Reiki is a hands-on healing practice that helps balance the body, mind, emotions and spirit. Originated in Japan, Reiki is simple to learn, with classes offered throughout the world. The First Degree Reiki training takes only three or four sessions, and should give you a good idea about whether you want to continue learning.
Background
Almost a century ago, Japanese scholar Mikao Usui developed a Reiki practice while on a spiritual retreat. Hawayo Takata, who studied with one of the Reiki masters Usui initiated, brought the practice to her native Hawaii in the late 1930s. Later in her life, she trained 22 Reiki masters in the United States and Canada.
Today
After Takata's death in 1980, Reiki practice spread quickly around the world. As with any game of "telephone," transmission of the teachings has resulted in tremendous diversity among practitioners. Some adhere to strict traditional standards; others combine the Usui system with other techniques. In either case, a Reiki master teaches the basics and then empowers the students to practice.
First Degree
The First Degree training (or "shoden," Japanese for "first teachings") enables you to perform Reiki on yourself and others. In three or four sessions totaling 12 hours, you'll learn the history of Reiki, Usui's five precepts for enhancing your practice, the correct hand placements and the importance of a daily self-treatment. Note-taking is not necessary; you simply learn by doing. During the course, the Reiki master offers students four initiations that empower them to practice.
Second Degree
In the more traditional method, you may continue to the Second Degree training (or "oku-den," Japanese for "deeper knowing") after three to six months of daily Reiki self-treatment. At this level, you learn how to offer Reiki without touch, using three symbols passed down from Usui. This makes Reiki treatment possible from a distance. As in First Degree, students are encouraged to practice on themselves and others. The 12-hour program includes extra time in between the three or four sessions to help integrate the more technical information, and the cost will likely be a bit higher.
Reiki Master
A Reiki master embraces the entire lifestyle and empowers others to practice. Most likely, this person does Reiki for a living. The training involves a mutual agreement between master and student that they will work together. The Reiki master offers an initiation, and the student continues to practice and perhaps assist in teaching. This step can last a year or longer.
Signing Up
If you're interested in practicing Reiki, look for a teacher who will best fit your needs. Since there are no agreed-upon standards for education, ask people you know or a health professional for suggestions or visit the Reiki Alliance website (see Resources).
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