Healing Touch vs. Reiki: Understanding the Difference Between Two Powerful Energy Healing Modalities
Energy healing practices have gained widespread recognition for their ability to support holistic health, promote relaxation, and facilitate healing on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels. Although Reiki is more widely known, both Healing Touch and Reiki can provide so much support through one's healing process. Both practices work with the body’s energy systems, yet they have distinct origins, philosophies, techniques, and applications.
At Brahmaloka Healing Arts, we honor both modalities and their contributions to the field of energy healing. In this blog post, we will explore the key differences and similarities between Healing Touch and Reiki, helping you understand how each approach can support your wellness journey.
The Origins of Healing Touch and Reiki
One of the most significant differences between Healing Touch and Reiki is their origins.
Healing Touch: Developed in the late 20th century, Healing Touch was created by Janet Mentgen, a nurse who believed in the power of energy healing to complement traditional medical treatments. In 1989, she founded Healing Touch as a standardized and structured energy healing modality, combining knowledge from various energy practices with her nursing background. Healing Touch was designed to be accessible to healthcare professionals as a complementary therapy that could be integrated into clinical settings. As a result, Healing Touch is now commonly practiced in hospitals, hospices, and wellness centers to help patients manage pain, stress, and emotional trauma.
Reiki: Reiki, on the other hand, is a much older practice with roots in Japan. It was founded by Dr. Mikao Usui in the early 20th century, though its origins are often traced back to ancient Buddhist and Taoist teachings. Reiki, which translates to “Universal Life Energy” in Japanese, is based on the idea that there is an infinite supply of healing energy available in the universe. Dr. Usui developed a system of attunements and hand placements to channel this energy for healing purposes. Since its introduction, Reiki has spread globally, and practitioners follow a lineage-based system of training and initiation to become Reiki Masters.
While both Healing Touch and Reiki work with energy, their historical backgrounds and philosophical approaches are distinct. Healing Touch emerged from a modern clinical perspective with recent clinical research to show evidence of its efficacy, while Reiki is rooted in ancient spiritual traditions and also recently has been clinically studied (more recently) to demonstrate its effectiveness as well.
Techniques and Approach: How Healing Touch and Reiki Work
Both Healing Touch and Reiki involve the practitioner channeling energy to facilitate healing, but the techniques and approaches they use differ.
Healing Touch Techniques: Healing Touch uses a wide variety of hand movements and techniques to clear, balance, and energize the body’s energy field, or biofield. Practitioners often perform specific techniques such as magnetic clearing (a sweeping motion to clear blocked energy) or chakra connection (working directly with the body’s energy centers). A typical Healing Touch session may involve placing hands lightly on or above the body in specific patterns, depending on the client’s needs. Practitioners are trained to assess the client’s energy system and customize the treatment accordingly.
Healing Touch emphasizes the role of intention, meaning that the practitioner consciously sets a healing intention for the session and works with the client’s energy field to facilitate optimal healing. Healing Touch practitioners undergo rigorous training and certification processes, including several levels of coursework and supervised practice.
Reiki Techniques: Reiki sessions involve a standardized series of hand positions, which are typically performed lightly on or just above the body. The practitioner channels Reiki energy through their hands into the client, allowing the energy to flow where it is needed. Unlike Healing Touch, Reiki does not require the practitioner to actively manipulate or direct energy. Instead, Reiki energy is believed to have its own innate intelligence, meaning it will naturally go to the areas of the body and energy field that need healing.
One key aspect of Reiki is the use of symbols and mantras, which are taught during Reiki Attunements. These symbols enhance the practitioner’s ability to channel Reiki energy and can be used for specific purposes, such as emotional healing, distance healing, or empowerment. Reiki Attunements, which are given by a Reiki Master to a student, are considered an essential part of the training process, as they connect the student to the Reiki energy source.
Spirituality and Philosophy
Although both Healing Touch and Reiki work with energy, their spiritual frameworks and underlying philosophies differ.
Healing Touch Philosophy: Healing Touch is grounded in the idea that energy can be consciously directed to promote healing and balance within the body. While Healing Touch acknowledges the existence of a higher source of energy, it is not explicitly tied to any particular spiritual tradition. Practitioners often work with clients from diverse backgrounds, and the modality is frequently used in conjunction with Western medical treatments. Healing Touch is typically seen as a complementary practice that integrates well with modern healthcare settings, making it more accessible to those who may not resonate with more overtly spiritual approaches.
Healing Touch places a strong emphasis on the practitioner-client relationship. Practitioners are trained to create a safe and nurturing space, where the client can feel relaxed and open to receiving energy. The practice is patient-centered, meaning that sessions are tailored to the client’s specific needs, whether they are seeking physical, emotional, or spiritual healing.
Reiki Philosophy: Reiki is inherently spiritual, though it is not tied to any specific religion or belief system. Reiki practitioners believe that the energy they channel comes from a universal source that is accessible to all. Reiki practice is deeply rooted in the principles of mindfulness, compassion, and gratitude. Reiki sessions often involve silent meditation or the use of sacred symbols to help focus the energy. While Reiki can be practiced in a clinical setting, it is often seen as a spiritual practice in its own right.
One of the core tenets of Reiki is the Reiki Precepts, a set of guiding principles that promote ethical and mindful living. These include ideas such as “Just for today, do not anger” and “Just for today, be kind to every living thing.” Reiki practitioners are encouraged to embody these principles in their daily lives, not just during healing sessions.
Energy Assessment and Client Involvement
Another notable difference between Healing Touch and Reiki is how practitioners assess energy and involve the client in the healing process.
Healing Touch: Healing Touch practitioners are trained to assess the client’s energy field before and after the session. This can involve using their hands to scan for imbalances or blocked energy, as well as listening to the client’s feedback about their emotional and physical state. The client is often actively involved in the session, with practitioners encouraging communication about their experience, intentions, and specific healing goals. Healing Touch is highly personalized, and sessions may vary greatly depending on the client’s needs.
Reiki: Reiki does not typically involve an energy assessment or scanning before the session. The practitioner trusts the Reiki energy to flow where it is needed, and the client is encouraged to simply relax and receive the energy without directing it. Reiki is often more meditative and quiet, with both the practitioner and client entering a state of peaceful receptivity. While clients can set intentions for healing, the process is more about surrendering to the universal energy and allowing it to do its work.
Choosing Between Healing Touch and Reiki
Ultimately, both Healing Touch and Reiki offer powerful opportunities for healing and spiritual growth. The choice between the two modalities depends on your personal preferences, goals, and experiences. If you prefer a more structured and clinically oriented approach, Healing Touch may be a better fit. If you are drawn to a spiritual, meditative practice with ancient roots, Reiki might resonate more deeply with you.
At Brahmaloka Healing Arts, we are dedicated to offering you the support and guidance you need to explore both modalities. Whether you are seeking physical healing, emotional release, or spiritual awakening, Healing Touch and Reiki can provide you with valuable tools on your wellness journey.
Feel free to contact us or explore our services to learn more about these transformative healing practices and how they can help you achieve balance, peace, and holistic health.
With Gratitude and Love,
Lauren @ Brahmaloka Healing Arts
XOXO