Learn Reiki with Sirpa

How does Reiki work?

Reiki is based on the understanding that energy flows through all living beings. This life energy is present within and around us, and we naturally interact with and share energy every day, often without even realising it.

Think about how we instinctively hug someone who is crying, hold the hand of someone who is grieving, send prayers or positive thoughts to someone who is unwell, or place our own hand over an area of the body that hurts. We are constantly exchanging energy through our thoughts, intentions, touch and presence.

When you learn Reiki, you are not learning something completely new. You are learning to bring awareness and consciousness to this natural human ability.

During a Reiki session, the practitioner creates a calm, supportive space and allows the energy to flow through gentle hands-on or hands-above-the-body techniques. The recipient's body is believed to draw what it needs, supporting deep relaxation, balance and wellbeing.

Reiki is a practice of connection, intention and compassion. It works alongside our body's natural ability to rest, restore and find balance, and can be enjoyed as a complementary practice alongside conventional healthcare.

Yes, anyone can learn Reiki! It is natural human ability that absolutely everyone can do.  No special powers or prior experience needed. Our courses at Soul Tree  are designed to guide you through the learning process, whether you're a beginner or looking to deepen your practice.

A typical Reiki session lasts between  30 minutes and an hour. 

What happens during a Reiki session?

If you have never experienced Reiki before, you may wonder what to expect. A Reiki session is a gentle, relaxing and supportive experience.

You remain fully clothed throughout the session. You may lie comfortably on a massage table or sit in a chair, depending on what feels best for you.

The Reiki practitioner will place their hands gently on or just above your body, using light touch or a hands-off approach. There is no manipulation, pressure or physical adjustment involved.

You do not need to talk during the session, although communication is always encouraged if you have any questions, feel uncomfortable, or simply want to share what you are experiencing.

Most people find a Reiki session to be a calm and peaceful experience, allowing time to relax, slow down and reconnect with yourself.

Reiki itself can do no harm. It is a gentle, non-invasive practice that works with universal life energy, often described as the highest vibrational energy of love and light. During a Reiki session, the practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above the recipient's body. There is no manipulation, force, or physical adjustment involved.

Reiki is considered a complementary therapy and is not a replacement for medical care. It can be used alongside conventional medicine and should never be used instead of seeking appropriate medical advice or treatment.

As with any form of energy work, some people may notice temporary effects after a session. These can include feeling deeply relaxed, emotional, tired, energised, or experiencing a mild headache as the body adjusts. Some people also become more aware of thoughts or emotions that have been buried or ignored. These responses are generally short-lived and are often viewed as signs that the body and mind are processing change and returning to balance.

Every person's experience of Reiki is unique. Many people simply leave feeling calmer, lighter and more relaxed, while others notice more subtle changes over the days that follow.

No, Reiki is not a religion. 

It is a holistic  practice that can complement any spiritual or religious beliefs. It focuses on the flow of energy  rather than any specific beliefs or dogma.

Many Reiki practitioners incorporate their own personal beliefs into their practice of Reiki whether it be in the form of prayer, karakia, invoking of spirits, angels guides or ancestors. While this can be meaningful to the practitioner (an possibly the recipient) it is not Reiki and is not needed in a Reiki session.

Reiki is learned through a Reiki training course with a qualified Reiki Master Teacher. Traditionally, Reiki is passed from teacher to student through a combination of teaching, practice, meditation, and an attunement process that connects you with the Reiki energy and supports your ability to practise.

Reiki training is  divided into different levels. Reiki Level 1 introduces you to the foundations of Reiki, including the history, principles, hand positions, self-Reiki practice, and how to offer Reiki to yourself and others. It is often described as the beginning of your personal Reiki journey.

Reiki Level 2 builds on this foundation and introduces deeper practices, including Reiki symbols, distance Reiki, and techniques for supporting others. Many people choose this level when they feel called to offer Reiki professionally.

Advanced training includes as Reiki Master and Reiki Master Teacher training. These levels allows you to deepen your own practice and, for those who feel called, learn how to teach Reiki to others.

Learning Reiki is not about gaining a special ability that only a few people have. It is about awakening awareness of a natural connection and learning how to consciously work with this energy in a respectful, grounded and compassionate way.

Hundreds of students have studied with sirpa at Soul Tree. It is likely the largest Reiki school in New Zealand offering courses at all levels from 1 to Master Teacher as well as speciality training like Reiki in Healthcare.

Reiki began in Japan in the early 1900s with Mikao Usui, who developed the system now known as Usui Reiki Ryoho. Since then, Reiki has spread around the world, and over time many different styles and variations have developed.

Today, there are hundreds of Reiki teachers and many different forms of Reiki available, including Usui Reiki, Karuna Reiki, Holy Fire Reiki, Angelic Reiki, Lightarian Reiki, Seichim Reiki and many others. Some  systems describe themselves as working with different, higher or more advanced frequencies of energy.

At Soul Tree, we believe Reiki itself is already working with the highest vibration: universal life energy, the source energy, the spark of life that flows through all living beings. From this perspective, there is no need to seek something "higher" than Reiki.

Sirpa teaches Usui Reiki because it is the original foundation of Reiki and because of its simplicity, accessibility and universal nature. Reiki does not require you to follow a particular belief system or spiritual path. It can be practised by anyone, regardless of their background, religion or personal beliefs.

The most important factor is not necessarily the style of Reiki you choose, but the quality of the teaching, the integrity of the teacher, and your own connection with the practice. A good Reiki teacher will provide a strong foundation, honour the tradition, encourage personal experience, and support you in developing your own relationship with Reiki.

Learning Reiki is an opportunity to deepen your understanding of yourself, your own energy and your connection with the world around you. It is a journey of self-discovery, awareness and personal growth.

Many people are drawn to Reiki because they feel ready for something deeper. You may be seeking a greater understanding of your own energetic body and want to develop a regular self-care practice.

Reiki offers practical tools that you can use throughout your life to support your own wellbeing as well as that of your friends and family. 

Learning Reiki also gives you the ability to share this beautiful practice with others. For some people, this means offering Reiki to family and friends, creating moments of calm, connection and support for the people they care about. For others, learning Reiki becomes the beginning of a professional pathway, allowing them to establish a Reiki practice and offer sessions to the wider community.