Types of Reiki: Exploring the Many Paths to Healing and Spiritual Growth
Reiki is more than just a healing technique—it is a deeply intuitive practice that works with universal life force energy to support balance, clarity, and well-being on all levels.
Rooted in the understanding that energy flows through all living things, Reiki helps restore harmony within the body, mind, and spirit. Across different Reiki traditions, practitioners channel this energy in unique ways, each approach offering its own depth and wisdom.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of Reiki, from the traditional teachings of Usui Reiki—including the more historically preserved Jikiden Reiki—to esoteric styles that incorporate additional symbols, ascended masters, and energetic influences.
What Are the Different Types of Reiki?
Reiki has evolved into various styles, each offering its own perspective on working with universal life energy. Some forms remain close to the original Japanese teachings, focusing on spiritual development and self-healing, while others have adapted to modern needs, incorporating new techniques, symbols, and energetic influences.
Whether you're drawn to Reiki for its meditative qualities, hands-on healing process, or deeper spiritual connection, understanding these different approaches can help you choose the path that aligns best with your personal journey.
Traditional Japanese Reiki
This form of Reiki stays closest to the original teachings of Mikao Usui and is deeply rooted in Japanese spiritual and healing traditions. Rather than focusing solely on hands-on healing, Traditional Usui Reiki incorporates meditation, breathwork, symbols, and energy cultivation practices as tools for self-development and spiritual growth.
One well-known style within this category is Jikiden Reiki, which means "directly passed down" in Japanese. Unlike Western Reiki, Jikiden Reiki maintains the original methods without Western adaptations and focuses heavily on Reiki’s practical applications, including specific techniques for physical healing and emotional well-being.
Key characteristics of Traditional Japanese Reiki:
Rooted in spiritual growth, self-purification, and mindfulness
Uses energy sensing rather than structured hand placements
Incorporates traditional Japanese meditation and breathwork
Focuses on direct energetic transmission rather than layered attunements
Maintains original Reiki teachings with minimal modification
Western Reiki
Western Reiki, was introduced to the West by Hawayo Takata, a student of Dr. Chujiro Hayashi, who had learned directly from Usui Sensei. To make Reiki more accessible to Western audiences, she simplified the practice, focusing primarily on hands-on healing rather than the broader spiritual aspects.
Western Reiki is:
Primarily focused on hands-on healing for physical and emotional well-being
Standardized hand positions rather than intuitive energy sensing
Expanded use of Reiki symbols for healing, attunements, and distance work
Structured Reiki attunements with multiple levels of becoming a Reiki master
Adapted teachings to align with Western spiritual and wellness perspectives
This form of Reiki is the most widely practiced in the world today and has influenced many derivative styles.
Esoteric Reiki
Esoteric Reiki refers to systems that have expanded upon Usui’s original teachings, incorporating additional spiritual and metaphysical elements. Many of these styles integrate ascended masters, high vibrational energy, and elements from other spiritual traditions.
Examples of Esoteric Reiki include:
Karuna Reiki – Incorporates additional symbols and focuses on emotional healing
Kundalini Reiki – Works with the crown chakra and life force energy to awaken spiritual potential
Tibetan Reiki – Integrates Tibetan symbols and chanting
Celtic Reiki – Inspired by the natural world and Druidic energy practices
Angelic Reiki – Connects practitioners with angelic healing frequencies
Shamballa Reiki – A multidimensional energy system involving ascended masters
These forms of Reiki can be more complex and require deeper study, often including more symbols and attunement processes beyond traditional Reiki.
Jikiden Reiki: Returning to Reiki’s Origins
Among the different Reiki styles, Jikiden Reiki stands out for its dedication to preserving the original teachings of Mikao Usui without Western adaptations. Jikiden Reiki translates to "directly passed down Reiki," meaning it is taught as it was originally intended in Japan.
For those looking for an authentic Reiki experience, Jikiden Reiki provides a powerful and pure form of energy healing.
Choosing the Right Reiki Practice
With so many different Reiki styles available, finding the one that resonates with you depends on your personal goals, spiritual beliefs, and healing needs. Each approach carries its own philosophy, techniques, and emphasis, allowing you to choose a practice that aligns with your journey.
If authenticity and tradition are important to you, Jikiden Reiki preserves the original teachings of Usui Sensei, offering a direct, unaltered approach to Reiki energy healing.
For those seeking a deeply spiritual practice, traditional Japanese Reiki offers a meditative and intuitive approach, focusing on self-healing, energy cultivation, and mindfulness.
If hands-on healing and structured techniques appeal to you, Western Reiki provides a practical, widely accessible method with standardized hand positions and the use of Reiki symbols.
For those interested in exploring Reiki’s metaphysical aspects, esoteric styles like Karuna Reiki or Kundalini Reiki incorporate expanded symbols, ascended masters, and high vibrational energy work.
Regardless of which style you choose, Reiki is ultimately a practice of connection—whether to yourself, to others, or to the universal life energy that flows through all things. The most important factor is finding a path that feels right for you, allowing you to develop your intuition, promote healing, and deepen your understanding of energy work.
Final Thoughts
Reiki is a vast and evolving practice with many different styles that cater to various healing needs and spiritual paths. Whether you’re drawn to the traditional approach of Jikiden Reiki, the structured system of Western Reiki, or the expanded teachings of Esoteric Reiki, there is a Reiki style that aligns with your journey.
If you are interested in experiencing Jikiden Reiki from a certified practicioner, consider booking a session with Revive Within, where Camille offers traditional healing energy sessions to help restore balance and well-being.
No matter which form of Reiki you choose, embracing this universal life energy can provide profound benefits for your physical body, mind, and spirit.
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