Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.
The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy." So, Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy."
A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. Many have reported miraculous results.
Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.
An amazingly simple technique to learn, the ability to use Reiki is not taught in the usual sense, but is transferred to the student during a Reiki class. This ability is passed on during an "attunement" given by a Reiki master and allows the student to tap into an unlimited supply of "life force energy" to improve one's health and enhance the quality of life. Its use is not dependent on one's intellectual capacity or spiritual development and therefore is available to everyone. It has been successfully taught to thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds.
While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. It has no dogma, and there is nothing you must believe in order to learn and use Reiki. In fact, Reiki is not dependent on belief at all and will work whether you believe in it or not. Because Reiki comes from Source, whether for you that is God, the Universe, a Creator, etc., many people find that using Reiki puts them more in touch with the experience of their religion rather than having only an intellectual concept of it.
While Reiki is not a religion, it is still important to live and act in a way that promotes harmony with others. Mikao Usui, the developer of the Usui Reiki system of natural healing, recommended that one practice certain simple ethical ideals to promote peace and harmony, which are nearly universal across all cultures.
During a meditation several years after developing Reiki, Mikao Usui decided to add the Reiki Ideals to the practice of Reiki. The Ideals came in part from the five principles of the Meiji emperor of Japan whom Mikao Usui greatly admired. The Ideals were developed to add spiritual balance to Usui Reiki. Their purpose is to help people realize that healing the spirit by consciously deciding to improve oneself is a necessary part of the Reiki healing experience. In order for the Reiki healing energies to have lasting results, the client must accept responsibility for her or his healing and take an active part in it. Therefore, the Usui system of Reiki is more than the use of the Reiki energy. It must also include an active commitment to improve oneself in order for it to be a complete system. The ideals are both guidelines for living a gracious life and virtues worthy of practice for their inherent value.
The secret art of inviting happiness
The miraculous medicine of all diseases
Just for today, do not anger
Do not worry and be filled with gratitude
Devote yourself to your work. Be kind to people.
Every morning and evening, join your hands in prayer.
Pray these words to your heart
and chant these words with your mouth
Usui Reiki Treatment for the improvement of body and mind
Reiki classes are taught all over the country and in many parts of the world. If you are interested in learning Reiki, please check our class availability.
No. Although Reiki energy is spiritual in nature, Reiki is not a religion. It has no dogma, and there is nothing you must believe in order to learn and use Reiki. In fact, Reiki is not dependent on belief at all and will work whether you believe in it or not. Because Reiki comes from Source, whether for you that is God, the Universe, the Creator, etc., many people find that using Reiki puts them more in touch with the experience of their religion rather than having only an intellectual concept of it. Practitioners are not asked to change any religious or spiritual beliefs they may currently have. They are free to continue believing anything they choose and are encouraged to make their own decisions concerning the nature of their religious practices.
We are alive because life force is flowing through us. Life force flows within the physical body though pathways called chakras, meridians and nadis. It also flows around us in a field of energy called the aura. Life force nourishes the organs and cells of the body, supporting them in their vital functions. When this flow of life force is disrupted, it causes diminished function in one or more of the organs and tissues of the physical body.
The life force is responsive to thoughts and feelings. It becomes disrupted when we accept, either consciously or unconsciously, negative thoughts or feelings about ourselves. These negative thoughts and feelings attach themselves to the energy field and cause a disruption in the flow of life force. This diminishes the vital function of the organs and cells of the physical body.
Reiki heals by flowing through the affected parts of the energy field and charging them with positive energy. It raises the vibratory level of the energy field in and around the physical body where negative thoughts and feelings are attached. This causes the negative energy to break apart and fall away. In so doing, Reiki clears, straightens and heals the energy pathways, thus allowing the life force to flow in a healthy and natural way.
