Pranic Healing vs ReikiWhat is the difference between Reiki and Pranic Healing?

This seems to be the most popular topic on our Karuna Wellness website. Before I answer this question in more detail, I would like to mention that I hold 3 levels of Reiki (the 2nd and 3rd levels were gifted to me by my Latvian friends – Reiki master teachers). However I never really practiced Reiki – because till few years ago I wholeheartedly preferred Pranic Healing.

Thus, being a Pranic Healer and trainer for many years, I was heavily biased towards Pranic Healing.

However, as time goes by, we all grow and broaden out outlook and I find that there is more advance knowledge and techniques available both internally and externally for those who want to grow as healers.

It’s good to closely follow a system or be in the organization when you are learning, but then it should not become a mind jail for you later.

Judging Reiki versus Pranic Healing would be similar discussing: “What is better: apples or grapes?” Both are good. Similarly, both Pranic Healing and Reiki are the good energy healing systems given to the world by great Teachers. Though the techniques they use are different, they came from One Source. Both are effective; it depends, what you prefer.

However, let us take a closer look at both the systems. This comparison is drawn on the basis of my interaction with Reiki practitioners in India, Russia and Latvia. I have taught Pranic Healing workshops in Reiki Gaismas School (Riga, Latvia), received friendly Reiki sessions and have many Reiki friends.

Pranic Healing Traditional Usui Reiki

Founder

Master Choa Kok Sui, a Filipino of Chinese descent (1952-2007). Born on 15 August.

Dr. Mikao Usui, Japan.(1865-1926). Born on 15 August.

Spiritual lineageBoddhisattva Padmasambhava(?)

Not revealed. Dr. Usui had a mystical experience on Mt. Kurama.

Primary source materials

Books written by Master Choa Kok Sui.

Originally not available. Reiki is an oral tradition.

Organizational structure

After the founder’s death in 2007, it is controlled by his children (the copyright and trademarks owners) through a ‘council of Acharyas’ (a spiritual hierarchy).

Teachings are transmitted by a contemporary teacher  to students. There are many Reiki lineages.

Opportunity for personal growth and spiritual

Yes. Yes.

developmentPurification practices

Yes. Yes.

Is it integrated with other spiritual teachings by the founder?

Yes.Dr. Mikao Usui gave only Reiki to the world.

Energy healing vs. other systems of therapy

Complementary. Complementary.

Use of any equipment or tools

No. No.

Main techniques

7 basic techniques of Pranic Healing, the main two being cleansing and energizing.

Channeling of Divine Energy.

Degree of physical contact

No-touch healing.

Hands-on healing. But many Reiki practitioners will give Reiki energy with their hands inches away, rather than use direct contact.

Energy diagnostics and control over quality of healing

Through scanning (feeling the energy body and chakras with hand). Rescanning during healing alows the practitioner to monitor the quality of his work.

Intuition. A practitioner may use a pendulum for energy diagnostics.

Does it cause a healing crisis?

No, because a thorough cleansing of the affected area is done before energizing.

Possible.

General sweeping (general aura cleansing)

Yes. No.

Localized cleansing Yes.No. Classical Reiki does not recognize the existence of ‘dirty’ or ‘diseased’ energy.

Energizing Yes. Yes.Does the healer use his own energy to energize the patient?

No. He serves as a channel.

No. He serves as a channel.

Types of energy the healer works with

Air prana, earth prana, Divine energy.

Divine energy.

Energizing techniques

Several. One.

Use of colour pranas Yes. No.Stabilizing the energy

Yes. No.

Releasing the energy

Yes. Yes.

Duration of a session

30 min. to 1 hour. Some healers can heal very fast, with good results.

Up to 3 hrs.

What does a treatment feel like?

Very pleasant. At the end of the session there is a feeling of deep relaxation and a state of peace and well-being. One feels refreshed, with a more positive, balanced outlook.

Same for Reiki.

Can it help in psychological ailments?

Yes. Pranic Psychotherapy techniques are used.

Yes.

Distant healing Yes. Yes.Relationship healing Yes. Yes.Self-healing Yes. Yes.Animal healing, plant healing, space clearing

Yes. Yes.

Disposal and disintegration of ‘diseased’ energy

Yes.No. It is thought that Reiki automatically clears all negativity.

Possibility of energic and psychological contamination

Rules of energetic hygiene are prescribed to avoid such occurrence. A Pranic Healer is aware of the signs and symptoms of such contamination as well as of couter measures to be taken.

Since Reiki does not recognize the existence of ‘dirty’ or ‘diseased’ energy, energy contamination is a fact with Reiki practitioners.

Approach in healingMore active participation of the healer.

Passive participation: a healer lays his hands and allows Reiki energy to do healing.

Initiation“Inner” initiation by the Teacher.

Yes. Attunements or initiations by a Reiki master-teacher.

Do they teach meditation as a part of the course?

Yes. Twin Heart Meditation is in-built in Pranic Healing. It is designed to dramatically increase one’s healing abilities.

Possibly yes. Differs from master to master.

Do they teach breathing exercises?

Yes. Pranic breathing. It enables the practitioner to draw and project tremendous amounts of energy.

Not in traditional Reiki.

Use of symbols No. Yes.

System of chakras11 major chakras, minor and mini-chakras.

7 major chakras and minor chakras.

Ease of understanding the subject

Clear and easy to understand.

Clear and easy to understand.

Ease of learning

Not easy to learn. The practitioner may be required to put in years of dedicated practice to achieve levels of  proficiency.

Very easy to learn.

Difficulties that may be faced by a student

Learning how to scan (sense the energies). Though, one can heal without scanning.

(?)

Levels

Basic Pranic Healing (I), Advance Pranic Healing (II), Pranic Psychotherapy (III), Crystal Healing (IV).

Level I, Level II (2 symbols), Level III A (one more symbol). Level III B (master teacher).

Titles

Pranic Healing had one grandmaster (Master Choa Kok Sui), 4 masters and few assistant masters worldwide. ‘Rank’ promotions within the organization are not encouraged.

Many masters and grandmasters.

Getting results Very good.A Reiki session is very pleasant, however, its ability to produce tangible and lasting healing results may be somewhat low.

To sum it up, in my personal experience, Pranic Healing offeres more than Reiki. It is faster and gives predictable results.

The only minus is that it takes long time to master, but this may vary from person to person. We are presently living in the age when healing and energy sensing abilities spring up naturally in people, as witnessed by us during our seminars.

I tried to be as accurate as possible. If some facts are distorted, please write to me, I am open to suggestions.