Welcome to the Reiki Level 1 Workshop
My name is Steven. Today we will be learning Reiki Level 1. We will spend the next 2-3 hours learning about the tradition of Reiki Healing, preparing ourselves and the client to receive Reiki and learn about how to give a 1 hour Reiki healing treatment.
Please use your notebook to take any notes and write down any questions you have. Hopefully all your questions will be answered but I can clear up any misunderstanding after the workshop. I hope you enjoy the day! Please relax and get comfortable and we will begin.
Reiki
Reiki : Japanese for Universal Life Force
Rei : Universal, Essence of Spirit
Ki : Energy, Life Force
Reiki is an old method that helps activate and balance our natural life energy. It was rediscovered by Dr. Mikao Usui (1865–1925).
Reiki energy is the basic life energy of the universe. It is a natural and intelligent energy that flows through all living things and supports life. Reiki comes from an unlimited source. It is always good and, at its core, it is pure love, beyond ideas of religion or romance.
The Usui system of Reiki is a way to receive and share this energy. At Practitioner Level 1, this is done by placing hands on or near the body. The practitioner does not create the energy—they simply allow it to flow through them. This helps both the practitioner and the receiver feel the energy. Reiki can protect, refresh, and support both people.
It is important to understand: as a Reiki practitioner, you do not heal others. You share Reiki energy to help them activate their own natural ability to heal.
“I believe there is a Supreme Being—an infinite force that guides the universe. I call it ‘Reiki.’ As a universal force from the divine spirit, it belongs to anyone who wishes to learn healing.” — Hawayo Takata
The Usui method is usually taught in three levels:
Level 1: You are connected to the flow of Reiki, helping your life energy become stronger.
Level 2: You receive further training and learn three symbols. These can be used for distance healing and other practices.
Master / Teacher Level: You learn the Master symbols and how to give attunements, and how to teach Reiki to others.
The Story of Usui Reiki
Mikao Usui was born in a small village in Japan in the late 1800s. His family had samurai roots. From a young age, he was curious and thoughtful. He wanted to understand life, why people suffer, and how people can heal.
As he grew older, he kept searching for answers. He studied many subjects, like religion, medicine, and philosophy. He traveled and learned a lot, but he still felt something was missing.
After many years, his search turned inward.
Usui went alone to the mountains. He stayed there for many days. He fasted, prayed, and meditated. It was a quiet and difficult time. Then, something changed. He had a deep and powerful experience- a spiritual awakening and direct communication with the Universe. He felt a strong connection to a greater energy.
After this, things became clear.
Usui began to teach that this energy is for everyone. It flows through all living things. People can connect to it to support healing and personal growth. This practice became known as Reiki.
People came to him for many reasons. Some were sick or in pain. Others were looking for peace or meaning in life. Usui welcomed everyone. He taught simple ways to live well, and simple ways to share this energy.
In the early 1920s, he opened a center in Tokyo. Many people came to learn Reiki and receive help. When a big earthquake hit the city, Usui helped many people. He walked through the streets each day, offering care and support.
Usui continued to teach and travel until he died in 1926. By that time, he had taught many people. His students continued his work. Over time, Reiki spread around the world.
Today, his story continues. Each time someone places their hands with care and connects to this energy, his work lives on.
After Mikao Usui died, his teachings did not disappear. Other people continued his work.
One of the most important people was Chujiro Hayashi. He was a former naval officer and a student of Usui. He was practical and well organized.
Hayashi helped make Reiki easier to understand and use. He created clear hand positions and simple steps for treatments. He made the practice more structured and easier to repeat.
He also opened a clinic in Tokyo. There, Reiki was given in a calm and organized way, like a treatment system people could follow.
Because of Hayashi, Reiki became easier to teach and share. He helped bring Reiki into everyday life, so more people could learn and use it.
It was in this clinic that Hawayo Takata’s story began.
