Reiki is Reiki, or is it?: The Diverse Styles and Personal Approaches of Reiki Practitioners

Elevated Vibrations
Aug 17
4 min read

By Jess Smith, Reiki Master, Chief Energy Alchemist/Owner at Elevated Vibrations Collective LLC

August 18, 2025

Embracing the Diversity in Reiki Practices

Reiki, a beautiful and profound healing art, holds a special place in the hearts of many practitioners and recipients worldwide. It is a journey of transformation, both for the practitioner and the client. Recently, I was inspired by an Instagram post by Reiki Master, Christine Meyers of the Fluid Soul LLC who eloquently highlighted that every Reiki practitioner has their own unique style.

"A friend of mine recounted a Reiki experience where the practitioner roared like a lion during the session."

Discovering the Kaleidoscope of Reiki Experiences

When I first embarked on my journey into the world of Reiki, I was captivated by the myriad of experiences shared by both clients and practitioners. Each session was a unique tapestry of energy, intuition, and healing.

A friend of mine recounted a Reiki experience where the practitioner roared like a lion during the session. While this was a bit unexpected and even a slightly off-putting, my friend later revealed that this was actually a powerful message that led to a major life-shift.

Another friend explained that during a Reiki session the practitioner preferred a gentle, conversational approach, guiding clients through the session with soothing words. This was surprising to me since I stay quiet during my sessions.

I've had the privilege of experiencing sessions with six different Reiki practitioners, each bringing their distinct flair to the practice. While the core structure remained consistent, the individual nuances were fascinating.

These diverse methods, though varied, all shared the foundational principles of Reiki, illustrating its adaptability and universal appeal.

It's this diversity that makes Reiki such a compelling and transformative practice. Each session is a new adventure, inviting us to explore the many shades of healing and personal growth. As we delve into the depths of Reiki, we find that every practitioner’s unique style adds a new dimension to the healing experience, demonstrating that while the journey may differ, the destination remains the same: holistic healing and profound transformation.

The Unique Styles of Reiki Practitioners

Christine Meyers' post emphasized that Reiki is not a one-size-fits-all practice. Each practitioner brings something special to their sessions, influenced by their personal experiences, training, and intuition. While I have been drawn to the traditional Usui system of Reiki, I appreciate the diversity within the Reiki community. This diversity allows for a richer and more varied experience for clients, who can explore different styles and find what resonates best with them and even incorporate multiple practitioners into their self-care routines.

"...some practitioners incorporate oracle cards, sound bowls, and crystals into their sessions."

Traditional Usui System and Beyond

In my own practice, I aim to maintain the essence of the traditional Usui system of Reiki, which I believe is pure and powerful. However, I also recognize the value of integrating complementary elements. Christine mentioned that some practitioners incorporate oracle cards, sound bowls, and crystals into their sessions. While these are not part of traditional Reiki, they can enhance the healing experience and provide additional insights for the client.

An article by Taggart King in his book Liberate Your Reiki echoes this sentiment, celebrating the various styles of Reiki and recognizing their effectiveness and legitimacy. His open-minded approach reassures me that as practitioners, we are free to evolve and adapt our practice in ways that best serve ourselves and our clients.

Personal Evolution in Reiki Practice

Along my journey, I've found myself incorporating body scan meditation and sound bowls into my sessions. These additions have enriched my practice and allowed me to connect more deeply with my clients. I also experience and interpret visions during my sessions, which I share with clients as part of their healing process. Initially, I questioned whether these visions were truly part of Reiki. Knowing that my role is to trust Reiki, to be a channel and an observer. These visions are meaningful, playing an integral part in the healing journey.

Celebrating Individuality in Reiki

As Reiki practitioners, we are tuning into our higher selves and awakening our unique gifts as healers. This individuality results in diverse experiences, even as we all channel the same universal energy and adhere to a fundamental structure. For clients, this diversity is great news. They have the opportunity to explore different practitioners and find those who resonate with them on their healing journey. Some clients may even choose to work with multiple practitioners, each offering distinct insights and healing.

"Mikao Usui, the founder of the Usui system of Reiki, once said that Reiki healing is ever evolving."

Honoring Mikao Usui's Legacy

Mikao Usui, the founder of the Usui system of Reiki, once said that Reiki healing is ever evolving. I believe he would be proud to see how his teachings have spread and evolved over time, becoming a widely accepted and respected healing method. The diversity and adaptability of Reiki are testaments to its strength and resilience, allowing it to thrive across cultures and communities.

In conclusion, the diversity of Reiki practices is a testament to its universal appeal and adaptability. As practitioners, embracing our individuality allows us to offer richer, more personalized healing experiences. As clients, the variety in Reiki styles offers a wealth of opportunities to find what truly resonates. In the spirit of Reiki, I invite everyone to explore, experience, and embrace the diversity of this beautiful practice.

Works Cited