Reiki continues to emerge as a popular alternative healing modality for holistic health, and well-being. Interest in it continues to grows, not only a therapy to receive, but as a modality to learn. People are increasingly interested in empowering themselves to take of their own happiness, health and well-being. Increasingly, people are wanting both deeper connection with themselves as well as deeper spiritual connection and this is exactly what Reiki offers.
The best part of Reiki is the fact that anyone can learn it (no previous skills or talents are required) as it is our innate capacity as humans to channel Universal, vital, life-force energy ('Reiki'), the life giving and sustaining energy that is in all living things.
But one of the come common questions I get asked when people are inquiring about the possibility of learning Reiki, is whether they need specific qualifications to embark on this journey of learning and healing. In this article, we'll delve into the question: Do I need qualifications to learn Reiki? We'll explore the nature of Reiki training, the role of qualifications and Reiki certifications, and the accessibility of Reiki to all individuals.
Understanding Reiki Training:
Reiki, a Japanese healing technique, is traditionally taught in person where all the foundational practices, history and spiritual theory is covered. One of the most significant aspects of Reiki training, is a series of attunements (also known as Reiju) which is passed down from Reiki Teacher (known as a Reiki Shihan in Japanese Reiki and a Reiki Master in Western Reiki) to student. The essence of Reiki lies in the transmission of healing energy from practitioner to recipient, facilitated by attunements that align the student with the Reiki energy. If you are interested in reading more about Reiju or attunement, I invite you to read What is Reiki Reiju (Attunements)?
This Reiju or attunement process empowers students to channel Reiki. The Reiki practices taught in Reiki courses are for students to engage in daily practice to continue their healing path and facilitate continued spiritual growth. This also helps them continue to open up as Reiki Channels to be more effective Reiki Channels. The purpose of Reiki, as a set of practices, underpinned by the Reiju process handed down from Teacher to student, is both a healing and spiritual path.
Reiju cannot occur remotely. Beware of taking an online course for your Reiki training. You may walk away with an understanding of the theory, but you will not be able to channel Reiki (without having received Reiju in person).
Prerequisities to learn Reiki:
Unlike traditional academic pursuits that require formal pre-qualifications, Reiki training does not have strict prerequisites. Reiki, as an energy is in and around all living things and therefore it is our innate capacity to utilise and channel Reiki. The Reiju serves as a reminder of this truth and acts as a jump start, which the daily practices, serve as a pathway of continues opening and connection.
The most common misconception about Reiki is that students should come to Reiki with some special talent or skill, such as the ability to feel energy, being an empath or perhaps even psychic. Some thing they need to have done other healing modalities before they can learn Reiki, or are 'healers' and that puts them in greater stead to learn Reiki. None of that is true. Any other special talent or skill or healing ability is just that, it's something 'other' and it has no bearing on learning Reiki.
The wonderful thing about Reiki is that it allows individuals from all walks of life regardless of educational background, age, or professional status, to explore and benefit from this incredible healing practice. Anyone with an interest in learning, can learn Reiki. Whether you're a seasoned healthcare professional seeking to integrate holistic practices into your work or someone exploring personal wellness and spiritual growth, Reiki is open to all seekers.
Finding the Reiki Teacher (Master/Shihan) and the Best Course
While there are no official qualifications needed to learn Reiki, it is vital that people do their due diligence to find a good Reiki Teacher and course. There are many different systems of Reiki and many different levels of depth and breadth when it comes to Reiki Masters/Teacher/Shihans. It can make a significant difference to not only your experience of learning Reiki, but the depth of understanding of the practices which you will take into your daily life for life. Take you time and do research to find the best Reiki course and Reiki Teacher for you.
Like any field or modality, there can be enormous differences between Teachers and also between systems of Reiki taught. For more information about this, you can read 'Searching for the Best Reiki Course Near Me' as a starting point.
What is Taught in Reiki Courses?
Reiki courses are recommended as in-person workshops (as opposed to online training). Each Level builds on the back of the one before. A summary of the the levels can be viewed in this article discussing how long it takes to be Reiki Certified and there is more detail of what is taught in each level of my own Reiki courses here in Melbourne (which may give you an idea of what to look for or expect should you learn Reiki with another Teacher).
As an experienced Reiki Practitioner and Reiki Shihan (Master/Teacher), I practice a form of Reiki categorised as Japanese Reiki (as opposed to Western Reiki) which specialises in traditional Japanese Reiki Practices. This system of Reiki, known more specifically as Komyo ReikiDo, which I forms the basis of what I practice and teach here in Melbourne, teaches both healing and spiritual practices. The aim of Reiki, as a system of practices, is to promote happiness, health and absolute inner peace.
As a general overview, through Reiki education, students gain:
Healing Skills: Reiki training equips students with practical techniques for channeling healing energy to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Self-Development: Reiki fosters personal growth, self-awareness, and inner peace, empowering individuals to cultivate a deeper connection with themselves and others.
Community Connection: Reiki training often fosters a sense of community and support among practitioners, providing opportunities for networking, collaboration, and shared learning experiences.
Professional Opportunities: While Reiki can be practiced informally for personal wellness, some individuals choose to pursue Reiki professionally, offering services as certified Reiki practitioners or Masters.
Conclusion:
Embarking on a journey with Reiki is like opening yourself up to the Universe, empowering yourself with both self-healing ability, a pathway to happiness and through spiritual connection and the potential for growth through daily practice absolute inner peace. The accessibility of Reiki to everyone is perhaps one of its greatest assets as there are no formal qualifications are not mandatory to learn Reiki. Reiki welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life, providing accessible pathways for exploring and harnessing the power of healing energy. Whether you're drawn to Reiki for self-care, professional development, or spiritual exploration, the door to Reiki education is open to all who seek it. Reiki is easy to learn and easy to practice, all it requires is an open-heartedness and a commitment to self-practice.
As someone who how now practiced Reiki for many years now, I cannot say enough about the incredible Gift that Reiki has been for my own personal journey and that for clients and students alike. I encourage you to take the same step for yourself. You will no regret it!
If you have any questions, or want to chat to more about Reiki please contact me and we can arrange a time to chat. If you would like to book a Reiki session in Melbourne (or distance Reiki worldwide), you can book an appointment here or if you would like to learn Reiki yourself, sign up for Melbourne Reiki courses here. I look forward to connecting with you for Reiki!
Warmest,
Fiona x
Fiona Phillips
Certified Reiki Shihan (Teacher) and Practitioner
Komyo ReikiDo in Melbourne
Within The Space