A Reiki practitioner is someone who practices Reiki, which is a form of complementary therapy that originated in Japan. A Reiki practitioner works with life energy (sometimes referred to as qi or ki) flowing through the body, and they use techniques to channel this energy to promote healing, relaxation, and overall well-being. When searching for a Reiki practitioner, ensure you have the most information possible.

During a Reiki session, the practitioner typically places their hands lightly on or just above the client’s body, allowing the energy to flow through them into the client. Reiki treatments help balance the body’s energy centers (chakras) and encourage physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. A Reiki practitioner typically undergoes training and receives attunements from Reiki masters to effectively channel and use Reiki energy. They may work independently or as part of a holistic health practice, offering Reiki sessions to clients seeking relief from various ailments or seeking to improve their overall wellness. A Reiki practitioner typically performs several activities during a Reiki session:

• Assessment: Before starting the session, the practitioner may briefly discuss the client’s concerns, goals, and specific focus areas to understand their needs. While Reiki is generally non-diagnostic and non-invasive, this discussion helps the practitioner tailor the session to the client’s needs.
• Preparation: The practitioner creates a calm and relaxing environment for the session, often through dim lighting, soothing music, and comfortable seating or a massage table. The practitioner and the client may take a few moments to center themselves and relax before beginning.
• Energy Flow: The practitioner uses various hand positions, lightly touching or hovering just above the client’s body, to channel Reiki energy. This energy flows through the practitioner’s hands into the client, helping to balance the body’s energy and promote healing.
• Intuition and Sensing: During the session, the practitioner may use their intuition or sensitivity to energy to guide their hand placements and focus on areas of the body where energy may be blocked or imbalanced.
• Reiki Symbols and Techniques: Some practitioners may incorporate specific symbols or techniques learned through Reiki training to enhance the energy flow or address issues. These may include distance healing, emotional healing, or mental clarity techniques.
• Support and Guidance: Throughout the session, the practitioner provides support and guidance to the client, encouraging relaxation, deep breathing, and a receptive mindset. They may also offer insights or observations based on their experience and the energy they perceive during the session.
• Closure and Follow-Up: Once the session is complete, the practitioner may gently bring the client back to awareness and offer them water or time to rest. They may also guide self-care practices or follow-up sessions to support the client’s healing journey.

Reiki practitioner Karen Harrison is a Senior Licensed Reiki Master Teacher with the International Center for Reiki Training (ICRT). She teaches Usui / Holy Fire® III Reiki, including Holy Fire® III Karuna Reiki® Master. She is also Co-Director of the Licensed Reiki Master Teacher Training Program for the ICRT and Mentor Teacher. Karen has written numerous articles for Reiki News Magazine; you can find them on the Reiki Articles page. She began studying Reiki in 1993 and has studied with several ICRT teachers and Japanese Reiki Masters: Hiroshi Doi, Hyakuten Inamoto, and Mrs. Chiyoko Yamaguchi.

In addition to her Reiki practice, Karen is licensed as a Professional Counselor plus a Marriage and Family Therapist. She was on the Spiritual Counseling Staff of Unity Church of Overland Park, Kansas, for 22 years. If you are interested in learning more about energy healing, the art of Reiki, or hiring a Reiki practitioner, contact the Whole Life Center in Kansas City at (816) 523-4440 or use our online form to send us a message.