Jikiden Reiki vs Usui Reiki

What’s the difference, and does it really matter?

Reiki is often spoken about as one single practice, but there are different lineages within Reiki, each

with its own philosophy and approach. Two of the most commonly known are Jikiden Reiki and Usui

Reiki.

While they share the same roots, the way they are practised can feel quite different. Understanding

this can help you choose the approach that feels most aligned for you.

Usui Reiki

Usui Reiki is the form most people in the West are familiar with. It originates from Mikao Usui, who

developed Reiki in Japan in the early 1900s. As Reiki travelled beyond Japan, it evolved and was

adapted by different teachers and cultures.

Usui Reiki often includes:

• Reiki symbols and mantras

• Chakra balancing

• Visualisation and intention

• A more intuitive or spiritually framed approach

Because of these adaptations, sessions can vary quite widely depending on the practitioner and their

training.

Jikiden Reiki

Jikiden Reiki means “directly taught Reiki.” It refers to a form of Reiki that aims to preserve the

original Japanese teachings as closely as possible, without later Western influences.

Jikiden Reiki is passed down through a clear, uninterrupted lineage from Mikao Usui, through his

student Dr Chujiro Hayashi, to Chiyoko Yamaguchi, who founded the Jikiden Reiki Institute in Kyoto,

Japan. All Jikiden Reiki practitioners are registered through this institute, ensuring consistency,

integrity, and respect for the original method.

The practice is based on Shinshin Kaizen Usui Reiki Ryoho, which translates as “the Usui treatment

method for improving body and mind.” This is the original name of Usui’s Reiki method, as described

on his memorial stone in Japan.

Jikiden Reiki focuses on:

• Supporting physical and emotional wellbeing

• Treating the whole person rather than following a fixed routine

• A practical, structured approach rooted in Japanese tradition

• No chakras, symbols, or visualisation

• No belief, effort, or prior experience required

Rather than relying on intuition or interpretation, the practitioner follows the method and responds

to the body’s feedback. Treatments can vary each time, depending on what the body presents.

A key concept within Jikiden Reiki is Byosen, which refers to areas of imbalance or sensitivity in the

body. Practitioners learn to recognise and respond to this during treatment, while still working

within a clear and grounded structure.

Sensei Usui himself described Reiki as a practical treatment method rather than a spiritual discipline,

with the emphasis on improving body and mind and helping others do the same. Central to this is

living in alignment with the Reiki principles, with kindness expressed through giving treatment.

The main differences at a glance

Usui Reiki	Jikiden Reiki
Adapted as Reiki moved to the West	Preserves original Japanese teachings
Often works with chakras and symbols	No chakras or symbols
May include visualisation and intention	No visualisation or intention
Style can vary between practitioners	Consistent, structured approach
Often framed as spiritual	Grounded and practical

My approach

Neither Jikiden Reiki nor Usui Reiki is right or wrong. They are simply different approaches, and both

can be just as powerful and effective. What matters most is how the practice is held and how it

meets the person receiving it.

To answer the question at the top, does it matter which one you choose?

Not at all.

What matters is that the approach feels safe, supportive, and right for you.

I choose to practise Jikiden Reiki because of its simplicity and clarity. It is a no-frills technique that

stays close to the original Japanese teachings, without added layers, interpretation, or

embellishment.

There’s nothing for you to do, focus on, or believe in. You simply lie down and receive, allowing your

body and energy system to respond in the way it needs to.

I often combine Jikiden Reiki with Sound Therapy, creating space for the nervous system to settle

and the body to rebalance naturally, without forcing or analysing anything.