to come together. From there, I begin your treatment by tuning into your energy.
Some practitioners use crystals, a drawing of a person, or a stuffed animal to work through your chakras and body. For me, I tend to feel the energy in front of me between my hands and I work with it there. As I move through and scan your energy, I may feel blockages or areas in need of healing. As I find those areas, I send certain Reiki symbols and ask that the blockage be cleared (maybe moving my hands like I’m scrubbing) or that the Healing Guides bring healing where necessary (maybe using my hands to pull out pain or tension). Some people like for me to softly describe what I am doing and feeling, while others prefer silence.
I also often use crystals to go through the energy system to provide focused energy that feels necessary, perhaps using an amethyst to fill you with decisiveness and clear thinking, or a rose quartz to fill you with love and confidence, or a black tourmaline to give you protection and firm boundaries.
Ending The Session
After I have worked through your energy system, I bring your awareness back to the present and gently help you transition out of the treatment. At this point people often feel an energized calmness. Sometimes there is a new lightness or a fresh feeling of clarity or direction. Sometimes during treatment clients have breakthroughs and realizations, other times they experience deep rest and fall asleep. There is no "right" way to have a session, and I believe that Divine timing is always unfolding so you will experience precisely what you’re meant to.
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I certainly hope that this has been a helpful description of a virtual session. If you want to give it a try, check out my Reiki Recharge membership!
Still have questions? Ask away at connect@thegroundedempath.com!
