Fast facts
Self-healing
First attunement (reiju)
Hand positions, five principles, history
Daily self-Reiki
Informally (family/friends)
The Foundation Level
What Reiki Level 1 Training Includes
Reiki Level 1 is called Shoden, which means 'beginner teachings' or 'first degree.' It is the foundation of all Reiki practice.
The focus of Level 1 is self-healing. You cannot give what you do not have. Before healing others, you learn to heal yourself.
After Level 1, you can practice Reiki on yourself daily. You can also give Reiki to family and friends informally. Professional practice (charging money) typically requires Level 2.
What You Will Learn in Level 1
A complete breakdown of Shoden training.
- History of Reiki: The story of Mikao Usui, Chujiro Hayashi, and Hawayo Takata. Understanding where Reiki came from.
- The five principles (Gokai): 'Just for today, I will not anger. Just for today, I will not worry. Just for today, I will be grateful. Just for today, I will work honestly. Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing.'
- The attunement (reiju): You will receive your first attunement. This opens your energy channel to Reiki. The attunement is permanent. You will be connected to Reiki for life.
- Self-healing hand positions: You will learn where to place your hands on your own body for self-treatment. Typical positions: head, eyes, temples, throat, chest, stomach, pelvis, legs, feet.
- The 21-day cleanse: After attunement, practitioners are encouraged to practice self-Reiki daily for 21 days. This integrates the energy and clears old patterns.
- Treating others: You will learn basic hand positions for treating others. You can practice on family and friends (with permission). Professional practice comes at Level 2.
- Energy sensing: Many teachers introduce basic energy sensing exercises. You may feel heat, tingling, or pulsing in your hands.
Reiki Level 1 (Shoden) Overview
What you learn and what you can do.
Attunement
First attunement (reiju). Opens your energy channel. Permanent.
Self-Healing
Learn hand positions for self-treatment. Daily practice.
Five Principles
Gokai. Ethical guidelines for daily living.
21-Day Cleanse
Daily self-Reiki after attunement. Integrates energy.
Basic Treatment
Learn to treat family and friends informally.
The Key Event
What Happens During the Level 1 Attunement?
The attunement is the most important part of Level 1 training. It is a ceremony performed by your Reiki master. It opens your energy channel to Reiki.
During the attunement, you will sit or lie down. The teacher will use symbols and hand placements. You may feel heat, tingling, or nothing at all. You may cry. All are normal.
After the attunement, you are connected to Reiki for life. The channel does not close. You do not need to be re-attuned.
The attunement is permanent. Even if you do not practice for years, the channel remains open. You just need to reactivate it with intention.
The Integration Period
The 21-Day Self-Healing Cleanse
After your attunement, your teacher will likely recommend daily self-Reiki for 21 days. This is called the 21-day cleanse.
Why 21 days? It takes about 21 days to form a habit. It also takes about 21 days for the attunement energy to fully integrate.
During the cleanse, practice self-Reiki on yourself every day. Even 10-15 minutes is enough. You may experience emotional release, vivid dreams, or fatigue. This is normal. Your body is clearing old patterns.
After the 21 days, continue daily self-Reiki. It is the most important practice for maintaining your connection.
What Teachers Say About Level 1
Level 1 is my favorite level to teach. Students arrive curious and a little nervous. They leave transformed. They feel the energy for the first time. They realize they can heal themselves. It is beautiful to witness.
Level 1 is the foundation. Do not rush to Level 2. Spend months practicing self-Reiki before moving on. The best Reiki masters have strong self-practice. You cannot pour from an empty cup.
After Level 1, you can treat family and friends. But do not present yourself as a professional practitioner. That comes at Level 2. Be clear about your level of training.
Key takeaways
- Reiki Level 1 (Shoden) focuses on self-healing.
- You receive your first attunement, which opens your energy channel permanently.
- You learn self-healing hand positions and the five Reiki principles.
- After training, practice daily self-Reiki for 21 days (the cleanse).
- You can give Reiki to yourself, family, and friends informally.
- Professional practice (charging money) typically requires Level 2.
Frequently asked questions
How long is Reiki Level 1 training?
Typically one day or a weekend. Some schools offer multi-week courses. Check with your teacher.
How much does Level 1 cost?
Typically $150-$300. Prices vary by teacher and location.
Can I treat others after Level 1?
Yes, informally. You can give Reiki to family and friends with their permission. Professional practice requires Level 2.
Do I need to believe in Reiki for the attunement to work?
No. Reiki works regardless of belief. The attunement opens your channel whether you believe or not.
Can I take Level 1 online?
Some teachers offer online training with distance attunements. In-person is traditional. Research your teacher carefully.
Sources
- Frank Arjava Petter, Reiki Fire, 1997.
- Bronwen and Frans Stiene, The Reiki Sourcebook, 2003.
- Traditional Reiki Level 1 teaching materials.
