There Isn't Just One Style of Reiki- So How Do You Choose?

Many people are surprised to discover that there are different styles and approaches to Reiki. If you are thinking about learning Reiki, it can be difficult to know where to begin. A search online can bring up many different names, courses and approaches, all described as Reiki. So why are there so many, and does it matter which one you choose?

From Japan to the West

Reiki has its roots in Japan. As we follow its history and its journey from Japan to the West, we can see how the way Reiki was taught and practised began to change.

Over time, different styles and approaches developed. Other practices and ideas were sometimes incorporated, and today you may find Reiki taught alongside or combined with things such as crystals, chakras, sound and other healing modalities.

There is still only one Reiki. What differs is the way it is taught, understood and practised.

For me, there is something important about recognising those differences.

When something is copied, adapted and added to over time, it is also important that the original is preserved. Otherwise, eventually, we may no longer know what the original was.

Preserving the Japanese teachings

That is one of the things I value about Jikiden Reiki.

Jikiden means that the teaching has been passed down directly. Jikiden Reiki returns to the Japanese teachings and methods that have been handed down from the founders and seeks to preserve them in their original simplicity.

It is taught as Reiki, without being mixed with other Reiki styles or healing modalities.

That doesn't mean Reiki cannot be used alongside other complementary approaches. It can. But those practices remain distinct and should be offered by people with the appropriate knowledge and training in them.

As part of learning Jikiden Reiki, students are asked to make a declaration to respect and preserve the integrity of Jikiden Reiki and the teachings being passed on to them.

For me as a teacher, that carries a responsibility. I am not simply teaching something that belongs to me. I am passing on a practice that was passed to me, and respecting its origins is an important part of that.

So how do you choose?

I sometimes compare choosing a style of Reiki to choosing coffee.

Coffee begins with the same humble bean, but look at how many choices we have: espresso, cappuccino, latte, flat white, Americano – and plenty more besides.

Is one necessarily “better” than all the others?

Not really. We have different tastes and we make different choices.

But we do want to know what we are ordering.

I think the same principle can be helpful when choosing Reiki training.

Take some time to find out what style of Reiki is being taught, how it is taught and what has been added to or combined with it. Ask questions. Talk to the teacher. Find out something about their own training and approach.

Most importantly, choose the teacher and style that feel right for you.

There may not be one style of Reiki that is “best” for everyone.

What matters is understanding what you are choosing.

JenSimply Reiki Yorkshire