An amazingly simple technique to learn, the ability to use Reiki is not taught in the usual sense, but is transferred to the student during a Reiki class through attunement and guidance on the usage of the energy. This ability is passed on during an "attunement" given by a Reiki Master and allows the student to tap into an unlimited supply of "life force energy" to improve one's health and enhance the quality of life. The use of Reiki is not dependent on one's intellectual capacity or spiritual development and therefore is available to everyone. It has been successfully taught to thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds.

While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. It has no dogma, and there is nothing you must believe in for you to learn and use Reiki. In fact, Reiki is not dependent on belief at all and will work whether you believe in it or not. Because Reiki comes from the Divine, many people find that using Reiki puts them more in touch with the experience of their belief or religion rather than having only an intellectual concept of it. While Reiki is not a religion, it is still important to live and act in a way that promotes harmony with others. Dr. Mikao Usui, the founder of the Reiki system of natural healing, recommends that we practice certain simple ethical ideals to promote peace and harmony. The following Ideals were developed by Dr. Usui to add spiritual balance to Reiki.