Takata was a Japanese-American woman from Hawaii. She came to Japan because she was very unwell and needed help. While she was there, she found Reiki. She later said that her experience with Reiki changed her life.
She was deeply moved by what she felt and experienced. She decided to stay in Japan and study with Hayashi. Over time, she became one of his most dedicated students.
Later, Takata returned to Hawaii. She took Reiki with her across the ocean. At that time, Reiki was not known outside Japan. Takata began to teach and share it with others.
To help people understand Reiki, she sometimes explained it in different ways. She used ideas that were more familiar to people in the West, so they could connect with it more easily.
Because of Hayashi’s clear system and Takata’s teaching, Reiki spread to many parts of the world. It changed and grew as it traveled, but it still connects back to one man’s quiet search for meaning in the mountains.
The Reiki Principles
Just for today I will give thanks for my many blessings.
Just for today I will let go of worry.
Just for today I will let go of anger.
Just for today I will do my work honestly.
Just for today I will be kind to my neighbour and every living thing.
Guidelines for a Reiki Healing Session
1. Prepare the space
Choose a quiet, clean, and comfortable place.
Make the space calm and relaxing. You can use soft music or a candle.
If you like, you may also use incense or essential oils.
2. Prepare the body
Wear comfortable clothing.
Both the practitioner and the receiver should remove shoes, watches, and jewelry.
Ask the receiver to remove glasses and loosen tight clothing.
Wash your hands before and after the session.
3. Make the receiver comfortable
Help the receiver lie down in a relaxed position.
Use pillows under the head and knees if needed.
Most people feel more comfortable with a blanket.
Make sure you are also comfortable. If possible, use a treatment table and a chair.
4. Prepare your mind
Take a few quiet moments before you begin.
Relax your mind and focus on the present moment.
ALWAYS GROUND AND PROTECT YOURSELF AND ASK FOR YOUR CLIENT TO BE PROTECTED AS WELL (This is said internally – speaking to the higher self of the receiver). You may wish to say a prayer for Dr. Usui, Dr Hayashi, Hawya Takata and other spirit guides to help make this treatment a success for the client’s highest good.
5. Begin the session
Start by brushing down the receiver’s aura from head to toe.
During the session, keep your fingers together.
Place your hands lightly on the body or just above it.
Stay in each position for about 3 to 5 minutes.
6. During the session
Don’t cross your arms or legs to allow free flow of energy. Ask the receiver not to do the same.
Relax, no conscious effort is needed during the treatment, allow the process to happen naturally- Just ‘be’ and try to feel anything that may arise.
You do not need to force anything.
If your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to the present moment and physical sensations.
7. End the session
ALWAYS end every treatment by placing your hands near or on the feet. This helps the receiver feel grounded.
Give the receiver a few minutes to rest before getting up.
Let them sit, stretch, and take their time.
8. After the session
Speak with the receiver and make sure they feel alert and steady.
Take extra care if they need to drive or continue with daily activities.
One question is when giving Reiki should I have my eyes open or closed? There is no 'right or wrong way' to giving Reiki. Choose a method that is easiest to stay present and grounded during the treatment. Personally I keep my eyes open as my mind starts to wander if I have my eyes closed. A second question that I am asked is what sensations are we looking for in the hands to show that an area of the body is responding to Reiki healing? Sometimes the giver may feel warmth, cold, tingles or pulsing in the hands. Although this sometimes indicates where the Reiki healing needs to be focused sometimes the giver may feel no sensations. IMPORTANT- This DOES NOT mean that the Reiki is unsuccessful or the giver is doing something wrong. The treatment is ALWAYS successful as long as the healer has received Reiki attunement.
Great Central Sun – Colour: White / Gold. Location: Above the head
Higher Self, connection to the divine.
Crown Chakra – Colour: White. Location: Crown of head
Divine connection and inspiration. Is heightened through fasting. Mental aspect of self.
Third Eye – Colour: Indigo. Location: Between eyebrows.
