Misconceptions and Myths About Reiki Training

Reiki is a relatively new form of energy healing therapy surrounded in myth and lore. Many people unfamiliar with reiki training and reiki education may find the therapy a bit confusing and questionable. Before you begin to study reiki, there are some common misconceptions about this energy work meant to produce relaxation, rejuvenation, healing and the opening of the chakras that you should understand.

Myth # 1: Reiki is magic.
Reiki is not magic. You cannot put a spell on someone using reiki or control what others do using reiki. Reiki is the connection with and direction of energy through the body which can stimulate innate healing abilities and provide emotional and physical cleansing.

Myth #2: Reiki is dependent on your personal energy.
The beauty of reiki is the fact that you will not lose any personal energy while performing a treatment because you will channel energy from the universe into the patient or yourself. If anything, reiki is energizing.

Myth #3: Reiki is a religion.
While performing reiki does require faith of sorts since you must trust in the energy available from the universe and be open to receiving it, it is not a religion. You will, however, become part of a group of supportive reiki practitioners if you decide to go through the three level reiki attunement process.

Myth #4: Reiki is a form of massage therapy.
While some reiki masters prefer to use light touch while directing energy to certain chakras and points, many reiki teachers choose to not touch their patients at all during the sessions. It's up to the individual reiki teacher because it is not necessary to touch the patient for the energy transference to occur. Reiki sessions can even happen remotely. It is definitely not a form of massage.

Myth #5: The founder of reiki was a Christian Monk.
Dr. Mikao, the founder of reiki, was actually a Japanese Zen Buddhist who experienced spiritual enlightenment after a period of fasting and meditation.