On-Line Reiki Training. Yes or No?

Since COVID-19, online Reiki training has become increasingly common. During the pandemic, this was understandable—face-to-face training simply wasn’t possible. But now that those restrictions have eased, an important question remains: should online Reiki training replace the time-honored tradition of teacher and student sharing the same space?

For me, the answer is no. I teach and practice a Japanese Reiki system that preserves the tradition of face-to-face Reiju, and I believe this tradition remains essential.

What Is Reiju?

Reiju (pronounced ray-joo)—sometimes referred to as attunements or initiations—is the process through which a student becomes a channel for Reiki energy. This practice has been passed down from teacher to student since the time of Reiki’s founder, Mikao Usui.

As my teacher, Hyakuten Inamoto, often explains, touch plays a pivotal role in the Reiju process. Reiju is a sacred ceremony experienced together by teacher and student. It is a bonding through touch, presence, and shared intention. The physical presence of the teacher supports students throughout the entire experience.

I felt this support when I first learned Reiki, and I felt it at every level of my training. That sense of comfort—before, during, and after Reiju—is something I deeply value and strive to offer my own students.

The Importance of Lineage and Presence

There is a reason traditional Reiki schools insist that Reiju be taught in person. Through face-to-face transmission, there is a direct connection from teacher to teacher, reaching all the way back to Mikao Usui. This lineage carries not only energy, but knowledge, understanding, and tradition.

Each step of the Reiju ceremony connects us to our Reiki ancestors through touch. Every teacher in our lineage is present in spirit during Reiju, walking the process with us. This creates a powerful sense of being held within a shared energy field—a comforting and deeply special experience.

Learning Hands-On Healing, Hands-On

Reiki is a hands-on healing practice, so it raises an important question: how can hands-on healing truly be learned without practising face to face?

In-person training allows students to experience the energetic differences between individuals. Each person carries a unique energy, and working hands-on builds confidence, sensitivity, and trust. How much pressure should be applied? Where should the hands be placed? These are things that are best learned through direct experience.

While self-Reiki is essential, practising on others under the guidance of a teacher offers far greater depth. Questions naturally arise during practice and can be answered in the moment, along with practical guidance and reassurance. After an online class, would you feel confident treating others? And would you still feel supported by your teacher once the class ends?

Online Reiju and Distant Healing Are Not the Same

Some people suggest that online Reiju is simply an extension of distant healing. However, the purpose and process are not the same. Distant healing focuses solely on healing. Reiju, while it does include a healing element, is primarily about transmission and connection.

Reiju helps students become spiritually aware and able to offer Reiki to themselves and others. Online Reiju is not an evolution of Reiki—it represents the loss of an essential part of the practice.

Professional Recognition Matters

Another important consideration is professional recognition. Many Reiki associations do not accept online training, which may require practitioners to repeat their training in a face-to-face setting.

If you plan to treat the public, joining a professional Reiki association is often important. Reiki practitioners are now classified as unregistered healthcare workers and are governed by the National Code of Conduct, which exists to protect the public from unethical practice. Reiki associations help keep practitioners informed of updates to this Code and often provide access to more affordable public liability insurance.

In Closing

Online Reiki training may be convenient, but it cannot replace the depth of experience that comes from shared physical presence, lineage, and direct human connection. A very special part of Reiki training is lost when learning moves entirely online—and that part is touch.