The Reiki Alliance is an international professional organization of Reiki masters who stay close to the system of Hawayo Takato. If there is no one listed in your immediate area, contact the nearest Reiki master and ask if he or she has a student near you.

There are many compassionate, responsible Reiki masters who are not affiliated with the Reiki Alliance. Ask around. Inquire of practitioners of other modalities such as acupuncture or massage that you know to be reputable. Often practitioners know or have heard of other good practitioners. Look in businesses that are health-related, such as yoga centers or health food stores. After you have located possible practitioners, interview them to find one with whom you would like to work.

Choosing a Reiki Master or Practitioner
People often ask how to choose when there are several masters or practitioners available. First of all, be clear what your needs are. If you want to learn to practice Reiki, you need a Reiki master to teach you. However, you can receive treatment from any level practitioner, either a friend or a professional.

If you wish to learn Reiki, the choice of teacher is important for every level, even First degree. Reiki masters have different perspectives, experience, and training. The Reiki master creates the context in which you start your practice. Choose someone qualified with whom you feel an affinity.

Who is qualified? Look for a Reiki master who has spent considerable time being trained and who either has extensive experience or who is being mentored by a Reiki master with years of experience. Ask if the Reiki master practices daily self-treatment and how many initiations she gives in the First degree class (Takata gave four). How does the Reiki master describe his/her approach? If the Reiki master does not have a website or brochure, these questions can be addressed in a brief phone conversation.

Although the Reiki Alliance is a good place to look for a practitioner, the Alliance does not guarantee that members honor the commitments they made when joining the Alliance (such as commitments to give adequate time in training students, with long pauses between levels), so it is important to interview each master you are considering. And remember that there are also many Reiki masters who are not Alliance members who have thoughtful, disciplined approaches to the practice.