Many people’s first experience with Reiki involves a workshop or class, often ending with an attunement. To those unfamiliar with Reiki, the idea of an attunement seems strange, but this experience is the first step on the road to a lifelong journey with this powerful, wonderful form of natural healing.
Why is an Attunement Necessary?
Anyone can practice Reiki. The universal energy that is Reiki exists in all people and all beings. The Reiki attunement opens energy channels that allow Reiki to pass more freely through the body and, most importantly, through the hands. The attunement also strengthens the student’s own energy systems so that Reiki can flow more strongly and more efficiently. The energy and the ability to use it is already there–the attunement simply makes it more easily accessible and allows it to flow more freely.
A Reiki attunement is also usually given in the context of a class or workshop, during which the student is given information about the history of Reiki, how it works, and how to best approach using Reiki to treat others. This training helps the student understand the effects of Reiki, how it can help reduce stress and promote spiritual and physical healing, and how it interacts with the chakras and other energy centers of the body.
The experience of a Reiki attunement is difficult to describe to someone who has not experienced it, and differs from one individual to another. The student is often surrounded with a sensation of warmth and peace. Some students who are more attuned to energy work than others might see the energy moving within and opening the channels necessary to facilitate the movement of Reiki.
Different Attunement Levels
There are three different levels of Reiki attunement. At the first level, the student’s energy flow is opened, allowing Reiki energy to flow efficiently. At the second level, the student receives symbols, drawn onto the palms by the teacher. These symbols, when used during treatment, allow practice of distance Reiki, provide greater strength for treatment, and allow deeper treatment for emotional issues. The third level attunement provides the student with the ability to perform attunements on others.
Those who wish only to practice Reiki to promote relaxation, stress relief and healing in themselves might only wish to receive the Reiki I attunement. Those wishing to take their Reiki practice to a deeper level and help others will benefit from Reiki II, and those who wish to teach Reiki to others will need to pursue Master Level Reiki training and attunement. Whether you are interested in a basic introduction to Reiki or wish to gain deeper learning, an attunement is the tool that will open the way.