How to Choose a Reiki Practitioner or Teacher

There are so many different “systems” of Reiki out there with different techniques, and so little consistency in the information on the internet and in books on Reiki. Even the Reiki associations in the US are reluctant to set firm standards because they want people to have the freedom to practice Reiki in their own ways. That is well-intentioned, however it doesn’t really help the consumer or potential student make a choice. The following are 11 questions to explore with a potential practitioner or teacher before you decide where to spend your money. This list applies no matter what system of Reiki someone has studied because all Reiki goes back to the same origins.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. How was he/she attuned to Reiki 1? Proper alignment to Reiki 1 requires a series of 4 attunements performed in the precise formula by a qualified instructor. It is impossible to be permanently attuned to Reiki with only one attunement, by reading a book, through meditation, or any means other than the 4 permanent attunements to Reiki 1 performed by a qualified instructor. If their answer is anything other than this, then buyer beware – you may be paying for little more than a relaxation session, or something other than Reiki.
2. Has he/she made any changes to the system of Reiki that they learned? Have they combined the Reiki with any other modalities? Have they added non-standard symbols that they found on the internet or in a book? Is there anything that they have discontinued doing that they were originally taught? Contrary to popular belief, Reiki is a science of energy rather than an art. The original attunement formulas and original symbols create an alignment to Reiki. Anything other than the original isn’t Reiki – it may provide benefits, however it isn’t Reiki. Some of my colleagues use the example of the formula for water (H2O). If you add anything else into that formula, you may produce something beneficial, however it isn’t water anymore.
3. To what extent does he/she feel that intent, meditation, or mantras play a role in their Reiki practice? True Reiki works independently of intent, meditation, and mantras. Reliance on other modalities to see results is a sign that the practitioner might be dissatisfied with the results of Reiki on its own. It is likely that if this is the case, you will find that some of their other answers to this list are inconsistent with a correct alignment to Reiki.
4. How does he/she use the Reiki symbols? 2 of the primary purposes of the Reiki symbols are to perform the attunement formulas, and to add certain qualities to a Reiki treatment (like you would add spices to a meal). Some of them can also be used for sending distant Reiki (set of 3 of the symbols), for clearing a house or space (1 of the symbols), and other such activities. Be sure to find out if they use the symbols in attunements (4 of the symbols are required for the 4 permanent attunements to Reiki 1 and the 1 permanent attunement to Reiki 2), and if they ever use them in sessions. Note: it isn’t required that they always use the symbols in sessions, but it is good for you to know whether they are aware of this use of them.
5. Does he/she practice drawing the precise and original Reiki symbols regularly and have them checked by another teacher for accuracy? Over time it is natural to relax about the form of the symbols and things “slip” in quality. It is a good sign if the practitioner/teacher regularly checks their symbols to ensure that they are correct.
6. How does he/she feel about showing the Reiki symbols to people who aren’t aligned? How do they feel about Reiki symbols being on the internet and in books? The Reiki symbols are sacred (that isn’t the same as secret) and someone who truly honors the power of the symbols will be less likely to agree with the symbols being shown publicly in books, etc.
7. After a full day of sharing Reiki Therapy with others, how does he/she feel? When someone is properly attuned to Reiki, they receive some Reiki in gratitude as they share it with others. For this reason, we are very rarely tired at the end of a day of Reiki. In fact, I sometimes have to schedule a trip to the gym after a day of Reiki to use some of the energy, and usually can’t wipe the smile off my face!
8. How clear is he/she as a result of Reiki practice? In other words, how has the Reiki they use worked at clearing their own energy field? True Reiki clears “baggage” and after several levels of Reiki I would expect the person to be more clear than the average bear. It’s just like choosing a personal trainer really. Would you go to a personal trainer whose own fitness techniques weren’t working on her/him? Probably not. Now, the trainer may not be a swimsuit model, but that isn’t what you’re looking for either. You are looking for evidence that their techniques are working well for them.
9. Are they able to provide testimonials from prior students and clients? Look for more than signs that they found it relaxing. Lying on a massage table for an hour with nice music playing is relaxing, however true Reiki is more than relaxing. Usually people will be able to feel the energy flowing in some way whether that’s a tingly feeling, heat, a sense of the energy flowing like waves, seeing colors, hearing the “buzz” of the energy, and so forth. Look for signs that the clients know the Reiki is actually doing something more than just relaxing them. Note: A client doesn’t have to feel the Reiki during a session for it to work, so it isn’t cause for alarm if one person didn’t feel anything. However, if you look across a set of people, you are likely to find that a lot of them do feel it in some way.
10. What efforts do they take to keep their energy field clear? There are no right or wrong answers here, but it is information you would be wise to ask. Among the top contributors to energy imbalances are: alcohol, illicit unnecessary drugs, cigarettes, caffeine, and now for the most controversial: garlic and onion. I would give extra points to someone who chooses to avoid these in order to keep their energy field clear, especially for teaching Reiki.
11. Do they physically touch their clients during a Reiki treatment, and if so, why? Reiki doesn’t require physical touch and doing so in a professional session can lead to discomfort for the client. This is particularly the case if the client and practitioner are opposite sex.
12. Follow your heart. Our hearts are where we truly know whether something is best for us. Once you’ve collected the information above, take a few moments to turn your mental processes off and focus on your heart. Your heart will tell you if this is the best instructor/practitioner for you!
    
    Different treatment methods resonate with different people, so if there is value in what someone is doing, then that’s great! It may be that someone who says they were attuned to Reiki through a book has something to offer that will be of huge benefit to you. The point here is that you are aware and informed.
    
    Enjoy!