Reiki and the Chakras

How They Work Together

Reiki and the chakras come from different worlds, Reiki from early-twentieth-century Japan, the chakras from ancient India, yet they share a common language: that of a subtle, energetic body that can be gently tended toward balance.

It is little wonder, then, that so many Reiki practitioners work with the chakras during a session. Here is how the two fit together.

A Shared Idea

Both Reiki and the chakra system rest on the idea of a life-energy flowing through us, ki in the Japanese tradition, prana in the Indian, and on the sense that our wellbeing is connected to how freely that energy moves.

Where the chakra system offers a detailed map of seven energy centres along the spine, Reiki offers a gentle method for encouraging energy to flow. The two slot together naturally: the map and the means.

How Reiki Works with the Chakras

In a session, a Reiki practitioner may rest their hands over each of the chakras in turn, from the root at the base of the spine to the crown of the head, with the intention of supporting balance in each. Some sense where a centre feels depleted or congested and linger there; others simply move gently through all seven, offering Reiki to the whole system.

Either way, the chakras give the practitioner a framework, and the person receiving a felt sense of being tended, centre by centre.

An Honest Note

As with Reiki itself, it is worth holding this gently and honestly. The chakras are a traditional model of the subtle body, not measurable anatomy, and Reiki’s energy has not been scientifically demonstrated.

None of that need diminish the experience: working through the chakras with Reiki is a beautiful, structured way to relax deeply and feel cared for, body and being, whether or not one takes the energy literally. The calm it brings is real.

Exploring Further

If you would like to understand the chakras more deeply, their meanings, colours and how to work with each, our complete guide to the chakras is the perfect companion to this one, and our guide to chakra meditation offers a gentle practice you can try alongside Reiki.

Listen on Spotify

Our Reiki Relaxation album makes a lovely accompaniment to chakra-focused Reiki, or simply to resting in the stillness. Press play and let it carry you.

Reiki and the chakras meet in a shared vision of gentle balance, two traditions, separated by oceans and centuries, that speak beautifully to one another. Brought together, they offer a rich and soothing way to tend to the whole of yourself, centre by centre, breath by breath.