Q & A: WHAT IS A REIKI ATTUNEMENT (REIJU)
- Fiona Phillips | Certified Japanese Reiki Shihan (Teacher)
- Mar 22, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 9, 2025
INTRODUCTION
Reiki is an energy healing practice based on utilising universal, vital, life-force energy to promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It's the energy that is in and around us and we have the innate capacity to channel and use that energy to restore us to mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. At the heart of Reiki lies the concept of attunements (also known as Reiju), which serve as a pivotal step in one's journey to becoming a Reiki Practitioner, connecting and opening up students to Reiki and giving the the capacity to channel Reiki themselves. In this article, we delve into the essence of Reiki attunements, exploring what they entail and their significance in the practice of Reiki.
WHAT IS A REIKI ATTUNEMENT?
A Reiki attunement is like a sacred ritual between the Reiki Shihan (Teacher/Master) and their student in which a Reiki Master help open up the student's innate capacity to connect to and channel Reiki and in a way, transfers the ability to connect to the Reiki Some say that on another level, the ritual between Teacher and student, remind the student of their innate capacity to connect to and utilise the Reiiki for healing their mind, body and inner being as well as increasing their spiritual connection.
In each level of Reiki training, students receive several attunements (almost to jump-start their practice) and this profound energetic initiation is a cornerstone of the Usui Reiki system, granting students the ability to access and practice Reiki for themselves and others by opening their energetic channels. For this reason, it is not recommended that students learn Reiki online as there it is unlikely that they ever effectively receive the attunements remotely as it has always been an in-person, direct Teacher to student ritual.
Throughout the history of Reiki and from the outset, Mikao Usui, the Founder of Reiki, has bestowed on Shihan students (known as 'Masters' in the West) this sacred tradition of Reiju, empowering them with the capacity to transmit this energy ritual to their own students and subsequent generations. This line of passing down Reiju from Mikao Usui to his Shihan students and to their Shihan students and so forth, is known as Reiki Lineage.
THE ATTUNEMENT PROCESS
Reiki attunements are typically conducted in a low-light, relaced and tranquil setting, often during a Reiki course. Students are seated and instructed on how the attunement process will proceed and when they may nee to place their hands in Gassho (prayer position) when it is their turn to receive attunement. As this is a sacred ritual, student
s eyes are closed for the duration and students are encouraged to surrender to receiving the energy, and to remain as relaxed as possible, so as to be open to receiving the energy and opening. The Reiki Shihan (or Reiki Master) then guides the recipient through a series of energy transmissions, using sacred symbols and rituals to attune the recipient's energy field to the frequency of Reiki energy and to promote opening, connection and reminder of the student's innate capacity to channel Reiki.
During the attunement, recipients may experience various sensations, including warmth, tingling, emotion, light or a sense of deep relaxation. These sensations are indicative of the energy shifts taking place within the recipient's subtle energy body as they become attuned to Reiki energy.
SIGNIFICANCE OF REIKI ATTUNEMENTS
Reiki attunements empower students to access and channel Reiki energy for healing themselves and others in awakening their dormant healing abilities and allowing them to serve as conduits for divine healing energy.
By connection students to the universal, vital, life force energy, greater spiritual connection occurs as well as activating a process of self-healing and transformation, addressing imbalances on all levels of being. In other words, the Reiju on its own, can promote healing.
And finally, recipients become part of a sacred lineage after receiving their attunements, tracing back from their Teacher to the founder of Reiki, Mikao Usui. This lineage ensures the preservation and continuation of Reiki teachings and practices for future generations.
CONCLUSION
Reiki attunements serve as powerful rite of passage, awakening the student's innate healing ability, spiritual connection and opening their world up to the limitless healing possibilities and spiritual growth. By receiving a Reiki attunement, students then embark on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and profound healing, guided by the universal life force energy that flows through all living beings.
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