In this blog post, you'll find all the information you need to get started on your Reiki healing journey. We'll cover the basics of what Reiki is, how it works, and what to expect during a session.
Whether you're new to energy healing or looking to deepen your understanding, this guide will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips.
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a healing technique where the practitioner channels universal energy to balance and restore energy flow.
The word 'Reiki' is a combination of two Japanese kanji: “Rei” means guided, and “Ki” means life force energy (though some people call it “universal energy”). So, the full meaning of Reiki is 'guided life force energy.'
How does Reiki Work?
Reiki works by directing universal energy through focused intention to promote healing and balance within the body.
A person can give himself Reiki, or give Reiki to another person.
Reiki Techniques
There are several Reiki techniques, and each branch of Reiki will have slight differences.
But here are some of the most popular Reiki techniques:
- Self-healing Reiki
- Hands-on Reiki
- Room energy cleansing
- Karmic band healing
- Distance Healing
- Grounding
- Scanning
Reiki Benefits
This energy healing technique has a wide variety of benefits for our health and well-being.
Some of the benefits of doing Reiki are:
- Relaxation
- Pain relief
- Stress reduction
- Spiritual connection
- Better sleep
- Enhanced intuition
- Emotional awareness
What is a Reiki attunement?
A Reiki attunement is a powerful spiritual process performed by a Reiki master to open and align your energy channels, enabling you to effectively channel universal healing energy.
Once you’re attuned, you will be able to perform Reiki on yourself and others.
How to do Reiki?
To practice Reiki, begin by finding a quiet, comfortable space where you can relax without interruptions.
Ground yourself by connecting with the Earth's energy, and set a positive intention for your healing session.
Using your intuition, channel universal energy with focused intention.
Conclude the session by expressing gratitude and grounding yourself once more before returning to your day.
What are Chakras?
Chakras are energy centers in your body that extend into your aura. There are seven main chakras, but there are also many smaller ones, and some are even found above and below your physical body.
Each chakra processes a unique set of emotions, and each one affects the physical body parts and organs in its area. Chakras also respond to specific colors and musical notes. That's why some people use colored crystals, tuning forks, or singing bowls during healing sessions.
Hand positions and symbols.
In traditional Reiki, the practitioner incorporates specific sacred symbols and predetermined hand positions as key components of the healing technique.
However, in Practical Reiki the practitioner uses simple intention to direct the energy with more freedom.
Types of Reiki.
There are many types of Reiki. They usually have different symbols and focuses, but ultimately, they are all ways of directing the same basic energy.
The two main branches of Reiki you will commonly find are:
- Traditional Japanese Reiki
- Western Reiki
Western Reiki has a more systematized approach, relying on mandatory hand positions rather than intuition, which is more emphasized in traditional Reiki.
However, both branches usually have a tiered hierarchy of degrees commonly known as first, second, and master/teacher levels.
Reiki's healing power: What is the evidence?
For years, Reiki and other holistic therapies faced skepticism from medical professionals, scientists, and clergy. The concept of an invisible ‘life force energy’ surrounding the human body was often treated as nonsense.
Thanks to the efforts of researchers and institutions, we now have plenty of evidence showing that people definitely benefit from Reiki.
You can find more information and scientific sources on websites like the Centre of Reiki Research (CRR), and Reiki in Medicine.
Reiki in medicine.
The use of Reiki in medicine is quite popular worldwide, partly because it doesn’t require any specific setting, technology, or preparation.
In a study conducted by the International Association of Reiki Professionals (IARP) on “America’s Best Hospitals” (the top 25 ranked by U.S. News and World Report in 2002), it was found that 60% of these hospitals had either formal or informal Reiki programs.
Reiki session: what to expect?
Curious about what happens during a Reiki session? Here are some things to consider so you can feel more relaxed and ready for your first Reiki experience and make the best out of it.
How long does a Reiki session last?
How long a Reiki session can last is purely subjective, it can range from a few minutes up to 90 minutes or more.
Truth is, there is no “set time” for a Reiki session. It depends on many things, such as:
- How much time do you have to receive the Reiki.
- How much Reiki you need
- The method of Reiki used by the practitioner
What happens during a Reiki session?
During a typical Reiki session, the practitioner channels universal energy to balance and restore the energy flow of the person receiving it.
The sensations the receiver may experience are quite varied; they can be gentle or intense, warm, or may cause the person to fall asleep.
What are the Side Effects of Reiki?
Some people might experience side effects after receiving Reiki.
These side effects can be mild, such as:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Feeling more sensitive or emotional
However, some people may experience more severe side effects, such as:
- Nightmares
- Feeling disconnected from friends and family
- Overthinking
.
