Frequently Asked Questions

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Q. Where does Reiki energy come from?

A. Reiki energy is a subtle energy.  It is different from electricity or chemical energy or other kinds of physical energy.  Reiki energy appears to come from above and enters the top of the practitioner’s head flows through the body and out of the hands to the person receiving.  It appears to flow this way because of our perspective.

Q. Is Reiki a Religion?

A. Reiki is not a religion.  Practitioners are not asked to change any of their religious or spiritual beliefs.  They are free to continue believing anything they choose and are encouraged to make their own decisions concerning the nature of their religious practices.

Q. How is a Reiki treatment given?

A. Reiki healing can be performed anywhere at any time, as no special equipment is needed. The Reiki treatment process is a very easy one. The recipient simply lies down; if they are unable to the treatment can be given in a sitting position. The recipient should be as comfortable as possible. There is no need to remove any clothing, as Reiki will pass through anything, even plaster casts. The whole person is treated rather than specific symptoms. The practitioner gently places her hands non-intrusively in a sequence of positions, which cover the whole body, with each position held for several minutes. The practitioner is a channel, through which the energy is drawn. Reiki flows to the areas of need, helping to sooth pain and supporting the body's natural ability to heal itself. A full treatment usually takes 1 to 1 1/2 hours. For some a treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance and for others it can feel like a restful sleep; typically when done one feels very relaxed. For each the experience is personal and each time can be different. Reiki helps restore one’s balance.

Q. What does a Reiki treatment feel like?

A. Each time is unique and an individual experience. Typically people experience a feeling of deep relaxation. Some feel a wonderful flows of energy through and surrounds them. The energy encourages the letting go of tension, anxiety, fear or other negative feelings. Some fall asleep or have visions and other experiences. At the end of a session, one feels refreshed with a more positive, balanced outlook.

Q. What can be treated with Reiki?

A. Reiki has had a positive affect on all forms of illness and negative conditions. This includes minor things like head or stomach aches, bee stings, colds, flu, tension and anxiety as well as serious illness like heart disease, cancer, leukemia, etc. The side effects of regular medical treatments have also been reduced or eliminated. This includes the negative effects of chemotherapy, postoperative pain and depression as well as improving the healing rate and reducing the time needed to stay in the hospital.  Reiki always helps and in some cases people have experienced complete healings, which have been confirmed by medical tests before and after the Reiki treatments.  However, while some have experienced miracles, they cannot be guaranteed. Stress reduction with some improvement in ones physical and psychological condition are what most experience.

Q. Does one have to stop seeing a regular doctor or psychologist in order to receive Reiki?

A. No. Reiki works with regular medical or psychological treatment. If one has a medical or psychological condition, it is recommended that one see a licensed health care professional in addition to receiving Reiki treatments. Reiki energy works in harmony with all other forms of healing, including drugs, surgery, psychological care or any other method of alternative care and will improve the results.

Q. Who can learn to do Reiki?

A. Reiki is a very simple technique to learn and is not dependent on one having any prior experience with healing, meditation or any other kind of training. Over one million people from all walks of life, both young and old, have successfully learned it.  The reason it is so easy to learn that it is not taught in the usual way something is taught.  The ability to do Reiki is simply transferred from the teacher to the student through a process called an attunement that takes place during a Reiki class.  As soon as one receives an attunement, they have the ability to do Reiki and after that whenever one places their hands on themselves or on another person with the intention of doing Reiki, the healing energy will automatically begin flowing.

Q. How long does it take to learn Reiki?

A. A beginning Reiki class is taught on a weekend.  The class can be one or two days long.  I recommend that the minimum time necessary be at least six to seven hours.  Along with the attunement, it is necessary that the student be shown how to give treatments and also to practice giving treatments in class.

Q. What is a Reiki attunement?

A. A Reiki attunement is the process by which a person receives the ability to give Reiki. The attunement is administered by the Reiki Master during the Reiki class.  During the attunement, the Reiki Master will touch the students head, shoulders, and hands and use one or more special breathing techniques. The attunement energies will flow through the Reiki Master and into the student. These energies are guided by the Higher Power, make adjustments in the student’s energy pathways, and connect the student to the source of Reiki.  Because the energetic aspect of the attunement is guided by the Higher Power, it adjusts itself to be exactly right for each student.  During the attunement, some students feel warmth in the hands; others may see colors or have visions.  However, it is not necessary to have an inner experience for the attunement to have worked. Most simply feel more relaxed.

Q. Can I treat myself?

A. Yes, once you have received the attunement, you can treat yourself as well as others. This is one of the unique features of Reiki.

Q. I have heard that Reiki can be sent to others at a distance. How does this work?

A. Yes, in Degree II, you are taught three Reiki symbols. These symbols are empowered by the Degree II attunement. One of these symbols is for distant healing. By using a picture of the person you would like to send Reiki to or by writing the person’s name on a piece of paper or simply by thinking of the person and also activating the distant symbol, you can send Reiki to them no matter where they are. They could be hundreds of miles away, but it makes no difference. The Reiki energy will go to them and treat them. You can also send Reiki to crisis situations or world leaders and the Reiki energy will help them too.

Q. How many levels are there to the Reiki training?

A. This depends on the tradition the Reiki master/practitioner and follows. I follow the Usui system of Reiki: Usui Shiki Ryoho. These are three levels or degrees first, second and Master.

Q. What does it feel like to give a treatment?

A. When giving a Reiki treatment, the Reiki energy flows through the practitioner before leaving the hands and flowing into the client. Because of this, the practitioner receives a treatment also. As the Reiki energy flows through the practitioner, she/he will feel more relaxed and uplifted. Spiritual experiences sometimes take place. The practitioner sometimes receives insights about what the client needs to know to heal more deeply.

Q. How do I find a Reiki teacher that is right for me?

A. If you are looking for a Reiki Masters, you can look on the Reiki Alliance website and search by country and state. When you find a Reiki Master or practitioner you are interested in receiving training or a treatment from, it would be good to ask questions For example:

• How long have you been working with Reiki?

• What training have you had?

• How often do you teach?

• How do you personally use Reiki?

• What is your lineage?

• What qualifications are required to take Reiki Training?

• What do you cover in your classes? What is the structure of the classes?

• What are the specific things I will be able to do after taking the training?

• What are your fees, and will I get a certificate and a manual?

• Can I take notes and tape record the class?

• How many symbols will I learn?

• Will you openly support me in being a successful Reiki practitioner or Master?

• Do you have a positive respectful attitude toward other Reiki practitioners and Masters regardless of lineage or affiliation?

Be aware of how you feel about their answers and if they are responding in a loving manner that is supportive and empowering. Listen to your heart and you will be guided to the right teacher or practitioner.

Q. Can animals be treated?

A. Animals love Reiki. They seem to have an innate understanding of Reiki and its benefits.

Q. Are there any side effects from a Reiki session?

A. Generally after a session a person is feeling relaxed. However, sometimes during a session a person will have a large release on one or more levels. This is called a healing crisis. When this happens, a person may get a headache or feel weak. If this happens, it is a good idea to drink more water, get more rest and take care of you.  It is part of the healing process.

Q. Does insurance cover Reiki treatments?

A. Reiki is considered alternative treatment. Check with your local insurance company for details.

Q. Can you get more than one attunement?

A. Once receiving a Reiki attunement, it lasts your whole life.

Q. What is lineage?

A. Reiki is an oral tradition that is passed on from teacher to student. In addition, each will be part of a succession of teachers leading back to the founder of the Reiki system one is practicing. The Usui Reiki lineage leads back to Dr. Usui.