Q&A with a Reiki Master: Answering the Top 15 Reiki FAQs
- Charisse Joy
- Feb 5
- 9 min read
Updated: Sep 6
Reiki Master Charisse Joy answers the 15 most commonly asked questions about Reiki, from "what is Reiki?" through to "how can I become a Reiki practitioner?"
Answering Your Top 15 Reiki FAQs
As a Reiki Master that's undertaken training in a variety of Reiki styles and has practiced Reiki for over 10 years, I answer the most commonly asked questions about Reiki healing and Reiki training.
What is Reiki?
Reiki is an energy healing practice from Japan that utilises the spiritual energy of the Universe to stimulate energetic centres in the body, and promote healing of the body and mind.
The term Reiki comes from the Japanese words for spirit (rei) 靈 and energy (ki) 氣
The spiritual energy of Reiki could be described as the life force energy that enlivens every living being, exists beyond the concepts of time and space, and is pure unconditional love.
The Japanese founder of Reiki - Mikao Usui, beautifully described Reiki in this way...
Reiki is love, love is wholeness, wholeness is balance, balance is wellbeing, wellbeing is freedom from disease.
What is Distance Reiki?
Distance Reiki is a type of healing session that is conducted when a Reiki Practitioner and the recipient of Reiki can't be together in person.
There are many situations where Distance Reiki may be more helpful than an in-person session. For example the recipient may be in hospital or may live in another country.
Because the spiritual energy of Reiki exists beyond the concepts of time and space, it can be shared with the intention of offering compassionate healing across any distance and is still very effective.
If you choose to receive Distance Reiki it is recommended that you find a quiet place to relax or sleep for the duration of your session.
How Can Reiki Help People?
Receiving Reiki activates the body's relaxation response and stimulates it's natural ability to heal. Because it is so relaxing, the mind also experiences peace and stillness. In this state our ability to view things from a wider perspective is activated and personal insights can occur.
Spiritually speaking, Reiki offers life force energy to the body's energy centres and pathways to clear and balance blockages. This has a positive effect on both the physical body and the mind. Being surrounded in Reiki's energy of unconditional love is also very comforting.
Reiki also fosters a connection to our spiritual side, increasing awareness of the interconnectivity between our body, mind and spirit, and enhancing intuition.
It's important to note that Reiki does not claim to 'cure' anything. It's a complementary therapy that combines beautifully with conventional therapies and treatments, but it should never replace them.
How Does Reiki Work?
At the physical level, receiving Reiki settles the body into the relaxation response and stimulates it's natural ability to heal. The deeply relaxing state that is induced during Reiki also calms the mind.
At the spiritual level, Reiki energy flows through the practitioner into the recipient and clears blocked energy (ki). With the energy pathways cleared of blockages energy can flow freely throughout the body, nourishing all areas and restoring health and wellbeing.
What Happens During a Reiki Healing Session?
When you arrive for your Reiki healing session, you can expect to enter a calm and serene environment, where you can relax completely.
I'll listen empathetically to the specific issues you'd like to address in your Reiki session, ensuring you feel seen and heard. I'll explain the process and address any questions or concerns you may have.
During the session, you will lie down fully clothed on a massage table, while I gently place my hands on or near your body. I act as a conduit for Reiki energy, which flows through me and into you, promoting a sense of calm and well-being. Many people experience sensations such as warmth, tingling, or waves of energy during the session, which can feel deeply relaxing and restorative.
Throughout the session you may experience various sensations, including emotional releases, vivid imagery, and moments of profound peace. It's common for people to fall asleep during the treatment, as the calming effects of Reiki can induce a deep state of relaxation.
After the session, we take some time to talk about your overall experience. You can ask questions about what came up, share any thoughts that arose, tell me what you enjoyed, and describe how you felt. My goal is to foster a comfortable atmosphere where you can freely express your feelings and insights, ensuring you leave the session feeling understood, confident, and empowered on your healing journey.
What Does a Reiki Healing Session Feel Like?
Everyone experiences Reiki differently, and it may even feel different each time you go.
