While different healing modalities use the same technique, called palm healing, as a form of complementary medicine, their traditions, skills, and ways of utilizing life-force energy for self-healing are distinctly varied, which is why the Pranic Healing vs. Reiki analysis given here serves to elaborate on their differences.
Did You Know?
Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Edison used to meditate. Meditation is one of the common daily habits of highly successful people like Oprah Winfrey, Angelina Jolie, Richard Gere, Halle Berry, Russell Brand, etc. Studies show that children who meditate behave well and are more likely to do well in school. They also show that meditation not only acts as a good anti-aging technique, but it also helps reduce the intensity of pain.
Both Reiki and Pranic Healing are simple but effective holistic techniques that use vital energy present in the atmosphere to promote self-healing. The Sanskrit word “prana” means “life-force” (also called “Ruah” or the “Breath of Life” in the Old Testament) which, despite being invisible, plays an important role in keeping our body alive and healthy. Pranic Healing is based on the fundamental principle that everyone has the innate ability to heal and relieve pain (as said by the founder of the therapy). Reiki promotes relaxation and well-being by increasing the “life-force” energy in a malfunctioning body. “Reiki” in fact means “spiritual energy”.
In both these techniques, the practitioner uses his hands to feel and repair body’s energy fields throughout the entire session. These energy therapies do not require any equipment or tools. They provide an opportunity for personal growth and spiritual development. They are designed to remove impurities from the body of a person, animal, or plant. They can even be used for clearing (purification) of space. Anybody who has keen interest in holistic healing can learn these techniques.
Compare and Contrast
| Pranic Healing | Reiki |
| Founders | |
| A Filipino-Chinese businessman, the late Grand Master Choa Kok Sui (1952-2007), born on 15th August, developed and promoted this technique in the late 1980s. | A Japanese Buddhist Dr. Mikao Usui (1865-1926), born on 15th August, developed this technique in 1922, after a deep spiritual experience. |
| What is It? | |
| Vital energy is transmitted to the bio-electromagnetic field known as “aura” or “energy body” of the client through the palms of the practitioner. Aura not only surrounds but interpenetrates our physical body. It is believed that diseases and disorders first appear as energetic disruptions in the aura before revealing their presence in the physical body. Therefore Pranic Healing works on the energy body that absorbs and distributes life energy throughout the physical body. This helps restore the health and brings about well-being of the person. | The practitioner transmits universal life energy (called Reiki) in the form of qi (Japanese: ki) through the palms to the client. After receiving the energy, the client experiences deep relaxation. This reduces pain and other symptoms and promotes speedy recovery. This eventually helps reach the state of equilibrium. |
| Basic Difference | |
| It is strictly a non-touch system. | It involves touching the body most of the time, but also promotes non-touch techniques. |
| Branches | |
| There is only one kind of Pranic Healing, that which was described and taught by Master Choa Kok Sui. | Traditional Japanese Reiki and Western Reiki are its two main branches. |
| Original Literature | |
| 25 books, written by Master Choa Kok Sui, published in more than 30 languages are available today. | No original literature is available. So, it is called an oral tradition. |
| Main Difference | |
| It involves keen awareness of chakras (wheels or energy centers) in the body. Students are taught to feel these centers and the aura. A diseased body emits negative energy. By scanning the aura or by actually feeling it, students can assess the areas of diminished energy and areas of energetic congestion or stagnation. This helps recognize particular areas that need healing. The practitioner cleanses (removes blockages and clears stagnant energies) and then stabilizes the chakras by giving them fresh energy. He sees to it that the chakras keep moving and functioning well. This results in good health and well-being. Different procedures help deal with different diseases. Treatment involves balancing specific chakra sets. | There is no standard procedure for energy assessment. The process completely depends upon the intuition of the practitioner. The flow of fresh energy is directed into the area that needs healing, irrespective of the type and nature of disease. All health problems are handled in a same way. |
| Simplicity and Ease | |
| It involves minimum instructions regarding simple breathing techniques and visualization exercises that facilitate quick healing. Practitioners draw energy directly from the sun, air, ground, and other spiritual sources, and transfer it to the aura of the malfunctioning body. With God’s blessings and protection, the practitioners become conductive of life-energy. | Practitioners are initiated by a Reiki Master. They can access the healing energies with allotted symbols only. |
| Special Feature | |
| Following “energetic hygiene” makes it more effective. Energetic hygiene involves following certain breathing techniques, diet, and other cleansing routines that help remove diseased energy and keep you filled with pure refreshing energy. | Such type of recommendation is rare in other healing modalities. No such concept exists in Reiki. |
| Duration of a Session | |
| 30 minutes to one hour | Up to 3 hours |
| 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). |
| Learning Time | |
| Learning takes time, it depends on your own interest, mind-composition, ability to meditate and concentrate. | It is relatively easier to learn. Some masters include meditation in the course, while some do not. |
| Types of Energy Used | |
| Air Prana, Earth Prana, and Divine Energy. | Divine Energy. |
| Techniques Used | |
| There exist several energizing techniques. | There is only one energizing technique. |
As described above, removal of negative energies, deeper insight into the functioning of chakras, and better utilization of vital energy to stabilize the chakras makes Pranic Healing a more effective and faster healing technique. It seems to be more targeted than Reiki, but like Reiki, it also is considered as a complementary medicine and not an alternative one. According to Master Choa Kok Sui, “There is nothing supernatural or paranormal about Pranic Healing. It is simply based on natural laws that most people are not aware of.”
Although it has not yet been scientifically proven that Reiki or Pranic Healing can be used to treat certain illnesses, people experience the power of spiritual energy after undergoing the therapies. Both therapies are effective. You may choose the one that you find suitable.
