Learn About Reiki - What is Reiki, What to Expect from a Reiki Session and more....Within The Space - Traditional Japanese Usui Reiki Melbourne - Natural Energy Healing

REIKI COURSE FAQ'S
(for people considering learning Reiki with Within The Space Melbourne)

WHAT IS REIKI AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

Reiki (Usui Reiki Ryoho) is a traditional Japanese system of healing and spiritual practice founded by Mikao Usui. It works by cultivating and utilising life-force energy through a combination of hands-on healing, energy-accumulating practices, and specific mental and spiritual techniques to support mental, physical and spiritual well-being.

Reiki is both a pathway to self healing and spiritual growth and can also be applied to others through various techniques, the most commonly known, being hands-on healing where the practitioner places their hands on the closed body of the recipient, targeting specific areas of need, to support the body's natural healing and detoxifying processes via the accumulation of life-force energy into those areas of need.

The capacity to channel Reiki is passed from teacher to student through Reiju (attunement).

WHAT DO YOU LEARN IN A REIKI COURSE?

A Reiki course opens your capacity to channel Reiki via Reiju or Attunements and gives you a clear foundation in both the understanding of Reiki and the practical skills to use it for yourself and others. While each teacher and lineage or systems of Reiki may differ significantly (for example approximately 80% of the spiritual teachings and traditional advanced healing techniques have been removed in Western Reiki systems whilst others have added in new symbols and concepts that were not part of the traditional system) most Reiki courses cover the following:

1. Core Concepts

What Reiki is and how it works
The history of Reiki and the principles that guide the practice
Reiju or attunements (depending on the lineage) to connect you to Reiki (the ideal is 4 Reiju in Level 1)

2. Self-Healing

How to offer Reiki to yourself for your own healing

3. Treating Others

How to give a full Reiki session using hand placements

4. Distance Reiki (Usually in Level II)

How to offer Reiki across distance
When to use it and how to stay grounded and focused during the practice

5. Sacred Symbols

Sacred symbols are taught for various aspect of healing

6. Practical and Professional Considerations

An introduction to working professionally if you choose to continue

HOW IS YOUR REIKI COURSE DIFFERENT FROM THE WESTERN REIKI MOST PEOPLE KNOW?

I teach Reiki in its traditional Japanese form, including the full range of traditional Reiki practices and advanced techniques that were removed when Reiki came to the West or altered in some Japanese systems like Komyo ReikiDo.

This includes:

Reiju given in the original way
traditional symbols as taught in the Hayashi lineage
In depth Byosen-based practice and advanced traditional treatment strategies
advanced methods for clearing toxins, eliminating emotional patterns/habits, healing fresh injuries, inviting intuitive guidance, and more
Kekko, an essential finishing technique for hands-on Reiki
Emphasis on the traditional Reiki spiritual practices for inner peace
In depth understanding of how illness occurs and working with the body's natural detoxification pathways through traditional advanced healing techniques.

Students from other lineages often tell me that this approach deepens their spiritual connection, strengthens their hands-on practice, and gives them a sense of “coming home” to teachings that feel complete.

DO I NEED EXPERIENCE TO LEARN REIKI?

No. Reiki is for everyone! We ARE energy and we all have the innate capacity to utlilise that energy. Learning Reiki and particularly the Reiju (attunements) that students receive during the course, opens students up to have clear access to the energy.

Whether you’re brand new to energy work or already a practitioner, Reiki meets you exactly where you are.

Many students begin with no background at all - just curiosity and a desire to grow.

Often people learn Reiki purely for themselves (for their own healing and spiritual growth) and/or to help support their family by offering them hands-on healing, while others come from complementary fields such as yoga, massage, counselling, bodywork, somatic therapy, coaching, nursing, midwifery, and end-of-life work. Reiki can expand these offerings both for their clients, but also to support themselves, spiritually, emotionally and physically.

WHAT IS A REIKI ATTUNEMENT OR REIJU?

Reiju is the traditional method Usui Sensei used to reconnect a student to Reiki.

In Western systems this is often called an attunement, but Reiju is not a ceremony or activation. It simply opens and strengthens the natural flow of energy channels through the body, much like unclogging a pipe!

