Are chakras part of the traditional system of Reiki?

Many modern Reiki books, Reiki courses, and Reiki practitioners use the term chakra. You may hear about meditating on, treating, or balancing chakras during Reiki treatments. Because of this, it’s easy to assume that chakras are part of the traditional system of Usui Reiki.

But are they?

It may surprise you to learn that chakras were not part of the original system of Reiki as taught by Mikao Usui.

What does the traditional system of Reiki consist of?

The traditional system of Reiki was founded in the early 20th century in Japan by Mikao Usui. It’s a simple and structured practice that includes:

• Reiki treatments
• Reiki meditation practices
• Reiki principles (precepts)
• Reiki attunements (initiations)
• Reiki tools

The emphasis in traditional Reiki is not on analysing or directing energy, but on allowing Reiki to flow naturally to where it’s needed.

During a Reiki treatment, a practitioner may place their hands on or over areas such as your head, throat, or chest, which are locations often associated with chakras. But does this mean they are treating the chakras?

The answer depends on the practitioner’s intention and training. First, let’s explore the chakras a little more.

What are chakras?

The chakra system originates from ancient Indian spiritual traditions, particularly within Hinduism and later yoga practices. The word chakra comes from Sanskrit and means “wheel” or “disk.”

These teachings describe seven major energy centres in the body, each associated with different aspects of physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Chakras are often described as having specific colours and qualities.

When Reiki was introduced to the West in the late 20th century, many teachers began integrating chakra concepts into their teaching. This likely made Reiki more accessible to Western students, especially those already familiar with yoga. Plus, the chakras lie in similar places to the traditional Reiki hand placements you learn during a Reiki Level One course.

Today, many Reiki courses in Melbourne include chakra-based approaches, reflecting this modern blend of traditions.

The traditional system of Reiki without chakras

In traditional Reiki practice, there’s no need to diagnose, analyse, or manipulate ki (energy). Some practitioners may place their hands over a chakra with the intention of influencing it, perhaps to balance, strengthen, or change it.

Others, including myself, take a different approach.

If I place my hands over the centre of the chest (often associated with the heart chakra), I’m not focusing on the chakra itself: its colour, movement, or state. Instead, my focus remains on Reiki and what is happening under my hands.

This approach is simple, Reiki flows naturally to where it’s needed without my need to get involved or direct it.

This respects your innate capacity to heal and promotes balance. If you’re seeking traditional Reiki in Melbourne or Distant Reiki treatments, this non-invasive approach remains central to the Reiki treatments I offer.

Different approaches in modern Reiki

Today, Reiki is practised in a variety of ways around the world. Some practitioners work with chakras, while others, myself included, follow a more traditional approach.

While my preference is for traditional Reiki, neither approach is “right” or “wrong.” These differences reflect how Reiki has changed over time.

What can become confusing, particularly if you’re new to Reiki, is when non-traditional elements are introduced into treatments or training without a clear explanation. Language such as “blocked,” “weak,” or “closed” chakras can create the impression that chakras are part of the original Reiki system, when they are not.

This kind of terminology can also be disempowering. Early in my Reiki journey, if a practitioner had told me I had a “blocked chakra,” I would have felt uncertain about what that meant and uneasy after the treatment.

Is it okay that chakras are mentioned during Reiki treatments and training?

Reiki is a simple practice

One of the strengths of traditional Reiki is its simplicity.

In my own practice, although my hands may be placed over areas commonly associated with chakras, I don’t refer to chakras during treatments. I would not tell you that your “heart chakra is blocked.” Instead, I may say that I treated your heart or chest area with Reiki.

When placing my hands, I am guided by:

1. Your preferences and comfort
2. Traditional Usui Reiki training
3. My additional training in Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies, and Remedial Massage
4. Intuition developed through over 20 years of Reiki practice

This approach works just as effectively whether you are receiving Reiki in person or a Distant Reiki treatment.

During the Reiki courses I offer in Melbourne, chakras are briefly introduced. Having a basic understanding of them can support your self-Reiki practice and may also be helpful if you choose to practise Reiki on others.

Making an informed choice

Understanding the difference between traditional Reiki and chakra-based approaches can help you make an informed choice about your Reiki treatment or training.

If you are looking for Reiki treatments or Reiki courses in Melbourne, knowing how a practitioner works allows you to choose a style that feels right for you.