Reiki energy is a subtle energy. It is different than electricity or chemical energy or other kinds of physical energy. Reiki energy comes from a Higher Power, which exists on a higher dimension than the physical world we are familiar with. When viewed clairvoyantly, Reiki energy appears to come down from above and to enter the top of the practitioner’s head after which if flows through the body and out the hands. It appears to flow this way because of our perspective; however, the true source of Reiki energy is within ourselves. This does not mean that we use our personal energy when we do Reiki, but that the energy is coming from a transcendental part of ourselves that is connected to an infinite supply of healing energy.
The word Reiki is composed of two Japanese words - Rei and Ki. When translating Japanese into English we must keep in mind that an exact translation is difficult. The Japanese language has many levels of meaning. Therefore, the context the word is being used in must be kept in mind when attempting to communicate its essence. Because these words are used in a spiritual healing context, a Japanese / English dictionary does not provide the depth of meaning we seek, as its definitions are based on common everyday Japanese. As an example, Rei is often defined as ghost and Ki as vapor and while these words vaguely point in the direction of meaning we seek, they fall far short of the understanding that is needed.
When seeking a definition from a more spiritual context, we find that Rei can be defined as the Higher Intelligence that guides the creation and functioning of the universe. Rei is a subtle wisdom that permeates everything, both animate and inanimate. This subtle wisdom guides the evolution of all creation ranging from the unfolding of galaxies to the development of life. On a human level, it is available to help us in times of need and to act as a source of guidance in our lives. Because of its infinite nature, it is all knowing. Rei is also called God and has many other names depending on the culture that has named it.
Ki is the non-physical energy that animates all living things. Ki is flowing in everything that is alive including plants, animals and humans. When a person's Ki is high, they will feel strong, confident, and ready to enjoy life and take on its challenges. When Ki is low, a person will feel weak and is more likely to get sick. We receive Ki from the air we breathe, from food, sunshine, and from sleep. It is also possible to increase our Ki by using breathing exercises and meditation. When a person dies, their Ki leaves the physical body. Ki is also the Chi spoken of in Chinese culture, the prana of India, the Ti or Ki of the Hawaiians, and has also been called odic force, orgone, bioplasma and life force.
Keeping the above information in mind, Reiki can be defined as a non-physical healing energy made up of life force energy that is guided by the Higher Intelligence, or spiritually guided life force energy. This is a functional definition as it closely parallels the experience of those who practice Reiki in that Reiki energy seems to have an intelligence of its own flowing where it is needed in the client and creating the healing conditions necessary for the individual’s needs. It cannot be guided by the mind of the practitioner; therefore, it is not limited by the experience or ability of the practitioner. Neither can it be misused as it always creates a healing effect. (It must be kept in mind that Reiki is not the same as simple life force energy as life force energy by itself can be influenced by the mind and because of this, can create benefits as well as cause problems including ill health.)
The source or cause of health comes from the Ki that flows through and around the individual rather than from the functional condition of the physical organs and tissues. It is Ki that animates the physical organs and tissues as it flows through them and therefore is responsible for creating a healthy condition. If the flow of Ki is disrupted, the physical organs and tissues will be adversely affected. Therefore, it is a disruption in the flow of Ki that is the main cause of illness.
An important attribute of Ki is that it responds to one’s thoughts and feelings. Ki will flow more strongly or be weakened in its action depending on the quality of one’s thoughts and feelings. It is our negative thoughts and feelings that are the main cause of restriction in the flow of Ki. All negative or dis-harmonious thoughts or feelings will cause a disruption in the flow of Ki. Even Western medicine recognizes the role played by the mind in creating illness and some Western doctors state that as much as 98% of illness is caused directly or indirectly by the mind.
It must be understood that consciousness exists not only in the brain, but also through-out the body. The nervous system extends to every organ and tissue in the body and so the mind exists here also. It is also known that the mind even extends outside the body in a subtle energy field 2 to 3 feet thick called the aura. Because of this, it is more appropriate to call our mind a mind / body as the mind and body are so closely linked.
