Before someone can practice Reiki, they need to undergo a process known as a Reiki attunement. This requirement sets Reiki apart from other modalities because it cannot simply be learned by reading a book or accessing instructional materials.
Reiki is a holistic healing practice that channels universal life force energy to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The term Reiki is derived from the Japanese words rei (universal) and ki (life force energy).
Reiki is a non-invasive, gentle technique that aims to balance and harmonize the energy within the body, which supports the body’s innate healing abilities. It is based on the understanding that well-being and vitality are achieved when one’s life force energy is strong and flowing freely. In contrast, energetic blockages or imbalances in this energy can lead to discomfort or illness.
Reiki is administered through the gentle laying on of hands or over distance. Reiki can alleviate stress, reduce pain, enhance relaxation, and promote self-awareness and spiritual growth. This natural healing method is accessible to anyone who wishes to learn it.
What is a Reiki Attunement?
Reiki attunements represent a critical part of Reiki training classes, forming the core of a Reiki practitioner’s development. Attunements may also be referred to as an initiation, reiju or placement in some styles of Reiki.
While styles of Reiki differ in terminology and how the attunement is conducted, the purpose remains the same. The primary objective of the Reiki attunement is to activate a person’s ability to channel Reiki energy. Once the attunement is complete, the person can use Reiki to help themselves and others.
Reiki is accessible to anyone who wishes to learn it. However, some teachers may require the student to meditate or prepare for the attunement process in advance. Suggested preparations often include increasing water intake, quiet time for reflection or meditation, and time in nature. Dietary changes of eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and reducing caffeine and alcohol are common additional suggested preparations.
How is a Reiki Attunement Performed?
The attunement process can vary depending on the teacher, style of Reiki or lineage. Still, typically, it involves the student sitting or lying down while the Reiki Master Teacher performs the attunement.
The degree to which the Master Teacher is energetically involved between a student and the source of Reiki during the process also varies. The Reiki Master Teacher follows a series of steps learned from their specific teacher’s training to allow the attunement to take place for the student. Therefore, they attune their students with the same methods they became attuned with their Reiki teacher.
Attunements may be carried out for each student individually or, in some styles, for a group at once.
What Happens During the Reiki Attunement?
Every person has life force energy that flows along particular pathways in the body. Energy anatomy, including chakras and meridians, is involved in distributing this energy, also known as chi, ki or prana.
During the attunement, pathways in the energy system are activated and opened to the higher level of Reiki energy. These changes allow the student to receive and transmit Reiki energy.
Students may feel various sensations in the body, such as warmth, tingling or a sense of relaxation. Some people report feeling emotional, seeing colors or light with closed eyes, or having a spiritual experience.
It is important to note that the degree of what is experienced is not the focus of the attunement and is not an indication of the effectiveness of the attunement.
What Does the Student Experience After a Reiki Attunement?
Attunements often begin a time of cleansing and change for students in thoughts, beliefs and behaviors. This is due to the upward vibrational shift in energy the student’s body is adjusting to, which is now flowing through their energetic pathways.
The Reiki energy supports the student in physical and emotional detoxification as blocks and old patterns no longer in alignment are released. The attunement can stimulate the shedding of emotional burdens, leading to experiencing catharsis, as the energy helps them release stored emotions and trauma.
While these potential effects may seem worrisome, they indicate that the student is undergoing deep healing and transformation. For some students, this process may last weeks; for some, it may not even be noticeable. Teachers often suggest rest, water, and daily self-Reiki practice to help with attunement symptoms, should they occur.
Additional experiences resulting from attunements are significant personal growth and increased self-awareness. Students often discover heightened intuition, emotional intelligence, and empathy.
How Many Reiki Attunements Do Students Need?
Reiki training is usually divided into three levels. Students can expect to receive at least one attunement at each level, but this is unique to the style one is learning. After completing each training level and receiving the appropriate attunements, they may practice Reiki successfully without needing additional attunements.
Therefore, receiving more is optional.
However, repeated attunements strengthen the connection to Reiki energy, and the ability to transmit Reiki as a practitioner is refined. Repeated attunements are healing for the mind, body, and spirit. They continue to empower a student on their journey of self-discovery and spiritual development, fostering inner balance and harmony in a unique way.
Can Reiki Attunements Be Performed Remotely?
Just as Reiki treatment sessions may be completely effective over distance, Reiki attunements are as well. However, not all Reiki lineages recognize distant attunements, and some teachers prefer in-person classes and attunements. This again illustrates the variability of methods within the Reiki community.
If Reiki is Natural, Why Can’t We Attune Ourselves?
While Reiki energy is entirely natural and inherent in all living things, most people require attunements from a Reiki master to fully access and utilize this energy.
While a few people may be able to attain self-attunement, Reiki classes and the corresponding attunements allow all people to access and use the energy for benefit. There are no requirements regarding beliefs, age, background, or spiritual practice.
In addition, there is much more to becoming a Reiki practitioner than simply receiving attunements. Reiki is a system of healing and personal development. There is much to learn about the system, including its origin and history, the highly regarded precepts, Japanese Reiki techniques, and lineages, to list a few specific examples.
The completion of quality classes and training ensures that the Reiki practitioner has learned knowledge, techniques, and skills that bring greater potential when transmitting the energy in Reiki treatment sessions.
Reiki attunements are integral to becoming a skilled and effective Reiki practitioner. To access and utilize the universal life force energy known as Reiki, an individual must undergo the requisite attunements performed by a qualified Reiki master teacher. These attunements empower practitioners, but there is much more we may learn to develop more fully as Reiki practitioners and evolve personally. With this in mind, the style of Reiki and the Reiki master teacher one chooses are important decisions to consider carefully. Studying with a reputable teacher who can offer quality instruction and guidance is essential for those interested in progressing with Reiki.
About the Author
Andrea Kennedy is a full-time Reiki Master Teacher and owner of Mainstream Reiki. Her focus is to bring Reiki further into the mainstream and help others confidently practice this modality for better living. She teaches all levels of Usui/Holy Fire® III Reiki and ICRT Animal Reiki, offers mentoring sessions, and shares her knowledge through her Mainstream Reiki YouTube Channel, her podcast, Beyond the Reiki Gateway and in her new Mainstream Reiki Community