Usui Reiki Level 1 · One Day
A Day at a Reiki Level 1 Workshop: Attunement and Chakra Scanning
11:00–17:00 · HK$900 · Two individual attunements · 13 course topics
Before enrolling in the Usui Reiki beginner certificate workshop, many people ask: “What will I learn in one day? What happens during attunement? Can I keep up with no previous experience?”
Following the 13 topics in Soul Love Center's beginner syllabus, this article explains what the day covers: Reiki history and the Five Reiki Principles, two individual attunements, the chakra energy system, aura scanning, and full-body hand positions for yourself and others. It also includes preparation and practical considerations.
Level 1 Course at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Course name | Usui Reiki Level 1 Certificate Workshop |
| Theme | Understanding the impact of energy on the body |
| Course duration | 11:00–17:00 |
| Fee | HK$900 |
| attunement | Two attunements, conducted one-to-one between teacher and student |
| Teacher | Cathy Wong (IARP-registered Reiki Master Teacher, IARP no. 62694574) |
| Entry requirements | No prior knowledge, religious background or special gift required |
| Enrolment | WhatsApp 9121 4927 to check the class dates |
In this article
- 13 Topics in the Level 1 Course
- An Illustrative Day's Schedule
- Preparing for Class
- Understanding Reiki: History, Principles and the Five Principles
- The Core Experience: Two One-to-One Attunements
- The Body's Chakra Energy System
- Aura Scanning: A Palm-Sensing Exercise
- Full-Body Self-Reiki Hand Positions
- Practice for Others and Localised Reiki
- Reiki with Babies, Animals and Plants
- After Completing Level 1
- Frequently asked questions
Syllabus
1. The 13 Topics in the Level 1 Course
The following is the original outline of the Soul Love Center Usui Reiki Level 1 course, divided into topics:
| Theme | Course Content |
|---|---|
| Reiki foundations | 1. An introduction to Reiki and its history 2. Reiki principles and professional ethics |
| Energy system | 3. The body's chakra energy system 4. Activation of the Level 1 Reiki energy channel |
| Meditation | 5. Sitting meditation |
| Perception | 6. Aura scanning and Reiki radiating practice 11. Understanding energy fields and how the subconscious influences oneself 12. How to see another person's aura |
| Hand-position practice | 7. Full-body self-Reiki hand positions 8. Full-body Reiki hand positions for others 9. Localised Reiki practice |
| Everyday applications | 10. The use of Reiki in infants, children, animals, plants, and crystals |
| Emotions | 13. Working with emotions accumulated in the subconscious |
The course introduction states: The Level 1 course will introduce the origin, transmission, history, and application scope of Reiki; the course will include two attunements, conducted by the instructor and participants in a one-on-one ceremony; after the attunement, the practical learning is the main part of the course. Participants must learn how to place their hands on various chakras and areas that need care, and how to note the important points when helping others to channel Reiki.
Flow
2. An Illustrative Day's Schedule
The following is a reference flowchart based on the course outline, to help you get a preliminary understanding; the actual sequence and time allocation will be determined by the instructor on the day of the course.
- Opening: Understanding the history, philosophy, and professional guidelines of Reiki.
- Sitting meditation: settle body and mind in preparation for attunement.
- Attunement: One-on-one sessions with the teacher to activate the first energy channel of Reiki.
- Learn about the body's chakra energy system.
- Aura-scanning practice: sensing with the palms.
- Practise full-body self-Reiki hand positions.
- Practise full-body hand positions and localised Reiki for others.
- Daily Applications: Children, animals, plants, crystals, and infants.
- Explore the subconscious and emotions, followed by a summary and questions.
There are two attunements within the course, which will be explained by the teacher during the class.
Before Class
3. Preparing for Class
- Wear loose and comfortable clothing for seated meditation and lying down.
- Get sufficient rest the night before.
- Bring your own water; the provision of meals during the class will be checked upon registration.
- If you are pregnant, have a chronic illness, or are undergoing treatment, please inform the teacher in advance and continue to follow the doctor's instructions.
- Let go of expectations: Do not seek special sensations, and attend with an open and curious mind.
