Reiki is a holistic approach to healing based on channeling energy to promote the patient's own ability for healing. To practice the healing art, Reiki practitioners undergo a series of initiations, known as attunements, under the guidance of an accomplished master. These attunements are said to enable the new practitioner to access healing energy so they may perform Reiki either in person or at a distance. In some cases, the training process takes years; however, in the United States, there are no officially recognized certifying bodies or organizations.
Levels of Attunement
Those looking to train in Reiki typically go through three levels, each with an attunement or empowerment. The first attunement permits the new practitioner to access Reiki energy and perform the art on others. With the second attunement, a practitioner can also perform the healing process at a distance, without the need for direct physical touch. With the third attunement, a practitioner is considered to have achieved mastery and can teach the practice and initiate others. While training varies widely, many schools offer courses in Reiki that provide the first and second attunements within just a few days. The third attunement usually requires years of preliminary practice.
Attunement Basics
During an attunement, the Reiki master opens the student's crown, heart and palm chakras, opening the student to the Reiki force or God-consciousness. Some individuals claim to experience visions, healings, past-life experiences or other mystical experiences during the attunements, although this is not considered scientifically viable. According to Reiki practitioners, the attunement begins a cleaning process in the new practitioner's body, releasing stored toxins.
Preparation
Before you receive an attunement, the International Center for Reiki Training recommends that you refrain from eating any meat or animal products or any foods likely to contain high levels of pesticides or other toxins. It's also advised to avoid coffee or other caffeinated beverages, alcohol, sweets or cigarettes. Ideally, a juice or water fast is advised for up to three days before the attunement. The School of Nursing at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey recommends drinking three glasses of water, per day, prior to receiving the attunement through its course. In preparation, adopt an hourlong meditation practice during the week before the attunement, reduce your time reading newspapers or watching television, spend time in nature and focus on releasing negative emotions.
Various Techniques
The specific process of the attunement may vary from one teacher to the next. The International Center for Reiki, for example, follows a process that combines two traditions, the Usui system and a Tibetan system. The National Holistic Institute offers a first-level Reiki attunement that combines traditional Reiki with an introduction to qi gong energy work.
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