One of the most common questions I hear from new Reiki Level 1 practitioners is: “How do I protect my energy?”
And I want to say this first… some people think protection in Reiki is about fear, shields or blocking yourself off but it’s not.
Protecting yourself in an reiki session is about grounding, boundaries and learning how to stay centred in your own body while Reiki flows.
At Level 1, your sensitivity is opening (this is huge). Your hands are becoming more aware.
These simple practices will help you feel safe, steady and supported as your practice grows.
1. Gassho Grounding (Before & After Sessions)
When: before you start, after you finish, and anytime you feel “open”
How: Bring palms together at your heart (Gassho) Close your eyes Take 3 slow breaths Silently say:
“I am grounded, protected, and supported. Reiki flows where needed.”
This practice centres YOU, which is key. Reiki does the work – your role is simply to be present and grounded.
2. Reiki Shower (Energetic Cleanse) This is one of the safest and most effective Level 1 practices.
How: Stand or sit comfortably Visualise Reiki flowing down over your body like warm water. Let it wash over your head, shoulders, arms, torso, legs, and feet Intend that anything not yours gently releases down into the earth…no symbols needed. Just intention and Reiki. This is beautiful to do after sessions, before bed, or anytime you feel a little “full”.
3. Earth Connection (Very Important for Beginners)
Over-openness often comes from not grounding enough.
How: Place both feet on the floor Imagine roots growing from your feet deep into the earth Feel the weight of your body being supported Breathe slowly for 1–2 minutes You can even do this mid-session if needed. Grounding brings everything back into balance.
4. Clear Session Boundaries (Simple Statement) Say this before every session (out loud or silently): “I am a clear channel for Reiki.
I do not take on what is not mine.” This one statement alone prevents energetic fatigue more than most so-called “protection rituals”.
5. Hands Reset (After Client Work)
Your hands do a lot of listening.
After finishing: Shake your hands gently Wash them with warm water
Let Reiki flow into your palms for 30 seconds
This resets the hands so you don’t carry residual sensation from session to session.
6. Close Your Energy (Many People Forget This) Often referred to as “closing down”.
After sessions or practice: Place one hand on your lower belly, one on your heart Breathe deeply Say: “My energy returns fully to me. I am complete.” This is not closing Reiki – it’s closing your personal field and coming back home to yourself.
7. Physical Protection Matters Too Energetic overwhelm often comes from physical depletion.
Eat grounding food after sessions
Drink water
Step outside
Avoid back-to-back sessions early on Reiki works through your nervous system, so caring for your body is part of your protection.
A Simple Daily Protection Ritual (2 minutes)
If you want one thing to do daily, let it be this:
1. Feet on the floor
2. Hands on your heart
3. Breathe
4. Say: “I am grounded, protected, and guided. Reiki flows with ease.”