Why Are There Different Styles of Reiki?

If you’ve ever searched for Reiki, you may have noticed names like Usui, Jikiden, or Karuna Reiki and wondered why there are so many styles. Reiki, a gentle form of energy healing, has evolved across cultures and lineages since its origins in Japan in the early 1920s. Each style shares the same heart — channeling universal life force energy for healing — yet offers unique methods, traditions, and philosophies. Indeed, Reiki utilizes the same energetic system as in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Understanding the differences between these styles of Reiki can help you choose the style that which resonates most with your needs and beliefs.

When Reiki first emerged in Japan in the early 20th century, it was taught by its founder, Mikao Usui Sensei, in the traditional Japanese discipline — often from teacher to student through hands-on experience. As Reiki spread beyond Japan, practitioners adapted the practice to their own cultures, languages, and spiritual traditions. Over time, these adaptations became recognized as distinct lineages or styles. 

Think of it like a tree: Usui Reiki is the trunk, and each branch is a style that grew from it, shaped by the climate (culture) and soil (teacher’s perspective) it encountered.

Usui Reiki 

This "original style" was developed by Mikao Usui Sensei and traveled to America via Hawaii. It has lightly evolved with some Western influence, but mostly sticks to its roots. Usui Reiki is known for its structured hand positions, symbols, and focus on self-healing as much as healing others.

Jikiden Reiki 

This style of Reiki is a return to the true Japanese origin and teachings, with no Western adaptations. Jikiden Reiki was initially designed to be partnered with Western modern medicine, and remains this way. Because of this, Jikiden Reiki can be used as an adjunct to your medical or psychiatric diagnoses. This style emphasizes simplicity, intuitive treatment, and the original cultural context.

Tibetan Usui Reiki 

Tibetan Usui Reiki blends the Usui Reiki system with additional techniques that are believed to have roots in ancient Tibetan healing traditions. This style is often associated with stronger energetic frequencies and spiritual expansion. Practitioners may incorporate channeling of spirit guides and guardian angels to enhance the flow of energy. Joyce Valencia performs a psychic analysis of your chakra throughout the Reiki session. It’s a style that appeals to those who enjoy blending Reiki with a more mystical, spiritually-focused approach.

And there are many more — Karuna Reiki, Holy Fire Reiki, and other variations — each offering something a little different while still honoring Reiki’s core principle: channeling universal life force energy for the highest good.

Choosing the Right Style for You 

The best way to choose a Reiki style is to experience it. You can also consult your local Reiki practitioner for further guidance. You may find that one style feels gentler, another more energizing, and yet another deeply grounding. None is “better” than the others — it’s about what resonates with you in your current season of life.

In the end, the style is just the pathway. The destination is always the same: restoring balance, promoting quality of life, and reconnecting you with your innate capacity for healing. Try out a Reiki session today!