The short answer
A Reiki attunement is the process where a Reiki Master opens your energy channel so Reiki can flow through you. It is what makes you able to give Reiki, and it is the heart of every Reiki training. An attunement takes place in a quiet session with your teacher, in person or remotely, and is usually followed by a 21 day integration period.
Of everything in Reiki training, the attunement is the part people are most curious about, and sometimes a little nervous about. So I want to walk you through what it actually is, what happens, and what you might notice afterwards.
What an Attunement Does
Everyone has life force energy, or Ki, flowing through them. Reiki is a specific way of channeling universal life force energy, and the attunement is what connects you to it. Think of it as opening a door that stays open. Once you are attuned, Reiki is always available to you. It does not fade or expire, and you do not need to be attuned again to keep using it.
This is also why you cannot fully learn Reiki from a book alone. You can learn about Reiki from a book. The attunement is what lets you give it.
What Happens During a Reiki Attunement
An attunement is a calm, quiet experience. In my practice it looks like this:
- We begin by talking for a few minutes, so you feel settled and any questions are answered
- You sit comfortably with your eyes closed, in my studio or at home if we are on Zoom
- I guide you to relax and breathe, and then I perform the attunement while you simply receive
- We close together, and I share what to expect in the days that follow
There is nothing you need to do or get right. You do not need to see or feel anything specific. Your only job is to be open.
"There is nothing you need to do or get right during your attunement. Your only job is to be open."
What You May Feel
Every attunement is different. Some people feel a lot, and some feel very little in the moment and notice the shift later. Common experiences include:
- Warmth or tingling, especially in the hands and the crown of the head
- A deep sense of peace or being held
- Colors, light, or images behind the eyes
- Emotion rising to the surface, sometimes tears
- Feeling very relaxed, or very energized
Feeling nothing dramatic does not mean it did not work. The attunement happens either way.
The 21 Day Integration
After a Reiki attunement, there is traditionally a 21 day period of integration, sometimes called the 21 day cleanse. Your energy is adjusting to its new connection, and old emotions or patterns may come up to be released. You might notice more vivid dreams, shifts in your sleep, or emotions that feel closer to the surface.
The best support during these three weeks is to give yourself Reiki every day, drink plenty of water, rest when you need to, and be gentle with yourself. Many of my students keep a short daily log during this time, which is why my course workbook includes a twenty-one day practice log.
Common Questions
Can a Reiki attunement be done over Zoom?
Yes. Reiki is not limited by distance, so a remote attunement is given with the same intention and process as an in-person one. Students in my Usui Reiki Level 1 course can receive their attunement in person in Napa or over Zoom.
Does a Reiki attunement wear off?
No. Once you are attuned to Reiki, the connection stays with you for life. Regular practice strengthens it, but it does not fade or expire.
What is the 21 day Reiki cleanse?
It is the traditional integration period after an attunement. For 21 days your energy adjusts, and you may notice emotional release, vivid dreams, or changes in sleep. Daily self-Reiki, water, and rest support you through it.
Receive your attunement.
Every student in Usui Reiki Level 1 receives a private, one-on-one attunement with Jenna, in person in Napa or over Zoom.
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