Reiki Level 1
Reiki Level 1The first “Attunement” given by a Reiki teacher to a new student is a fairly simply process. Ideally it is given as a sacred ceremony in an atmosphere of reverence. How the attunement is given will depend on the teacher’s style and intuition.
The process involves the teacher opening up the student’s crown chakra (or the energy center at the top of the head), and the chakras in the palms of the hands. An energy channel is then created between the crown chakra and the chakras in the palms. Once this is done, the channel is then “Attuned” to Reiki energy. From this point on, the simple intention of channeling Reiki energy will cause this channel to open, allowing Reiki energy to flow into the top of the head and out through the palms.
Besides the initiations, the student is given talks on scope of Reiki. They are taken though the science and metaphysics of Reiki with plenty of case histories to back up the theory.
They are also taught how to give self–treatments, to treat animals and plants, and to treat others in both crisis and chronic situations. Interspersed with this are practical sessions wherein the students are given the opportunity to put things into practice and experience the Reiki firsthand.
Reiki treatments are ideally given in a quiet peaceful atmosphere with no distractions. While the “Patient” is lying or sitting comfortably, the practitioner (the new student in this case) simply rests his/her palms on the patient’s body and allows the energy to flow. Trying to direct the energy can actually restrict or block its flow, so it’s best for the practitioner to take on a passive observant attitude by just being present. Only as much as needed will be channeled, you can’t channel too much. Most practitioners find that their hands will get warm from the energy flow and will cool off when it stops. In the beginning, a formal set of hand placement positions are taught. With practice though, intuition will direct the practitioner where to place the hands and for how long. A typical session takes anywhere from 20 to 90 minutes, depending on the health of the patient.
One distinction between Reiki and other energy healing techniques is that a practitioner can channel the Reiki energy through their hands into their own body. Another distinction is that a practitioner will be more full of energy after working on someone, because they are not transferring their own energy.