Therefore, our negative thoughts are not just in the physical brain, but also collect in various locations throughout the body and in the aura. The places where negative thoughts and feelings collect is where Ki is restricted in its flow. The physical organs that exist at these locations are restricted in their functioning. If negative thoughts and feelings are not eliminated quickly, illness results. The negative thoughts and feelings that are lodged in the unconscious mind / body are the greatest problem as we are not aware of them and therefore, we are greatly hampered in changing or eliminating them.
The great value of Reiki is that because it is guided by the Higher Intelligence, it knows exactly where to go and how to respond to restrictions in the flow of Ki. It can work directly in the unconscious parts of the mind / body which contain negative Ki-inhibiting thoughts and feelings and eliminate them. As Reiki flows through a sick or unhealthy area, it breaks up and washes away any negative thoughts or feelings lodged in the unconscious mind / body thus allowing a normal healthy flow of Ki to resume. As this happens, the unhealthy physical organs and tissues become properly nourished with Ki and begin functioning in a balanced healthy way thus replacing illness with health.
This non-invasive, completely benign healing technique is becoming more and more popular. As western medicine continues to explore alternative methods of healing, Reiki is destined to play an important role as an accepted and valued healing practice.
What one experiences during a Reiki treatment varies somewhat from person to person; however, feelings of deep relaxation are usually felt by all involved. In addition, many feel a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and surrounds them. As the Reiki energy encourages one to let go of all tension, anxiety, fear or other negative feelings, a state of peace and well-being is experienced. Some drift off to sleep or report floating outside their bodies or have visions and other mystical experiences. At the end of the treatment, one feels refreshed with a more positive, balanced outlook.
Most of the time a person will feel relaxed and uplifted by receiving a Reiki treatment; however, sometimes a person will have what is called a “healing crisis.” As a person’s vibration goes up, toxins that have been stored in the body will be released into the blood stream to be filtered by the liver and kidneys and removed from the system. When this happens, sometimes a person can get a headache or stomachache or feel weak. If this happens, it is a good idea to drink more water, eat lighter meals and get more rest. The body is experiencing an energetic cleansing as part of the healing process so this is a good sign.
Because Reiki is guided by Divine Consciousness, it can never do harm. It always knows what a person needs and will adjust itself to create the effect that is appropriate for the person receiving Reiki. One never need worry about whether to give Reiki or not. It is always helpful.
In addition, because the practitioner does not direct the healing and does not decide what to work on, or what to heal, the practitioner is not in danger of taking on the karma of the client. Because the practitioner is not doing the healing, it is also much easier for the ego to stay out of the way and allow the presence of Source to clearly shine through.
Some of the most common benefits people experience from receiving Reiki are:
• Reduction and relief from tension, stress and anxiety
• Eases muscle tension
• Improved circulation
• Increased energy levels
• Increased rate of recovery from injury
• Strengthened immune system
• Pain relief without additional medication including relief from chronic pain
• Fosters natural self-healing
• Improved quality of sleep
• More peace of mind and body
• Clearing and balancing of Chakras
• Ability to overcome depression
• Increased mental clarity
• Emotional healing and stability
• Increased and promotes self-awareness
• Enhances spiritual connection
William Lee Rand has written an article that specifically answers this question.
Reiki has had a positive effect on all forms of illness and negative conditions. This includes minor things like head or stomach aches, bee stings, colds, flu, tension and anxiety as well as serious illness like heart disease, cancer, leukemia, etc. The side effects of regular medical treatments have also been reduced or eliminated when a patient received Reiki treatments in conjunction with medical care. This includes the reduction or elimination of negative side effects of chemotherapy, post operative pain and depression as well as improving the healing rate and reducing the time a patient needs to stay in the hospital. Reiki always helps and, in some cases, people have experienced complete healings which have been confirmed by medical tests before and after Reiki treatments; however, while some have experienced miracles, they cannot be guaranteed. Stress reduction with some improvement in one’s physical and psychological condition are what most experience.
