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Reiki is wonderful for helping to reduce stress while also encouraging healing and relaxation. It’s a Japanese technique that involves using the hands to guide life force energy through the body to promote health and happiness.
What are the principles of Reiki?
There are six key Reiki principles that lead to spiritual healing and happiness. These are:
– Don’t worry – Shin Pai Suna
– Don’t be angry – Ikaru Na
– Be grateful – Kan Sha Shi Te
– Just today – Kyo Dake Wa
– Be responsible and committed – Gyo O Hage Me
– Be kind – Hito Ni Shin Setsu Ni
Is Reiki difficult to learn?
Learning Reiki requires discipline and belief, but it doesn’t require you to have an academic background or any existing knowledge of medicine or any other practices.
Anybody can learn Reiki and there are no special or unique requirements needed. You simply have to begin the course with an open mind and be willing to spend time with people who have similar beliefs and interests.
Who teaches Reiki courses?
Reiki is taught by a qualified Reiki Master. To become a Reiki Master, they undertake many hours of training by taking Reiki 1 and 2, as well as advanced Reiki training such as level 3. Only by completing the necessary training will a student receive the qualifications they need to become a certified Reiki Master. When learning Reiki, you must ensure your teacher has the correct qualifications.
Types of Reiki Training Levels
There are typically three levels of Reiki training, with each focusing on attunement, education and practice. Attunement is what sets Reiki apart from other practices, and focuses on a ceremony of empowerment. It’s this ceremony, known as Reiju, which is used to expand energy and encourage it to flow freely through you.
As you progress through each of the three levels, building on the knowledge gained in each, you will gain the skills and experience necessary to become a Master.
Level 1
The first level of Reiki, also known as Shoden or the first degree, is an easily accessible course to beginners and can be completed in 8-12 hours, which is often done in person over a weekend. The main focus of Shoden is four initiations so students become conduits for Reiki energy. This level allows students to give themselves daily Reiki, and share with family and friends in informal sessions, so stopping your training at Shoden is appropriate for those who only want to practise on themselves.
Level 2
The second level, known as Okuden, prepares students to work with clients. It also teaches distance healing and how to focus energy in others. Second degree training focuses on hands-on treatment.
Level 3
The third degree, also known as Shinpiden, is the final level and is the most advanced. Traditionally it was by invitation only, however it is far more accessible today. Completing Shinpiden involves you becoming a fully qualified Reiki Master, in which – if you choose – you can teach others Reiki. Completing the third degree can involve becoming a current Master’s apprentice for an extended period of time.
Best Reiki Training Courses
Typically, some of the best Reiki training courses are completed in person. The first and second degrees will usually take 8-12 hours, and are undertaken over a weekend.
However, there are certain aspects of Reiki training that can also be completed online. Below are a selection of some of the best Reiki courses available across the UK.
#1 Gaia School of Natural Health
Based in the Wirral, Gaia School of Natural Health has been teaching students various practices since 2008. In Reiki, you can learn level 1 and level 2, and level 3 for those looking to become a Reiki Master. The school also offers Reiki development days for those who want to deepen their knowledge.
Reiki courses at Gaia School of Natural Health take between two and three days to complete and prices start from £195 for level 1.
#2 The Reiki School
Located in the South of England, The Reiki School offers a wide selection of intimate courses so you can connect closely with your teacher. Courses include level 1 through to Master, as well as introductory kids courses. There are also specialist courses for those who have already completed levels 1 and 2, including Animal Reiki.
Courses take between one and three days to complete, with costs starting from £150 for the first degree.
#3 Reiki Maya
London-based Reiki Maya offers courses in levels 1, 2 and Master, and has a course that includes both levels 1 and 2 together, perfect for those looking to progress quickly. Courses can be completed over a weekend, with costs starting from £175 for the first degree.
#4 Olettesa Holistic Therapies
Olettesa Holistic Therapies can be found in Cheshire and offers a number of Reiki training courses, including levels 1 and 2 as well as a Reiki Accredited Practitioner Qualification. Courses are taken over a weekend and costs start from £120.
#5 Centre of Excellence
For those who aren’t able to attend a Reiki course in person, the Centre of Excellence has a range of Reiki courses that can be taken online. Courses include level 1 and 2 diplomas and an Animal Reiki diploma.
Online Reiki courses are self-directed, so learning can be done as and when you have the time to do it. The cost of courses with the Centre of Excellence start from £127.
The benefits of Reiki training
Reiki is a soothing practice that can help alleviate stress, increase happiness and promote good health. In fact, a study in Turkey in 2015 found that Reiki helped reduce pain in cancer patients after just 30 minutes of Reiki treatment a day.
For those serious about learning about Reiki and its benefits – then later committing to becoming a Reiki Master – achieving a qualification is the best way to do it.
However, if you’re not interested in becoming a teacher yourself, there are plenty of wonderful benefits to simply completing Reiki training at levels 1 and 2. It allows you to practise Reiki on yourself and close family and friends in a relaxed, non-professional setting. These benefits include:
– Better harmony and balance
– Clears the mind to improve focus
– Accelerated self-healing
– Helps with sleep
– Can alleviate pain
– Deeper relaxation
– Promoted spiritual growth
– Emotional cleansing
Reiki Training FAQs
Is there a difference between in-person and online reiki training?
Traditionally, Reiki has been taught in in-person sessions and is seen as the preferred method. However, thanks to eLearning it is now possible to learn Reiki online. Unfortunately, accessing in-person training courses may not be possible for many students, and eLearning provides a viable alternative.
What can I do after I complete my reiki training?
Once you’ve completed training in levels 1 and 2, you’re in a position to practise Reiki on yourself and family or friends. However, if you’re looking to train others in Reiki, you will need to become a Master.
How long does it take to become a Reiki Master?
This depends on the amount of time you have to dedicate to learning. Levels 1 and 2 can be completed in a weekend. However, it can take longer to learn level 3. Some training can take weeks – such as if you become an apprentice to a current Master. However, some third degree courses can be completed in a much shorter timeframe.
How can I learn Reiki?
Reiki can be learned at many accredited schools across the UK, or online via eLearning platforms. However, as Reiki can be very personal, in-person training is often considered the preferred method.
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*Disclaimer – This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation. Information is factually accurate at the time of publishing but may have become out of date.
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