Reiki: More Than Warm Hands- Proper Training Matters

You may have heard someone say, “My hands get warm, so I must be doing Reiki.” That’s kind of like saying, “I hum in the shower, so I must be an opera singer.” The enthusiasm is great—but let’s look at what Reiki actually is.

Yes, warm hands can be a sign that you’re energy-sensitive—and that’s awesome. But Reiki isn’t just about sensations. It’s a specific healing system with structure, lineage, and a unique way of passing energy through a process called an attunement (or placement/ignition, depending on the style).

Think of Reiki like a spiritual Wi-Fi network. You might have a signal, but without the password (aka the attunement), you’re not fully connected. The attunement is what opens your system to become a clear, consistent, and safe channel for Reiki—not your own energy.

Through proper training with a certified Reiki Master, you learn not only how to access the energy but how to use it with integrity, clarity, and care. Reiki students are guided through principles, hand positions, energy hygiene, ethical boundaries, self-care practices, and how to hold space for others in a grounded way. It’s not just about moving energy—it’s about doing it responsibly and sustainably.

Without that training? You might still be tuning in to energy intuitively—and that’s a beautiful gift! But calling it Reiki without the attunement is like calling yourself a doctor because you’re great at WebMD. Let’s keep it respectful and accurate.

So if you’ve felt the pull to help others or noticed your hands light up when someone’s in pain—that’s your intuition nudging you. And if Reiki is calling, I encourage you to say yes to proper training. It’s a powerful, empowering journey that serves you and those you work with in the highest way.

Warm hands? Even better with proper training.
Your clients (and your nervous system) will thank you.