Psychic vision. Heightened through meditation. Restores balance throughout body and hormones.
Throat Chakra – Colour: Neon Blue. Location: Throat.
Communication and expression of creativity. Energetic aspect of physical body. Metabolism
Heart Chakra – Colour: Green (partly rose red when in love). Location: Middle of chest.
Love centre. Connects astral to physical. Brings in un-conditional love. Expression of love and life force. Circulation.
Solar Plexus – Colour: Yellow. Location: Just below rib cage.
Sun Centre. Mental aspects of physical body. Intent and will power. Can be used to control so protect carefully! Sensitive centre nerve endings so may be felt easier / stronger.
Sacral Chakra – Colour: Orange. Location: Just below belly button.
Emotional aspect of physical body. Hormones, sexuality, adrenalin, instincts, sense of identity and self. Vitality, digestion. 2nd thought centre.
Root Chakra – Colour: Red. Location: Base of spine.
Physical self. Sexual centre. Adrenals, skin, bones, nails, and grounding to the planet. (Very important!)
Earth Star Chakra – Colour: Brown/Green. Location: 2 meters below the feet.
Connection and anchor to the earth.
Divine connection and inspiration. Mental aspect of self.
Emotional aspect of physical body. Hormones, sexuality, adrenalin, instincts, sense of identity and self. Vitality, digestion. 2nd thought centre.
Higher Self, connection to the divine.
Physical self. Sexual centre. Adrenals, skin, bones, nails, and grounding to the planet. (Very important!)
Communication and expression of creativity. Energetic aspect of physical body. Metabolism
Love centre. Connects astral to physical. Brings in un-conditional love. Expression of love and life force. Circulation.
Connection and anchor to the earth.
Sun Centre. Mental aspects of physical body. Intent and will power. Can be used to control so protect carefully! Sensitive centre nerve endings so may be felt easier / stronger.
Psychic vision. Heightened through meditation. Restores balance throughout body and hormones.
Physical self. Sexual centre. Adrenals, skin, bones, nails, and grounding to the planet. (Very important!)
Hand Positions
The head from behind:
1 – Cover the eyes and cheeks
2 – Cover temple and jawbones
3 – Back of the head rests in your hands
4 – Hold hands above the front of the neck
Front of body (from the side)
1 – Upper Chest
2 – Lower Chest
3 – Abdomen
4 – Lower abdomen
Back of body (from the side)
1 – Shoulders
2 – Shoulder Blades
3 – Kidneys
4 – Lower back
Balancing Chakras
Front of body from the side:
1 – Balance the Root Chakra with the Third Eye
2 – Balance the Sacral Chakra with the Throat Chakra
3 – Balance the Solar Plexus with the Heart Chakra
Finishing the Treatment
VERY IMPORTANT! - Make sure you ask to
1. Keep the receiver safe by returning their energy.
2. Keep yourself self by returning your energy to yourself
This concludes the treatment. Depending on time, allow the client 5 - 10 minutes to prepare after the treatment telling them there is "no rush, and to take your time". Offer them a beverage and a quiet place to sit down if needed. Observe the client, sometimes treatments can be quite potent and can leave the client disorientated. Welcome them to follow up with you by text / email, to ask questions, give feedback & describe their experiences.
Congratultions!! You have successfully given a Reiki Healing Session.
There is “no wrong way’ to give a Reiki treatment, and it’s very important that for both ‘Giver’ & ‘Receiver’ the results vary. Sometimes there is an immediate feeling / sensation. The receiver sometimes may not feel anything during / after the session, and then be effected later on, maybe hours, or days later.
SELF HEALING
Grounding & Breathing
Use a simple breathing exercise to relax yourself & client. The goal is to move attention away from thinking, and bring it back to the body, and senses. The sounds, and feelings of the present moment.
You can model and use hand gestures to set the rhythm to clients of different languages.
