This course provides an evidence-based history of Reiki, relying in part on the research efforts of the International Center for Reiki Training. We are training learners in the teaching techniques of two major Reiki lineages and presenting the practice techniques of a third. The three lineages were chosen to represent Reiki’s evolution, bridging different Reiki groups and focusing on commonalities. Different perspectives and techniques are introduced that are applicable in Reiki session rooms and classrooms while nurturing a respect of the origin of Reiki and its many lineages. Through journaling, and designing curriculum and marketing, learners will explore how this lens can enrich their personal and professional practice. The program provides an overview of research and the practical applications that are developing from it (i.e., stress- reduction, pain management, neural plasticity).
Even though we know that the early founders were known to have many methods of teaching the energetics of Reiki, including occasional remote teaching, in-person Reiki classes were historically preferred. This changed during the pandemic when so many people sought connection and balance. Many long-established Reiki programs are now continuing virtual courses. Reiki works on an implicit level that fits nonlocally with a holistic and interdependent world. Whether you complete an in-person or virtual class, the program is committed to providing all learners the opportunities and encouragement needed to be successful through ongoing support events and community.
This Reiki program strives to provide an evidence-based understanding of Reiki that honors all lineages. It emphasizes Reiki as a practice that begins with self-care, and it is taught with the understanding that as an embodied practice, Reiki can benefit trauma-informed environments.
Modern Reiki began during the 1920s in Japan with the practice of Mikao Usui. Most Reiki practitioners worldwide practice a form of Usui Reiki Ryoho, which translates as “Usui’s system of natural healing.” Unfortunately, World War II interrupted the development of Reiki, and it was through a single teacher, Hawayo Takata, who had learned Reiki in Japan but lived in Hawaii, that Reiki was introduced globally. In the last twenty-five years, Reiki teachers around the world have been reunited with Usui’s Japanese lineages.
Reiki is primarily a hands-on technique for stress reduction. Reiki engages the parasympathetic nervous system. A practitioner uses hand positions on themselves daily to promote positive well-being. This personal practice extends to providing Reiki to other people, animals, and plants. It can remain a private practice for family and friends, or it can be offered professionally, usually after completing level two or above. It is easily integrated into other modalities and clinical settings. Reiki is easy to learn and accessible to everyone.
The Reiki program is a series of classes with in-person and virtual options. Reiki: Level One is an introduction and establishes self-treatments as the bedrock of the Reiki practice. Reiki: Level Two delves deeper into traditional Japanese techniques and supports sharing Reiki professionally. Finally, Reiki Master Level explores some of the metaphysical concepts arising around Reiki and introduces meditations and techniques that explore the subtle energy body.
