What is Reiki?
Reiki is a form of energy healing which has been around for thousands of years. it works upon the energy fields around the body, channelling the universal energy present in all life, to clear any blockages and improve the flow of energy through the chakras. The free flow of energy through the chakras enables us to enjoy good health and increased vitality. Reiki assists the body in it’s natural ability to heal itself.
The Reiki technique used today developed by Dr Mikao Usui in Japan in the 20th century, based on a lost manuscript dating back to the 7th century, which described a healing method practised by Buddhists in Tibet. By meditating on these texts he came to understand this method of healing and devised a way to pass it on to others.
Reiki Classes
When I first began the journey to become a reiki practitioner, I knew little about the different levels of mastery and their meanings. In some ways, I believe I benefited from going in with a clear and open mind. However, a general understanding of the levels beforehand can help not only those looking to become a reiki practitioner but also those who are in search of a practitioner to work with.
What is Attunement?
There are typically three (sometimes four) levels of reiki training—each one is centered on “attunement” (a ceremony of empowerment), education, and practice.
Attunement is what makes reiki unique from other forms of healing touch and energy work. This ceremony, called Reiju (Ray-joo) in Japanese, is performed by the reiki master during each level to open and expand the main energy channels of the student’s body, allowing universal energy, also known as Qi/Chi/Ki, to flow more freely and deeply through them. It tends to clear blockages in the body and can lead to significant energy changes within the individual. Many will undergo an intense period of self-growth following their attunements. You can think of the attunement process like a transfer of energy: The master is passing energy off to the student, who will then possess it for life.
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the three levels of reiki and each of the attunements:
Reiki Level 1: The First Degree (Shoden)
Level 1 is a practitioner’s initiation into reiki and is open to anyone. The focus during Level 1 is on opening the energy channels on a physical level, allowing the practitioner to connect to the universal life force energy, which flows from the cosmos through the crown of the head and down to the heart and hands. Many reiki masters emphasize self-reiki as the goal of the Level 1 designation, encouraging students to focus on practicing reiki on themselves, thereby working through their own obstacles. Typically the Level 1 course also includes an overview of the history of reiki.
What to expect during a Level 1 Attunement?
After the first attunement, many experience physical symptoms of energy in their palms—including tingling, coolness, or heat. Anxiousness, exhaustion, and sadness are not uncommon after the Level 1 attunement.
Reiki Level 2: The Second Degree (Okuden)
Level 2 gives students the skills to practice reiki on others and open energy channels more deeply. Students also receive their symbols during this level. There are five symbols in reiki and each one corresponds to a specific energy (power, harmony, distance, mastery, and completion). Students are expected to use these symbols to bring the universal energy of reiki into their everyday lives in more practical ways. The symbols can also help people provide reiki over long distances or send healing energy wherever it may be needed in the world.
What to expect during a Level 2 Attunement?
The Level 2 attunement is typically given in one single attunement, with a focus on opening up the heart chakra, the midpoint between the physical and spiritual chakras. Students have their eyes closed for this attunement so they can look within and fully feel into the process’ effect on the heart.
Reiki Level 3: The Third Degree (Shinpiden)
Level 3 Reiki The Third Degree is traditionally considered the teacher’s mastership level, and masters are able to heal others and do group healing. With repeated practice, master practitioners are able to attain higher energy levels.
Reiki Level 4 The Fourth Degree - Reiki Teacher Training
The Reiki Level 4 is traditionally considered the teacher’s level, and masters are able to walk away and attune new reiki practitioners. Practitioners receive the master attunement, along with the corresponding symbol.
Who can learn Reiki?
Reiki is not a Religion or a Belief system. Everyone can practice this. Reiki is practiced by people of all spiritual backgrounds and beliefs. Reiki is not limited to any particular philosophy. Reiki can be passed on to people in comas, or in traumas, to infants, or even to animals. As long as you are properly attuned to Reiki, anyone can have the Reiki activated in their hands, as it is already a part of us all.
Why do we practice Reiki?
Reiki is a powerful form of healing with no harm or side effects. Not only does Reiki heal the body, but it calms the mind and nurtures the spirit. Not everyone will be called to be a Reiki healer; however, everyone should at least allow themselves the experience of Reiki’s healing and loving energy at least one time in their life. When you experience Reiki, you are experiencing the touch of everything on the planet simultaneously, and the experience is rich and lasting.