Reiki is both powerful and gentle. In its long history of use it has aided in healing virtually every known illness and injury including serious problems like: multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and cancer as well as skin problems, cuts, bruises, broken bones, headache, colds, flu, sore throat, sunburn, fatigue, insomnia, impotence, poor memory, lack of confidence, etc. It is always beneficial and works to improve the effectiveness of all other types of therapy. A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance and has many benefits for both client and practitioner, including altered states of consciousness and spiritual experiences. If a client has a health condition and wants to be treated with Reiki, it is recommended that they do so under the supervision of an enlightened medical doctor or other health care professional. Reiki will improve the results of all medical treatments, acting to reduce negative side effects, shorten healing time, reduce or eliminate pain, reduce stress, and help create optimism.
Yes, once you have received the attunement, you can treat yourself as well as others. This is one of the unique features of Reiki.
Since Reiki is guided by a Higher Power, the Reiki energy will know the condition of the client or student and adjust appropriately. Reiki can only do good. Many pregnant women have received treatments with great benefit to them and their unborn child. It has also been used during child birth. Pregnant women have also taken the Reiki training and received the Reiki attunement with beneficial results.
Babies love Reiki. It is very beneficial for them. Do not worry about it being too strong. Reiki automatically adjusts to what the baby needs.
Animals love Reiki too. They seem to have a natural understanding of what Reiki is and its benefits. Once a pet has received a Reiki treatment, they will often let you know that they want more. Plants also respond well to Reiki. Additionally, there are certain Reiki classes geared specifically towards this path: Animal Reiki I / II, Animal Reiki Master and Animal Communication classes.
Yes, in Reiki II, you are given three Reiki symbols. These symbols are empowered by the Reiki II attunement. One of these symbols is for distant healing. By using a picture of the person you would like to send Reiki to or by writing the person’s name on a piece of paper or simply by thinking of the person and also activating the distant symbol, you can send Reiki to them no matter where they are. They could be hundreds of miles away, but it makes no difference. The Reiki energy will go to them and treat them. You can also send Reiki to crisis situations or world leaders and the Reiki energy will help them too.
Yes! This is one of the wonderful benefits of Reiki and is why it is such a wonderful technique for the new millennium. It allows individuals and groups to do something positive about the challenging situations we see on the news involving so many people all over the planet. Reiki can be used to reduce suffering and help people anywhere in the world. As more and more people send Reiki to help the world heal, we will move quickly to a world of peace and harmony. Learn more about this via the World Peace Grid Project and the monthly World Peace Card Meditation (think Global Reiki Share!).
Any stuffed animal with four limbs like a teddy bear, cat, dog, etc. will do just fine. Most local grocery stores usually carry a few relatively inexpensive stuffed animals. Listed below are some additional resources where you can purchase surrogate dolls; however, you can find appropriate surrogate dolls anywhere you look whether that’s by doing a search on Google, Amazon or Etsy.
Some purveyors of these types of dolls often sell two or three different sizes of dolls. For example, Katies Dolls , a seller on Amazon, offers three different sized dolls: small, medium, and large, while reikistyle offers small and medium sized dolls, and the International Center for Reiki Training offers a cute reiki teddy bear. You could even potentially use something as simple as Raggedy Ann & Raggedy Andy dolls.
The only type of stuffed animals which would not be appropriate to use as surrogate dolls for a person you are sending distant Reiki to would be something like a snake – because they have no arms or legs, a spider – because they have too many legs, a seahorse or Jellyfish and the like – because they don’t have any legs. The basic physical forms of these types of animals begin to vary a bit too much from the general human shape to give accurate feedback to the Reiki practitioner.
