Reiki Level I Certification Online: Is It Really Worth It?
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When you first hear about Reiki healing, you may feel curious—or skeptical. How can something as simple as placing your hands on your body boost your energy, clear stress, and help others heal?
That’s what I asked too… until Reiki helped me calm my anxiety and sleep better for the first time in months.
If you’re exploring online Reiki Level I Certification courses, you may find yourself wondering:
- Do online Reiki courses really work?
- Is the Reiki attunement real if it’s done over video?
- Which platform offers the best value and support?
In this 2025 guide, I’ll walk you through an honest review of Reiki Level I Certification courses—especially the ones on Udemy, the most popular mainstream platform. Whether you’re curious about spirituality or want to start a healing journey, this guide will help you make an informed choice.
Let’s dive in.
What Is Reiki Level I Certification?
Reiki Level I, also called “Shoden,” is the first step in learning Reiki—an ancient Japanese energy healing practice. At this level, the focus is on:
- Learning the history and principles of Reiki
- Self-healing and applying Reiki to others
- Techniques for stress reduction and relaxation
- Receiving an “attunement” to activate your ability to channel Reiki
This level is generally designed for beginners. Most courses are accessible even if you’ve never heard of chakras or energy medicine.
And thanks to platforms like Udemy, you can get a full certification online—some for as low as $15.
Why Online Reiki Training Is So Popular Now
Let’s be honest—Reiki in-person sessions or certifications can be expensive, often costing hundreds of dollars for just Level I.
That’s where platforms like Udemy change the game.
- ✅ Learn anytime, anywhere
- ✅ Rewatch lessons on demand
- ✅ Get attuned remotely by a Reiki Master
- ✅ Affordable (under $60 for most courses)
It’s no surprise that courses like this one—Reiki Level I Certification on Udemy—have surged in popularity.
In fact, according to Trustpilot and other course review aggregators, top-rated Reiki I courses on Udemy average 4.5+ stars—with many learners citing benefits like improved sleep, emotional balance, and motivation to pursue healing full-time.
But is it too good to be true?
What You’ll Learn Inside an Online Reiki Certification
Every online course is slightly different, but most Level I Reiki certifications include similar core modules:
- The origins and history of Reiki
- The 5 Reiki principles (energy ethics)
- How energy fields and chakras work
- Hand placements for self and others
- Guidelines for daily self-healing
- A distant Level I attunement from a Reiki Master
- Certification of completion
🎁 Bonus content may include printable manuals, guided meditations, and access to private student communities.
It’s an effective gateway for anyone curious about energy healing, stress relief, or personal development.
The Attunement Controversy: Can You Really Be Attuned Online?
This is the biggest question and the most debated topic in Reiki circles.
Traditional Reiki involves an in-person attunement—a sacred ceremony where a Reiki Master activates your ability to channel energy.
Today, online courses offer “distance attunements,” where the instructor performs the energy transfer remotely.
Here’s the truth: Some people swear by these attunements. Others—especially traditionalists—are skeptical.
A Reddit user in r/Reiki shared:
“The self-practice routines helped my anxiety a lot, but the certification was just a PDF. Still, it got me started.” —u/spiritual_rookie
Many Reiki Masters online—as seen in YouTube reviews and Quora threads—agree that distant attunements can create a genuine energetic shift, but the experience can vary based on the receiver’s sensitivity and belief.
Personally? My first distance attunement felt like a deep wave of peace. But I also knew the connection with my instructor mattered.
Pros and Cons of Reiki Level I Certification Courses Online
👍 Pros
- Learn Reiki for under $50
- No rigid schedule or commute
- Accessible for total beginners
- Useful for stress, mental health, and self-healing
- Step 1 toward becoming a certified Reiki practitioner
👎 Cons
- Instructor quality varies widely online
- Attunement experience is subjective
- Some certifications feel rushed or superficial
- Limited real-time support/community
- No recognized central accreditation body
Comparing Top Reiki I Certification Options
| Provider | Format | Cost | Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Udemy | Video Lessons | $19–$60 | Affordable, beginner-friendly, self-paced |
| Reiki.org (William Lee Rand) | Zoom/In-person | $175+ | Highly reputable, detailed instruction |
| Local Reiki Masters | In-person | $150–$400 | Deeper energy work & 1-on-1 mentoring |
Our recommendation: Start online if you’re budget-conscious, but consider adding in-person training later if you’re serious about professional Reiki healing.
You can always move on to Reiki Level II or Reiki Master levels in person.
Real Student Feedback: What People Are Saying
From hundreds of reviews gathered across Reddit, Trustpilot, and Udemy:
- “Calming and empowering.”
- “I wasn’t sure what to expect—felt subtle at first, but my sleep and mood greatly improved.”
- “Some of the material is basic, but for $20? Definitely worth it.”
- “I was skeptical about distance attunement, but I felt tingling and warmth during mine.”
Note: Less positive reviews often mention weak instructor engagement or unclear video production.
Tip from one Redditor: Always Google your Reiki instructor. Look for one with verified credentials, community presence, or testimonials outside Udemy.
Is There a Catch?
Honestly, yes—but it’s not what you think.
Online Reiki courses may offer a certificate of completion, but there’s no global Reiki certification body. Anyone can create a “Reiki School.”
This doesn’t mean your training isn’t valid. Just keep in mind:
- Your healing comes from practice, not paper
- Instructor credibility matters more than course price
- No “fast-track” replaces experience and intention
That’s why choosing the right instructor—not just the platform—is so important.
If the course includes accessible content, clear video instruction, and answers your questions, you’re already ahead.
Our Verdict: Should You Take This Reiki Level I Course?
If you’re brand new to energy healing, the Udemy Reiki Level I Certification Course is a powerful and affordable starting point.
It earns high marks for:
- Beginner-friendly design
- Trusted instructors with thousands of students each
- Instant access and lifetime ownership
- Solid course structure and printable resources
But remember…
If you’re looking to become a professional Reiki healer, treat this as your first step—not the whole journey.
There’s incredible value in starting small—and this course gets your foot in the door with minimal risk.
Final Thoughts
Reiki is more than a technique. It’s a shift in the way you relate to energy, wellness, and even yourself.
Online certification can give you tools—but transformation happens through practice.
If you feel the call to explore energy healing, this course may be your turning point.
And trust me—opening your hands to healing can open your heart in ways you didn’t expect.
Ready to begin?
📌 Sources Cited:
- Udemy Trustpilot Reviews
- Quora Thread on Reiki Attunement
- Reddit Discussions from r/Reiki, r/Energy_work
Looking to compare more courses or dive deeper into Reiki training paths? Let us know in the comments or subscribe for future breakdowns.
Stay grounded, stay curious.