Reiki is founded on the belief that an unseen “life force energy” flows through all living beings. When this energy is low, we are more susceptible to physical and emotional imbalances. By channeling and directing this energy through specific hand positions, Reiki practitioners aim to restore harmony and reduce anxiety.
Key Hand Positions for Anxiety Relief
- The Crown Chakra Position. Placing your hands gently on the top of your head activates the crown chakra, promoting spiritual connection and easing mental tension.
- Prayer Position. Begin your reiki self-treatment by gently placing your hands together in a prayer position in the middle of your chest, just below your chin.
- Hands on Head. Gently place both hands on top of the head.
- Hands over Eyes. Gently place both hands over your eyes.
The Power of Reiki Principles
The Reiki principles are meant to promote natural healing of your Reiki energy. Yet many see them as no more than a set of ideals that don’t directly affect our practice. It’s true we would get the same results even if we weren’t aware of these principles, but to merely use them as a mantra overlooks their power to heal on a personal level.
Reiki’s Effectiveness for Severe Anxiety
Studies have shown that Reiki offers several potential benefits for people with generalized anxiety disorder, including:
- Lower stress levels
- Relaxation
- Improved mood
Reiki helps us reconnect with our heart, our true center, realigning us with our Higher Self. Fear is often a strong emotion, but it is ultimately an illusion. Love, however, is real. And Reiki helps us reconnect to love.
In the case of severe anxiety it may feel like the person is having a heart attack, when in fact it is a panic attack. If in doubt, medical help should be sought immediately to rule out anything more severe.
Complementary Therapies
Both Reflexology and Reiki calm the whole system and can ease anxiety and the stress response in the body while calming the mind. Many people report an inability to relax prior to treatment, yet after an hour of treatment with either Reflexology or Reiki, they leave in a very relaxed state.