How to Choose the Right Reiki Training

Types of Reiki Schools and Tips to Pick a Reiki Class

Jan 1, 2009

Reiki Practitioner in action, Franklin Park Library

Answering common questions that the aspiring Reiki student might have before committing to specific Reiki School.

Reiki - literally translated to 'God's energy' (Rei) and 'Individual Life Force energy' (Ki) is a popular form of energy healing. It originated in Japan but now has spread all over the western world as well. Reiki practitioners are initiated to Reiki by a process called 'Attunement'. The hands of a Reiki practitioner are considered as conduits for energy flow. The practitioner places his hands on the part of the body that needs Reiki energy or Reiki healing and the circuit is complete.

Types of Reiki

Here is a list of some popular schools of Reiki.

Usui Reiki

The original reiki developed by Dr.Mikao Usui

Gendai Reiki

Gendai means modern. Combines Usui Reiki with western concepts developed by Hiroshi Doi of Japan.

Rainbow Reiki

Rainbow reiki combines Usui reiki with Shamanism, Meditation, Holistic Communication Sciences etc.

Karuna Reiki

Only for Reiki masters of other lineages. Translates to Reiki of Compassion

Gayatri Reiki

Combines Reiki healing with the 1000 year old Gayatri Mantra

Tummo Reiki

Combines Reiki healing with kundalini energy healing. Tummo means kundalini.

Tibetan Reiki

Requires practitioner to be a Usui Reiki master to receive attunement. Tibetan symbols are used.

How to Choose the Right Type of Reiki Training?

Healing Philosophy Of Reiki Teacher

The healing philosophies of different schools of reiki are different. Its important to choose a school that fits the student's personality. For example, some schools may consider symbols to be powerful. Other schools of Reiki, consider symbols as merely a tool to get more comfortable with intending and channeling. If the student feels comfortable with following rituals in a certain order, a more symbol-centric Reiki might be a good fit.

Reiki Teacher's Methodology

Some teachers consider the attunement process sacred and do not openly reveal symbols to non-students. Other teachers have a more open approach. Interviewing a teacher and understanding their methodology of teaching is important. Free introductory sessions, if available, are a good way to evaluate a teacher. A good teacher dispels questions and doubts and provides practical ways to increase students' sensitivity to feel energy.

Cost of Reiki

Costs vary from free to a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, in the United States. Most authentic Reiki teachers don't claim absolute cure of any kind for any amount of training fee, so promises that sound improbable or too good to be true, usually are.

Reiki Class Duration

Most Reiki workshops are completed over a weekend. Most schools dont have pre-requisites to learn Reiki.

Support for continued Reiki Practice

Continued support is invaluable in learning Reiki. Questions and concerns usually arise after the classes are complete when its time to practice on one's own. Follow up sessions, discussions with other students, access to online forums, continued teacher-student contacts are other great ways to make the student's Reiki training valuable.

Non-Reiki Energy Healing

Though its the most popular, Reiki is not the only energy modality. Pranic Healing, Therapeutic Touch and Quantum Touch are some other types of energy healing available today.

The copyright of the article How to Choose the Right Reiki Training in Energy Healing is owned by Subha Ekambaram. Permission to republish How to Choose the Right Reiki Training in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.