Reiki course for beginners is a practitioner's initiation into Reiki and is open to anyone. The focus during this level is on opening the energy channels on a physical level, allowing the practitioner to connect to the universal life force energy, which flows from the cosmo through the crown of the head and down to the heart and hands. Many Reiki Masters emphasize self-Reiki as the goal of the Level 1 designation, encouraging students to focus on practicing Reiki on themselves, thereby working through their own obstacles. Many experience physical symptoms of energy in their palms after the first attunement — including tingling, coolness or heat. Typically the Level 1 course also includes an overview of the history of Reiki, hand placements and self and group practice.