There is no requirement to spend a certain amount of money on a stuffed animal or surrogate doll so feel free to shop around. As long as it’s something you like and you believe it will work for your purposes, then go for it. Reiki practitioners have been known to use spare pillows in a pinch! It should also be noted that it is absolutely acceptable to have more than one surrogate doll. For example, there are Reiki practitioners who have thriving Animal Reiki practices so they may have stuffed animal menageries consisting of a: cat, dog, horse, fish, turtle, lizard, snake, bird, etc. You get the idea.
Yes! In fact, there is an organization called The Center for Reiki Research (CRR) which spearheads scientific experiments specifically centered around Reiki for this exact purpose. Their mission is to validate and foster the acceptance of Reiki biofield therapy as an integrative healthcare practice. The CRR fulfills their mission by conducting, reviewing, archiving and promoting scientific research on the effects / mechanisms of action of Reiki.
There is also a large section available on the Resources page of our website which links to dozens of scientific studies for you to peruse at your leisure if you are so inclined.
A Reiki treatment will usually range in cost between $25.00 and $100.00 depending on the area of the country you are located in; however, some practitioners offer treatments free of charge or for a donation.
Reiki is just starting to be recognized by insurance companies. While not many are covering Reiki treatments, some are. Check with your local insurance company for more details.
No. Reiki works in conjunction with regular medical or psychological treatment. If one has a medical or psychological condition, it is recommended that one see a licensed health care professional in addition to receiving Reiki treatments. Reiki energy works in harmony with all other forms of healing or any other method of alternative care, including but not limited to prescription drugs, surgery and psychological care and receiving Reiki treatments in conjunction with these traditional types of healthcare improves results for the client.
Reiki is a very simple technique to learn and is not dependent on one having any prior experience with healing, meditation or any other kind of training. It has been successfully learned by over one million people from all walks of life, both young and old. The reason it is so easy to learn that it is not taught in the usual way many other things are taught. The ability to do Reiki is simply transferred from the teacher to the student through a process called an attunement that takes place during a Reiki class. As soon as a student receives an attunement, they have the ability to do Reiki and after that whenever they place their hands on themselves or on another person with the intention of doing Reiki, the healing energy will automatically begin flowing.
The ability to learn Reiki is not dependent on intellectual capacity, nor does one have to be able to meditate. It does not take years of practice. It is simply passed on from the teacher to the student. As soon as this happens, one has and can do Reiki. Because of this, it is easily learned by anyone.
Reiki is a pure form of healing not dependent on individual talent or acquired ability. Because of this, the personality of the practitioner or teacher is less likely to cloud the significance of the experience. The feeling of being connected directly to the healing love and protection of Source is clearly apparent.
Yes, Reiki can be taught to anyone. It is strongly recommended, however, that a child be old enough to understand what Reiki is and that the request to receive Reiki come directly from the child, not the parent of the child.
If you are attracted to Reiki, the best place to learn more is to deeply experience Reiki. If possible, find a practitioner. The practice of Reiki is widespread. Many countries have practitioners in metropolitan areas -- if available, try investigating at health food stores and in holistic health, spiritual resource guides or this website. Some cities have Reiki sharing groups or clinics. Visiting such places is an excellent way to meet Reiki people and learn with them. Even running a simple Google search online in your local geographic area will (usually) yield a plethora of results to choose from.
Reiki teachers or Masters advertise in many magazines and also post notices at health food stores, new age bookstores and other places. Once you find a Reiki teacher or practitioner you are interested in receiving training or a treatment from, it is a good idea to ask them some important questions. Here are a few that will give you additional information to make a choice.
• How long have you been working with Reiki?
• What training have you had?
• How often do you teach?
• How do you personally use Reiki?
• What is your lineage?
• What qualifications are required to take Reiki Training?
• What do you cover in your classes?
• How many hours of class time is included?
• How much time is instructional, and how much is hands on practice?
• What are the specific things I will be able to do after taking the training?
• What are your fees?
• Will I get a certificate and a manual?
• Can I take notes and tape record the class?
