Reiki is a Japanese technique designed for stress reduction, relaxation, and promoting healing. The practice harnesses what is often described as “life force energy” flowing through all living things. Becoming a certified Reiki practitioner involves a standardized, progressive path through distinct levels. Each level requires a ritualistic initiation, known as an attunement, performed by a qualified Reiki Master, preparing the student to channel this energy.
Reiki Certification Level One
The journey begins with Reiki Level One, or Shoden (“first teachings”), focusing primarily on the physical body and self-healing. This foundational step requires the student to receive their initial attunement, sometimes called Reiju, from a Master Teacher. The attunement opens the student’s energy channels, allowing them to connect with and channel the universal life force energy.
The curriculum introduces the history of the practice, the basic hand positions for treatment, and foundational principles, such as the five precepts. Students learn to apply Reiki to themselves and others through gentle, non-invasive, hands-on techniques. This certification grants the ability to practice on friends and family, but it is not the qualification for establishing a formal, professional practice. A period of self-practice, often three weeks to three months, is recommended after this level to integrate the energetic changes before advancing.
Reiki Certification Level Two
The second level, known as Okuden (“inner teachings”), generally prepares a student for professional practice. This stage involves a second, more intensive attunement that further enhances the capacity to channel energy. The core of Level Two training is the introduction of sacred symbols, which focus and enhance the energy flow for specific purposes.
These symbols traditionally include the Power Symbol, the Mental/Emotional Symbol, and the Distance Healing Symbol. The Distance Symbol allows the practitioner to send energy across time and space, enabling healing for individuals not physically present. Training includes instruction on professional ethics, client consultation techniques, and documentation practices, as this certification permits the practitioner to charge for services. Level Two expands the practitioner’s toolkit beyond hands-on application, allowing for a deeper emotional and spiritual impact on clients.
Achieving Reiki Master Status
The Master Status is the highest level of certification, referred to as Shinpiden (“mystery teachings”). This level is sometimes divided into the Master Practitioner (Level 3) and the Master Teacher (Level 3b). The Master Practitioner learns the Master Symbol, which facilitates spiritual growth and personal transformation, along with advanced techniques for deeper healing.
The ultimate distinction of the Master Teacher is the ability to perform attunements for all three levels, initiating new practitioners into the system. Achieving this status requires a deep, personal commitment to the practice. This often involves a longer training period and mentorship from an existing Master. Students should spend a minimum of six months to a year practicing at the Level Two stage before undertaking the Master training.
Selecting a Teacher and Lineage
A practitioner’s development is significantly influenced by the Master Teacher who provides the training and attunements. When choosing a teacher, a primary consideration is lineage, the traceable teaching history of the Master back to the system’s founder, Mikao Usui. A clear, unbroken lineage serves as a marker of the authenticity of the training and the specific style of Reiki being taught.
Potential students should investigate their prospective teacher’s background, including the style of Reiki they practice and their teaching philosophy. The cost of training for each level ranges from $200 to $450, though the Master level is often significantly more. While some training may be offered online, the attunement process is a sacred ceremony. Many practitioners seek in-person training to ensure a hands-on, comprehensive experience that aligns with their spiritual and professional goals.