If you’re new to the concepts, Reiki and Chakra healing can seem like the same thing. So, we’ll explain how they’re different. In a nutshell, Reiki is an ancient healing method using energy that can help balance the Chakras, specific energy centers in your body.
Both Reiki and Chakras are ancient concepts but come from entirely different regions of the world. However, today they are both household terms across much of the globe.
Reiki was codified as a practice in 20th century Japan, and there are many styles. On the other hand, Chakras, often part of Yoga today, date back at least to 600 B.C. in ancient India. Chakras appeared in ancient Hindu and later in Buddhist texts.
At that time, the concept referred to psychic centers of consciousness. Likewise, Yoga originated thousands of years ago in 2700 B.C. and found its fullest expression in India.
Now, let’s look at some of the distinctions between Reiki and Chakra Healing at a glance. Then, we’ll take a closer look.
| General Questions | Reiki Healing | Chakras |
| Does it involve energy flow in the body? | Yes | Yes |
| Is a method of healing? | Yes | No. Chakras are not a healing method but energy centers in the body. |
| Is it located in the hands? | Yes, the hands are used as conductors of healing energy. | Yes, some believe there are Chakras in the hands |
| Is it located in the body? | Yes, the source of Reiki healing is life energy throughout the body. | Yes, the main Chakras are positioned at designated areas along the spine. However, there are others. |
| Where did the concept come from? | Ancient Japanese teachings | Ancient teachings that flourished in India |
| Does it work? | No scientific proof but Reiki remains more popular than ever and is in use in respected American hospitals. | Chakras are an ancient spiritual belief not proven by scientific methods. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. |
| Does it take training to master? | It’s generally thought you can level up your ability through learning from a Reiki master. | Through attunement and practice, you can learn to “open up” Chakras, releasing pent up energy and achieving balance. |
| Is it scientifically confirmed? | No, but Reiki healing, like meditation, is in use in respected hospitals thanks to notable positive associations. | No, but Chakras are an ancient spiritual teaching and like Reiki, believers associate positive effects with their practices to unblock the Chakras. |
Is reiki the same as chakra balancing?
Reiki and chakra balancing both use the same energy healing techniques to balance, heal and empower a person’s life. In fact, Reiki is considered one form of chakra balancing. Both rely on the metaphysical energy of an individual through their 7 major Chakras or spiritual energy centers in order to heal certain aspects of a human being from physical to spiritual.
Reiki is an energy-based system that uses symbols, mantras, and the laying of hands to bring about physical, mental, emotional, spiritual healing. The goal of Reiki is to help a person connect with their own inner source of universal life force/God power and use this power for self-healing. A Reiki healer is only an instrument for this power which is often channeled through their hands. A Reiki session feels very comforting and calming to the recipient as they feel fully supported in their time of need.
Chakra balancing or chakra healing/harmonizing, on the other hand, is a type of energy-based system that uses mantras, crystals and other healing stones, and the hands to bring about physical and spiritual wellness. The goal of chakra balancing is to help a person calm their mind/spirit to allow universal life force energy (chi) to flow through all parts of their being. A chakra balancing can also use symbols like those used in Reiki to provide extra support and guidance
Key Differences Between Reiki and Chakra Healing
First, the words mean entirely different things in their ancient translations, with Reiki referring to ki energy and Chakra referring to overall order and balance.
Meaning of the word Reiki: In Japanese, rei roughly translates to “spiritual”; ki is commonly translated as “vital energy.”
Meaning of the word Chakra: The original meaning refers to “wheel” as in the rulers’ chariot wheels, called chakravartin. Also, the word is a metaphor for the sun that moves across the world like a chariot.
Further, the sun is a metaphor for the eternal wheel of time called the Kalachakra, representing “celestial order and balance.”
Universal Life Force Versus Centers of Energy
Reiki healing practitioners don’t need anything other than their hands, and the belief that the universal life force flows through them. Thus, there’s no need for pharmaceuticals, just focusing on radiating heat and energy by placing hands on the body.
On the other hand, Chakras are energy centers in the body, made up of “wheels” of nerve bundles branching out to the organs.
While Reiki is practiced through two hands, there are seven main Chakras at different points along the spine. For…
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