If you’re thinking about learning Reiki, one question comes up quickly: What is the difference between Reiki I and Reiki II? The short answer is that Reiki I builds your foundation for self-practice and working with others, while Reiki II adds more advanced practice, including distance Reiki. At Reiki Dome in Bellevue, the curriculum has an important distinction: students learn two symbols during Reiki I, which many other schools reserve for Reiki II.
This guide explains the difference so you can choose a class based on your experience and goals.
Reiki I vs. Reiki II at a glance
| Reiki I (Shoden) | Reiki II (Okuden) | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Beginners with no prior training | Students who have completed Reiki I |
| Main focus | Principles, history, self-practice, and practice with others | Deepening your practice and learning distance Reiki |
| At Reiki Dome | Hands-on and hands-off methods, attunement, two symbols, introductory Qigong, and guided practice | An additional symbol, more advanced use of Reiki I symbols, sensing practice, and distance sessions |
| Format | In-person Bellevue class with a manual and completion certificate | In-person Bellevue class with a manual and completion certificate |
Class offerings can change. See the current Reiki classes and requirements before registering.
What do you learn in Reiki I?
Reiki I introduces the principles and history of Reiki and gives you a structured way to practice. At Reiki Dome, the class includes an attunement, demonstrations, and time to practice both light-touch and hands-off techniques. You learn a self-practice you can use at home and begin practicing with other people in a guided setting.
Reiki Dome’s Level I curriculum also includes two Reiki symbols, introductory Qigong, grounding practices, and exercises to develop awareness of hand sensations. That makes it especially useful if you learn best by doing and want a foundation you can continue practicing between classes. In-person class size is limited to five students, according to the Reiki Dome class page.
Choose Reiki I if you’re new to Reiki, want to learn self-practice, or have received sessions and would like to understand the practice firsthand. You don’t need to know how to “feel energy” before you start.
What changes in Reiki II?
Reiki II builds on the habits and techniques you developed in Reiki I. Reiki Dome introduces an additional symbol, practices more advanced uses of the symbols taught in Level I, and teaches distance Reiki. The class also includes exercises in sensing and working with areas of tension through the practitioner’s framework.
At Reiki Dome, completion of Reiki I is required before Reiki II. That requirement matters more than how recently you took Level I. If your first class was years ago and your practice feels rusty, review the basics and talk with Alex about whether a refresher or more practice would help before moving on.
Choose Reiki II if you’ve completed Reiki I, have practiced enough to feel comfortable with the fundamentals, and want to explore the additional methods taught at the second level.
Do I need Reiki II to practice on myself?
No. Reiki I already introduces self-practice. You can spend as much time as you need developing a comfortable routine before taking another class. Reiki II is an option for expanding your training, not a deadline or a requirement for continuing your personal practice.
What if I trained in Reiki years ago?
You don’t have to decide based only on the date on your certificate. Ask yourself what you remember, how comfortable you feel practicing, and what you want to learn next. If you want to reconnect with your practice, a private Reiki session or guided refresher may help you identify which skills you want to revisit. Check the session page for current offerings.
If you trained with a different school, read the Reiki Dome curriculum before registering. The timing of symbols and specific exercises varies among teachers; Reiki Dome introduces two symbols in Level I. Contact the instructor to discuss how your prior training fits the prerequisites for the next class.
What about Reiki Master training?
Reiki Master training is a later step for students who want to deepen their practice further. You don’t need to plan your entire training path before taking Reiki I. Start with the level that fits your experience, practice what you learn, and decide whether to continue. Reiki Dome lists Level I, Level II, and Master training on its class page.
A realistic note about Reiki and health
People often use Reiki as a personal or complementary wellness practice. Experiences vary. The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says Reiki has not been clearly shown to be effective for any health-related purpose, and the research to date has generally been limited or inconsistent. Reiki should not replace diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health professional. Read the NCCIH overview of Reiki for more detail.
Learn Reiki in Bellevue
Reiki Dome offers small-group Reiki training in Bellevue, Washington, led by Alex Akselrod. If you’re starting from the beginning, explore Reiki I training. If you already completed Level I and want to expand your practice, review the Level II curriculum on the same page. Check the training calendar for current dates, or contact Reiki Dome to discuss which class fits your background.
Frequently asked questions
Can a beginner take Reiki II first?
At Reiki Dome, Reiki I is a prerequisite for Reiki II. Start with Level I if you haven’t trained before.
Is Reiki I enough for self-practice?
Yes. Reiki I includes the foundation for practicing on yourself. Reiki II extends the curriculum with additional techniques.
Does Reiki Dome teach symbols in Reiki I?
Yes. Reiki Dome currently teaches two symbols in Reiki I and introduces another in Reiki II. This sequence differs from some other schools.
Do I have to take Reiki II immediately after Reiki I?
No. Practice what you learned in Level I and take the next class when it supports your goals.
Can I take Reiki II at Reiki Dome if I studied Level I elsewhere?
Ask Reiki Dome to review your training before you register. Its published prerequisite is completion of Reiki I.
