Alcohol, the Pineal Gland & Reiki – Should Practitioners Be Completely Alcohol-Free?
Recently, I was watching a podcast, and the topic of alcohol and the pineal gland came up. It got me thinking—should we, as Reiki practitioners, avoid alcohol entirely? We already know that we need to be at least 24 hours alcohol-free before practising Reiki, but is that really enough? Or should we extend it even further?
As a Reiki Master, I know firsthand how energy work requires clarity, balance, and a high vibrational state. Alcohol, on the other hand, is known to do the exact opposite. But let’s take a deeper look at why people drink, why we probably shouldn’t, and whether a little bit on occasion is actually fine—or if we’re better off going completely alcohol-free.
The Pineal Gland – Our Spiritual Gateway
The pineal gland, often called the "third eye," is a tiny, pea-shaped gland in the brain that produces melatonin, regulating our sleep cycles. But it’s also believed to play a huge role in spiritual connection, intuition, and consciousness. Many ancient traditions consider it a direct link between the physical and spiritual worlds.
The problem? It can become calcified, meaning it hardens and functions less effectively. This happens due to things like fluoride, processed foods, environmental toxins, and yes—alcohol. Suppose our goal as Reiki practitioners, is to heighten awareness and deepen our intuition. In that case, anything that interferes with the pineal gland could also interfere with our ability to connect to Reiki energy.
How Alcohol Affects Reiki & Energy Work
We already know that alcohol affects the body and brain, but from an energetic perspective, it does quite a few things that aren’t ideal for Reiki practice. First, let’s take a look at the short-term effects of alcohol on our Reiki practice:
Dulls intuition – Ever noticed how your gut feeling isn’t as sharp after drinking? Alcohol numbs our ability to tune in.
Lowers vibration – Reiki is high-frequency energy. Alcohol does the opposite, weighing us down energetically.
Weakens energetic boundaries – When our energy field is clouded, we become more susceptible to picking up unwanted energy from others.
Leaves lingering effects – Even if you feel fine the next day, alcohol can still be in your system, affecting your clarity and energy.
So, what are the long-term effects? Well, pineal gland calcification can make it harder to experience spiritual awareness or reach deep states of meditation, limiting our ability to connect with higher consciousness. A weakened aura leaves us more vulnerable to negative influences, making it difficult to maintain energetic boundaries and personal clarity. Additionally, regular drinking can cloud judgment and create dependency, which interferes with our ability to make aligned, intuitive decisions that support our well-being and spiritual growth.
Many spiritual traditions emphasize sobriety for a reason. It’s not about judgment—it’s about clarity. Reiki is all about tuning into energy, so anything that dulls our senses makes that harder.
Why Do We Drink in the First Place?
Let’s be honest, most of us don’t drink because we genuinely love the taste of alcohol. We drink because it helps us relax after a long day, making it easier to unwind and de-stress.
It also plays a big role in socializing, helping us feel more comfortable and connected in group settings. For many, alcohol is deeply tied to cultural traditions and celebrations, marking special occasions and milestones.
Beyond that, it often serves as an escape from stress or overwhelming emotions, offering a quick but fleeting sense of relief.
But here’s the thing—Reiki actually does all of these things naturally. It helps us unwind, soothes the nervous system, and brings clarity without the side effects of alcohol.
The more I practice Reiki, the more I realize that I don’t need alcohol to feel good or to enjoy social settings.
Should Reiki Practitioners Be Completely Alcohol-Free?
Now, I’m not here to say that if you have a glass of wine, you’re suddenly incapable of channelling Reiki. But I do think it’s worth asking—does alcohol actually serve us?
Here’s where I’ve landed on this:
If you’re committed to deepening your spiritual practice, giving up alcohol completely might be the best move. The more we clear our energy, the stronger our connection becomes.
If you drink occasionally, consider extending the alcohol-free window beyond 24 hours—maybe 48 or even 72 hours before practising Reiki. This gives your body and energy field more time to clear.
If you drink regularly, it might be worth reflecting on whether it aligns with your Reiki practice. If you feel foggy, disconnected, or energetically drained after drinking, that’s your answer.
Final Thoughts – Total Sobriety or Moderation?
For me, I’ve noticed that the less I drink, the better I feel—not just physically, but energetically. My intuition is sharper, I connect with Reiki more easily, and I just feel clearer. That’s not to say I’ll never have a drink again, but if I do, I’ll be mindful of how it affects me.
At the end of the day, Reiki is about balance. If alcohol starts interfering with your ability to connect with energy, then maybe it’s time to cut back—or let it go completely. Listen to your body and intuition—they’ll tell you what’s best.
What do you think? Have you noticed a difference in your Reiki practice when drinking vs. when sober? Let’s chat in the comments!
