Reiki Training and Careers Guide

Reiki is a type of ancient healing that involves relaxation. Patients benefit from the strengthening and normalizing of certain vital energy fields which exist within the body.

What is Reiki?
Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a Japanese word meaning "universal life energy." This life force energy can be defined as energy which exists in all created matter. "Ki" is similar in thought to "chi" or "qi" in Chinese medicine. There are also similarities in relation to Hindu "prana" and Christian "light." Reiki is hands-on energy healing where the practitioner serves as an open channel for transmitting the "ki" to others. The energy is channeled through the hands to the client, which activates the body's own natural ability to heal itself. Reiki goes to wherever it is needed most—releasing blocked energies, cleansing the body of toxins, working to create a state of balance and harmony and promoting relaxation and healing.

Reiki practitioners, with a centered intent to help the client achieve relaxation, reduce pain and/or anxiety by using their hands to direct healing energy. The practitioner's intent is to support the healing process from a conscious and compassionate state. The client, to benefit, must have the willingness to (change) that which is to be helped. Light touch is used on, or above the client's fully-clothed body. Shoes can be removed for added comfort.

Reiki practices are just beginning to be formally studied. Case studies are published in books, magazines and on the web for more information about others' experiences.

What is the history of Reiki?
Reiki's tradition and history is oral and is passed from Reiki Master to student during training. Some of the writings tell the story of how Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese Christian educator, discovered the ancient healing art in Japan in the late 1800's. His revelations paved the way for its emergence in the United States and the rest of the world. There are stories about the life and work of Dr. Usui or "sensei"(teacher) as he is affectionately called. Recommended readings for the history of Reiki include: "Reiki Fire" by Frank Arjava Petter and "Reiki, The Healing Touch" by William Rand.

Based on ancient Buddhist and Hindu teachings, Dr. Usui evolved a system of healing through study, research, and meditation. He practiced and taught this method of natural healing using the laying on of hands. In the traditional Reiki lineage, he trained Chujiro Hayashi to continue his work after his death. Dr. Hayashi then opened a clinic and school in Tokyo where he trained his successor, Mrs. Hawayo Takata, who brought Reiki to the mainland of the U.S. Between 1945 and 1970, she was the only living Reiki Master in the world. Between 1970 and 1980, she trained twenty-one Reiki Masters. Mrs. Takata's granddaughter, Phyllis Lei Furumoto, is the currently the Grand Master of the Usui System of Natural Healing (Usui Shiki Ryoho).

Reiki is based on five spiritual principles:

• Just for today do not worry.
• Just for today do not anger.
• Honor your parents, teachers and elders.
• Earn your living honestly.
• Show gratitude to everything.

What can Reiki treat?
Reiki is a particularly gentle technique because it is non-invasive and non-manipulative. Treatments can be used to facilitate physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being. Treatments can be done on oneself, others, animals, plants, etc. Reiki treatments can be used for nearly all conditions, with little or no side effects. Some clients, however, may experience light-headedness, sinus drainage, etc.

Reiki treatments usually take an hour to an hour and a half, but short treatments can also be effective. Sometimes they are given on a table (such as a massage table), or mini-treatments can be given with the client seated in a chair. Generally, full Reiki treatments involve the practitioner moving his/her hands through a series of positions. The series starts on the face and the head and then moves to the front of the body from the throat region to the hips. The series continues on the back from the neck down to the tailbone. Reiki is also effective in treating injuries, such as bruises and cuts. It can help to alleviate pain and speed healing.

Reiki treatments can also be done at a distance from the client. With the client's permission, energy can be transmitted to a client from far away. Distance and emotional healing are learned in the second level of training.

Are there other types of Reiki, besides Usui Reiki?
In recent years, several other energy systems have emerged that are similar, yet somewhat different from Reiki. Some examples include Lightarian Reiki®, Urevia®, Shamballa Multi-Dimensional Reiki and Karuna. Traditional Usui Reiki requires learning from a teacher who is directly in the Reiki lineage meaning that you must be able to trace the Master's learnings back to Hawayo Takata.

