Yoga, like Reiki, was originally intended as a spiritual pursuit. Western Yoga, again like Western Reiki, seems to have lost its spirituality somewhere in the translation and just as Reiki is billed primarily as a healing or relaxation technique, Yoga is primarily billed as a physical pretzel replicating pursuit. Today’s discussion returns to the Roots of Yoga as well as the Roots of Reiki to explore ways that they can be used together, in their original contexts, to achieve their shared goal that much faster.

This discussion anticipates bringing aspects of Reiki into your Yoga practice (or vice versa). Traditionally, whether or not your Yoga teacher taught you this, when doing Yoga you should be concentrating on either a chakra or a specific part of your body while performing the various poses. This activity, along with the proper breathing, balances the mind and body for the maximum benefit of both. To incorporate Reiki into this, as you concentrate on that chakra or body part, simultaneously focus on sending Reiki to it. Symbols are not necessary, although they may be used if you like.

Ideally, during your Yoga Practice, at 20 – 30 minute intervals you should be relaxing in Savasana (the Corpse Pose) during which a Reiki meditation is a most effective addition. This is a time to activate the meditational aspects of your Yoga Practice, although any Yoga session, if done correctly, should resemble one long meditation.

Some styles of Yoga are more conducive to Reiki, but all of them can be incorporated with a little bit of effort and a lot of practice. More active styles like Ashtanga Yoga or Power Yoga are much more difficult to incorporate Reiki with until one has reached at least a high beginner or intermediate level, but once you do you can easily add Reiki as you gaze on the connected body parts.

A vital part of Yoga Training is Pranayama (the regulation of life force and energy through rhythmic control of the breath). This is also ideal for blending with Reiki. This style of Reiki meditation is actually practiced by the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai but due to the fact that it can be quite dangerous if done incorrectly, it has never been allowed outside of its private gatherings. Most Yoga instructors don’t teach Pranayama until higher levels anyway, so if you chose to practice it, or any type of Qigong breathing exercise, you should only do so under the watchful eye of an experienced instructor.

Yoga and Reiki make an awe inspiring team… when used together the levels of spirituality attainable are truly magnificent. If you are a Yoga Practitioner I highly recommend adding Reiki to your regular routine and if you are a Reiki Practitioner I recommend adding Yoga… they will both assist you on oh so many levels.

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