About
FAQs - Reiki
I have put these FAQs together from questions and comments from students, clients and friends over the years.
What does Reiki energy feel like?
Many people describe the Reiki as a very warm and soothing sensation, sometimes it can feel a bit tingly or pulse-like, but always pleasant. Most often people experience relaxation and calmness.
Is all Reiki the same?
No, there are many types of “Reiki” in the world today, some originate from the Practice that was founded in 1922 by Mikao Usui and some do not.
My advice to people is to ask the Reiki Practitioner or Reiki Master- what kind of Reiki do you practice?
The loose interpretation of the word has lead to much confusion. I suggest that people do some homework ( be aware that some information found on the internet is not correct) and ask questions if they are interested in receiving or learning Reiki.
Do you get drained from giving Reiki?
No, when we give Reiki( and only Reiki i.e. not using other modalities at the same time) the energy comes through us, not from us.
Where is louise riley healing arts located?
Louise Riley Healing Arts is located in Melbourne's South East/Bayside suburbs of Melbourne, about 15 minutes from the Melbourne CBD.
Who is Mikao Usui?
Mikao Usui is the founder of Reiki ( also called Usui Shiki Ryoho or Usui System of Natural Healing). He was a Japanese man who discovered Reiki after a fasting meditation on Mount Kurama in 1922.
What types of Reiki do you practice and teach?
I teach and practice Usui Shiki Ryoho, this is the traditional teachings from Hawayo Takata who was the first person to bring Reiki our of Japan in 1937. I pass on exactly as I was taught by my Reiki Master Paul Mitchell, Paul is one of the 22 Masters initiated and taught by Hawayo Takata.
In the past I have taught other kinds of Reiki, for me now I only to teach and practise this form( Usui Shiki Ryoho from Takata).
What is a Grandmaster in Reiki?
In the tradition of Usui Shiki Ryoho (The Usui System of Natural Healing as Hawayo Takata called it and as defined by Phyllis Furumoto and Paul Mitchell), this term is used by the community in recognition of a special role this person plays within that specific tradition ( i.e. someone does not call themselves a Grandmaster).In Usui Shiki Ryoho it was first used in reference to Hawayo Takata, and the understanding that she held a special place within this form of Reiki practice.
What is an absent or distant Reiki treatment?
In my practice, an absent Reiki treatment can be used in situations when it is not possible to be physically present with a person. In Second Degree Reiki you are taught the 3 Sacred and secret symbols and their use, one of them forms part of a specific technique whereby we are enabled to send a Reiki treatment across distance. These Absent ( i.e. the person is physically absent)Reiki treatments are just as effective as an in person Reiki treatment. I have a lot of experience with Absent Reiki treatments and receive wonderful feedback from the recipients as to the effectiveness.
How many types of Reiki have you learnt?
I have been taught to Master level in 4 kinds of Reiki; Three of these have their origin with Mikao Usui, although there have been changes made to some of these forms or styles of Reiki.
Usui Shiki Ryoho is the practice from Hawayo Takata who was the successor to Hayashi, the successor to Usui. Some people mistakenly call their practice Usui Shiki Ryoho, the traditional form however has remained in its integrity through the spiritual lineage Usui-Hayashi-Takata-Furumoto-Reindl. These spiritual lineage bearers have held/hold the energetic essence of the practice for the Reiki community who practice the same form/style.
Usui/Tibetan Reiki ( has additions from Raku Kai), there are 2 additional Tibetan symbol. William Rand made changes in 2015 to the attunement and other parts of this practice( he calls ignition). He calls this Holy Fire and says it was channelled to him From Jesus.
Komyo Reiki Kai ( this style was developed by Hyakuten Inamoto in 1998).
The fourth kind of Reiki is called Karuna Reiki and was developed by William Rand and does not originate in any way from Mikao Usui.
Learning Reiki
How do you learn Reiki?
Reiki is learnt by going to a Reiki Master Teacher who will perform Reiki Initiations and provide you with other information and teachings.
If someone has not been given a Reiki initiation/s (also called an attunement), they are not doing any kind of Usui Reiki.
Do you recommend learning Reiki Online?
