The 12 Positions
The Standard Reiki Hand Positions
The 12 standard hand positions cover the major energy centers of the body. They start at the head and move down to the feet.
The positions are a guide. They are not a rule. According to Reiki practitioners, you can use more or fewer positions. Trust your intuition.
The energy flows where it is needed. The positions help you direct the energy. The healing is the energy.
The 12 Standard Reiki Hand Positions
Complete guide to all positions.
Crown/Head
Relaxes mind. Opens energy flow.
Eyes
Calms eyes. Relaxes face.
Temples
Releases jaw and ear tension.
Throat
Communication and thyroid.
Chest
Heart and lungs. Emotional center.
Stomach
Digestion and solar plexus.
Pelvis
Reproductive organs and hips.
Thighs
Grounding and circulation.
Knees
Grounding and mobility.
Ankles
Grounding and circulation.
Feet
Grounding and completion.
Back
Spine and nervous system.
Head to Stomach
Positions 1-6: Head to Stomach
Position 1: Crown/Head. Hands on top of head. Relaxes the mind. Opens energy flow.
Position 2: Eyes. Hands covering eyes. Calms the eyes. Relaxes the face.
Position 3: Temples. Hands on sides of head. Releases jaw and ear tension.
Position 4: Throat. Hand on throat. Supports communication and thyroid.
Position 5: Chest. Hands on upper chest. Heart and lungs. Emotional center.
Position 6: Stomach. Hands on upper abdomen. Digestion and solar plexus. Personal power.
Pelvis to Feet
Positions 7-12: Pelvis to Feet
Position 7: Pelvis. Hands on lower abdomen. Reproductive organs and hips. Grounding.
Position 8: Thighs. Hands on upper legs. Grounding and circulation.
Position 9: Knees. Hands on knees. Grounding and mobility.
Position 10: Ankles. Hands on ankles. Grounding and circulation.
Position 11: Feet. Hands on soles of feet. Grounding and completion.
Position 12: Back. Hands on lower back. Spine and nervous system. Support.
Key takeaways
The shortest useful version of this page.
The 12 standard Reiki hand positions cover the major energy centers.
Start at the head and move down to the feet.
The positions are a guide, not a rule.
Trust your intuition.
The energy flows where it is needed.
Practice daily for best results.
Frequently asked questions
What are the 12 Reiki hand positions?
Crown/Head, Eyes, Temples, Throat, Chest, Stomach, Pelvis, Thighs, Knees, Ankles, Feet, and Back.
Do I need to use all 12 positions?
No. You can use more or fewer positions. Trust your intuition.
What order do I use the positions in?
Start at the head and move down to the feet.
Can I use additional positions?
Yes. Some traditions use more positions. Trust your intuition.
What if I forget a position?
Do not worry. The energy flows where it is needed. The positions are a guide, not a rule.
Sources
- Bronwen and Frans Stiene, The Reiki Sourcebook, 2003.
- Traditional Usui Reiki teaching materials.
- Practitioner experience and guidance.