The most common experience is that of deep relaxation and many people do fall asleep. Some people also feel sensations such as warmth, coolness, tingling, pulsing, or a feeling of expansion. Some people see beautiful colours and patterns in their mind's eye, or receive intuitive messages. And some people experience an emotional release.
These are all very normal experiences during Reiki, but if you are uncomfortable please let your practitioner know.
Some people may experience a healing response in the day or two after their session. This could look like a headache, runny nose, feeling tired, emotional or having vivid dreams. To minimise the effects of this you're encouraged to stay hydrated, take it easy, and be kind to yourself after your Reiki sessions.
Can I Have Reiki While Pregnant?
Yes! Reiki encourages deep relaxation and is a beautiful gift for both mother and baby.
If the mother has reached the stage where she's no longer supposed to sleep on her back, then she may rest on her side with a bolster supporting her knees or relax comfortably on a chair for her Reiki session.
Want to give an expectant mother the ultimate relaxing and nurturing gift? Discover our Reiki Healing Gift Cards here!
How Many Reiki Healing Sessions Will I Need?
Since Reiki affects the body, mind, and spirit simultaneously, predicting the number of sessions needed for healing is challenging.
Healing truly means "a return to wholeness." The pace of this process varies due to numerous factors, including the mindset we adopt during our healing journey and the personal issues we face (past, present, and future), making it unique for each individual.
It is generally accepted that regular Reiki sessions yield the best results and help maintain healing momentum. To initiate healing, it's often advised to have several Reiki sessions in close succession, then gradually extend the time between sessions for ongoing maintenance.
How Should I Prepare For My Reiki Healing Sessions?
No specific preparation is required for a Reiki session, but to enhance relaxation and maximise the benefits of your Reiki experience you can:
Avoid caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase your heart rate and anxiety, which will hinder relaxation. Avoiding caffeine before your session ensures your body is calm, aiding in a deeper healing experience. Instead stay well hydrated with water to support your body's natural energy flow.
Wear clothing that makes you feel comfortable so you can settle deeply into a relaxed state and allow the energy to flow freely.
Mentally prepare by setting a positive intention, and deep-breathing to clear your mind.
Where Can I Learn to Become a Reiki Practitioner?
Finding a Reiki Teacher near you is fairly simple, but finding a Reiki Teacher that you really resonate with is more important. The journey of Reiki is deeply personal, and the connection you establish with your teacher can significantly impact your learning and healing experience.
When searching for a Reiki Teacher, take the time to consider the following:
Qualifications and Experience: Seek an instructor who holds full Reiki Teacher certification and possesses extensive experience in Reiki. Their background and personal experiences will shape your learning.
Reiki Style: Different Reiki styles have different emphasis and approaches. Some may focus on traditional Japanese methods, while others might incorporate non-traditional or new age techniques. It’s essential to learn a style of Reiki that aligns with your personal values.
Personal Connection: Trust your intuition. A strong personal connection with your Reiki Teacher can enrich your experience as you'll share significant time together, making your learning journey more enjoyable and rewarding.
Reviews and Recommendations: Seek out reviews or ask for recommendations from others who have studied with the teacher. Their experiences will help you get an idea of what you can expect.
Take your time to explore your options to ensure you join a Reiki class with a Reiki Teacher that's well qualified and feels like a good fit for you.
You could begin your search with your local Reiki organisation. In New Zealand you'll find a list of Reiki Teachers on the Reiki NZ inc Teachers Directory.
If you'd like to learn Reiki with me, I offer regular Reiki classes in Auckland.
Who Can Learn Reiki?
There is no prior knowledge or training needed to attend your first Reiki class. Anyone who is curious about Reiki can attend a Reiki class to learn about the history of Reiki, the core principles, its founding practices and how to offer Reiki healing to yourself, family and friends.
Once you have completed Reiki Level 1: Shoden and practiced for a few months, you may move to the next level of Reiki training.
It's at Reiki Level 2: Okuden that you learn how to become a professional Reiki Practitioner who is able to open their own Reiki practice. You also learn about the beautiful Reiki Symbols and how to give Distance Reiki.