• How many symbols will I learn?
• Is there a Reiki support group in my area or can you help me establish one?
• Will you openly support me in being a successful Reiki practitioner or Master?
• Do you have a positive respectful attitude toward other Reiki practitioners and Masters regardless of lineage or affiliation?
Be aware of how you feel about their answers and if they are responding in a loving manner that is supportive and empowering. Listen to your heart and you will be guided to the right teacher or practitioner.
Because it is a channeled healing, the Reiki practitioner's energies are never depleted. In fact, the Reiki consciousness considers both practitioner and client to be in need of healing, so both receive treatment. Because of this, giving a treatment always increases one's energy and leaves one surrounded with loving feelings of well-being.
All healers use life force or Ki, but not all healers use Reiki. Reiki is a special kind of life force that can only be channeled by someone that has been attuned to it. It is possible that some people are born with Reiki or have gotten it some other way; however, most healers who have not received the Reiki attunement from a Reiki Master are not using Reiki but another kind of life force. People who already do healing work consistently report an increase of at least fifty percent in the strength of their healing energies after taking the Reiki training.
This was verified for William Lee Rand when he first began teaching Reiki. There were two clairvoyant healers he knew who had highly developed abilities. They could easily see the life force flowing through a person's body, as well as see the aura and chakras. They could also communicate with a person's guides and Higher Self. They were adept at moving negative psychic energy out of the body as well as channeling healing energies. In his decades of metaphysical work, they were the most accurate and effective psychic healers William had met.
They told him later they had doubted there was anything William was teaching them they couldn't already do, but that they took the Reiki training anyway, simply to support William in his new work. After the attunement, they were amazed at the difference they could feel between the healing energies they had been using and Reiki. They said the Reiki energies were more powerful and of a much higher frequency. They noted also that Reiki didn't have to be guided like the other healing energies they were using, and that the Reiki energies began flowing without having to enter an altered state. They also indicated the attunement process itself was a powerful healing experience, releasing restrictions relating to their healing work they had unknowingly acquired when they were healers in past lives. They were very pleased they had taken the class.
A Reiki attunement is the process by which a person receives the ability to give Reiki treatments. The attunement is administered by a Reiki Master during the Reiki class. The older, outdated way of performing attunements consisted of the Reiki Master touching the students’ heads, shoulders and hands and use one or more special breathing techniques. Largely due to the changes brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic combined with the increasing energetic vibration upgrades of Reiki energy in certain Reiki lineages, attunements can now successfully be performed remotely without the need to have the Reiki Master physically touch the student. The attunement energies flow from the Reiki energy source and directly into the student. These special energies are guided by the Higher Power and make adjustments in the student’s energy pathways and connect the student to the source of Reiki. Because the energetic aspect of the attunement is guided by the Higher Power, it adjusts itself to be exactly right for each student.
During the attunement, some students feel warmth in the hands, others may see colors or have visions of spiritual beings; however, it is not necessary to have an inner experience for the attunement to have worked. Most simply feel more relaxed. Reiki is not taught in the way other healing techniques are taught. It is transferred to the student by the Reiki Master during an attunement process. This process opens the crown, heart, and palm chakras and creates a special link between the student and the Reiki source.
The Reiki attunement is a powerful spiritual experience. The attunement energies are channeled into the student through the Reiki Master. The process is guided by the Rei or God-consciousness and makes adjustments in the process depending on the needs of each student. The attunement is also attended by Reiki guides and other spiritual beings who help implement the process. Many students report having mystical experiences involving personal messages, healings, visions, and past life experiences.
The attunement can also increase psychic sensitivity. Students often report experiences involving: opening of the third eye, increased intuitive awareness, and other psychic abilities after receiving a Reiki attunement.
