Reiki Table, Chair, and Pillow Advice

What are best practices for selecting and setting up a Reiki table, chair, and pillow in an energy work studio? After discussing Reiki practitioner cleansing tips for chakra balancing, we know how to keep our space clean and neat — but getting the right equipment also makes a big difference, so it’s worth thinking through fully.

First, a note on my qualifications to write this article. I have been working in Reiki therapy since 2018, and run a Boston Reiki studio, which has allowed me to do hands-on research about which energy work tables, chairs, and pillows work best with the hundreds of clients I have seen.

I also have experience with doing Chair Reiki at corporate wellness events, conferences, and wellness fairs, which helps inform the chair section of this article. Let’s dive into the recommendations.

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Reiki Table

Though Reiki can be done while sitting up in a chair or stool — or even standing! — it’s most comfortable to do while lying down (fully clothed) on a supportive but soft surface. Though you could use the budget option of a thick mat like this one when just practicing or getting started, most Reiki practitioners use a massage table for reclining energy work.

These professional-style massage tables (aka: Reiki tables) can range vastly in price and complexity, but you can get a pretty good adjustable one like this folding massage table for under $100. Triple check that everything is sturdily assembled for the safety of your clients, and periodically reassess that all parts of the table are strong.

For a little more money, you can get a really sturdy, comfortable, adjustable table. I recently upgraded to this one and clients and I very much appreciate the details such as thick padding and arm rests for forward positions.

Making the Table More Comfortable

Now here’s the thing: a massage table on its own can still be too firm, even though it’s somewhat cushiony, so I always add a comfortable padded topper like this quilted fleece one on top.

For hygiene, it’s important to have a waterproof cover for both the table and headrest, like this durable one which I’ve been very happy with. This allows for easy wipe-downs of the surface, which is an extra layer of cleanliness under the sheets.

For Reiki table sheets, I absolutely adore this wrinkle-proof kind. I have numerous sets, and they stay looking bright and new even though I’ve laundered them hundreds of times!

Now, for taller folks like me (I’m a 6-foot tall woman), even an adjustable-leg massage table can sometimes benefit from table risers like these, but if you use them, be VERY careful to check that they’re placed in a sturdy manner before anyone gets on the table.

Finally, even with a smaller table, you’ll want a strong step stool like this one for clients that need it. Just make sure to shift it to under the massage table once you start the session so you don’t trip over it, then slide it forward again at the end of the session so the client can use it to step down.

Reiki Chair

Most every Reiki chakra balancing practice needs seating options, but there are different uses for Reiki chairs. Let’s examine best practices for both client and practitioner seating options.

Reiki Stools for the Practitioner

Though I do most of my Reiki sessions while standing over the reclining client on the Reiki table, it’s very important to also have a seating option as a practitioner, both for ergonomics and fatigue. I absolutely adore this simple, adjustable rolling stool for use while giving energy work, especially when I’m at the client’s head and shoulders.

Chairs for the Client

Sometimes seated chair Reiki is more of a fit for a situation or client than reclining table Reiki, and the key to finding the right Reiki chair is that it needs to expose as much of the back and shoulders as possible, while still being comfortable. For example, a basic folding chair with a padded seat can work for shorter sessions (as at a wellness fair) and is easy to wipe down, whereas a big armchair may be more comfortable, but blocks access to hand placements on the back and shoulders.

Though it is possible to do Reiki with a classic folding chair massage setup, I see regular chairs used much more frequently, because of the importance of the front-body hand placements. With a massage chair, most of the front is blocked, while regular chairs allow excellent access to many important energy centers.

Reiki Table and Chair Alternatives

If you’re doing couples Reiki, a chair or table is not going to be enough room, unless both people are extremely tiny and want to get cozy! Given this, I suggest a Full-sized rollable or foldable mattress or mat like this folding one (I keep mine in the corner of the studio), topped by a protective covering and flat sheet.

Reiki Pillow Advice

Now, I’m going to get a bit controversial here while discussing Reiki pillows: I actually discourage using pillows behind the head while clients are reclining on their back, unless there is a clear medical issue presented in the Reiki intake form. Why?

As we learned in the chakra colors article, energy centers are in a straight line along the spine, and so I’ve found much more success helping energy flow when the person is reclining with their head right on the padded Reiki table — not raised up and out of alignment by a pillow. Naturally, clients’ wishes always take precedence, so if your client desires to have a head pillow, that’s fine — but I find that most of the people I work with agree that no pillow under the head is best, as long as your Reiki table topper is soft enough.

That said, I DO find that a pillow or bolster under the knees makes a huge positive difference for client comfort. You can use any classic bed pillows or official knee bolsters — just make sure for hygiene that if you use bed pillows, to also have a sanitary protective cover under fresh pillowcases.

Reiki Table, Chair, and Pillow Tips, in Sum

I hope these tips on best practices for Reiki table, chair, and pillow choices for getting the most benefits of Reiki have been helpful. What questions or comments would you like to add? Do share in the comments section, below!