Reiju is traditionally given in person, and remote Reiju (via online courses) is not recognised by the main Reiki Associations. Because it is the most important part of learning Reiki, I offer Reiju exactly as taught in the original Japanese system and always in person.

You will receive Reiju multiple times in each level. The first four Reiju in Level 1 are considered the most essential, as they permanently open a student to channel Reiki. Further Reiju continue to support your connection. This is why it is important to choose a course that provides four full Reiju and does not reduce or rush them due to large class sizes.

WHAT WILL I LEARN IN YOUR LEVEL 1 REIKI COURSE

Level I is the foundation of the entire system. It centres on self-healing, the foundational spiritual practices, accumulating your own energy, and learning to recognise Byosen (the areas in the body where there is imbalance or congestion).

You’ll learn:

The history of Reiki
How Reiki changed when it came to the West, and why many original practices were removed
The core self-healing practices used in traditional Japanese Reiki
A basics of hands-on treatment you can use for family, friends, animals and plants
An introduction to Byosen and how to feel energetic feedback in the body
Daily practices to support your inner and spiritual development
How to begin forming a genuine relationship with Reiki through direct experience and beyond merely theory.

Class sizes are intentionally small so you receive personalised guidance and have time to practice, ask questions and enjoy the connections and sharing amongst the group through our discussions. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the daily practices and how to integrate them naturally into your own life.

WHAT WILL I LEARN IN LEVEL 2 REIKI COURSE?

Level II goes deeper into how the body stores toxins, the natural process of healing, and how to work more precisely with Byosen. You learn the different levels of Byosen, what the sensations mean, and how to treat areas of imbalance or illness more effectively.

You’ll learn:

Advanced treatment techniques for detoxing, balancing energy, inviting intuitive guidance, healing fresh injuries and even finding lost objects
Traditional symbols and mantras, their traditional purpose and corresponding healing techniques, and how they support specific aspects of healing
Methods for clearing unwanted mental and emotional patterns
How to treat from a distance
The inner teachings of the Reiki system, including the Shinto and Buddhist influences that deepen understanding of your practice
Additional Reiju to support sensitivity and connection
Practical skills for working with others, including what it means to hold space for someone
A simple overview for students interested in working with Reiki professionally

Level II deepens your relationship with Reiki and expands your skills so you can work more confidently with yourself and others.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO LEARN REIKI?

Level I
Level I is taught over one weekend and gives you the core foundational practices to begin practicing Reiki for yourself. The focus is on self-healing and your own spiritual practice, although you will also be able to offer Reiki to family, friends, animals and plants.

Level II
Level II is taught in two parts held on separate weekends. Because I teach the original Japanese practices and the advanced methods that were removed from Western Reiki, two weekends are needed to learn the full system properly and have enough time to practise each technique. There are simply too many traditional methods to fit into one weekend.

Part 1 is a complete module on its own and there is no obligation to continue unless you feel called.

Part 2 is only required if you want to learn the full set of traditional teachings or practise professionally.

Together, they form the full Okuden (Level II) training recognised for professional practice and association registration.

Students often say they value having Level II divided this way as the material is extensive and time is needed to be able to immerse in the techniques and practices, rather than simply explaining them in theory. Time between the two modules allows greater space for integrating before learning new techniques and information.

Beyond the classroom
After each level, the real learning happens in your own daily practice. Reiki continues to unfold over weeks, months and years. As a spiritual and healing path, it is a life-long practice and unfolding - it naturally deepens and expands long after the course itself.

CAN I PRACTICE PROFESSIONALLY AFTER LEVEL 2?

It is recommended that you practice Reiki on friends a family for a minimum of 6 months after completing the course before doing so. This gives you time to integrate the teachings you have learnt in level two, and develop the skills and techniques to treat clients confidently.

Almost all of the practices taught in Level 2 apply equally to self -healing as it does to healing of others and accordingly, after Level 2, some students practice professionally, while others learn Reiki for personal use.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LEARNING REIKI?

Reiki is both a spiritual and healing modality. Primarily Reiki helps to support your own physical, emotional and spiritual well-being, and if you choose, you may use it to help support others either personally or professionally.

