Reiki for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know

How Does Reiki Work?

Reiki works on the principle that energy flows through and around the body — and that restoring this flow supports healing.

In practice, the practitioner acts as a channel. Rather than using their own personal energy, a trained Reiki practitioner draws energy from an unlimited universal source and directs it to the client through their hands — placed lightly on or just above the body.

In many traditions, this energy flows along pathways in the body and concentrates in seven main energy centres known as chakras. As a result, when these energy centres are balanced and flowing freely, we experience health and vitality, we experience health and vitality. So when they are blocked or unbalanced — through stress, trauma, illness, or negative thought patterns — we may experience physical or emotional symptoms.

During a Session

Most people feel warmth, tingling, or a gentle pulsing from the practitioner’s hands. However, many experience deep relaxation — some fall asleep. Some even notice emotional releases or a sense of clarity after a session.

Research & Evidence — While large-scale clinical trials are limited, multiple studies suggest Reiki reduces anxiety, pain, and fatigue in hospital patients. It is widely used as a complementary therapy in palliative and cancer care settings.

Does It Work Remotely?  Yes for sure— Reiki Level 2 teaches distance healing, where energy is sent across space and time. In fact, this is one of the most profound aspects of Reiki and is widely practised worldwide via online sessions.

Reiki for Yourself — One of the most powerful aspects of Reiki for beginners is that you can learn to give Reiki to yourself. In fact, daily self-Reiki is a cornerstone practice at Level 1 and brings profound cumulative benefits.

What Happens in a Reiki Session?

Whether in person or online, a Reiki session typically follows a similar flow.

Step 01 — Consultation: Firsty, your practitioner will ask about your intentions for the session, any physical or emotional concerns, and answer any questions you have. This usually takes 5–10 minutes.

Step 02 — The Treatment: First, you lie fully clothed on a massage table. Then, the practitioner places their hands gently on or just above specific positions on your body. Sessions last 45–90 minutes.

Step 03 — Integration: Finally, after the session, you rest for a few minutes. Your practitioner may share what they noticed, offer suggestions for self-care, and give you time to return fully to everyday awareness.

What clients commonly experience:

• Warmth or tingling from the hands
• Deep relaxation or drowsiness
• Emotional release (tears, laughter)
• Visualising colours or imagery
• Feeling of lightness or peace
• Increased energy in the days after

The Benefits of Reiki

Reiki supports mind, body, and spirit — the effects build over time with regular sessions.

😮‍💨 Stress & Anxiety Relief — One of the most consistently reported benefits. In fact, Reiki activates the parasympathetic nervous system, shifting the body from “fight or flight” into deep rest and recovery.

😴 Better Sleep — In addition, many clients report significantly improved sleep quality after regular Reiki sessions. The deep relaxation response helps regulate sleep patterns disrupted by stress.

💊 Pain Management — For example, Reiki is widely used in hospice and cancer care settings to help manage pain. It does not replace medical treatment but can complement it effectively.

🧠 Mental Clarity — Regular Reiki practice often brings greater mental clarity, improved focus, and a sense of perspective. Many clients describe feeling “lighter” after sessions.

💚 Emotional Healing — Yes, Reiki can support the processing of grief, trauma, and emotional blocks. It creates a safe space for feelings to surface and release — gently and at your own pace.

✨ Spiritual Connection — Moreover, Many practitioners describe Reiki as deepening their connection to themselves, nature, and something greater. It supports spiritual growth without requiring any specific belief.

Can Anyone Learn Reiki? (Yes — Here’s Why)

One of the most common misconceptions about Reiki is that it requires natural ability, psychic gifts, or years of spiritual practice. This is not true. A qualified Reiki Master transmits the ability to channel Reiki energy through a ceremony called an attunement. This attunement opens the energy channels in the student.

As a result, every person who receives a Reiki attunement gains the ability to channel Reiki. It is not earned through years of practice — it is gifted. In other words, as a complete beginner, you can receive your Reiki Level 1 attunement and be giving Reiki to yourself and others within days.

Mikao Usui himself taught that Reiki is a birthright — available to all, not just the spiritually advanced. His intention was to create a system that ordinary people could use in their everyday lives.

What Are the Three Levels of Reiki?

Reiki Level 1 — Shoden (First Degree)

Level 1 is the entry point. You learn the history and principles of Reiki, how to give self-Reiki, basic hand positions for treating others, and receive your first attunement. This level is focused primarily on self-healing and treating family and friends informally. This is the level covered in the Blissful Careers free Reiki course.

Reiki Level 2 — Okuden (Second Degree)

Level 2 introduces the Reiki symbols — sacred geometric forms that amplify and focus the energy. Moreover, you also learn distance healing: the ability to send Reiki energy across space and time. Level 2 prepares you for professional practice with clients.

Reiki Level 3 / Master — Shinpiden (Third Degree)

The Master level teaches you the Master symbol, how to perform attunements, and how to teach Reiki to others. Reaching Master level completes your Reiki training and allows you to initiate new students into Reiki yourself.

Is Reiki Safe?

Yes. Reiki is widely considered one of the safest complementary therapies available. Because it is non-invasive — no manipulation, no pressure, no instruments — there are no known risks or side effects from Reiki itself.