For further preparation before attunement, see What Does Reiki Attunement Feel Like? Students Share Their Experiences 。
Foundations
4. Understanding Reiki: History, Principles and the Five Principles
Reiki's Origins
Usui Reiki was founded by Japan's Mikao Usui (1865–1926). According to his memorial at Saihoji Temple in Tokyo, he received Reiki after twenty-one days of practice on Mount Kurama in Kyoto, then established an association in Aoyama-Harajuku, Tokyo, in April 1922 to teach it. Reiki later reached the West through Chujiro Hayashi and Hawayo Takata. For the full history, see What is Usui Reiki? A complete introduction and Mikao Usui 。
Five Reiki Principles
The memorial records Usui teaching students to “sit quietly with palms together and recite morning and evening” the Five Reiki Principles:
- Just for today, do not be angry
- Do not worry
- Be grateful
- Work diligently
- Be kind to others
Professional Ethics
The beginner course includes Reiki principles and professional ethics. The International Association of Reiki Professionals (IARP) also requires practitioners not to diagnose or prescribe, and to recommend qualified professional advice where appropriate.
Attunement
5. The Core Experience: Two One-to-One Attunements
Attunement (Attunement) is a ceremonial transmission performed by the teacher, considered the starting point for a student to become a Reiki channel in the traditional Usui Reiki. In the Japanese tradition, this is referred to as 'Reiju' (spiritual transmission).
What Should Be Done During Attunement?
No special actions are required: simply sit comfortably, breathe naturally, and the teacher will explain the posture and arrangement for the day.
Sensations During Attunement
| Common Descriptions | Description |
|---|---|
| Warmth | A feeling of warmth in the palms, the top of the head, or somewhere on the body |
| Tingling or Pulsation | Mild tingling in the fingers or palms |
| Calmness | Feeling very quiet and relaxed |
| Emotions | Unintentionally want to cry, or feel a slight relaxation |
| No particular sensation | Equally common |
These are subjective experiences; there is currently no objective method to measure the effectiveness of attunement. The strength of the experience does not indicate whether one has learned well.
After Attunement
Many Western Reiki transmission suggestions recommend attunement followed by daily self-Reiki practice for 21 days, generally considered to be in response to the story of the 21-day practice on Mount Kurama by Mikao Usui. This is a traditional suggestion and does not require fasting. If you experience persistent or severe physical discomfort, please consult a physician and do not consider it as a 'Reiki reaction'.
Chakras
6. The Body's Chakra Energy System
The chakra originates from Indian Tantra tradition and refers to the energy centers along the axis of the body. The memorial inscription on Mikao Usui's grave does not mention chakra; chakra is a widely used concept in modern Reiki teachings to help students understand the positions of hand positions.
| chakra | Location | Common themes in modern teaching |
|---|---|---|
| crown chakra | Crown of the head | Spiritual connection |
| third-eye chakra | Between the eyebrows | Intuition and insight |
| throat chakra | Throat | Expression and communication |
| heart chakra | Chest | Love and compassion |
| Solar plexus chakra | Upper abdomen | Confidence and will |
| sacral chakra | Lower abdomen | Emotions and creativity |
| root chakra | Base of the spine | Security and grounding |
For a comparison of the chakras and the I Ching's Five Elements, see The Five Elements and Seven Chakras: An I Ching Perspective 。
Scanning
7. Aura Scanning: A Palm-Sensing Exercise
The Level 1 course includes 'Energy Field Scanning and Reiki Radiation Therapy' and 'How to Observe Others' Energy Field'. The practice generally involves placing the hands above the body and moving them slowly along the body, paying attention to the sensations in the palms.
The Japanese Tradition: Byosen
Traditional Japanese Reiki includes a sensing practice known as Byosen. Researchers describe Usui as teaching students to use their palms' sensitivity to identify where to work, rather than following a fixed sequence of hand positions. He also taught Gassho meditation and dry bathing. Practitioners traditionally notice sensations such as warmth, tingling and pulsation in their palms.
A Reasoned Perspective
- The warmth and prickling felt on the palm are subjective sensations.
- Energy Field Scanning is a perception and awareness practice and cannot be used for any disease diagnosis.
- If you have physical symptoms, please consult a registered doctor.
