EXPLORING REIKI COURSES IN MELBOURNE
- Fiona Phillips | Certified Japanese Reiki Shihan (Teacher)
- Mar 20, 2024
- 10 min read
Updated: Dec 9, 2025
An Overview for Beginners Curious About Learning Reiki
If you’re searching for Reiki courses in Melbourne, you're probably feeling confused and overwhelmed with the variety of options that exist, from Japanese Reiki, Usui Reiki, Tibetan Reiki, Rainbow Reiki and 100's more. It may feel impossible to narrow down what is important and meaningful in a course and how to sort one from the other.
As an experienced Reiki Shihan (Master) who has trained in many different systems, I decided to create this guide, really as an overview of the Reiki learning landscape to help you better understand the main differences between what is available in Reiki training, and factors to consider before choosing a path forward.
This article provides you with an introduction to Reiki, where it came from, how it was traditionally taught, and how it has evolved today. If you’re ready to compare different Reiki courses in Melbourne, you’ll find more detailed guidance in the linked articles below.
As a first step for now in your journey, my hope is that this article will give you a clear foundational understanding of Reiki itself and what and how it can be taught.
1. What Is Reiki? A Basic Introduction
Reiki is a traditional Japanese spiritual and healing practice founded by Mikao Usui in the early 1900s. At its heart, Reiki is a set of practices designed for cultivating inner peace (through spiritual and mindset practices) and restoring balance in the body and mind, supporting the natural flow of energy through touch, breath, and meditative practices.
Reiki is both a self-healing practice and something that can be shared with others, predominantly through hand-on techniques.
2. Where Did Reiki Come From?
Usui Sensei developed Reiki as a complete system that combined:
Spiritual cultivation
Energy-strengthening practices
Intuitive healing
Methods for addressing physical, emotional, and mental imbalances
Amongst the many students her trained, he taught a small group of dedicated students to be able to teach and pass Reiki on and down to others - these were his Reiki Shihans (in the West the name given was 'Master). One of his senior students, Chujiro Hayashi, was made a Shihan by Usui, and he continued to preserve the teachings, techniques and practices, as far as we know, that were taught to him by Usui Sensei.
3. The Role of Reiju in Learning Reiki
A core element of Usui’s original teaching (and one that set his system of energy healing apart from others in Japan at the time) was Reiju, a process given by a trained Reiki Shihan (Master) to their students, which opens the student’s capacity to access and channel Reiki for themselves. Reiju is a prescribed method/technique created by Mikao Usui that opens the student's energetic channels.
Authentic Reiki training requires that students receive Reiju multiple times, particularly in Level 1 (ideally four), and as many as possible beyond the classroom - initially to open students open to the energy and beyond that, to continue supporting them on their path.
4. How Reiki Was Traditionally Taught
Reiki, as traditionally taught by Usui and Hayashi, was not taught in a single workshop.
Students learned in a dojo setting (a place of ongoing practice), returning regularly to receive more instruction and learn further techniques as students advanced in their skills and sensitivity to the energy, each time, receiving Reiju. At these Gatherings, they would practice Reiki together, ask questions, hear more teachings and refine their understanding.
This model large centered around:
community
repetition and layered/incremental deepening of learning
spiritual development
hands-on practice
mentoring over time
These days, courses are now condensed this into structured levels (usually over weekend slots), although the foundational requirements remain: Reiju, practice, teaching, ongoing guidance.
5. How Reiki has Changed
Since Usui's first founded Reiki, it has spread worldwide and over 100 years has taken on many different forms, particularly when Reiki made its way to the West.
Some systems continue to honour the original traditional Japanese teachings, while others, including most Western lineages, teach a greatly modified version of the original system, removing certain practices and elements (including the foundation spiritual practices, symbols, Reiju and advanced traditional healing techniques), while adding new techniques and practices that were not part of the original system.
Understanding these differences is important in helping you choose a course that aligns with what you want from Reiki.
6. Understanding the Different Ways Reiki Is Taught in Melbourne
Although all Reiki courses carry the name “Reiki,” the learning experience can vary significantly. In Melbourne you’ll typically come across three broad categories:
• Traditional Japanese Reiki
These courses focus on the original teachings of Mikao Usui, including spiritual practices, Reiju (the method that opens students to channel Reiki), and traditional healing techniques.