Reiki:

supports your own physical, emotional and mental well-being
strengthens your spiritual path and personal growth
helps find a place of inner peace and find calm from within
reduces stress and calm the nervous system
reduces pain
helps support the natural healing process for any illness, disease as well as the natural detoxication pathways to help eliminate toxins faster.
settles emotional overwhelm, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and helps you find clarity
deepens intuition and inner awareness
helps you feel more grounded and centered in daily life
strengthens your spiritual path and personal growth
allows you to support family, friends, children, animals and plants
build a reliable self-care practice you can use anywhere
heal fresh/new injuries
complements other healing or caring professions (massage, counselling, nursing, doula work, yoga, bodywork, palliative care)
helps people feel more empowered and connected to themselves
improves sleep, energy levels and overall balance

CAN I USE REIK FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS?

Yes. After Level I, you can treat yourself and loved ones...even pets and plants!

Many students learn Reiki simply for themselves.
Others become practitioners (following 6 months of practice after completing both parts of Level II).
There is no pressure in either direction.

IS REIKI SAFE?

Reiki is completely natural and safe. It works with the body’s own healing ability and has no contraindications.

CAN I LEARN REIKI IF I AM HIGHLY SENSITIVE OR EASILY OVERWHELMED?

Yes. Most sensitive people find the spiritual, energetic and healing practice of Reiki helps them to feel much calmer as well as strengthening their energetic boundaries. Many students find it easier, after learning Reiki, to stay in a place of inner power and peace.

Reiki also gives you tools to stay centered and you can even use some of the techniques during time of overwhelm and as a way to avoid absorbing other people’s energy.

Reiki tends to strengthen, not overwhelm.

WHAT IF I DON'T FEEL ANYTHING DURING THE REIKI COURSE?

Feeling energy varies from person to person. Some people notice warmth or tingling straight away, while others don’t feel much at first. Both are completely normal. Many students simply feel calmer or more present during the course, and this in itself is feeling the energy.

In Level I, you learn a traditional technique originally given to beginners to help develop sensitivity in the hands. The self-healing practices also build sensitivity naturally when done regularly. You’re not expected to feel this immediately, it develops over time.

The most important thing to know is that Reiki works whether or not you feel strong sensations. Every student comes to discover this through their own practice at home. Sensitivity grows in different ways for different people, and it unfolds naturally with consistent practice.

DO YOU OFFER SUPPORT TO STUDENTS AFTER THE REIKI COURSE?

Yes. I offer monthly in-person Reiki share circles, monthly online gatherings, and ongoing mentoring so you can continue practicing, ask questions, and stay connected to community.

I encourage students to email and message me questions or as they arise and share any insights and developments along their path so that I can continue to offer them support, wisdom and encouragement. There is a special relationship between a Reiki Teacher and student and ongoing mentorship is at the heart of that.

HOW DO I KNOW IS LEARNING REIKI IS RIGHT FOR ME?

If you feel curious, drawn, or simply have sense that there is something about learning Reiki that is for you, then that’s usually the sign. I think if you're reading this, you probably already have the answer to this question!

Many students enroll in my Reiki course not really knowing why they feel called it. They just know this is something they want to do.

IS YOUR REIKI COURSE IN FITZROY ACCESSIBLE?

My Reiki courses are held in Fitzroy, Melbourne, and the space is accessible for many people. I always do my best to accommodate special needs, mobility considerations, and any personal requirements you may have. If you have accessibility questions or questions about special needs, I encourage you to contact me directly so we can discuss what you need and make sure you feel fully supported.

WHERE IN FITZROY ARE YOUR COURSES HELD?

Courses take place at 85 Moor Street, whilst my in-person Reiki Gatherings are held at 222A Johnston Street, Collingwood. Both locations are just minutes apart and very easy to reach from anywhere in Melbourne’s inner north and surrounding suburbs.

WHICH SUBURBS ARE WITHIN 30 MINUTES OF YOUR FITZROY REIKI COURSE?

Because I specialise in teaching un-Westernised Traditional Japanese Reiki (unchanged from Hayashi’s teachings and including the original Reiju) many of the practices I share are little known in Western Reiki or have been changed or altered in other modern Japanese systems such as Komyo ReikiDo. As a result, students often travel from across Victoria (and sometimes interstate) to learn this full, traditional syllabus of healing and spiritual techniques. With online Reiki practice Gatherings available and ongoing mentorship, distance is much less of an issue.

