Definition of Reiki

Reiki is a Japanese form of energy healing therapy based on the notion that all humans have energy fields or life forces that keep us alive. Its purpose is to promote good health by balancing these energy fields through a Reiki practitioner who redirects energy by placing their hands on or just above the recipient’s body. Reiki is a complementary or alternative health approach that does not directly cure diseases or illnesses, but is used to manage and improve overall well-being.

Origins and Meaning of the Word Reiki

The word “Reiki” comes from the Japanese words “rei” meaning universal, and “ki,” meaning life energy. Together, “Reiki” translates to “spiritually guided life force energy.” The predominant form practiced worldwide today, known as Usui Reiki, was created by Dr. Mikao Usui in the early 20th century. However, the concept of Reiki as a mysterious force or spiritual energy has been recognized for upwards of 5,000 years, with its earliest occurrence found in ancient Chinese oracular inscriptions.

Principles and Benefits of Reiki

The philosophy of Reiki is rooted in five principles that provide guidance for healing and balancing one’s Reiki energy. These principles, taught by Dr. Usui, are often used as mantras to promote spiritual and personal growth, helping individuals live a healthier, more fulfilling, and balanced life.
Research suggests that Reiki may help reduce pain and anxiety, improve mood and sense of well-being, and aid in managing depression. It is a noninvasive practice believed to be safe, with no known harmful side effects. While Reiki does not replace doctor-approved treatment plans, it aims to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and promote relaxation through energy healing.

Reiki Level 1 (The Awakening)

Reiki first degree, also known as Level 1 or Shoden, is focused on teaching students everything they need to know about the art of Reiki. Here, you will be taught the meaning of Reiki and what it can do for you. It is the time where masters will give you an in-depth description about Reiki, including its origins, how to give Reiki, and the proper way of using it. After all the concepts are taught and your mental, emotional, and physical nature is thoroughly prepared, hands-on self-healing practice will take place. Upon completion of the first degree Reiki training, you will know how to use the Reiki energy for self-healing. This same energy can also be channeled to help others, more specifically friends and family. First degree Reiki will also stimulate personal and spiritual growth as well as self-discovery!

During Level 1, the focus 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.

Reiki Level 2 (The Practitioner Level)

The completion of the first degree leads you to a deeper understanding of how to use this wonderful modality on a professional level as you enter the second degree level, also known as Okuden or Level 2.You have completed your 21-day Reiki detox and are now ready to fully treat others with Reiki therapy. This level is geared towards fully preparing you to establish a healing practice as well as more deeply immersing yourself with the energy. Reiki will continue to promote growth, mindfulness, spiritual awareness, and self-healing.

During the second level of Reiki training, the flow of Reiki energy within you intensifies. You can further enhance your abilities through the use of the great Reiki symbols which will be bestowed upon you. Distance healing or planetary healing becomes possible. As such, you will be able to heal another person even if they are ten thousand miles away! You will now be qualified to practice Reiki on clients with complete confidence and thus begin your career as a spiritual healer.

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 typically three to 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.

Reiki Level 3 (Reiki Master)

The final initiation and certification into the Usui Reiki System of Natural Healing is the Reiki Master level, also known as Shinpiden or Level 3.The student will have completed Reiki Levels 1 and 2 under the guidance of an expert master teacher and have turned in all the required admission materials to be accepted into this level.

This 3-day workshop will include a recap of Level 2, meditation, the final attunement and the master symbol, practice of advanced Reiki techniques used by top masters around the world, practice of all techniques learned from Levels 1 and 2 on a real client, understanding all aspects of how to attune others to all levels of Reiki, learning how to formulate classes and in-depth trainings, how to guide and facilitate meditation classes and Reiki circles, reception of certification as a Reiki Master Teacher (RMT), how to teach and grow a Reiki community and build a solid practice, and ethics of being a Reiki Master.

In many courses, the Third Degree and Reiki Master are the same designation. However, some teachers separate Level 3 from Reiki Master. The Reiki Master Level is traditionally considered the teacher’s level, and masters are able to attune new Reiki practitioners. However, many receive the master attunement, along with the corresponding symbol, yet don’t feel comfortable or practiced in properly attuning others—hence the distinction between Third Degree and Reiki Master.

Becoming a Reiki Master represents a deep commitment to this healing work, therefore to qualify to take this class a student must have taken Reiki 1 & 2, practiced Second Degree for at least 6 months and is able to draw the 3 symbols of Reiki 2 from memory. The Reiki Master training is usually pursued by those who want to teach Reiki to others. One is considered a Reiki master when they can give all the attunements, know all the symbols, and have taught others.

Personal Growth and Healing

Reiki certification offers profound opportunities for personal growth and healing on multiple levels. The practice of Reiki promotes a heightened state of mindfulness, fostering self-awareness and inner peace. As you progress through the levels, you’ll experience a gradual release of negative attitudes and limiting beliefs that may have held you back. This liberating process allows you to attract more positive experiences into your life and align with your true purpose.

The regular practice of Reiki meditation can provide powerful insights and clarity, helping you understand personal experiences from a deeper perspective. These flashes of insight can shed light on life’s challenges, enabling you to learn valuable lessons and avoid repeating difficult situations. Additionally, Reiki attunements open and align your chakras, facilitating the flow of life force energy and promoting emotional healing.
As you progress through the Reiki levels, you’ll embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and holistic healing. The attunements and principles of Reiki foster personal and spiritual development, bringing balance and harmony into your life. Many practitioners report experiencing vivid dreams, improved sleep quality, reduced stress levels, and a profound sense of inner peace and happiness.

Professional Opportunities

Reiki certification opens up various professional opportunities for practitioners to share the healing benefits of this ancient practice. As a certified Reiki practitioner, you can establish your own healing practice, volunteer in healthcare facilities, or collaborate with complementary and alternative medicine centers or spas.

The demand for holistic and integrative therapies is on the rise, creating a growing market for Reiki practitioners. Many healthcare facilities now encourage the use of complementary therapies like Reiki alongside conventional treatments, recognizing their potential to promote overall well-being.

Reiki practitioners have the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives by assisting them in their healing journeys. This rewarding aspect of the profession allows you to give back to your community while pursuing a fulfilling career path.

Holistic Wellness Promotion

Reiki certification equips you with the knowledge and skills to promote holistic wellness for yourself and others. Scientific studies confirm that Reiki can reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, lower blood pressure, relieve pain, and support the body’s natural healing abilities by calming the nervous system.

As a Reiki practitioner, you’ll learn to channel universal life force energy, unlocking and moving the flow of energy throughout the physical body and aura field. This process cleanses and replenishes the recipient’s energy, allowing them to experience mental clarity, reduced stress, and physical healing.

Reiki aligns with the principles of naturopathic medicine, promoting a holistic approach to health and well-being. By combining Reiki with naturopathic assessment and treatment components, you can facilitate a comprehensive journey towards physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness.

The practice of Reiki encourages adherence to the Five Reiki Principles, which foster ethical living, mindfulness, and compassion. These principles create a foundation for personal healing and the ability to effectively guide others on their healing paths.