They tend to emphasise:
retaining the form of Reiju, teachings and practices, unchanged, of the original Japanese lineage
direct experience (in person)
depth through simplicity
spiritual cultivation
Examples include Jikiden Reiki and courses taught through teachers trained by the Arjava Petter Institute.
• Western Reiki (Usui Shiki Ryoho and almost every other system of Reiki practied in the West)
The most widespread globally and all branch off from a lineage though Hawayo Takata.
There are vast variations in duration of courses (from 1/2 day to a full weekend) minimal focus or diluted teaching of spiritual cultivation practices, and a strong focus on a simplified adaptation of the hands-on healing and modified/different symbols from the traditional system. Advanced traditional Japanese healing concepts and techniques are not taught in Western systems.
All Western lineages have modified or removed parts of the original system over time, eliminating some practices entirely and adding new ones. *Some so called 'Reiki' systems do not share a lineage with Mikao Usui - these are not Reiki systems at all.
• Hybrid, Modern or Modified Systems
These may be Japanese in origin but some are much more focussed on Western elements and the modified/new Western symbols, or streamline/remove certain traditional concepts or advanced techniques.
Others may say they teach the traditional practices, but have changed the traditional systems, modified some practices and removed others.
These systems include Gendai Reiki and Komyo ReikiDo.
7. Course Structures: What You’ll Commonly See in Melbourne
Reiki Level 1 (Shoden) is available in every Reiki system, but how it’s taught differs:
Short Courses (half-day or 1 day)
Designed to give a broad introduction.
Superficial level of teaching the systems and practices.
Two-Day Courses
Common for both Western and Japanese lineages.
Depending on class sizes, may provides space for:
Multiple Reiju (with appropriate time spent on each)
Space for deeper learning of concepts and techniques (and spiritual practices for those systems that teach them)
Experiential practice
Discussion and questions for deeper learning
In-Person Training vs Online Training
Melbourne offers both, but traditional approaches strictly limit learning Reiki in person especially because Reiju is considered central to the training and is traditionally offered face to face. There are questions around the effectiveness of remote Reiju. *Caution is also advised, some online courses do not offer Reiju at all. Without Reiju, students can not channel Reiki.
It is worth noting that the main Australian Reiki Associations do not recognise online courses for eligibility for membership.
8. What You Will Usually Learn in a Level 1 Reiki Course
The exact content depends on the lineage, but most courses cover:
What Reiki is and where it originated (note: the accuracy of the history varies amongst systems)
Reiki principles and foundational philosophy
Self-healing practices
Basic hand placements and techniques for offering Reiki to others
Reiju or Attunements (how this is done varies by system)
Guidance on how to integrate Reiki into daily life
Some courses go deeper into traditional healing practices, energetic development, spiritual training and intuitive development, while others are more focused on hands-on healing.
9. What Varies the Most Between Reiki Courses in Melbourne
When exploring your options, you’ll notice differences in:
Teaching style
Some teachers focus on spiritual development, others on technique, others on personal development. This can depend a lot to the system they are teaching but also the depth of experience they have personally and professionally.
Lineage
This influences what is taught, how it is taught, and why.
Class size
Reiki is personal, some teachers keep groups intentionally small (4–6 students), others teach in large groups.
Amount of hands-on practice
Some classes are more immersive and include extensive practice time; others offer only demonstrations or teach the practice in theory.
Ongoing support
Some teachers encourage continued direct one-on one contact with their students, offering them individual mentoring as well as group mentoring though Reiki practice Gathering; others do not.
The teacher themselves
This is often the biggest factor - their experience, integrity and approach shape the entire learning experience. There is a wide spectrum between the quality of teaching offerred which is largely based on the system they teach, their daily spiritual and healing practice and how committed and integrated their practice is.
10. What to Reflect On Before Choosing a Reiki Course
For a detailed decision-making guide, I highly recommend reading beyond this article, particularly "Q&A: How to Choose the Right Reiki Course & Teacher in Melbourne: A Guide for Students" and "How to Find the Best Reiki Course: Checklist Guide for Reiki Courses in Melbourne."
For now, here is a simple reflection to guide you moving forward:
Are you drawn to a deeply traditional Japanese lineage or modified practice?
Do you want Reiki primarily for self-healing, personal development, or to support others? How deep do you want to go?