In terms of locations within with 30 minutes of Fitzroy, as it so central, people attend my Reiki courses from all over Melbourne. Most of the following suburbs are within 10-30 minutes by car or public transport:

Inner North & Immediate Surrounds

Fitzroy
Fitzroy North
Collingwood
Carlton
Carlton North
East Melbourne
Abbotsford
Northcote
Clifton Hill
Brunswick
Brunswick East
Thornbury
Parkville

Inner East & North-East (≈10–25 mins)

Richmond
Cremorne
Burnley
Kew
Hawthorn
Hawthorn East
Fairfield
Alphington
Ivanhoe
Ivanhoe East
Heidelberg

Inner South & CBD (≈5–20 mins)

Melbourne CBD
Southbank
South Melbourne
Docklands
Port Melbourne
Inner South-East (≈15–30 mins)
Prahran
Windsor
South Yarra
Toorak
Armadale
Malvern
Malvern East
St Kilda
St Kilda East
Elwood
Caulfield North

West & North-West (≈20–30 mins)

Kensington
Flemington
Ascot Vale
Moonee Ponds
Essendon
Footscray
West Footscray
Seddon
Yarraville
Maribyrnong

DO I NEED TO BE SPIRITUAL TO LEARN REIKI?

No. Reiki does not require spiritual or religious beliefs nor is is contrary to any religious beliefs. You simply need curiosity and a willingness to learn!

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A REIKI ATTUNEMENT OR REIJU?

Reiju is a simple and traditional method for reconnecting you to Reiki through a process of clearing out your energy channels. Reiju is given by your teacher while you are sitting with your eyes closed. The teacher either places or hovers their hands on certain locations of your head and hands as way to clear the channels and provide you with a clear connection to the Reiki. It is gentle and usually felt as a sense of calm and stillness. It does not involve ceremony or visualisation.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO A REIKI COURSE?

A detailed information sheet will be sent to you soon after you enrol in a course with all the essential details (including all-day parking locations and public transport options), as well as what to bring to the course.

It is recommended that you wear casual comfortable clothing (with layers to remove or add to accommodate changes in temperature and your personal comfort), a notebook, a spill-prof water bottle and an open mind! An organic selection of teas are provided as well as snacks such as snack-style individual packets of organic popcorn and good quality dark chocolate.

You are welcome to bring your own food and snacks (there is a fridge for food and a microwave to heat things up). There is also an abundance of cafes, restaurants and take-away food just minutes away from the venue.

IS THERE ALL DAY PARKING NEAR THE VENUE?

Yes. A detailed information sheet will be sent to you soon after you enrol in a course with all the essential details (including all-day parking locations and public transport options), as well as what to bring to the course. There is all day parking just one and half blocks away. For anyone with accessibility needs, a permit may be able to be arranged for you to park on the street of the venue.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE REIKI COURSE?

No formal preparation is required. However, many students find it helpful to eat a clean diet in the 3-4 weeks leading up to the course and to limit alcohol or non-prescribed medications/drugs in the week or so beforehand (this is supportive but not essential).

It is strongly recommended that you avoid alcohol and non-prescribed drugs the night before the course begins.

Please note: students who arrive under the influence of alcohol or non-prescribed substances on any day of the training will not be able to participate.

IS REIKI SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN?

There is growing research showing Reiki’s benefits for relaxation, stress reduction, nervous system regulation, and overall wellbeing. Reiki is recognised and utilised in many hospitals and medical settings as a complementary therapy, including for heart surgery, emergency rooms, cancer support, pediatric care, palliative care and for pre and post-surgical care.

CAN I LEARN REIKI ONLINE?

Traditional Japanese Reiki cannot be learned online. Reiju must be offered in person, and hands-on practice cannot be taught properly in a virtual format. There are some essential aspects of the teaching and your learning, that are best learnt in person.

It is worth noting that most Reiki Associations do not allow membership for people who learned Reiki online.

CAN I COMBINE REIKI WITH OTHER HEALING MODALITIES?

