Become a Reiki master in Australia (2025)

So, you've been practicing Reiki for a while now, and you're starting to feel that gentle nudge—maybe it's time to take the next step and become a Reiki Master. But what does that really mean? Let's sit down with a cuppa and have a chat about the ins and outs of this transformative journey.

Source: Lisa Kern

What is reiki?

At its heart, Reiki is a Japanese healing art that taps into the universal life force energy. The term itself combines "Rei" (universal) and "Ki" (energy), reflecting its essence. Practitioners channel this energy to promote balance and healing on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels. It's like giving your body's natural healing processes a gentle, supportive boost.

The path to reiki mastery

Embarking on the path to becoming a Reiki Master is a deeply personal journey, often unfolding over several stages:​

1. Level 1 (shoden): This introductory level focuses on self-healing and healing close friends and family. You'll learn the basics and receive your first attunement, opening the door to Reiki energy.​

2. Level 2 (okuden/practitioner): Here, you deepen your practice, learning sacred symbols and techniques for distant healing. This level equips you to offer Reiki professionally, should you choose to do so.​

3. Level 3 (shinpiden/reiki master teacher): The culmination of your training, this level prepares you to teach and attune others to Reiki. Some teachers split this into two parts: Master Practitioner (3a) and Master Teacher (3b). ​

This final stage isn’t just about advancing your skills—it marks a shift in how you relate to Reiki itself. You're no longer just practising; you're stepping into the role of guide and mentor, ready to share the energy and wisdom with others. So, what does it really mean to take on that responsibility as a Reiki Master? Let’s explore.

Why become a reiki master?

You might be wondering, "Why take this step?" Well, becoming a Reiki Master isn't just about adding a title—it's about deepening your connection to the energy and sharing it with others. Many find that teaching Reiki enriches their own practice and allows them to contribute to a broader healing community.​

Choosing the right teacher

Finding a Reiki Master to guide you is crucial. It's a bit like dating—you want someone whose energy resonates with yours. Here are some tips:

• Personal connection: Have a chat with potential teachers. Attend a Reiki session with them if possible. This helps you gauge if their teaching style aligns with your learning preferences.​

• Credentials: Look for teachers affiliated with reputable organizations, such as the Australian Reiki Connection (ARC). They set standards for training and practice. ​

• Teaching approach: Ensure their curriculum covers both the practical and spiritual aspects of Reiki. A well-rounded education is key.

Choosing the right teacher lays the foundation for your journey—not just for learning the techniques, but for embodying the values and energy of Reiki. Once you’ve found someone who feels like the right fit, you’re ready to explore what the training path actually looks like.

Training duration and commitment

Becoming a Reiki Master isn't an overnight endeavor. In Australia, for instance, the Reiki Association of Western Australia recommends at least a one-year apprenticeship for teacher training, including participation in multiple Reiki 1 and 2 classes. This ensures you have ample time to integrate the teachings and develop your skills.​

The role of a reiki master

As a Reiki Master, you're not just a practitioner but also a teacher and mentor. Your responsibilities may include:​

• Attuning students: Initiating others into Reiki, enabling them to channel the energy.​

• Teaching: Conducting workshops and courses to share Reiki knowledge and techniques.​

• Mentorship: Providing ongoing support to students as they navigate their Reiki journeys.​

Becoming a Reiki Master isn’t just a milestone—it’s a commitment to helping others grow while continuing your own journey. But how exactly do you get there? Let’s walk through the steps to becoming a Reiki Master.

What science says about reiki

Several clinical trials and studies have been conducted to explore the effects of Reiki as a complementary therapy. While some studies have shown positive outcomes, it's important to note that the overall evidence base for Reiki is still limited, and more rigorous research is needed. Here are some key findings:

Pain management:

• A systematic review titled "The Effect of Reiki Therapy on Cancer Pain Management in Palliative Care Patients: A Systematic Review" demonstrated that Reiki therapy is effective in reducing pain intensity and analgesic demands in cancer patients.

Stress and anxiety reduction:

• The study "The Effect of Reiki Practice on Stress and Anxiety Level in Nurses: A Randomized Controlled Trial" examined the effects of Reiki on nurses and found a significant reduction in stress and anxiety levels.

Quality of life and well-being:

• Research titled "Effects of Reiki therapy on quality of life: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials" explored the impact of Reiki on cancer patients, finding improvements in overall well-being, sleep quality, and reduced anxiety.

Mental health:

• A systematic review titled "Effects of Reiki on Mental Health Care: A Systematic Review" investigated the potential benefits of Reiki for mental health conditions, indicating positive outcomes in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Physiological markers:

• The study "Effects of Reiki on Autonomic Activity Early After Acute Coronary Syndrome" investigated the effects of Reiki on heart rate variability and found improvements in autonomic nervous system balance. 

These studies provide insights into the potential benefits of Reiki across various health aspects.

It's worth noting that while these studies suggest positive outcomes, more high-quality, large-scale, and well-controlled clinical trials are necessary to establish the efficacy of Reiki as a therapeutic intervention.

Additionally, the mechanisms underlying Reiki's effects remain unclear and are the subject of ongoing research.

What school provides the best reiki master training program?

Only under the supervision of a certified Master Reiki practitioner can you learn to become a Reiki Master. Check the background of the learning institution, especially members of their faculty, before signing up for their Reiki Master training course to ensure that their offerings align with your goals.

You'll find several schools offering Reiki programs in Australia. You can even contact some of them directly here on the our Reiki course directory.

When choosing where to study Reiki, narrow down your choices to institutions that are recognised by a professional association of Reiki practitioners. The Association of Australian Reiki Professionals (AARP), Australian Reiki Connection (ARC), and other relevant organisations are responsible for ensuring that all their members meet the highest standards of Reiki training.

Gaining membership in these professional bodies after completing your studies will boost your portfolio and give you access to more advanced Reiki training programs.