In this post, we will explore the rich variety of Reiki types, each of them with a unique approach to Reiki healing.
From ancient Eastern practices to modern adaptations, Reiki offers pathways to balance and well-being.
Whether you resonate with Usui Reiki, the foundational Western method, or seek the simplicity of Practical Reiki, there’s a system for you.
How many branches of Reiki are there?
There are two main branches of Reiki from which all other types originate: Traditional Japanese Reiki and Western Reiki.
Both branches share a tiered hierarchy commonly known as levels.
The main difference is that Western Reiki typically has a more systematized approach, while Traditional Reiki emphasizes relying purely on intuition.
Traditional Japanese Reiki
Mikao Usui developed Traditional Japanese Reiki while on a personal quest to understand healing. He went on a spiritual journey, which included a 21-day meditation and fasting retreat on Mount Kurama in Japan.
During this retreat, he had a powerful spiritual experience and discovered how to channel healing energy. This experience became the basis for the Reiki healing method we know today.
Usui Reiki Ryo-ho
Usui Reiki Ryo-ho, which means "Usui Spiritual Energy Healing Method," is a type of Reiki founded by Mikao Usui in Japan in 1922.
It is what we know today as the most traditional form of Reiki.
It was one of the first energy healing methods that addressed the whole person on the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels.
Gendai Reiki
Gendai Reiki Ho is a type of Reiki created by Sensei Hiroshi Doi to spread the teachings of Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai, which means "Usui Reiki Healing Method Learning Society."
This society was founded by Mikao Usui and kept secret for many years.
Thanks to modern communication, we now know about the Gakkai though it still remains a closed society.
Hiroshi Doi created Gendai Reiki Ho to honor Usui's wish to spread Reiki worldwide, teaching it in four levels: Shoden, Okuden, Shinpiden, and Gokuikaiden.
Western Reiki
Western Reiki was developed by Dr. Chujiro Hayashi at the request of Mikao Usui, who asked him to develop the system from the viewpoint of a medical doctor. Hayashi was the last Shinpiden student certified by Usui Sensei.
He was also a medical doctor and had been an officer in the Navy.
Hayashi's contributions included a new system of attunements, a standard method of hand placements, specific hand placements for various illnesses and conditions, and the development of a Reiki handbook.
How did Reiki branch into different types?
Having so many options and types of Reiki might be confusing for the average person who isn’t familiar with it.
The truth is that everyone has a slightly different approach to using this energy.
Some individuals may choose to create a whole new type of Reiki because of their own spiritual journey, and that’s fine.
At the end of the day, all of these techniques or approaches developed by different Reiki masters are ways of directing the same basic energy.
Modern forms of Reiki
In this century, the popularity of Reiki has risen dramatically. Thanks to new ways of communication, we have far easier access to information and entertainment than ever before.
Blog posts, books, YouTube channels, and social media influencers have all helped spread Reiki worldwide to people of all ages.
As a result, we now see different approaches to teaching Reiki all over the internet.
Practical Reiki
In Reiki Awakening Academy we teach our own type of Reiki called Practical Reiki.
This Reiki method aims to be the simplest and most accessible Reiki type you can learn.
The approach is pretty simple and focuses solely on developing your intuition.
Because of this, we don’t rely on symbols or fixed hand positions, meaning you won’t have to memorize anything to give Reiki.
You can check our FREE Introduction to Practical Reiki here.
Modern Reiki vs Traditional Reiki: which should you choose?
Which branch or lineage of Reiki you should choose is subjective and up to personal preference.
You can even try different types of Reiki by yourself and see which one you feel the most connected to.
Once you find the right type of Reiki for you, you will definitely feel it. Just trust your intuition.