Yes. In fact this is ideal! Reiki integrates beautifully with massage, counselling, yoga teaching, physiotherapy, osteopathy, nursing, doula work, palliative care, and other hands-on professions.

It is not only beneficial for your clients and patients (who will receive the benefit of Reiki simply through you presence and touch), but also to support you as a person in a carer role and role of service to others, as a way to keep you mentally, physically and spiritually supported and strong and to avoid burnout.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I FINISH A REIKI COURSE?

The real learning begins through practice at home and integrating the techniques and teachings into your everyday life. This is where having continued mentoring and support through me as your Teacher can help, as you try to establish a way to bring Reiki into your life.

Reiki as a spiritual and healing practice, unfolds over weeks, months, and years as part of your daily life and in your lifetime.

You may also begin using the practices and techniques on family and friends (as well as pets and plants!) and Reiki will take you on its own journey after that. Perhaps you will want to learn Level II, perhaps you will want to practice professionally - it will guide you every step of the way!

Many students also find it helpful to attend the optional in-person Reiki share circles or the online Reiki Gatherings for continued support.

HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT REIKI COURSE?

Look for a teacher who practises and teaches a system that resonates most with you. For me, learning the unhcanged traditional Japanese Reiki system of Reiki is what resonated most for me, and that was after learning various others Western and even non-Western systems.

Find a teach that offers 4 Reiju in person for Level I (this is essential), with class sizes small enough to dedicate enough time for Reiju for each student (without rushing), and who provides ongoing support after the course, continued mentorship and a clear structure.

Reach out to the Teacher and ask them questions about their course and also, their experience and practice of Reiki - try to get a sense of the depth of their spiritual practice and experience with Reiki.

DO I NEED TO BELIEVE IN REIKI FOR IT TO WORK?

No. Reiki does not depend on belief or faith. It works whether or not you feel energy immediately, and sensitivity develops naturally over time. Your trust and relationship with Reiki will grow and expand over time and this part of the incredible journey Reiki will take you on. Just when you think you've worked it out, it shows you another element to it, which has you questioning and guessing all along the way. Reiki has a way of revealing itself to you over time and whilst you don't need to believe in it, it is good to be open and curious about it.

HOW MUCH DOES A REIKI COURSE COST?

Costs vary depending on the teacher, lineage, class size and hours of training. Most courses usually have set fees that reflect the depth of the teaching and the structure of each level.

Look for:

Longer duration: (4 hour courses will not offer the same quality or depth as a course that runs over an entire weekend or more)
Small class sizes: anything larger than six students can dilute your experience.
Meaningful time with the teacher: larger groups or short courses can limit personal guidance.
Personalised instruction: this naturally happens in smaller classes.
Time for questions and practice: essential for real learning and usually only possible when the class is small and the course is not rushed.
The number and quality of Reiju: you should receive at least four, offered slowly and without being rushed.
Whether the full set of traditional healing and spiritual practices is taught – many courses leave these out entirely.

All of these factors affect the quality of your learning, the depth of your experience, and the overall value of the course.

DO MEN LEARN REIKI?

Yes,of course! Reiki is entirely gender-neutral and is learned by men, women, non-binary and gender-diverse people, and individuals of all identities, cultures, and backgrounds.

CAN I ATTEND A REIKI COURSE WHILST PREGNANT?

Yes. learning and receiving Reiki is gentle and safe throughout all stages of pregnancy.

HOW DO I BECOME A REIKI MASTER / SHIHAN

Becoming a Reiki Master/Shihan takes time and experience in practicing Reiki on yourself and others.

In the traditional Japanese system I teach, you first complete Shoden (Level I) and Okuden (Level II – Parts 1 and 2), followed by a period of ongoing practice and experience. When you feel you have enough experience of Reiki as a personal spiritual and healing path and working with others, you can then apply for Shinpiden (Level III), which is the beginning of the teacher-training pathway.

To reach Shihan level, you must repeat Shoden and Okuden, complete the initial three-day Shinpiden training, work with at least 50 individual clients, complete 120 hours of hands-on treatments, and undertake an interview and assessment. After your first sitting of Shinpiden, you hold the title of Shihan-Kaku or Shihan Candidate. You then re-sit Shinpiden again (re-sitting Levels I and II) before becoming a full Shihan.