Once you have received a Reiki attunement, you will have Reiki for the remainder of your life. It does not wear off and you can never lose it. While one attunement is all you need for each level to be attuned to that level, additional attunements bring benefit. Experimentation has found that additional attunements of the same level add to the value of that level. These benefits include refinement of the Reiki energy one is channeling, increased strength of the energy, healing of personal problems, clarity of mind, increased psychic sensitivity, and a raised level of consciousness.
The Reiki attunement can start a cleansing process that affects the physical body as well as the mind and emotions. Toxins that have been stored in the body may be released along with feelings and thought patterns that are no longer useful. Therefore, a process of purification prior to the attunement is recommended to improve the benefit one receives.
Once you receive a Reiki attunement, it will last your whole life; however, if you get additional attunements for the same level, it will act to refine and strengthen your Reiki energy.
In the Usui/Holy Fire system of Reiki taught by the International Center for Reiki Training (ICRT), there are four levels including:
• Reiki I (Beginning)
• Reiki II (Intermediate)
• Reiki III Master (Advanced)
• Karuna Reiki Master (Master)
Reiki I / II classes are often taught together as "one class" over the course of 2-3 days; however, some systems of Reiki teach the Reiki I and the Reiki II classes separately, as individual class offerings. Additionally, in other Reiki systems being taught, there can be as many as seven levels (or more!) depending upon how that particular system of Reiki has been set up and taught.
The International Center for Reiki Training (ICRT) also provides an additional program which consists of a much more structured, rigorous, and stringent training for those who wish to become a certified Licensed Reiki Master Teacher (LRMT).
A beginning Reiki class (Reiki I) is often taught on a weekend. The class can be one or two days long. The minimum time recommendation for the class is at least 6 – 7 hours. Along with the attunement, it is necessary that the student be shown how to give treatments and also to practice giving treatments in class.
There are currently no governmental licensing programs at this time; however, the International Center for Reiki Training (ICRT) does have a licensing program for Reiki teachers.
Yes, if you put your heart into it, you can develop a Reiki practice combined with teaching classes that can provide a regular income for you. This is a very fulfilling way to earn a living.
When giving a Reiki treatment, the Reiki energy flows through the practitioner before leaving the hands and flowing into the client. Because of this, the practitioner receives a treatment also. As the Reiki energy flows through the practitioner, she/he will feel more relaxed and uplifted. Spiritual experiences sometimes take place. The practitioner sometimes receives insights about what the client needs to know to heal more deeply.
In a standard treatment, Reiki energy flows from the practitioner’s hands into the client. The client is usually laying on a massage table but treatments can also be given while the client is seated or even standing. The client remains fully clothed. The practitioner places her/his hands on or near the client’s body in a series of hand positions. These include positions around the head and shoulders, the stomach, and feet. Other, more specific positions may be used based on the client’s needs. Each hand position is held for 3-10 minutes depending on how much Reiki the client needs at each location. The whole treatment usually lasts between 45-90 minutes.
Reiki is a technique that is passed on from teacher to student over and over. If one has Reiki, then she/he will be part of a succession of teachers leading back to the founder of the system of Reiki one is practicing. In the case of Usui Reiki, the lineage would lead back to Mikao Usui. The majority of Reiki practitioners and students in the world today have inherited a Western Lineage depending upon who they learned Reiki from; however, there are those who have an Eastern Lineage. Both are valid types of lineage.
The following referenced history of Reiki is taken from Reiki, The Healing Touch, by William Lee Rand and has been carefully researched to contain verified information from dependable sources. You can read a William's version or a more modern, current version of The History of Reiki.
Additionally, note that the Five Tenets of Reiki are completely different from what are commonly referred to as The Reiki Ideals or The Reiki Precepts, which are also known as the Gainan or the Gokai (of which there are also five).
