Take a few minutes, and google how many kinds of Reiki there are, and you may be quite surprised. On a recent search, some of the types named were: Usui, Tibetan, Karuna®, Rainbow, Gendai, Five Element Seichem, Tummo, Kundalini, Shamballa, Imara, Tummo, Dragon, Angelic, and Sacred Flame. And, there are many more. Rather than feel uneasy or concerned by this, let’s examine the positive aspects of this reality.
One reason for the many types of Reiki is that the practice of Reiki is growing throughout the world. There is no one database capturing all the data. It would be interesting to know how many people have experienced Reiki, either as a friend or family member of a Reiki practitioner, or as a paying client. It would be even more interesting to know how many Reiki I and Reiki II practitioners there are, and how many people have become Reiki Masters. Even without valid statistics, it is safe to assume millions of people have experienced Reiki in some form. This growth, to all corners of the world during the past few decades, has truly been phenomenal.
Reiki takes place within one’s local region; therefore, there will always be a cultural influence in one’s experience and understanding of the modality. Because Reiki’s Source is Universal Life Force Energy, the universality component lends itself to local preferences and idiosyncrasies. Everything from the language used to describe the treatment sessions, to the setting where sessions are done, to spiritual references are influenced by the giver’s and receiver’s understanding, and acceptance, of Reiki.
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Another component of cultural influence is how well Reiki can be combined with other complementary modalities. Reiki may be used in conjunction with massage therapy, aromatherapy, color therapy, hypnotherapy, acupressure and many other methods. Likewise, more western medicine centers are incorporating Reiki and other energy work modalities into medical practices. Depending on what modalities are most prevalent within a culture, the experience of how Reiki is administered varies from country to country.
A very positive factor regarding the many choices of Reiki is a person can choose the form of Reiki that speaks most to her own heart and soul. If a person feels called to a basic, traditional form of Reiki – the one most closely connected to Dr. Usui – she may choose Usui Reiki. Or, if a person practices yoga, he may choose Kundalini Reiki. Another person may feel attracted to one of the modalities focused on the heart chakra. There is no one right modality for all – that is the beauty of having so many choices.
Have you ever wondered why there are so many world religions and different spiritual belief systems? If you study world religions, you soon discover there are the same basic elements in each one. Connecting to a Divine Spirit or Spirits, as well as loving and respecting all people, exists in every major religion and spiritual belief system. In the same way, all forms of Reiki have a common belief. Reiki is a healing energy modality, with a Universal Life Energy Source. This common element insures all forms of Reiki are valid and good. Let us be grateful for the wonderful blessing of Reiki!
Article by Deborah Lloyd, Reiki Master
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Deborah Lloyd is a Usui and Karuna Reiki® Master and certified holistic therapy practitioner, providing Distant Reiki sessions and training in Asheville, NC. Deborah is the author of two books, 22 Messages from the Archangels; and, Believe and it is True: A Story of Healing and Life Lessons. She is also one of the co-authors of Reiki 101: 101 Answers for Your Reiki Questions. Reach Deborah at deb@deblloydhealing.com and on Facebook at Deb Lloyd Healing.
Interesting article. Being a practising Usui Shiki Ryoho master I have found it is the only form that is recognised by Reiki Australia and the international institute for complementary therapists. (IICT). so to be recognised in the field of Reiki maybe people need to learn the original form first. Many blessings to all on this forum.
I absolutely agree with Trent, myself being a Reiki/Seichim teacher I also believe the original should be taught, then after that if you want to make up your own, then do so. Seichim is not Reiki.
Love & Blessings????
Trent and Suzanne,
Thank you for your comments.
Many blessings to you,
Deborah
I have seen many just come up with “new” Reiki for ego and or money. All one needs to do is learn Usui’s Pure Reiki method as this is an on going learning spiritual practice.
Dear Kat,
Thank you for your input. I do think that Spirit is guiding some of the “new” Reiki methods, to better connect with people from different cultures, or with peoples’ evolving understanding of healing. That may not be true in all cases. All of us need to use our own inner wisdom to discern the right path for us.
Many blessings to you,
Deborah
Kat makes a valid point and one that not only concerns me but is questioned by my higher self. I recently came across solicitation to learn Fairy Reiki. As one who works closely with the Faerie realm (as well as an ascended master, angels and other spirit guides) I don’t believe it’s necessary to take (more importantly pay someone one for) a course to learn Fairy Reiki…or Angel Reiki, etc. As a Certified Medical Reiki (TM) Master training did not involve learning new symbols…or receiving special attunements. The training is based only on Usui Reiki. In my humble opinion these more “creative” offshoots not only confuse the general public we are trying to educate about the benefits of Reiki as a complementary therapy in healthcare, but serve to diminish the credibility of Reiki.
Kimberly,
I appreciate your input!!
Blessings,
Deborah
Once you have been attuned to Reiki 1and 2 can you use other non traditional symbols from Karuna Reiki to assist in the treatment of patients? Why do you need to be attuned again as the Chi can use the same channels that were opened in Reiki 1 and 2?
Hello Brendan,
In order for us to be connected to the energies associated with any symbol, an attunement process is necessary. In my tradition of Usui Reiki, a person needs to be attuned to all symbols in the Usui lineage, making that person an Usui Reiki Master. Then, the person can be attuned to the Karuna Reiki symbols and then is considered a Karuna Reiki Master.
Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Many blessings to you,
Deborah
I am trained in Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki (1 & 2 ) and have often wondered if I need to do anything else other than this? I use the traditional symbols in healing and that’s it, but I am curious. Do I need anything else?
Love and light
Sharon
Sharon,
Thank you for your question. It is a common one! Although Reiki is always effective, it does seem when practitioners have been attuned to more symbols, the power channeled does become stronger.
For each of us personally, asking for spiritual guidance is a good way to decide if/when becoming attuned to more symbols is part of our healing path.
Many blessings to you,
Deborah