How to explain Reiki to sceptical friends or family
October 24, 2026
I would not put it that way. You cannot really practise the system of Reiki wrong, unless you are following some rule that makes no sense, like being told you cannot practise while wearing black. Remember that you are Reiki and you are in Reiki, and the practices are there to help you let go into that experience.
I am not sure I would phrase it like that. I do not think you can do Reiki wrong, unless you are adhering to some rule that does not make any sense. If someone tells you, oh, you can’t do Reiki if you’re wearing black, well, I am in trouble. Listening to rules that just do not make sense: that is the only way to get it wrong.
Just remember that you are Reiki and you are in Reiki, and the practices are there to help you let go into that experience.
When this happens. After reading a list of rules: hand positions in a fixed order, a set number of minutes per position, never with the legs crossed, never in black.
What is actually going on. Rules feel like practice because they are effortful, but the practice is the letting go, and most rules make letting go harder. The Japanese practice has a shape, the precepts, the breath, hands on the body, and almost nothing else that must be done a particular way.
What to do. Keep three things: the precepts each morning and evening, a few minutes of Joshin Kokyu Ho, and your hands resting on your body for as long as you like, wherever they want to be. Drop anything that makes you anxious about doing it right.
Ask your teacher this. “Which of the rules you gave me come from the Japanese system, and which are yours?” A good teacher can separate the two, and will be glad you asked.
You might also ask: Can you give yourself Reiki while you sleep? · How can you practise Reiki on yourself in two minutes? · Am I using the Reiki symbols wrong?
A daily self-practice without rules, guided by me, is the Shūyō app.
More questions answered: Reiki Questions Answered.
