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What Is Reiki and How Does It Work

Reiki is a relaxation practice that originated in Japan during the 1920s. The word "Reiki" comes from two Japanese terms: "rei" meaning universal and "ki" meaning life force energy. The basic idea behind Reiki is that a practitioner places their hands on or near a person's body to help direct energy flow and promote relaxation.

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During a typical Reiki session, a person lies down fully clothed while a trained practitioner places their hands on various parts of the body. Sessions generally last between 30 to 90 minutes. The practitioner does not massage or apply pressure. Instead, they hold their hands in specific positions. Many people report feeling warmth, tingling, or deep relaxation during sessions.

Research on Reiki shows mixed but growing results. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that Reiki reduced heart rate and blood pressure in study participants. Another study in the American Journal of Critical Care noted that patients who received Reiki reported lower pain levels. However, scientists note that more research is needed to fully understand how Reiki works and its effectiveness for different conditions.

Reiki is not a medical treatment and should not replace conventional healthcare. Instead, many people use Reiki alongside standard medical care as a complementary practice. The practice is offered in hospitals, wellness centers, and private practices across North America, Europe, and Asia. More than 60 hospitals in the United States now offer Reiki as a complementary therapy option for patients.

Practical takeaway: Understanding what Reiki is helps you decide whether learning about it matches your interests. Reiki is a hands-on relaxation practice with a long history and growing presence in healthcare settings, though it works best as a complement to, not a replacement for, medical care.

The Three Levels of Reiki Training and What Each Teaches

Reiki practitioners typically progress through three distinct levels of training, each building on the previous one. These levels are called First Degree, Second Degree, and Third Degree (or Master level). Each level teaches different techniques and deepens understanding of Reiki principles.

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First Degree Reiki, also called Reiki Level 1, focuses on self-healing and learning to give Reiki to others in person. In a typical Level 1 course lasting one to two days, students learn about Reiki history, the hand positions used during treatment, and the five Reiki principles. These principles emphasize living without worry, anger, and fear while cultivating gratitude and kindness. Students also learn about chakras—energy centers in the body recognized in traditional Indian medicine. Most Level 1 courses include an "attunement," a ritual where an instructor is said to open the student's ability to channel Reiki energy. According to the International Association of Reiki Professionals, an estimated 1 to 2 million people worldwide have completed Level 1 training.

Second Degree Reiki builds on Level 1 by introducing three sacred symbols and teaching distance healing techniques. Students learn to send Reiki energy to people who are not physically present. Level 2 courses typically last one to two days as well. This level also teaches practitioners how to address specific emotional and mental patterns. The training emphasizes understanding how Reiki affects emotions and thought patterns, not just physical relaxation.

Third Degree or Master level is the advanced certification. This level traditionally requires more training time, sometimes spread over several months or years. Master practitioners learn additional symbols and techniques for teaching Reiki to others. Some practitioners spend 1-2 years in Master training before being certified to teach and attune new students. At this level, practitioners deepen their personal practice and often develop their own teaching style.

Practical takeaway: Reiki training moves from basic self-care and in-person treatment, to distance work and emotional healing, to teaching others. Most beginners start with Level 1, which provides foundational knowledge within a short timeframe, typically one to two days of instruction.

Finding Free and Low-Cost Resources for Beginner Reiki Learning

Many resources exist for people interested in learning Reiki basics without spending money or spending very little. Public libraries often carry books about Reiki written by respected practitioners. A search of library catalogs shows titles like "The Reiki Handbook" by Wanja Twan and "Reiki: A Comprehensive Guide" by Pamela Miles appear in thousands of public library systems. These books contain hand position diagrams, history, and practice guidance.

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Online platforms offer free introductory videos about Reiki. YouTube channels operated by certified Reiki instructors demonstrate hand positions and explain Reiki principles. Channels like those run by organizations such as the International Association of Reiki Professionals and individual practitioners share educational content at no cost. These videos typically run 10 to 30 minutes and cover topics like chakra basics, hand position techniques, and Reiki history.

Many community centers and wellness organizations offer low-cost introductory workshops. A survey of 50 major U.S. cities found that most community centers offer Reiki 101 workshops ranging from $15 to $40. These workshops last two to three hours and provide hands-on learning opportunities. Universities and colleges sometimes offer continuing education Reiki courses at reduced rates for community members.

Meetup.com and similar community platforms host free Reiki practice groups where people gather to practice together and share knowledge. These groups vary in structure but often include sharing Reiki with each other and discussing techniques. People interested in eventually taking a formal course benefit from attending these groups first, as they provide exposure to the practice and let you meet certified practitioners who can answer questions.

Free email courses and online newsletters from Reiki organizations send information directly to your inbox over several weeks. These series typically cover Reiki history, basic principles, and hand positions. The Reiki Alliance and other professional organizations maintain email lists that share educational content regularly.

Practical takeaway: Substantial free and inexpensive learning materials exist before any paid training. Libraries, online videos, community centers, and practice groups all provide entry points for exploring Reiki without significant financial investment.

What a Reiki Beginner's Guide Typically Includes

A comprehensive beginner's Reiki guide covers several core topics that help someone understand the practice from the ground up. Most guides begin with history, explaining how Mikao Usui developed Reiki in 1922 Japan and how it spread to the Western world through teachers like Hawayo Takata in the mid-1900s. Understanding this background helps beginners appreciate Reiki's cultural roots and evolution.

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Beginner guides explain the five Reiki principles in detail. These principles are: (1) Just for today, do not worry; (2) Just for today, do not anger; (3) Honor your parents, teachers, and elders; (4) Earn your living honestly; and (5) Show gratitude to every living thing. Guides discuss how these principles apply to daily life and support personal development, not just during formal Reiki sessions.

Most guides include diagrams and descriptions of hand positions. Beginners learn where to place hands during a self-treatment session and during treatment of another person. Guides typically show 12 to 20 different hand positions with illustrations or photographs. They explain that positions usually remain in place for three to five minutes or until the practitioner feels ready to move to the next position. Learning positions helps beginners practice on their own.

Guides discuss chakras, the seven main energy centers recognized in traditional practices. Information typically includes the location of each chakra, its associated color, and its connection to physical and emotional health. For example, the root chakra located at the base of the spine is often associated with feelings of safety and grounding. The heart chakra is connected to love and compassion. Understanding chakras helps practitioners direct Reiki to specific areas based on what someone needs.

Many guides address common questions and misconceptions. They explain that Reiki is not a religion and can be practiced alongside any faith tradition. They clarify that Reiki does not replace medical treatment. They discuss what to expect during a session, including that experiences vary—some people feel warmth or tingling while others simply feel very relaxed.

Practical takeaway: Beginner guides teach history, principles, hand positions, chakra basics, and answer common questions. This found