Energy Healing Vs. Reiki
Reiki and Energy Healing: What Sets Them Apart?
When my husband and I had conversations about what I did, he would ask, "What do I tell people you do?" I'd say, "Tell them I do energy healing." He'd replay, "But I thought you did, Reiki?" "I do, it's part of my energy healing work." So, if you are like my husband and a bit confused about the difference, here's a bit more information.
When exploring the world of energetic wellness, the terms Reiki and Energy Healing are often used interchangeably. While Reiki is a form of energy healing, not all energy healing is Reiki. Understanding their similarities and differences can help you choose the best approach for your personal healing journey. It’s not uncommon that Reiki is the onramp for someone’s connection to energy healing work.
What is Reiki?
Reiki, which translates to "Universal Life Energy," is a structured form of energy healing that follows a specific methodology. It was rediscovered and developed by Dr. Mikao Usui in the early 20th century, Reiki involves channeling energy through the practitioner's hands to restore balance and promote healing.
During a Reiki session, a practitioner serves as a conduit for universal life force energy, allowing it to flow through them and into the recipient. This process helps clear energetic blockages, rebalance the chakras, and restore harmony within the body, mind, and spirit. Reiki practitioners follow a structured approach, using traditional hand positions and sacred symbols to enhance the healing process. Reiki can be done with light touch, no touch, or even remotely through distance healing.
One unique aspect of Reiki is the attunement process. Practitioners undergo a series of attunements, guided by a Reiki Master, to connect with the Reiki energy. Reiki also has specific principles and symbols that practitioners use to facilitate healing.
What is Energy Healing?
Energy healing is a broader term that encompasses a wide variety of healing techniques. Unlike Reiki, which follows a structured format, energy healing can be more fluid and incorporate different modalities. These are modalities I include in my energy healing sessions:
Crystal Healing – Using the energy of crystals to support and balance the body’s energy.
Light Language Healing – A vibrational healing technique involving spoken or sung frequencies that connect directly with the soul.
Access Bars, – Techniques that involve stimulating specific points on the body to release stagnant energy.
Essential Oils- Using the scent and compound of organic oils so support the body, mind and spirit.
Integrated Energy Therapy (IET) is a hands-on healing modality that channels angelic energy to release suppressed emotions, clear energy blockages, and support healing on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels.
13th Octave LaHoChi A sacred connection that aligns the healer and receiver with divine realms, ascended masters, and angelic frequencies, expanding the healing power.
Energy healers often blend multiple modalities into their practice, tailoring sessions to the client’s needs. Some practitioners use intuitive guidance, working with spirit guides or higher consciousness to deliver healing messages and insights. Energy healing can also involve hands-on, hands-off, or distance work, depending on the practitioner’s approach.
Key Differences Between Reiki and Energy Healing
Origin
Reiki: Developed by Dr. Mikao Usui in Japan
Energy Healing: Rooted in multiple traditions and modalities
Structure
Reiki: Uses specific hand positions, symbols, and attunements
Energy Healing: Varies by technique
Training
Reiki: Requires attunement by a Reiki Master
Energy Healing: Learned through courses and some are self-taught
Techniques
Reiki: Primarily works with universal life force energy
Energy Healing: May incorporate crystals, sound, light language, and other tools
Healing Approach
Reiki: Focuses on balancing chakras and energy flow
Energy Healing: Can include deep emotional, spiritual, and ancestral healing
Distance Healing
Reiki: Uses specific Reiki symbols to send energy remotely
Energy Healing: Distance healing can be done through various techniques
Choosing Between Reiki and Energy Healing
Both Reiki and Energy Healing offer profound benefits, and the choice often comes down to personal preference and desired outcomes.
If you prefer a structured approach with traditional symbols and hand placements, Reiki might be the best fit.
If you’re drawn to a more intuitive, customized experience that blends multiple healing tools, an energy healing session may be the right choice.
If you’re looking for spiritual guidance and messages from spirit guides, some energy healers integrate this into their sessions.
If you’re new to energy work and want a well-documented, widely practiced technique, Reiki is an excellent starting point.
In Summary
While Reiki and energy healing share the goal of supporting your well-being, their approaches and techniques differ. Reiki follows a structured system with specific symbols and attunements, whereas energy healing can be an intuitive blend of multiple modalities. Whichever path you choose, the key is to find a practitioner and approach that resonates with you and your healing journey.
