For anyone interested in starting a business offering Reiki to others, the first step in the process is being trained to offer Reiki. However, Reiki classes aren’t just for those looking to go into business offering Reiki. Taking a Reiki class can be an amazing investment in an easy to use self-care tool as well as a tool to help those you care about.
The form of Reiki I was trained in, practice, and teach classes in is the Usui System of Reiki Healing, referred to as Usui Shiki Ryoho. This can be translated as, “the Usui System of Natural Healing.” This healing system was founded by Mikao Usui who then taught Chujiro Hayashi. It was brought to the United States and taught by Hawayo Takata, a student of Chujiro Hayashi’s. All of the information I provide here is based on this tradition and lineage.
What is involved in Reiki Training?
At each level of Reiki training, students receive an attunement. In the Usui tradition, an attunement is understood to help you become a clear channel for Reiki energy. I like to think of it like tuning a radio. Before you find the right station, you mostly hear static. As you tune to the correct frequency, the signal becomes clear. In the same way, Reiki practitioners believe the attunement helps you connect more clearly with Reiki. The Reiki Master I trained with gave this analogy: Once attuned, you become like a straw that Reiki flows through. With each level of training, that straw becomes wider, allowing more Reiki to flow through you to the recipient.
While each teacher incorporates their own style and specific information, most Reiki training provides information on the history of Reiki as well as techniques for applying it.
It is not necessary to progress through every level of training if you would like to learn Reiki. Your task is to figure out how you would like to use Reiki and then choose the training that is right for you. The different levels of Reiki training are as follows:
Reiki Level 1 (First Degree)
The first level of Reiki training focuses on self-healing. After completing this level, you can offer yourself Reiki for self-healing and also offer Reiki to animals.
If your only goal is self-healing, you do not need to proceed any further in the training. If you do not want to offer Reiki to others, you do not need to and you can simply remain with the ability to offer Reiki to yourself. This is actually an ideal training to take if you would like a cost-effective way to receive regular Reiki treatments. It is also the path I thought I would be on. My intention when I was trained in Reiki was only self-healing. I realized I was benefiting from Reiki, but needed more treatments than was financially feasible for me. Getting trained to receive Level 1 Reiki allowed me to give myself daily self-Reiki anytime anywhere. These mini-Reiki treatments during a meeting, at a stop light on the road, etc. were the best way for me to receive Reiki.
This level is also ideal for those who may want to offer Reiki to a beloved pet. Animals can benefit from Reiki in the same way humans can. Completion of Level 1 Reiki training allows you to offer Reiki to animals.
Reiki always has benefits, but it doesn’t guarantee a cure. Another way it can be used is to offer it to the dying to ease the transition. I offered Reiki to my cat as he was passing and it was a very meaningful experience that I will always treasure.
Anyone that practices Reiki should also receive Reiki from others on a regular basis, but having the ability to offer it to yourself is a quick, cost-effective way to maximize your Reiki sessions. This is a wonderful self-care tool that is a gift you give to yourself.
Reiki Level 2 (Second Degree)
This level allows you to offer Reiki to others. It also teaches you how to be able to send Reiki to others at a distance. Even if you do not see yourself charging for Reiki or opening a business, this can be a wonderful tool to have. You can offer Reiki to a friend or relative who is sick or hurting to ease the stress and suffering.
Reiki Master (Master’s Degree)
If you are ready to strengthen your ability to channel Reiki (i.e., become a wider straw) and are committed to using it consistently, then the Master level of training is for you. Many that offer this training also teach you how to train and attune others to Reiki to varying levels. Some Reiki Masters will offer how to train others in a separate Reiki Master Teacher training.
Which Class is Right for You?
When determining which class or classes you should take, you need to consider the following:
- How do I want to use Reiki? Is this just for me or do I want to offer it to others?
- How much time do I want to commit to a class?
- How much can I afford to invest?
If you know you only want to use Reiki for yourself, then the only class you need to take is Level 1. This class can typically be done in a weekend, so it requires minimal time to commit to and is the most cost-effective option.
If you want to offer Reiki to others and at a distance, then you need to take both Levels 1 and 2 at a minimum. Both Level 1 and 2 can each be done in a weekend. In my lineage and training, practitioners complete Level 2 before offering Reiki sessions professionally.
While there is no set time you need to wait between each class, I recommend taking some time after the Level 2 Reiki training to consider whether or not you would like to become a Reiki Master. This allows you the time to consider whether or not this is the right path for you and if you would like to commit to using Reiki on a consistent basis. I chose to take several years before I made the decision to commit to Reiki at the Master Level.
For More Information
If you’re interested in Reiki training or would like to learn Reiki in a supportive, one-on-one setting, I offer private Reiki Level 1 and Level 2 classes online. Feel free to reach out to learn more at [email protected]. You can also learn more about me and what I offer at Serenity & Bliss by Amy.
Disclaimer: Reiki is a powerful energetic tool, but it is a complementary practice and not a substitute for professional medical or mental health treatment.
References
The Reiki Alliance. (n.d.). Usui Shiki Ryoho. Retrieved June 27, 2026, from https://reikialliance.com/en/usui-shiki-ryoho