What can I expect from Reiki training?
There are three training levels in the Usui Reiki system. Levels I, II and Master. They are sometimes referred to as first, second and third degrees. The training is given by a Reiki Master. In Reiki training, attunements or initiations are passed on from the Master teacher to the student along with other information such as ancient healing symbols and instructions for teaching (at Master level). Levels I and II generally are taken over the course of one weekend for each specialty, while training to become a Reiki Master takes longer. Many traditional Reiki Masters will require the most serious students to do a year-long apprenticeship to ensure the commitment and dedication to Reiki is true.

What kind of career opportunities are available for a Reiki practitioner?
With the emerging field of energy medicine, Reiki is enjoying increasing popularity as a form of treatment, as well as a field of practice for practitioners and Masters. The field is expanding constantly and so are the opportunities. Many practitioners start their Reiki career with their own private practice, while others add it to their existing massage, nursing, chiropractic or acupuncture practice. Some hospitals, such as the New England Rehabilitation Hospital, have hired Reiki practitioners on their staff.

How much money can I make practicing Reiki?
Many practitioners charge anywhere from $35.00 to $80.00 an hour. Hourly rates depend upon the experience and location of the practitioner. If the student goes on to the Mastery level of training, there is more potential for income through teaching and lecturing.

Which states regulate Reiki?
Most states in the US do not regulate the practice of Reiki. However, Florida and Utah do regulate Reiki. In order to practice Reiki, they require practitioners to be licensed as a massage therapist.

What are the prerequisites for learning and practicing Reiki?
Prerequisites for Reiki training include an open mind and open heart. Compassion, professionalism and the desire to be of service in facilitating healing are key components. It is equally important to have great respect for the client, the process, the techniques and the tradition.

How much does Reiki training cost?
Reiki can be taught at a Reiki school, healing arts center or through a Reiki Master's private instruction. So, the costs of training may vary considerably. Levels I & II generally cost less than the Reiki Master training as teacher training is quite a bit more extensive.

Level I training is usually around $150-200, and prices may vary depending on the school and/or instructor. Level II is usually around $250-500, and again, varies by school and instructor. Level III, or Reiki Master level training, also varies. These trainings can run anywhere from $350-$10,000, along with a year long apprenticeship. High tuition does not guarantee quality instruction; research of the school and/or teacher, the Reiki lineage and the Reiki form is recommended. Mrs. Takata requires Reiki Masters to charge $10,000 for the teachings and attunements of students to become Reiki Masters. She believes it is a fair exchange of money (and therefore energy) and demonstrates practitioners' commitment to Reiki as a way of life. Many practitioners still follow the tradition, but just as many others have broken away from tradition and charge less.

Is financial aid available?
Since training is primarily through non-accredited schools, individuals or only accredited CE programs, there is no financial aid available.

Are Reiki schools accredited?
At this point, the only accreditation that is given to Reiki schools is for CEU's or Continuing Education Units for nurses and other health care professionals.

Is there certification for Reiki students?
At each level of training, a certificate is given. The Reiki practitioner may then want to join a professional organization, such as the International Association of Reiki Professionals (IARP) and where liability insurance can be obtained.

How long does it take to learn Reiki?
Reiki Level I is usually taught in a weekend format. Some instructors teach just one day, others have two days or longer. Level II is taught in the same format. Master level training is usually arranged with the Reiki Master on an individual basis as it is more extensive than the other levels. Many Masters work with their Master-in-training students for up to a year, and occasionally longer. Some programs also teach the Master level in a one or two weekend format.

How do I know if I've found the "right" instructor?
Because Reiki is a non-religious but strongly spiritual practice, Reiki teachers often suggest finding a spiritually compatible Reiki Master, one whose personality resonates with your own. This is one of those areas where you want to trust your intuition and synchronicities. Almost all natural health teachers suggest trying a session or two as a client or patient before committing to a long course of study with a Master.