4–4–6 Breathing (Calm & Grounding)
Step-by-step:
- Sit or lie comfortably
Let your shoulders drop and unclench your jaw. - Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds
Breathe gently into your belly (not your chest).
Feel your stomach expand. - Hold the breath for 4 seconds
No tension—just a soft pause. - Exhale slowly through your mouth for 6 seconds
Let the breath fall out naturally, like a sigh. - Repeat for 2–5 minutes
Box Breathing with Awareness (4–4–4–4 → 6–6–6–6)
Breathe through your nose the entire time.
- Inhale – 4 seconds – Inhale: feel energy rising up the spine
- Hold – 4 seconds – Hold (top): notice stillness / quiet
- Exhale – 4 seconds – Exhale: feel tension draining down the body
- Hold – 4 seconds – Hold (bottom): rest in emptiness
Repeat for 1–2 minutes.
Some of the benefits of Reiki Treatments
During and after the Reiki treatment you may experience some or all of the following benefits or even more.
- Stress relief. Many diseases being with stress, tensions and discomfort of some kind
- Deep relaxation and increased awareness
- A strengthening of the natural self-healing powers and the immune system
- Increase in personal energy and vitality
- A healthy mind-body connection
- Detoxificationand deep cleansing
- Release of emotions and energetic blockages
- Compatibility with any other form of treatment
- No negative side effects
- Positive effects resonate out to other areas of life
- Supports one’s personal and spiritual growth.
IMPORTANT : Reiki treatment is NOT a replacement for any medical treatment. If a person is seeking a medical diagnosis and treatment they should talk to a physician. Reiki treatment DOES NOT cure any medical conditions, it simply assists people in becoming healthier.
Well done! We have looked at the fundamentals of Reiki and how we can give and receive the healing benefits of Reiki Energy. You now have the tools to administer Reiki. Congratulations, I hope that Reiki helps in all areas of life for the future.
FURTHER STUDY & READING
MAIN GLANDS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS
Hypothalamus
- Acts as the link between brain and hormones
- Controls the pituitary gland
- Helps keep the body in balance (temperature, hunger, thirst)
Pituitary Gland
- Known as the “master gland”
- Tells other glands what to do
- Controls growth, reproduction, and hormone release
Pineal Gland
- Controls sleep cycles
- Releases melatonin (helps you feel sleepy at night)
Thyroid Gland
- Controls metabolism (how fast your body uses energy)
- Affects weight, energy levels, and temperature
Parathyroid Glands
- Control calcium levels in the blood
- Important for bones, muscles, and nerves
Thymus Gland
- Helps develop the immune system (especially in childhood)
- Trains the body to fight infections
Adrenal Glands
- Handle stress response
- Release adrenaline and cortisol
- Control fight-or-flight reactions and energy use
Pancreas
- Controls blood sugar levels
- Releases insulin and glucagon
- Helps your body use and store energy
Ovaries (female) / Testes (male)
- Control reproduction
- Produce sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone)
- Influence puberty, fertility, and sexual development
RECOMMENDED READING
‘Essential Reiki’ by Diane Stein.
(1995) The Crossing Press. ISBN 0-89594-736-6
‘The Complete Reiki Handbook’ by Walter J Lubeck.
Lotus Light Shangri-La. ISBN 0-553451-65-0
‘Reiki for Life’ by Penelope Quest.
Piatkus. ISBN 0-7499-2234-6
‘Quantum Healing’ by Deepak Chopra.
Bantam Books. ISBN 0-553451-65-0
‘Conversations with God’ Books 1,2 and 3 by Neale Donnnald Walsch.
Hodder & Stoughton. ISBN 0-340-76545-3
‘Living in the Light’ by Shakti Gawain.
Eden Grove Editions. ISBN 0-870845-32-3
‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle.
Hodder & Stoughton. ISBN 0-340-73350-0
Acknowledgement to Paula Walsh – Reiki Master and Teacher