If you really love Reiki, you'll probably want to continue your Reiki training and take Reiki Level 3: Shinpiden. The first part of this training teaches you to become a Reiki Master, and the second part of this training focuses on becoming a Reiki Master Teacher, allowing you to teach Reiki to others.
Begin your exploration of traditional Japanese Reiki practices with me here.
Are There Different Kinds of Reiki?
Reiki is taught in various styles, each offering unique perspectives, interpretations and techniques.
Styles that can trace their lineage back to the founder of Reiki, Mikao Usui, harness Reiki's spiritual energy for healing. Despite their differences, all styles are valuable and deserve respect.
When considering a Reiki class, it's important to know which style is being taught to find the class and teacher that best align with your preferences.
What Kind of Reiki do you Teach?
I'm a certified Reiki Master Teacher in both Usui Reiki Ryoho and Usui Shiki Ryoho, and have completed Okuden level in Jikiden Reiki.
I have a lot of curiosity and a deep interest in Reiki, so training in all these styles has given me the opportunity to experience a wide range of Reiki perspectives and techniques.
I proudly teach Usui Reiki Ryoho, respectfully honouring its Japanese origins, which emphasise Reiki as both a spiritual practice for self-healing and a healing art for offering healing to others.
Explaining the purpose of Usui Reiki Ryoho, the Japanese founder of Reiki - Mikao Usui said:
You heal yourself, and the diseases of others, and increase your own happiness and that of others. That is the mission of the Usui Reiki Ryoho.
Mikao Usui, Founder of Reiki
What Should I Do to Prepare For a Reiki Class?
In preparation for your Reiki class it's recommended that you read and become familiar with the Reiki manual provided to you.
To prepare yourself energetically and to enhance your Reiki Initiation you might like to:
Receive Reiki healing in the lead up to your Reiki training.
Develop an attitude of gratitude.
Eat a variety of fruit and vegetables.
Drink plenty of water.
Exercise regularly.
Refrain from excess caffeine, nicotine and alcohol.
Get adequate sleep.
Engage in self-care activities that fulfil you.
Spend time connecting to nature.
Connect to your spiritual side with prayer or meditation.
Release all expectations and embrace the experience with a wide open heart and mind.
What is a Reiki Initiation
The Reiki Initiation is a spiritual blessing given to Reiki students many times during Reiki classes.
The purpose of the ceremony is to offer students an “initial" heightened experience of their inner light, so they may remember their spiritual essence.
This transformational ritual formally welcomes the student into a community of other compassionate Reiki practitioners, and illuminates the path to enlightenment.
You can read more about the Reiki Initiation Ceremony here.
What Level of Reiki Training is Needed to Practice Reiki Professionally?
To become a professional Reiki Practitioner who offers Reiki healing to people other than friends and family, practitioners must have completed Reiki Level 2.
To teach Reiki to others, practitioners must have completed Reiki Level 3. Sometimes Level 3 is split into 3a (becoming a Reiki Master but not yet able to teach) and 3b (becoming a Reiki Master Teacher who is now able to teach others).
How Long Should I Wait Before Taking the Next Level in Reiki Training?
I recommend not rushing through your Reiki training. Take time to really notice and enjoy your personal development and transformation between classes! In this way you'll show up to your next class better prepared both intellectually and energetically.
The general guidance is to allow 3 months between taking Shoden: Reiki Level 1 and Okuden: Reiki Level 2, giving you time to fully absorb the teachings and practice the techniques.
The time between taking Okuden: Reiki Level 2 and Shinpiden: Reiki Level 3 is likely to be a little longer as you deepen your experience with each of the Reiki symbols and sounds, practice with more advanced healing techniques and prepare yourself energetically for the "mystery teachings" taught in Shinpiden: Reiki Level 3.
I hope these top 15 Reiki FAQs have addressed your curiosity, but the most effective way to find answers is by experiencing a Reiki Healing session or Reiki Class yourself!
With love and gratitude,
Charisse
