How to Get Certified in Reiki Level 1 Online: Beginner’s Guide to Reiki Energy Healing
Have you ever wondered how energy healing works and how people use it to relieve stress, clear their minds, and feel more balanced? Reiki, a Japanese technique for energy healing, has gained popularity as a simple and accessible way to support physical and emotional wellness. If you’re curious to explore this world, the Reiki Level I Certification course is the perfect place to begin—and you can even do it online.
In this article, we break down everything you need to know about getting your Reiki Level I Certification online. We’ll cover what it includes, whether it’s worth it, and what makes this self-paced course on Udemy one of the easiest and most affordable ways to start your energy healing journey.
What Is Reiki Level 1 and Why Is It Important?
Reiki is a form of energy healing that originated in Japan in the early 20th century. The practice involves the gentle laying on of hands (or even just proximity) to direct healing energy toward yourself or others. Practitioners believe Reiki helps to balance your energy and support your natural ability to heal.
Reiki Level I is often called the “foundation” level. At this stage, students are introduced to the basic history, principles, and techniques of Reiki. More importantly, this level includes the first Reiki attunement—an energetic initiation believed to “open you up” to channel Reiki energy.
What You Learn in Reiki Level I Certification
The best online Reiki courses—like the one from Udemy—walk students step-by-step through both theory and practice. Here’s what you can expect to learn:
- Brief history of Reiki and its founders
- Explanation of the energy body and chakras
- How to perform Reiki on yourself (self-healing)
- Basic hand placements for treating others
- Introduction to Reiki principles and ethics
- What to expect during and after a Reiki attunement
- Access to downloadable resources and manuals
- A certificate of completion (not a license, but great for continuing practice)
The Reiki Level I course on Udemy is suitable for total beginners—no prior experience required. You don’t need any fancy crystals, incense, or tools. It’s just you, your intention, and the energy you’re learning to work with.
A Glimpse Into Learning Energy Healing
Why Take Reiki Online? Pros of Learning Reiki on Udemy
If you’re thinking about trying Reiki, you might wonder which format is best: in-person or online? While both have their benefits, here are a few reasons why the Reiki Level I class on Udemy stands out:
-
Affordable Pricing
In-person Reiki workshops can cost between $150 and $400. The Udemy Reiki Level I course is often on sale for under $50, making it budget-friendly for beginners. -
Go at Your Own Pace
Because it’s a self-paced course, you can learn whenever it fits your schedule. Whether you’d rather do 30 minutes a day or binge the entire course in one weekend, you’re in control. -
Lifetime Access
Once you enroll, you get access to the course forever. That means you can go back and review important parts of the training whenever you like. -
Downloadable Materials
You’ll receive PDFs and course manuals—not something every online course offers—and those can be useful for reference down the road. -
Includes Attunement
Yes, you still receive a Reiki attunement remotely. While this can be a controversial topic (more on that below), many students report feeling a noticeable energy shift afterward.
Student Reviews: What Real People Are Saying
Here’s what some of the course graduates have said about their Reiki Level I experience:
“The Reiki Level I course was transformative. I felt a real shift in my energy after the attunement.” – Reddit user
“I was skeptical at first, but after completing Level I, I use Reiki daily for stress relief.” – Quora review
“The course itself was okay but I didn’t feel anything. Maybe I need more time or practice.” – Forum user
“Excellent introduction to energy work. The instructor was knowledgeable and very supportive.” – Trustpilot
Is Reiki Legit? Addressing the Controversy
As with many alternative healing methods, Reiki comes with its fair share of skepticism—especially in scientific and medical communities. There’s currently limited peer-reviewed research to fully support Reiki’s healing claims. Some people report feeling better, while others don’t notice any major change.
Many professionals see Reiki as a form of complementary care. It’s not meant to replace medicine but to support your general well-being. For those going through stress, anxiety, or simply seeking grounding and clarity, Reiki has shown to be an especially gentle and helpful tool.
⚠️ Things to Watch Out For When Taking Reiki Online
While online Reiki training is more accessible, not all courses are created equal. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Make sure the course includes a real Reiki Level I attunement or initiation.
- Look for instructors with solid experience and high ratings.
- Be wary if someone claims Reiki can cure diseases—no responsible practitioner should.
- Avoid trainings that heavily upsell expensive advanced levels before finishing Level I.
Comparison: Reiki vs. Other Energy Healing Courses
| Healing Modality | Complexity | Scientific Backing | Beginner-Friendly | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reiki | Low | Limited | Very | Low |
| Pranic Healing | Medium | Limited | Somewhat | Medium |
| Quantum Touch | Medium | Low | Moderate | Medium |
| Therapeutic Touch | Medium | Some | Moderate | Medium |
| Crystal Healing | Low | Very low | High | High |
If you’re just starting out and want an intuitive path to explore, Reiki is often seen as the most gentle and accessible route.
Is It Worth It? Final Thoughts on Reiki Level I
If you’re drawn to holistic or spiritual self-care, Reiki is a natural next step. The Udemy Reiki Level I Certification lets you enter this world without pressure—and without spending hundreds of dollars. You’ll learn the basics, get your attunement, and have lifetime access to come back and deepen your practice.
Sure, not everyone will have a dramatic experience from day one. Like yoga or meditation, Reiki often requires patience, consistency, and an open mind.
But one thing’s for sure: if you’re called to energy work, you won’t regret taking that first step.
📌 Pro Tip: After you finish your Level I Certification, you can explore Reiki Level II for deeper techniques like distance healing and advanced energy work.
Keep growing,