These side effects can manifest when someone raises their vibration, causing them to see and experience life in a different way. Sometimes, raising your vibration too quickly can bring unwanted sensations.
Think of Reiki as a light that helps you heal and process things like trauma or unresolved conflicts. If you rush through this process, you will be exposed to all of that way sooner than you should.
To avoid these side effects, find a Reiki master near you so they can guide you through your spiritual journey.
What Should I Expect After a Reiki Session?
After a successful Reiki session, you should feel a deep state of relaxation. Some people may start feeling their third eye opening after their first session (you’ll feel it in the center of your forehead).
To maximize the benefits of Reiki, consider doing the following after your session: take Epsom salt baths, get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, be gentle with yourself, and allow the healing to occur.
This ensures that you receive all the benefits of Reiki even after the session. Keep in mind that some practitioners stay in touch with their patients to see how they’re doing throughout the week.
How Much is a Reiki Session?
The price of a Reiki session can vary depending on a variety of factors. Some practitioners may offer Reiki sessions for free or donation.
Some of the factors that you should consider are:
- Your country/state/city.
- If the session will be in person or online.
- If the practitioner is paying rent to use the space.
- The practitioner’s experience.
- The needs of the recipient.
- The practitioner’s individual decision.
- The perception of value that goes along with any good or service being offered.
According to the online directory Thervo, the average price of a session is $70.
Should you try Reiki?
Everyone should at least try Reiki. There are many ways that Reiki can help you, and it won’t ever cause harm.
You have nothing to lose by trying, and the benefits you experience could be so amazing that you’ll wonder why you waited so long.
While it is not possible to predict exactly how Reiki will help you (because that’s really up to you, not the practitioner), you will be helped by this energy.
Maybe you’ll have better sleep that night, feel lighter and more positive, or receive relief from your anxiety, pain, or frustration.
Perhaps your body will even begin a healing process.
How to Find a Reiki Practitioner
There are many ways to find a person to perform Reiki on you. You can ask a friend who does Reiki or find someone in your community at places like yoga studios or health food stores.
Another way to find a Reiki practitioner is through online directories like Yelp, Thervo, or Google Maps.
On these websites, you can see their ratings and reviews from customers.
Becoming a Reiki practitioner
To become a Reiki practitioner you have to find a Reiki master and follow their training.
They will teach you all the techniques necessary for each level, plus they will give you the attainments necessary so you can perform Reiki on yourself and others.
Practical Reiki Level 1
In Practical Reiki, we take a fresh approach to levels. Unlike traditional Reiki level 1, where you might not receive as many tools and healing techniques, our goal is to equip practitioners with a wide variety of tools.
We teach these methods in an easy and accessible way. Without having to learn symbols or fixed hand positions.
Here are the healing techniques you’ll use most often in your Practical Reiki practice:
- Self-healing
- Healing for others
- Distance healing
- Clearing a room
- Karmic band (relationship) healing
- Situation/qualities healing.
Practical Reiki level 2
In Practical Reiki, the level 2 attunement bridges Earth and the cosmos. Imagine Earth energy rising from your feet, meeting Reiki energy descending from the crown chakra. These merge at the heart chakra, empowering your energetic connection.
After your Practical Reiki level 2 attunement, there is only one additional healing practice to do. It’s called the Practical Reiki Cleansing.
The Practical Reiki Cleansing is a specific self-healing technique that you activate daily for at least a week before you receive your level 3 attunement.
Becoming a Reiki Master
To become a Reiki master, you'll need to go through the first two levels and get the necessary attunements for each level.
The level 3 attunement further opens your chakras to allow for the strongest flow of the combined Earth energy and Reiki energy. This gives you the ability to attune others.
Being a Reiki Master doesn't mean you're a guru or an expert; it's simply a big step in your spiritual journey. "Master" just means you've reached a level where you can now pass on attunements to others.
What to look for in a Reiki teacher?
Choosing a Reiki teacher is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your spiritual journey.
The best Reiki teacher for you should be someone who’s caring, knowledgeable, attentive, and truly invested in your success, guiding you to feel and direct energy effectively.
It’s important to pick a teacher who’s open-minded about different methods and fits your learning style.
At the end of the day, you should trust your intuition and study Reiki with whoever you feel the most comfortable with.
Can you learn Reiki online?
The truth is, you can learn Reiki any way you want. Whether it’s in person, online, from books, you name it.
If you have found a teacher you trust and you feel comfortable with them, any method of learning you choose will be effective for you.
In fact, we do offer a complete Introduction to Practical Reiki for FREE that you can check out and decide if Reiki is actually for you and if you want to keep learning it.