It is a committed path that develops naturally through practice, time and experience.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A REIKI MASTER / SHIHAN?

There is no set timeframe, as readiness depends on practice and experience, not some set period of time. Most students spend at least 12 months actively practicing after completing Okuden before applying for Shinpiden. The requirement of 50 clients and 120 hours of hands-on treatments also takes time to complete properly. Students also have to show a depth of understanding of the practice of Reiki both as a healing and spiritual path and a readiness to step into the role as a Teacher.

After the first sitting of Shinpiden, students enter the Shihan Kaku/Candidate stage, where they deepen their understanding through practice, assisting in classes and continuing their own development. Only after re-sitting all levels, including Shinpiden, do students become a Shihan.

It is a comprehensive process that can take one to several years, depending on the individual.

DO I NEED TO BECOME A REIKI MASTER / SHIHAN TO PRACTICE REIKI PROFESSIONALLY?

No. Professional practice begins after completing Level II (Okuden). Completion of both Part 1 and Part 2, along with a minimum of six months of practice is recommended as the minimum timeline before engaging in Professional Practice. This also meets the training standards required by Reiki associations in Australia.

Shinpiden (Level III) is only needed if you wish to teach Reiki or feel called to deepen your understanding of the system at the teacher level. Many students choose to remain practitioners and do not feel the need to pursue the teaching path.

Becoming a Reiki Teacher is a calling that carries real responsibility. You are entrusted with a lineage, the accuracy of the teachings, the care of students who look to you for wisdom, bringing Reiki to life for students through story-telling of your own real-life experiences of Reiki and guidance on their own healing path. It requires commitment, maturity and a strong sense of purpose. For those who feel drawn to it, it is an incredibly meaningful path that becomes a natural extension of their own practice.

WHAT IS REIKI LEVEL III - SHINPIDEN?

Shinpiden (Level III) is the teaching level of the Reiki system. It brings together everything learned and experienced in Shoden and Okuden and deepens your understanding of the techniques, history, philosophy and spiritual concepts that underpin the system from the perspective of teaching it.

At this level you learn how to give Reiju, refine your own practice, review all previous levels, and explore the teachings at a depth that allows you to eventually guide students through their own training.

WHAT IS A SHIHAN CANDIDATE OR SHIHAN KAKU?

After completing the first sitting of Shinpiden, students hold the title of Shihan Candidate. This stage allows time to integrate the teachings and gain confidence with the material before teaching others.

As a Shihan Candidate, you repeat Shoden and Okuden, deepen your own practice, and may assist in classes or Gatherings. You also may offer Reiju under supervision. Once the required practice hours, client sessions and repeat trainings are complete and you re-sit Shinpiden for a second time, you will become a full Shihan.

DO YOU TEACH LEVEL III - SHINPIDEN?

Yes. I offer Shinpiden as part of the traditional Japanese training pathway. Entry is by application once a student has completed Shoden, Okuden (Parts 1 and 2), demonstrated consistent ongoing practice, and met the prerequisites of client sessions, treatment hours and readiness.

Shinpiden is taught in small groups to allow for close guidance, individual support and the depth required at this level.

Students receive ongoing mentoring following the training as they progress through the Shihan Candidate/Kaku stage and beyond.

Mentorship is a lifelong offering.

CAN ANYONE BECOME A REIKI MASTER?

Yes, anyone can become a Reiki Master/Shihan, but it is not a path everyone is meant to take.

In the traditional Japanese system, becoming a Reiki Teacher is a significant commitment. It requires much more than completing the levels. It calls for maturity, consistency in your own practice, a deepening of your spiritual path, genuine understanding of Reiki through your own self-healing, experience working with others, and a sincere calling to pass the teachings on with accuracy and integrity. It is far more than a title.

Some students come to realise through their practice that they are meant to remain practitioners, while others feel a clear sense of purpose around teaching that grows naturally with time and experience. Both paths are completely valid. The Shihan pathway is for those who feel called to carry the lineage forward, share the practice that has changed their lives, and meet the responsibilities that come with the role.

Anyone with sincerity, dedication and real practice can pursue this path, and it is not something to rush or approach casually. The calling reveals itself over time through your own relationship and experience with Reiki.