One of the most popular uses for Reiki seems to be for relaxation and/or stress reduction, which is great since there is far too much stress in the world today and anything that alleviates some of it is okay by me.

In this post I’d like to took at some of the ways Reiki can be used to reduce or eliminate stress for ourselves and/or others. Practicing some of these relaxation techniques can not only help you to relax, but also improve how you physically respond to stress by:

• Lowering you heart rate
• Lowering your blood pressure
• Lowering your breathing rate
• Reducing your need for oxygen
• Increasing blood flow to muscles & organs
• Reducing muscular tension

The result of the above can include:

• Fewer physical problems (e.g., backache & headache)
• Fewer emotional problems, (e.g., anger &frustration)
• An increase in energy
• Better concentration
• Improved ability to deal with day to day problems

A Reiki treatment is often compared to non-contact massage. In fact, many people, following a Reiki treatment feel like they’ve had a full body massage even though they were never actually touched. All in all, whether performed on yourself or on others a Reiki treatment is a surefire way to reduce the stress of everyday life.

Reiki Meditation is another way to use Reiki to eliminate stress. Meditation in and of itself reduces stress and when combined with Reiki becomes supercharged. Just use whatever meditation technique you find works best and apply Reiki to it and you have all that’s needed for a fine Reiki meditation. My post on Reiki & Meditation might provide some helpful hints for you.

One type of Reiki Meditation that I find works especially well are progressive muscle relaxations. Starting at the tip of your toes apply Reiki, either physically or mentally, and work your way up the body stopping at all major joints, muscles and organs along the way. Flex each area tightly and then relax it. By the time you reach your head you should be extremely relaxed.

Similar to that style of Reiki Meditation are deep breathing techniques of yoga’s Pranayama tradition. These deep breathing exercises can be quite harmful if not done correctly so its best to do some very simple ones and only do the more advanced ones under the proper supervision. An easy on is the 4-4-4-4 Technique… breathe in to the count of 4… hold it to the count of 4, breathe out to the count of 4… and again hold it to the count of 4. Rinse and repeat for as long as you like. Be sure to stop if you feel lightheaded and don’t forget to connect to Reiki before starting.

Another way that I’ve found to reduce stress is by connecting to Reiki before stressful situations. Keeping it running through those activities seems to keep stress at bay for the duration. By the same token, sending distance Reiki to upcoming stressful situations (and situations that you found stressful in the past) also do wonders to eliminate stress.

Connecting to Reiki before you go to sleep is another way to use Reiki to reduce stress, Many times we do not get the level or amount of sleep necessary to keep our mental processes from becoming taxed. Connecting to Reiki before sleep helps us to a) sleep more deeply and b) allow Reiki do to its thing during the night, which has results which can be seen throughout the following day.

I’m sure there are a kajillion other ways to use Reiki for relaxation, hopefully you get the picture. Please do tell us if you have any others worth mentioning.

For further explanation or discussion, your thoughts are most welcome and highly encouraged, please feel free to comment below!!!