• Think of it as a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment. Always continue prescribed medications and treatments.
• Some people experience a “healing crisis” — a temporary period of heightened emotion, fatigue, or minor physical symptoms as the body adjusts after a session. This usually resolves within 24–48 hours.
• Children, pregnant women, elderly people, and those with serious illness can all receive Reiki safely, though always alongside conventional care

And no, Reiki is not a religion, cult, or pseudo-science. It is a practice of intention, presence, and energy that has been used for over a century. Sceptics are welcome — many people who came to Reiki doubtfully left as devoted practitioners.

Reiki vs Other Energy Healing Modalities

• Reiki vs Reflexology: Reflexology works with specific pressure points on the feet, hands, and ears. In contrast, Reiki focuses on the whole body’s energy field through light-touch hand positions. Both are deeply relaxing but use different techniques.
• How Reiki Differs from Acupuncture: Acupuncture uses fine needles to stimulate specific points along meridians. Reiki uses hands only, no needles, no pressure. Both work with life force energy but through completely different methods.
• Combining Reiki with Crystal Healing: Crystal healing uses the energy properties of specific crystals to support healing. Even more, paired with Reiki, the two modalities complement each other beautifully. The Blissful Careers Crystal Reiki Master certification covers this combined approach.

How Much Does Reiki Cost?

A professional Reiki session typically costs between £40–£90 / $50–$120 per hour depending on the practitioner’s location and experience.

Learning Reiki yourself:

• Reiki Level 1: Free online (Blissful Careers) to $500 for an in-person workshop
• Level 2: $100–$600 online or in-person
• Master Level: $50 (online) to $10,000+ (traditional apprenticeship)

Overall, the most cost-effective path for beginners is to start with a free or low-cost Level 1 course online, practice for several weeks, and then decide whether to invest in Level 2.

The Five Reiki Principles

Mikao Usui taught these five guiding principles as the ethical and spiritual foundation of Reiki practice.

1 — Just for today, I will not worry

Worry keeps us trapped in the future. This principle invites us to return to the present moment — where peace is always available. Reiki practitioners are encouraged to repeat this as a daily affirmation.

2 — Just for today, I will not be angry

Anger, unprocessed, blocks energy flow. This principle does not mean suppressing anger — but meeting it with awareness and choosing not to act from it. Reiki practice helps release stored anger gently.

3 — Just for today, I will be grateful

Gratitude shifts our energy from lack to abundance. It is one of the most powerful practices for raising our vibration and attracting positive experiences.

4 — Just for today, I will do my work honestly

Whether paid or unpaid, Reiki asks us to show up with integrity. This applies to our healing work, our relationships, and our inner dialogue.

5 — Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing

Compassion is the heart of Reiki. This principle extends kindness outward — to other people, animals, and the natural world — and inward, to ourselves.

Ready to Experience Reiki for Yourself?

The best way to understand Reiki is to experience it. Start your Reiki Level 1 journey today — completely free. 12 video modules, PDF guides, worksheets, attunement, and certification included.

 → Start the Free Reiki Level 1 Course

FAQ

Q: Do I need to believe in Reiki for it to work?

No. Reiki does not require belief — only openness. In fact, many people who came to Reiki sceptically have experienced profound results. The energy works regardless of belief, in the same way that gravity functions whether or not you believe in it.

Q: Is Reiki a religion?

No. Reiki is not a religion and has no doctrine, dogma, or required beliefs. It is practised by people of all faiths — and those with no faith at all. Thruthfully, you do not need to change your existing beliefs to practise or receive Reiki.

Q: How many Reiki sessions do I need?

Even a single Reiki session can produce noticeable benefits. For deeper or more chronic issues, most practitioners recommend a course of 4–6 sessions, ideally weekly. Moreover, ongoing monthly sessions are excellent for maintenance and wellbeing.

Q: Can I learn Reiki online?

Yes. Online Reiki training is now widely accepted and the quality of courses has improved dramatically. Distance attunements — received remotely from your Reiki Master — are just as effective as in-person attunements, and this is backed by the founding lineage of Reiki itself.

Q: How long does it take to learn Reiki?

Reiki Level 1 can be completed in 1–2 weeks studying online at your own pace. In-person, Level 1 workshops take 1–2 days. However, Reiki is a practice — the more you use it, the more it deepens.

Q: Can Reiki cure illness?

Reiki does not claim to cure illness and should never be positioned as a replacement for medical care. It is a complementary practice that supports wellbeing, reduces stress, and may aid recovery alongside conventional treatment. Always consult a qualified medical professional for health concerns.

Q: What is a Reiki attunement?

An attunement is a sacred ceremony performed by a Reiki Master that opens and aligns a student’s energy channels, enabling them to channel Reiki. It is the essential first step in becoming a Reiki practitioner. Attunements can be received in person or at distance with equal effectiveness.

Next Steps

🌱 Learn Reiki Level 1 — Free

Start your Reiki journey with our free Level 1 certification. 12 modules, attunement, and your certificate — no cost, no catch.

→ Start Free Now

📖 How to Become a Practitioner

Ready to practise Reiki professionally? Our complete guide covers everything — levels, costs, training, and building a practice.

→ Read the Guide 

💎 Explore Crystal Reiki

Take your practice further with the Crystal Reiki Master certification. Combine the power of crystals and Reiki energy healing.

→ Crystal Reiki Master