Self Practice
8. Full-Body Self-Reiki Hand Positions
The self-body hand positions are the most practical part of the Level 1 course, and participants can practice them daily. Common sequences start from the head and proceed downward:
| Sequence | Location | Corresponding chakra |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rest both hands gently over the eyes and forehead | third-eye chakra |
| 2 | Crown or sides of the head | crown chakra |
| 3 | Back of the head | — |
| 4 | Front of the throat (rest gently, without pressure) | throat chakra |
| 5 | Chest | heart chakra |
| 6 | Upper abdomen | Solar plexus chakra |
| 7 | Lower abdomen | sacral chakra |
| 8 | Lower back or waist | Towards the root chakra |
Spend around 2–5 minutes at each position, focusing on relaxation and awareness rather than effort. The positions actually taught depend on the class. For the complete guide to 12 hand positions, see 12 Reiki Self-Healing Hand Positions: Ten Minutes a Day to Balance Body and Mind 。
One student describes Reiki as “an emotional stabiliser that can ease negative emotions within a short time (5–10 minutes)”. This is a personal experience and varies between people. See Student Testimonials 。
Practice on Others
9. Practice for Others and Localised Reiki
The Level 1 course includes 'Reiki body work for others' and 'local Reiki therapy'. The actual practice schedule is based on the instructor's day, and participants should be aware of the following:
- Obtain the other person's consent first and explain the process.
- The person receiving treatment must be dressed in clothes, and must be quiet and lie down or sit down.
- Place the hands lightly or gently above the body, avoiding touching the chest or private areas.
- Do not make any diagnoses and do not recommend changing the doctor's treatment.
To experience receiving Reiki first, you can book a session. For the process, see Reiki Session Fees and What Happens During a Session 。
Daily Use
10. Reiki with Babies, Animals and Plants
The beginner course includes using Reiki with infants, children, animals, plants and crystals. Students have shared experiences with dogs, cats and parrots, describing, “I could feel the energy flowing.” See Reiki for Babies, Pets and Plants ; for a reasoned introduction to crystals, see Reiki practice accessories and the seven-star array guide If the infant or pet has health issues, please consult a doctor or registered veterinarian first.
After Level 1
11. After Completing Level 1
| Next step | Content | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Daily self-healing | Continue practising full-body hand positions and the Five Principles | — |
| Level 2 | Psychology: Energy, Emotion, and Distance Reiki symbols. | HK$1,380 |
| Advanced Level | Spiritual focus: Master symbols, I Ching philosophy and the meridian time cycle | HK$1,880 |
| Usui/Tibetan Reiki Master Level | Teacher training, only for students who have completed the advanced course | HK$8,888 |
| Introductory Meditation and Insight Workshop | Deepen stillness, breathing and awareness | HK$480 |
For a comparison of levels, see Comparison of fees and content for 4 levels ; for the I Ching and Reiki, see The connection between I Ching Philosophy and Reiki Healing ; for integration of body, mind and spirit, see What is the integration of body, mind, and spirit? 。
FAQ
Level 1 Workshop: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the class time and fee for the Usui Reiki Level 1 Workshop?
The Soul Love Center's Usui Reiki Level 1 Certificate Workshop classes run from 11:00 to 17:00 and cost HK$900. It is taught by IARP-registered Reiki Master Cathy Wong; please check the class date by WhatsApp 9121 4927.
How Many Attunements Are There in Level 1?
The Level 1 course includes two attunements, conducted one-on-one by the teacher and students. The practical learning after the attunement is the main part of the course.
Does Feeling Nothing During Attunement Mean It Has Failed?
The feeling varies from person to person. Some feel warmth, prickling, or calm, while others do not have a particular sensation. These are subjective experiences, and there is no objective method to measure the effect of an attunement. The strength of the feeling does not indicate how well the student is learning.
Can Aura Scanning Diagnose Physical Conditions?
No. A palm scan is a traditional practice in Reiki, which involves subjective sensations such as warmth or prickling. These are not used for diagnosing any disease. If you have any physical discomfort, please consult a registered doctor.
Can I Enrol in Level 1 Without Any Background Knowledge?
Yes. The Level 1 course is designed for beginners and does not require religious background or special talent.
Can I Offer Reiki to Family Members After Level 1?
Beginner includes full-body positions for others and using Reiki with infants, children, animals, plants and crystals. Reiki complements relaxation and cannot replace medical care.
The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) states that Reiki has not been clearly shown effective for any health purpose, although research has not found harmful effects. See Does Reiki Work? . For more questions, please see Frequently asked questions ; for teacher information, see Our Teacher ; for the teacher's videos, see Videos 。
Important Disclaimer: This content is part of holistic wellbeing education and is not medical advice. Reiki cannot replace the diagnosis and treatment provided by registered doctors.
Begin in a Day and Build a Lifelong Self-Care Practice
Usui Reiki Beginner Certificate Workshop: 11:00–17:00, HK$900, with two individual attunements. WhatsApp for upcoming dates.
