An Introduction to Massage With Reiki
Reiki is an alternative healing practice that originated in Japan in the early 1900s. The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words: rei, meaning universal, and ki, meaning life energy. Reiki practitioners use light touch or hover their hands just above the body to facilitate the flow of ki through the body and allow healing to occur.
Adding Reiki to massage therapy sessions is becoming an increasingly popular way to enhance the benefits. The light touch of Reiki complements the pressure and techniques used in massage. Together, Reiki and massage can relax the body, ease pain, speed healing, and create an overall sense of balance and wellbeing.
What is Reiki?
Reiki is based on the idea that a universal life force energy flows through all living things. This energy is known by many names in various healing traditions, including chi (in Chinese medicine) and prana (in Ayurvedic medicine). When the flow of energy is disrupted or blocked, it can lead to illness and dysfunction. Reiki practitioners channel healing energy through their hands to the recipient. The main goals are to remove energy blockages, restore balance, and promote the body's natural ability to heal itself.
Reiki is commonly performed with the recipient lying down while the practitioner's hands sweep slowly over the body from head to toe. The hands are held just above the body or lightly placed on the body. The practitioner may use a series of 12 to 15 different hand positions. Each position is held for 2 to 5 minutes or until the practitioner feels the flow of energy has balanced in that area. Sessions generally last 45 to 90 minutes.
The Benefits of Reiki
Research shows that Reiki can:
- Relieve pain
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Improve sleep
- Enhance mental clarity
- Promote relaxation
- Accelerate healing
- Ease side effects of conventional medical treatments
- Improve overall quality of life
Reiki essentially helps the body relax and de-stress, which then enables the body's natural healing abilities to work unimpeded. The improved blood circulation and flow of energy also nourish cells and organs, having a positive effect on all systems of the body.
Adding Reiki to Massage
Massage therapy involves manipulating the soft tissues and muscles of the body. Massage techniques include gliding, kneading, percussion, vibration, static positioning, and compression. Massage therapists use touch to assess the condition of tissues and joints and then apply the appropriate techniques to treat physical dysfunction, pain, and tension.
Like Reiki, massage aims to enhance overall wellbeing. While massage works on a more physical level, Reiki works on an energetic level. Using the two modalities together provides a comprehensive treatment that relaxes the body from the inside out while also addressing specificmuscular issues. The combination allows the client to enjoy the benefits of both the physical therapy of massage and the energetic healing of Reiki.
Benefits of Massage With Reiki
Some of the top benefits of combining Reiki with massage include:
- Deep relaxation - The gentle touch of Reiki helps relax the body while the massage techniques work out knots and tension in the muscles. This provides deep, full-body relaxation.
- Pain relief - Reiki helps diminish pain signals while massage techniques can reduce muscle spasms and loosen tight muscles that cause pain.
- Improved range of motion - Reiki enhances circulation while massage stretches tight muscles and gets joints moving freely again.
- Faster healing - Massage improves blood flow to bring oxygen and nutrients to tissues to facilitate healing. Reiki boosts the body's ability to heal at the energetic level.
- Reduced anxiety and depression - Reiki promotes calm and balance. Massage also alleviates anxiety and depression by lowering stress hormone levels.
- Better sleep - The relaxation benefits promote deeper, more restful sleep.
- Increased energy - Eliminating energy blockages and muscular tension boosts vitality.
What to Expect During a Session
Reiki is generally performed before or after the massage portion of the treatment. Some massage therapists are also Reiki masters, allowing them to incorporate Reiki directly into the massage itself, using their hands-on massage techniques to channel healing energy.
You will remain fully clothed for the Reiki portion. The therapist will have you lie down on the table or sit comfortably in a chair. Music may be played quietly in the background to help you relax. The therapist will use a very light touch or hold their hands just above your body as they move from your head down to your feet.
For the massage portion, you will undress to your comfort level and lie on the table under a sheet or blanket. The therapist will knock before re-entering the room and keep you appropriately draped throughout the session. They will apply massage techniques using massage oil or lotion to reduce friction. You may be asked about areas of focus for the massage. Be sure to communicate any sensitivities or discomfort during the session. The massage lasts typically 45-60 minutes but may be longer if Reiki is performed separately before or after.
After the treatment you will have time to slowly ease yourself up. Be sure to drink plenty of water afterward to stay hydrated and assist your body in flushing out any toxins released during the treatment. Avoid heavy work or exercise for the rest of the day. Take time to relax, reflect, and allow your body and mind to integrate the full benefits.
Learning Reiki for Use in Massage
Reiki training is open to massage therapists as well as other health professionals and lay individuals interested in learning. You can deepen your massage therapy skills and better help your clients by becoming attuned as a Reiki practitioner. Here is a look at the training process and options.
Reiki Certification Levels
Training to become a Reiki healer involves three levels of classes, with an attunement ceremony performed by a Reiki master at the end of each level:
- Level 1 - Learn the basic hand positions, gain the ability to treat yourself and others through light touch, and acquire the first attunement to open access to Reiki energy.
- Level 2 - Focuses on mental and emotional healing. You learn symbols to send Reiki distantly and guide energy toward specific goals.
- Level 3/Master - Advances your healing skills and teaches you how to initiate others into Reiki through attunements so you can pass on Reiki to students of your own.
Each level typically takes 1-3 days to complete and includes discussion, demonstration, practice, and attunement. Many students stop at Level 2 so they can provide Reiki treatments to clients. Completing Level 3 allows you to fully teach and initiate others.
Finding Reiki Classes
You can find in-person Reiki classes through:
- Local Reiki masters and training centers
- Yoga, meditation, and metaphysical stores
- Community education programs
- Health and wellness expos
There are also online options for Reiki training, allowing you to learn remotely via video. Look for respected Reiki masters who provide virtual attunements and plenty of practice.
Costs vary but expect to invest around $100-300 per level of training. Some massage therapy schools may also offer Reiki as part of their curriculum or as continuing education for graduates.
Combining Reiki with Massage Techniques
Once you complete Reiki training, you can seamlessly incorporate it into your massage sessions. Try these techniques for integrating Reiki:
- Start with a full Reiki session to promote relaxation, then follow with massage.
- Alternate between massage techniques and Reiki hand positions.
- Use one hand for massage and one for Reiki.
- Channel Reiki
FAQs
What is Reiki massage?
Reiki massage combines the hands-on manipulation of massage with the energetic healing of Reiki. Reiki practitioners use light touch or hover their hands over the body to channel universal healing energy. This complements the massage therapist's work on the physical muscles and tissues.
How does Reiki enhance massage?
Reiki helps the body deeply relax and releases blocked energy to facilitate healing on an energetic level. Massage works out muscular tension, enhances circulation, and improves physical function. Together they provide a fully relaxing and therapeutic treatment.
Will I be fully undressed during a Reiki massage?
You can remain fully clothed for the Reiki portion of the treatment. Massage is performed with draping so only the area being worked on is uncovered. You control your level of modesty and comfort throughout.
What will I experience during a Reiki massage?
You'll feel very light touch or no touch at all during the Reiki portion, along with a sense of relaxation and flowing energy. The massage includes gliding, kneading, stretching, and compression techniques using massage oil to reduce friction on the skin.
Are there any side effects or aftercare for Reiki massage?
Most people feel very relaxed yet energized after a Reiki massage. Be sure to drink water after to stay hydrated. Avoid strenuous activity and give yourself time to rest so your body can integrate the effects. Most people experience significant benefits from the combination of Reiki and massage.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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