The 3 Levels of Reiki Training

Reiki, pronounced RAY-key, is a form of healing using the energy within the body. It is considered to be a legitimate form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), that has its origins in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Ayurvedic medicine from India. TCM and Ayurveda have been practiced for more than 5,000 years and reiki for about 2,500 in Tibet, and in the last 100 or so years as reiki in Japan. It is therefore well-documented in terms of its effectiveness to support both overall wellness, and specific goals for healing.

Traditional Japanese reiki was founded in the late 1880s and systematized by Mikao Usui based on his own studies and experiences with healing. In his lifetime, he passed on his teachings to more than 2,000 students. This is important to note because in order to start on the path to healing with reiki, you need to receive what is called an attunement from a qualified reiki master.

There are 3 levels of reiki, 1, 2 and Master. There are levels of Master in certain forms of reiki, but each level will give you a general idea of the amount of study and skill involved. Level 1 is for beginners. Once you receive your attunement, you can start to travel on this path. You will learn about the energy centers of the body such as the meridians and chakras (energy centers in the body) and be able to do your own hands on healing in the comfort of your own home.

If you become really interested in the studies and wish to help others, you might then decide to study Level 2 reiki. In this case you will learn how to work with others in person, and from a distance as well. You can help people and even pets with this effective healing modality.

If you really love helping others, you might then choose to deepen and expand your studies, and undertake to become a reiki master.

Reiki isn’t just a destination, it’s a journey of body, mind and spirit as you attempt to heal all three. The best way to start is to go for several treatments and see how you feel after them. If they’ve made a significant difference to your energy levels and outlook on life, ask your practitioner if they are a master, or can recommend one.

Ask about their lineage and why they became a reiki master. If you like what you hear, you can get an attunement from them and follow this fascinating new path to healing.