Reiki flows through all beings as a Universal, life-enhancing force. The energy of Reiki is always the same, no matter which lineage or modality we use to connect with it. However, the traditions and teachings that we receive during our Reiki training differ based on the teacher and ‘type’ of Reiki you choose to practice. With so many different options available, from Usui Reiki Ryoho to Karuna Reiki to Shamanic Reiki and more, it is easy to wonder what the true differences are between each practice. This blog post will dive into the differences between traditional Usui Reiki Ryoho and Shamanic Reiki, and clarify the benefits and uses of each modality.
Usui Reiki Ryoho is the most well-known strand of Reiki. Thought to be the closest way of teaching Reiki to the original teachings of founder Mikao Usui, Usui Reiki Ryoho (URR) has three levels of varying intensity that guide the student from the beginning of their connection with Reiki through training to become a Reiki practitioner and teacher. Traditional Usui Reiki uses hand positions, symbols, and meditations to encourage the practitioner’s Reiki connection. URR focuses on opening the practitioner’s energy channels to become a clear channel and space holder for Divine energy. URR works the innate healing capacity of the body to restore overall health, wellbeing, and peace.
In contrast, Shamanic Reiki highlights our connection to nature and non-ordinary reality. By accessing the three Shamanic realms, or the Upper, Middle, and Lower worlds, and connecting with our Spirit Teams, we add an additional level of support and insight to our Reiki sessions. Whereas traditional URR is a lighter, more gentle form of energy work, Shamanic Reiki allows us to dive deeper into heavier energetic issues such as cord cutting, intrusive object removal, and soul retrieval.
At its core, Shamanic Reiki combines two traditional healing modalities- Shamanic practices and Reiki healing. Rather than altering the Reiki teachings or energetic intention as often happens across different kinds of Reiki (think Holy Fire vs. Karuna Reiki), Shamanic Reiki combines the teachings of URR with the earth-based healing offered by Shamanic traditions. Because of this, Shamanic Reiki is simply a different way of working with Reiki energy, rather than a different interpretation of the energy as a whole.
One of my favorite aspects of Shamanic Reiki is the versatility it offers for sessions. When I practiced traditional Reiki on its own, I often felt that I could be doing more for my clients. When clients came to me with heavy energies stuck to them, energetic blockages that wouldn’t budge, or emotional triggers that Reiki didn’t seem to relieve long-term, I felt underprepared and unable to help them achieve lasting results. I began working with Shamanic Reiki, utilizing the support and power of my Spirit Team to help dive into deeper issues, and the results my clients saw were incredible.
Introducing Shamanic techniques into my Reiki practice opened up my ability to support my clients on all levels. Now when a client books a session, I offer a beautiful blend of Reiki healing, Chakra activation, energetic release, connection with our Spirit Teams, and so much more. Training in Shamanic Reiki allowed me to feel confident that when a client presented with a heavier, deeper, or more intense situation, I had the tools to help them find healing and transformation. Both Shamanic techniques and Reiki healing are powerful on their own, but when we combine the two modalities and open ourselves to new perspectives on healing, magic follows.
Article by Isabel Wells
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Isabel is a Channeler, Shamanic Practitioner, Reiki Master, and Director of ReikiCafe University working to bridge the gap between science and spirituality. She has a background in nursing and psychology, and her passion for quantum physics, energy healing, and spiritual theory combine to create a unique perspective of the human experience. Her work with ReikiCafe University inspires and empowers Reiki practitioners to think outside the box and expand their practice while diving deep into their intuition. She currently holds space for students in the Soul Rising Shamanic Reiki online course, co-hosts the ReikiCafe Radio podcast, and supports the 4,000+ member community in the ReikiCafe Community Facebook group.
Dear Isabel,
Thank you for your article on Shamanic Reiki. It was informative and I learned from it.
There is one sentence I don’t understand. In a compare and contrast you said,
“Rather than altering the Reiki teachings or energetic intention as often happens across different kinds of Reiki (think Holy Fire vs. Karuna Reiki), Shamanic Reiki combines the teachings of URR with the earth-based healing offered by Shamanic traditions.”
Im seeking clarity by what you meant by using the example of “Holy Fire vs. Karuna Reiki” as far as “altering the Reiki Teachings or energetic intention?”
Thank you for your work.
Muniqui
It’s so brilliant that you use Shamanism with Reiki… They really blend and support the healing facilitating a super cleansing allin all. Stay blessed on your beautiful journey.