No this is not part of the Reiki practice I practice and teach. Attending an in person Reiki course will give you a much deeper knowledge and experience of this practice. You also have the physical presence of the Reiki Master to guide and assist you, we believe this is very important.
Can anybody learn Reiki or do you need a special gift/ability before you can do it?
Anybody can learn Reiki. Everybody of all ages and stages of life. Nobody fails a Reiki course - and its very simple to learn and do.
Are all Reiki courses the same?
No they are not, there are many, many branches/styles of Reiki. Also each Reiki Master Teacher brings their personality, experience and style of teaching to their courses. I suggest you firstly do some homework and see what style of Reiki, and the Reiki Master, that resonates- feels right for you.
Check the Reiki Master Teacher has received in person Reiki Master Teacher training and is able to show you their lineage. This should be an unbroken line(-like a family tree), the names listed should only be Reiki Masters, and it should trace back to Mikao Usui. Are they a member of a Professional Reiki organisation and have indemnity insurance? This indicate a good level of professionalism. How much experience do they have teaching Reiki and giving Reiki treatments?
Also you can make a time to have a treatment with them or a chat and ask them questions about their experience and classes, choose the Reiki Master who feels right for you.
How long are your Reiki courses?
First Degree (Level 1 or Shoden), which is the beginner level is a 10-12 hour course, delivered across 3 days. Second Degree ( Level 2 or Okuden), is taught over 3 sessions on 3 different days. Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Mastership is a apprenticeship style training programme taught over a number of years. I provide ongoing Reiki support to my students.
What type of Reiki do you practice and teach?
I now practice and teach Usui Shiki Ryoho as I was taught by Paul Mitchell, one of Takata's 22 Reiki Masters. For me this is the practice that resonates with me most deeply and carries on the tradition from Takata.This form of Reiki has been held in its integrity for over 80 years. Takata was taught by Hayashi, and he, by Usui. This form teaches Reiki as a spiritual practice, healing practice, personal and spiritual development practice, so it is extremely comprehensive.
I learnt Reiki and I’ve forgotten everything, can I still give Reiki?
When you have been correctly initiated to Reiki, it stays with you for the rest of your life. Even if you feel you have forgotten, the Reiki Initiations are permanent and you will still be able to give Reiki. It is good to remember that practice will make your Reiki stronger, so if you have not been doing any, or little, Reiki it may not feel very strong at all. If you are feeling unsure contact me and I will support you, my Reiki commitment to my Reiki students is ongoing - and personalised to your needs.
Can I redo my Reiki course or retrain?
Yes if you choose, you can redo your Reiki course, you will need to make time to discuss this with Louise to help decide what is best for you. People decide to do this for a variety of reasons e.g. to refresh their memory of the theory or techniques they have been taught.
Do I have to do all levels of Reiki with the same teacher?
It is preferable that you do your Reiki training with the same Reiki Master, this is for a number of reasons. There are however occasions when people undertake training with a different Reiki Teacher. It serves everybody well however, to be clear what style you have been taught previously and the style or form of the Reiki you are going to learn. I always have a chat with students who have learnt from another Teacher so both the student and I have clarity around this. There are, however many, many different types of Reiki and you should speak to your teacher to ensure your previous training is comparable with the type of Reiki you will be learning. Also there should be a verifiable, unbroken link back to Mikao Usui .
What do the terms Shoden, Okuden and Shinpiden mean ?
These are the Japanese names for each level of Reiki training.
Shoden – beginning teaching - First Degree or Level 1,
Okuden – deeper teaching, Second degree or Level 2 and;
Shinpiden – mystery teachings, Third degree or Reiki Master
Reiki Treatments
Do I need to do anything to prepare for a Reiki healing session
No, not at all, it’s best to wear comfy clothes as you will be lying fully clothed on a massage table. Just be willing, and open to receive the Reiki healing. Sometimes people consciously, or unconsciously block the Reiki, in this instance the Reiki will not do anything.
Do I have to take my shoes or clothes off for a Reiki healing session, like a massage treatment?
No you don't, you simply lie on the massage table and we place a blanket over you if you wish. You can receive Reiki in a chair if you prefer. Most people take their shoes off, but this is not essential.
