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Reiki is a gentle yet powerful holistic therapy that promotes healing, deep relaxation, and overall wellbeing. Originating in Japan, Reiki works on the principle of channelling universal life force energy through the hands, encouraging balance in the mind, body and spirit. With its increasing popularity across the UK, many people are now looking to train in Reiki – whether for personal healing, to support loved ones, or to pursue a professional path in holistic therapy.
If you’re interested in learning Reiki, this guide will help you understand what to expect from the training and highlight some of the best Reiki courses currently available across the UK.
What are the principles of Reiki?
When training in Reiki, students are introduced to a set of guiding principles intended to support emotional clarity, compassion and spiritual growth. These are:
- Just for today, do not worry – Shin Pai Suna
- Just for today, do not be angry – Ikaru Na
- Be grateful – Kan Sha Shi Te
- Be diligent in your work – Gyo O Hage Me
- Be kind to others – Hito Ni Shinsetsu Ni
These affirmations are often repeated as daily meditations to support personal development alongside hands-on healing.
How easy is Reiki to learn?
Reiki is accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background or academic experience. No prior knowledge of medicine or therapy is required. What’s most important is approaching your training with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a desire to grow spiritually or emotionally.
Who teaches Reiki courses?
Reiki is taught by a certified Reiki Master – a practitioner who has completed all three levels of Reiki training. Your teacher should be properly qualified and experienced in both giving treatments and teaching. When choosing a course, always ensure the instructor is accredited by a recognised Reiki association (such as the UK Reiki Federation or CNHC) or has a clearly traceable lineage to traditional Reiki teaching.
Types of Reiki Training Levels
Reiki training is traditionally structured into three levels or ‘degrees’, each building on the last. A key part of the training is the attunement or Reiju, a ceremonial initiation where the student’s energy channels are opened to Reiki. This is what sets Reiki apart from other therapies.
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 – Shoden
This is the entry-level course and focuses on self-healing. Students receive four attunements and are taught how to give Reiki to themselves, family and friends. Training is often delivered over a weekend, typically taking 8–12 hours. This level is ideal for those who want to practise Reiki informally.
Level 2 – Okuden
Level 2 deepens the student’s knowledge and introduces distance healing and energy techniques for treating others professionally. Students receive further attunements and are taught to use Reiki symbols. After this level, practitioners can often obtain insurance and begin offering Reiki as a complementary therapy.
Level 3 – Shinpiden (Reiki Master)
This is the most advanced level, traditionally offered by invitation but now widely accessible. It includes the final Master attunement, deeper spiritual practices, and guidance on teaching Reiki to others. Some training programmes also include an apprenticeship period with a Master.
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 Mastery
Reiki Mastery Academy is a leading provider of accredited Reiki training, recognised by the prestigious Complementary Medical Association (CMA). Founded by British Reiki Master and healer Hilary Kingston, who brings over 20 years of experience—including treating clients from royalty to elite athletes—the Academy delivers professional, diploma-level Reiki courses online.
#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 deeply relaxing and restorative practice, both to receive and to learn. Some of the key benefits of Reiki include:
- Promotes harmony and emotional balance
- Encourages deeper relaxation and better sleep
- Supports physical and emotional healing
- Clears the mind and enhances focus
- May relieve pain and tension
- Facilitates personal and spiritual growth
In fact, a study in Turkey in 2015 that even 30 minutes of Reiki per day significantly reduced pain in cancer patients, highlighting its potential therapeutic impact.
Whether you plan to become a professional practitioner or simply want to bring more peace and balance into your life, training in Reiki can be a transformative experience.
Insure your Reiki practice with our specialist Reiki insurance cover
Looking to work with clients and students after becoming a Reiki Master? Insure your Reiki business after you qualify with our specialist Reiki insurance cover.
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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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