Reiki training

Reiki is practiced at the First degree, Second degree, and master level, with each level having a defined scope of practice

• At the core of the training, and unique to this practice, is a series of initiations, also called empowerments or attunements, which are believed to connect the student to primordial consciousness, the intelligence that permeates creation, maintaining life-sustaining functions and directing complex cellular processes, and which is the source of subtle Reiki vibration. This connection is believed then to be available at any time, regardless the student's health, mental state or intention. Self-treatment is viewed as the foundational practice for all levels
  • Reiki practice is considered selfrevealing, and students are not taught Reiki as much as they are taught how to learn Reiki. Initiation at each level marks the beginning of study at that level, not the culmination of learning
    
    
    
• First degree Reiki is easily learned and appropriate for students of any age or state of health who have the desire to practice. First degree students are able to treat themselves and others using light, non-manipulative touch to precipitate a cascade of healing vibration. The effectiveness of the treatment and the recipient's ability to discern the energy do not seem to be related. It is advisable to practice a minimum of 3 months before proceeding to Second degree (1)
  
  
• Second degree practitioners are trained in the use of specific symbols to access Reiki mentally for distant healing. First and Second degree training require 8 to 12 hours of class time each and are usually taught to groups, although private instruction may be arranged. There are 4 initiations in First degree, and 1 initiation for each of the 2 remaining levels
  
  
• Master training is an apprenticeship of at least a year. When teaching at any level, it is the Reiki master's responsibility to consider any unusual circumstances and use his or her discretion in customizing the training to fit the individual. Reiki is learned through direct transmission from a Reiki master and cannot be learned from a book. None of the traditional Reiki levels include training in either professional treatment or the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship.

Reference:

• Miles P, True G. Reiki-review of a biofield therapy history, theory, practice, and research. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2003;9(2):62-72.
• Dressen LJ, Singg S. Effects of Reiki on pain and selected affective and personality variables of chronically ill patients. Subtle Energy and Energy Medicine. 1998;9:51-82.
• Shore AG. Long-term effects of energetic healing on symptoms of psychological depression and self-perceived stress. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2004;10(3):42-48.