Why I Don’t Teach the Seven Chakras in Reiki
Often receive questions from people asking whether I teach the seven chakras.
The seven chakras are a beautiful energy system that comes from Indian spiritual traditions, and the word “chakra” comes from Sanskrit. It is a meaningful and widely known way of understanding energy in the body.
However, this is not the system I teach.
I teach Traditional Japanese Reiki, founded by Mikao Usui in Japan in the early 1920s, with the Usui Reiki Ryōhō Gakkai established in 1922. Reiki Ryōhō is a Japanese spiritual practice that supports us in reconnecting with our inner light, our true nature, and a deeper sense of balance within body, mind, and spirit.
In simple words, Reiki is not only about energy healing. It is a practice. It includes spiritual teachings, meditation, self-practice, hands-on healing, and a way of living that helps us return to a more peaceful and connected state within ourselves.
So, is Traditional Japanese Reiki based on the seven chakras?
No, it is not.
In my courses, we work with the Japanese energetic understanding of three energy centres: Earth, Heaven, and Heart. These are not the same as the seven chakras. Through this practice, we learn to balance our Earth ki — our grounded, physical energy — with our Heaven ki — our spiritual and mental energy. As these energies come into harmony through the heart, we begin to experience a deeper sense of connection with ourselves, others, and the universe.
Many people associate energy work with the seven chakras because this is what they often see in books, online, and on social media. But energy work is vast. There are many spiritual and energetic practices, and they do not all work through the chakra system.
In my Reiki courses, we may have a small conversation about the chakras, because I feel it can help students understand the differences and practise with more confidence. However, I do not teach the seven chakras as part of my Reiki training.
With me, you will learn to connect with Reiki as a Traditional Japanese spiritual practice, honouring the teachings of Mikao Usui and the depth of this beautiful system.
Although Usui’s teachings were developed over 100 years ago, they remain deeply relevant, simple, and powerful today.
Shine brightly from within ✨
Carla