William Lee Rand received his Usui Reiki training in 1981 and 1982 while living in Hawaii. He became a Usui Reiki master in 1989 after moving to Michigan. After becoming a master, he decided to study with other Reiki masters so as to deepen his understanding of Reiki. He went on to take the Usui master training from three other Usui masters as well. As he traveled around the country and to other countries teaching and practicing Reiki, he had also made it a point to exchange treatments, information, attunements and techniques with other Reiki masters and practitioners. He feels that healing is a never-ending study and that ever-greater benefits can come from Source if we seek them. Through the process of having studied with many Reiki masters, William developed a deeper understanding of how the attunement processes, symbols and healing energies work.
William did not originally intend to create a new system of Reiki, but starting about 1989, he began to be given non-Usui Reiki symbols and attunement techniques which were claimed to have benefit. He filed these symbols away along with the attunement processes that were included with some of them and also began experimenting with some of them. After a number of years, he had quite a collection and many of his students began asking his about these "additional symbols" and wanting to know if they should use them. In the winter of 1993, William gathered together a number of his best students many of whom were spiritually sensitive, to experiment with the additional symbols, try them out and decide which were the most useful. They asked for guidance and through this process came up with a set of symbols that seemed to have the best energy. They also experimented with an attunement process to go with them. Later William was guided in the further development of the attunement process and this eventually evolved into a new system of Reiki. Throughout the process, he prayed for help from the Higher Power and asked that he be connected to a healing energy that would be of greater benefit.
William did not channel any of these symbols himself. They came from other Reiki masters. In 1995, he was guided to more clearly define the system and to name it Karuna Reiki® which can be defined as the Reiki of Compassion. While some of the symbols in Karuna Reiki® are the same as those used by other schools and systems, because the attunements are different and the intention is different, the energies that are connected to Karuna Reiki® are unique to the system.
It is my philosophy to honor and respect all Reiki students and teachers regardless of lineage, organizational affiliation or the kind of Reiki they practice. Having different kinds of Reiki creates a point of interest between healers and opens the door for us to learn and exchange with each other, thus creating a stronger bond of love and respect. As we learn from each other, we grow in our trust that Source works through each of us. It is our feeling and experience that Reiki is capable of healing ourselves, others and the planet as a whole and that this will take place more quickly if all Reiki practitioners work together in harmony.
We teach Karuna Reiki® only to people who are already Reiki masters and most of these students received their mastership from other lineages besides Usui Tibetan Reiki or that of William Lee Rand. In fact, those who take the classes represent a wide range of teachers in the Reiki community. The general response of these students is that Karuna Reiki® is stronger or heals more deeply, etc. than Usui Reiki. It is from the response of these students who are already Reiki masters and have a great deal of experience working with healing energies that this information is presented. It is asked that this idea not simply be accepted, but that anyone who is interested in Karuna Reiki® receive a Karuna treatment or take a class or talk to those who have Karuna Reiki® and from this information form one's own opinion; however, it must be understood that Karuna Reiki® is not a substitute for Usui Reiki or any other kind of Reiki, but simply an additional technique one can use to promote healing.
Chanting and toning the names of the Karuna Reiki® symbols while giving a treatment deepens the healing process. The vibration of the voice becomes a physical carrier wave for the Karuna Reiki® energy to travel on. This causes the healing energies to penetrate more deeply into the cells and tissues of the client’s body. The chakras and auras of both the practitioner and client are also opened more completely allowing a wonderful vibrancy to take place within and around them. Those who have experienced this process report a feeling of becoming more awake, more alive and more completely healed.
The term Reiki was in use prior to Mikao Usui using it and therefore is not exclusive to the healing system he rediscovered. There are many kinds of Reiki including Seichem Reiki and Tibetan Reiki. Usui Reiki is just one form of Reiki. The reason William Lee Rand chose to use the term Reiki for Karuna Reiki® is that Karuna healing energy is a Reiki-like energy in that it is life force energy that is guided by the higher power. The word Karuna means "compassionate action" which is a feeling people often get who experience the energy of this system.
Feel free to reach out to me for inquiries, bookings, or any questions you may have. Fill out the form below and I will get back to you as soon as possible.