There are many different types of Reiki out there - some having very little to do with anything Reiki at all. Some forms of "reiki' are nothing more than glamorized marketing ploys to get some sucker to buy into the latest fad. Please be aware of this.

Most of the books and web sites out there are grossly misleading - all feeding off of the same misinformation, twisting and turning it to appear as something new and improved.

If you'd like, I would offer to you some advice, if you'd care to contact me. I can point you in the right direction for books and things to get you building a good solid foundation on Reiki (and tell you which ones to avoid).
For example = any book written by Frank Petter is a good source. Any book written by Diane Stien or Maureen Kelly is NOT.

I can also help you look for a teacher and an accurate style of Reiki.

Contact me offlist and I will give you my web site address that contains much information on Reiki. We can talk further about how to screen teachers, interview them, etc.. .

Looking forward to hearing from you.
References :
10+ yrs Usui Reiki Ryoho & Usui Shiki Ryoho Master Teacher
20+ yrs Alternative Therapies
Nationally Certified Bodyworker

http://www.reiki.org/KarunaReiki/Countries/Norway.html

this is in norwegean (i dont speak it) but you'll be able to make out the contact numbers
http://www.reiki123.no/

love and light
References :

I've been a Usui Reiki Master since 2001, and became a Reiki practitioner after my own experience with Reiki healing sessions.

I was seeking alternative treatments for a chronic, inherited illness. I had tried several modalities, and was seeing an aromatherapist regularly. I was seeing some improvement, but nothing amazingly dramatic. However I thoroughly enjoyed the treatments, and continued to have them for many months.

There was also a Reiki practitioner that worked at that healing centre. One day she had a client that had cancelled, and knowing that I was curious about energy healing she offered to give me a treatment for free during that opening. I accepted, and it changed my life.

The experience itself was amazingly relaxing. I had never felt that deep of a state of peace and inner quiet before. There were waves of subtle sensations all over my body, and I was awash in feelings of health and light. What was MOST impressive to me was that that state of centeredness and balance stayed with me for nearly a full week!! I began seeing her for Reiki treatments regularly, and the improvements continued.

Eventually, I took a class to become a Reiki practitioner, so that I could give myself treatments in between seeing the practitioner, and then maybe I could offer it to friends and family. Even though everyone had told me how simple it was, I was sure that it would be extremely difficult and that I would not be able to be proficient. I was very suprised at how simple it actually was!

Over the next few months I was presented with more and more opportunities to receive treatments from other practitioners, which helped me develop my own skills by learning from their techniques. I was also giving more and more treatments to others. I was also developing intuitively in a very rapid manner, and my spirituality was deepening with the support of the Reiki energy, and the more visionary experiences that I was having as a result of the treatments. My health was steadily improving, too, which was icing on the cake. More and more synchronicity was occuring that was leading me to information and situations that opened more door towards greater health, and spiritual development.

Very soon the Reiki practitioner at the healing centre I was attending moved away, and I was offered the position. I have continued to practice and develop as a healer ever since. In 2001 I completed my Usui Masters training, and began teachings others as well. I learn so much from my students, that it's every bit as beneficial for me as for them.

Here's some answers from the FAQ I use with my Usui Reiki certification classes:

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a hands-on healing technique that originated in Japan. Reiki is a Japanese word that roughly translates "universal life-force energy". What Reiki refers to is a codified system of non-invasive, hands-on healing method that utilizes the life-force energy that surrounds every living thing in the universe (the Chinese "chi", Japanese "ki", Hindu "prana", the Tao, etc) to aid in the release of blockages in the energetic nervous system in the body, speeding recovery from dis-ease. The technique works on the same principle as acupuncture, shiatsu, reflexology and other Eastern methods that are being recognized and covered by many major insurance companies world-wide. Reiki has no contraindications and does not require the client to disrobe to receive a treatment.

Reiki has been clinically proven to reduce stress, aid in pain management, speed recovery from illness and surgery, and mentally support those coping with traumatic life changes and issues. In Europe, hospitals in many countries are staffing Reiki Masters regularly, as they have found them to be indispensable. Surgeons request their presence during high-risk operations, as patients who are supported by Reiki healing during surgery require less anesthetic to keep them under, less pain medicine afterwards, and a faster discharge with fewer complications overall! Following suit, some North American hospitals have begun running Reiki clinics to scientifically document the effects. Insurance companies in Europe and the United States are also beginning to provide limited coverage for Reiki treatments. The positive effects of Reiki are becoming common knowledge in the mainstream, and I couldn't be more pleased!

What happens during a Reiki treatment?

During a Reiki treatment, the client lays on either a massage table, or a yoga mat while the Reiki Master performs the treatment. In general a recipient can expect to be interviewed by their practitioner before the treatment in order to determine what areas of dis-ease need to be concentrated on. This initial consultation may involve dowsing the aura with a pendulum &/or the practitioner using her hands to assess the energy field. Any blockages or excess "psychic dust" will be explained to the client, and cleared away during the treatment.
References :
Y!A limited the length of my response. I'm happy to elaborate or answer any other questions that you may have.
———————–
Usui Reiki Master
http://reikisynergy.blogspot.com
http://www.thelotusacademy.org
http://www.pranadevi.net

Question 1:
What it is?
Reiki is a Japanese personal development system which can lead to relaxation, stress reduction, healing and even enlightenment. Mostly though, outside of Japan, it is known as an alternative therapy to promote relaxation / healing.

Question 2:
What it involves?
This could go on forever. I’m assuming you mean what’s involved in a reiki treatment or session - OK, the practitioner will encourage you to relax and place his/her hands on your body (or just above your body). You keep your clothes on, lay there and relax. Spiritual energy moves into your body, via the practitioner, filling your energy channels with energy, blasting away the build up of energetic junk which causes stress, illness and negativity.

Question 3:
Did you feel it was effective?
Hell yes, deeply relaxing and feeling much better afterward.
References :
I have worked with reiki for 17 years

http://www.reiki.org/
References :

http://www.christiananswersforthenewage.org/Articles_Reiki1.html
References :