What is Reiki, and what does this course actually teach?

Reiki is a Japanese practice developed by Mikao Usui in the 1920s, in which the practitioner places their hands on or near the body with the intention of supporting relaxation. It is taught in levels, and each level is traditionally passed on in person through an attunement from teacher to student, which is what makes it a lineage rather than something learned from a book. This course covers the principles, the hand positions, the symbols appropriate to the level, and supervised practice.

Is Reiki a medical treatment, and can it replace seeing a doctor?

No, on both counts. Reiki has not been shown to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical or psychological condition, and it is not a substitute for medical or mental health care. Please do not stop or delay any prescribed treatment because of it. We teach Reiki as a relaxation and spiritual practice, and we would rather say that plainly than let the word healing do work it cannot do.

Do I need to take the levels in order?

Yes. The levels are taught in sequence, each building on the attunement and practice of the one before, and that progression is the tradition rather than a sales structure. A teacher who offers to skip you ahead, or to certify you at Master level in a weekend with no prior practice, is not following it. If you are unsure which level you are ready for, ask us before booking.