If there is one thing almost everyone notices about Reiki, it is how relaxing it is. People so often drift toward sleep during a session that rest and Reiki seem to belong together.
Reiki and rest
The whole shape of a session invites the body to let go: lying still, warm hands resting in place, nothing to do but breathe. It is little wonder that many people fall asleep on the table — and that, far from being a problem, is often taken as a sign of deep relaxation.
Why it helps you wind down
Much of what keeps us from sleep is a mind that will not slow. A few quiet minutes of Reiki gives the nervous system a chance to settle — the breath lengthens, the shoulders drop, and the racing thoughts of the day loosen their hold. It is this calming-down, more than anything mysterious, that seems to help.
A bedtime practice
A simple self-practice makes a lovely close to the day. In bed, rest one hand on your heart and the other on your belly, breathe slowly, and let your attention rest on the warmth of your hands. If you fall asleep before you finish, so much the better — that is rather the point.
A gentle expectation
Reiki is a soothing aid to winding down, not a cure for insomnia. If sleeplessness is persistent, it is worth speaking to a doctor about the underlying causes. As a nightly ritual to help you let go of the day, though, it asks for almost nothing and gives a good deal of calm.
Try three slow breaths with both hands resting over your heart before you turn out the light. A minute is enough to begin.