How Can You Become A Reiki Master?

Reiki is an ancient, energetic healing modality which has rapidly been gaining praise and popularity in the wellness community over recent years. The practice, in which the Reiki practitioner places their hands either just above or on the client in order to transfer energy and clear the client of stagnant energy, has many benefits (via Healthline). The purpose of a Reiki treatment is to encourage mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being.

While some massage therapists, doulas, and yoga instructors may incorporate Reiki into their sessions, becoming a Reiki master and practicing the art on its own is a career path. More and more wellness practitioners are turning towards for personal empowerment. "The patient determines the energy flow from the practitioner's hands by taking only what they need," Reiki Master Victoria Bodner, LMT told Cleveland Clinic. "This helps the patient know that we are supporting them only in what they need rather than what we think they need. This makes it the perfect balance to meet the patient's needs."

The call to become an energy healer is often one you'll have trouble ignoring. Answering this call to serve others and dedicate yourself to the betterment and alignment of your community is a beautiful undertaking. Those who choose to enter the realm of energy healing are often sensitive, empathetic, intuitive beings who enjoy solitude and find purpose in helping others (via Discover Healing). Having a knack for energy healing tends to be genetic. So, if your family is full of healers — whether they be counselors, veterinarians, nurses, herbalists, midwives, sound healers, or hypnotherapists — this could indicate that energy healing is the right path for you.

If you tend to turn to alternative healing, while also seeing the value in conventional medicine, then your Reiki training likely won't feel like such a foreign topic (via Do You). Many who become interested in Reiki master training are already healers of some sort, whether they're massage therapists, yoga instructors, or doulas.

While there isn't an overseer to Reiki licensing and certification is voluntary (although the push for a governing body is there), many Reiki masters do pursue certification from organizations like the International Association of Reiki Professionals (IARP). Some clients may prefer to seek out treatment from those who hold licensure like this.

You'll want to decide whether in-person or virtual training is best for you. If you plan to practice distance Reiki, then a virtual program may be most beneficial to you. Also, you could opt to do a combination of in-person and virtual training for levels one, two, and three. If you do take the virtual route, it's wise to choose a program that's live and not pre-recorded so you can ask questions and reap more from your investment (via Rapid Transformational Therapy). Training can vary in price anywhere from about $250 to $1800. The International Center for Reiki Training is highly reputable and offers both in-person and virtual options.

Traditionally, an interested student goes through training and an attunement process with a Reiki master to become one themselves. There are three levels of training to be completed: one, two, and three (via Rapid Transformational Therapy). In Reiki level one or Shodan, the self is the main emphasis. Students learn to connect to the energy channels and to hone in on how to perform Reiki on yourself. In Reiki level two, Okuden, students learn how to perform Reiki on others, even at a distance. Level three, Shinpiden, is the master Reiki level. This is where students learn how to initiate and attune others to perform Reiki.

"My experience with Reiki was fairly 'old school,' in that we met for about four weeks with in-person instruction. We learned the history, ethics, and associated technical skills. The classes finished with an in-person attunement," Texas-based and long-time experienced Reiki practitioner Brian Richardson told Natural Healers.

Once you've completed your training and had your Reiki attunement, you're likely beyond excited to share your beautiful, sacred knowledge and practice with the world. So, where to start? According to The John Harvey Gray Center for Reiki Healing, volunteering to perform Reiki sessions at a local hospital, nursing home, or clinic is an impactful way to begin and to gain experience.

During this time, you should also decide where you'd like to host your own practice, whether it's renting a room in a wellness center, or dedicating a space in your own home to Reiki. You'll want to purchase a bodywork table for your practice and set up a scheduling system. Another crucial step? Purchase quality liability insurance to protect yourself and your business. After that foundation is laid, you can begin networking and finding clients, which will be quite the thrill! Grassroots promotion and word-of-mouth are popular in the wellness arena (via Natural Healers). And as in any profession, be sure to continue with your training and education. There's always more to learn.