Do you prefer a slower, experiential training style or are you happy for a more of an overview of the practice as you introduce yourself to this?
Do you learn best in smaller, more intimate settings, do you value being able to ask questions and receiving individualised guidance and instruction?
Do you want ongoing community support or a one-off class?
Letting yourself feel into these questions can help clarify which course naturally resonates.
11. Trust What You’re Drawn To
The path of Reiki begins the moment something inside you responds to it, long before you attend a course.
Many people find that when reading about different courses and teachers, they feel a natural pull toward one. Something in the language, the energy, or the teacher’s approach feels right. Honour that. Listen to it, Trust it!
Conclusion: Exploring Reiki Courses in Melbourne
Melbourne offers a diverse range of Reiki courses, each shaped by the lineage, experience and philosophy of the teacher. Understanding that there are different systems, styles, and course frameworks allows you to make an informed choice, and one that honours your intentions and your learning style.
When you’re ready to compare options more closely, the following articles can help:
Reiki is not simply a course, it’s the beginning of a relationship with a practice that grows and evolves with you.
Like any practice, Reiki thrives on consistent, dedicated daily engagement. The more we invest in it, the more it enriches our lives. My own journey with Reiki has been a testament to this truth—each day brings new insights and revelations. As my teacher wisely shared, "the more Reiki opens and expands your heart, the more Reiki reveals itself to you." This continuous evolution is truly remarkable.
Another teacher once aptly described Reiki as "Freedom," and I couldn't agree more. It offers liberation in every sense imaginable.
Prepare yourself for an extraordinary journey of healing and self-discovery! Wishing you all the best as you embark on your Reiki path. If you have any questions or simply want to chat further about Reiki and your journey, please don't hesitate to reach out and we can arrange a time to chat.
Warmest,
Fiona x
Fiona Phillips
Certified Reiki Shihan (Teacher) and Practitioner - Japanese Reiki
Trained in the Jikiden Reiki & Arjava Petter Institute Lineages
Within The Space | Melbourne
Related Articles on Reiki Courses in Melbourne, Australia
A practical, student-focused guide that answers the most common questions about choosing a Reiki course. It explains in greater detail, what matters in training, what to look for in a Teacher, how to understand lineage, class size, Reiju, and course structure, and offers clear insight into how to recognise a high-quality Reiki course that will support your path.
These pieces offer a checklick for selecting a Reiki course that suits your values, learning style, and intentions. Find tips on how to recognise quality Reiki training, what red flags to look for, and how to navigate the Melbourne Reiki landscape.
Explore the foundations of Reiki training through this overview of Level 1. With a focus on traditional Japanese methods, self-practice, and spiritual development, this article outlines who Level 1 is for, what’s typically taught, and how to prepare for your first step.
This article explains that you don’t need prior experience or qualifications to start your Reiki journey. It encourages new students to focus instead on finding a well-grounded teacher and authentic lineage.
As online Reiki courses become more common, this article discusses why learning face-to-face with an experienced Reiki Master is still the preferred option, especially when it comes to receiving Reiju and building a strong, foundational practice.
In this article you'll find an exploration of the pros and limitations of learning Reiki online. This article outlines why in-person training remains essential—particularly for receiving Reiju and learning through embodied practice in a supportive environment.
This article delves into the traditional Japanese blessing of Reiju, offering insight into why it is the most important aspect of Reiki training and what to look for in a course when it comes to the offering of Reiju.
A deep dive into what Japanese and Western Reiki are, exploring differences in philosophy, techniques, and training approaches. Ideal for those seeking a traditional path or curious about the deeper roots of Reiki.
A detailed look at timelines for Reiki certification in Australia—what’s required at each level, how long it typically takes, and why deeper integration matters more than speed. Read the full article
This practical guide walks you through the steps to become a Reiki practitioner in Australia. It covers training pathways, client ethics, professional responsibilities, and what it truly means to support others.
This guide outlines the path to becoming a Reiki Master (Shihan), including what’s required in terms of time, growth and professional experience. It emphasises the value of lineage, personal growth, and ongoing commitment to the Reiki path.
Recommended Reading from Australian Reiki Organisations
An outline of what to expect at each level of Reiki training, with a focus on in-person learning, personal practice, and ethical standards.
Guidance from one of Australia’s leading Reiki associations on course structure, lineage, and choosing a teacher who honours Reiki’s roots.
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