The Hidden Side of Reiki Healing

Power, Symbols, and the Need for Discernment with Reiki Healing

Reiki is often the stepping stone for many people entering the world of energy work. But when we look deeper into the history of traditional Usui Reiki, it becomes clear that there’s some mystery surrounding its origins. We’re often told that Master Mikao Usui discovered Reiki after a profound spiritual experience on Mount Kurama, but the historical details of how that actually unfolded remain murky.

As energy healer Barbara Brennan once said, “Energy flows where attention goes.” This serves as an important reminder—wherever energy is directed, there is the potential for both healing and harm. Reiki, like any energy modality, requires careful intention and discernment.

Reiki Symbols: Powerful Amplifiers of Energy

A common misconception about Reiki is that it’s completely harmless. Many teachers will tell you that Reiki is purely love and light, but Reiki symbols are powerful amplifiers for any energy. It’s the practitioner’s skill and intention that determine how these symbols are used.

Reiki symbols can be effective in removing entities or deeply rooted energetic attachments, but they can also leave an energetic void if not handled properly. This space, if not fully healed and sealed, becomes an invitation for the same attachments or energies to return. Just because Reiki has a reputation for being gentle doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for every situation.

As Reiki has become more popular, weekend certification programs have flooded the wellness space. While Reiki’s accessibility is great, there’s a question of whether everyone truly understands the depth and power of what they’re working with. The Reiki symbols are ancient and potent, with a history tied to esoteric practices, and their true meaning can sometimes be lost in the rush to commercialize the practice.

The Web of Attunements: What You Might Not Know

The Usui Reiki system is built on the concept of attunements, where each student is energetically linked to their teacher and the lineage of practitioners before them. In theory, this maintains the integrity and power of the practice. However, this also means that, as a student, you may be entering into an energetic network where unresolved issues from the lineage could impact your field.

This interconnected web of energy can ripple through the network, meaning that if a teacher or practitioner has unresolved energetic issues, they could affect you through this connection. Over time, some practitioners have added their own symbols and variations to Reiki, which some believe weakens the practice, while others feel it allows Reiki to evolve and adapt to modern needs.

The Role of Tengu in Reiki: Exploring Mount Kurama’s Mystical Energy

Mount Kurama, the place where Master Usui is said to have received his spiritual download of Reiki, is also associated with Tengu—mythical beings from Japanese folklore. Tengu are known as protective yet mischievous spirits, walking the line between the human and spirit worlds.

There’s a belief among some practitioners that Master Usui may have received guidance from Tengu during his spiritual experience. This doesn’t mean that invoking Reiki calls in trickster spirits, but it does raise the question: Is all energy good energy? Should we blindly trust any spiritual source without fully understanding it?

Tengu represent duality—they aren’t inherently good or evil. This serves as a reminder that not everything labeled as “spiritual” or “healing” fits neatly into a box of positivity. Discernment is key.

The Importance of Discernment in Energy Work

Questioning Reiki’s origins and practices isn’t an attack on the modality itself. Reiki is a powerful tool, but like any tool, it requires skill and discernment to be used effectively and safely. When seeking a Reiki session - or any form of energy work - you should always feel empowered to ask questions, especially when someone is working in your energetic field.

Here are key questions to ask any energy healer:

• What is your experience with Reiki and energy work?

  Get a sense of their background and what led them to this work. Experience in energy healing isn't just about time spent practicing; it's also about the depth of their own healing journey and understanding of energy.

• Do you integrate any other healing modalities with Reiki?

  Some healers combine practices, which can be beneficial. But it is important to know upfront what they are working with to ensure it is in alignment with your own needs.

• How do you handle dark or difficult energy attachments?

  Not all energy is light and easy to work with. Sometimes it's more complex. Ensure your practitioner is equipt to handle more complex or darker energies confidently and hold space for you as you process your experience.

• What is your process for protecting your energy and space?

  Energetic hygiene is crucial. If they don't have a method to protect their own energy and the space, that is a red flag. Their energetic state and the energy of the space can impact your energetic field.

• Can you walk me through a typical session?

  Understanding how they approach their work will help you decide if their methods resonate with you. Feeling safe and supported is paramount.

• What should I expect after a session?

  Energy work can stir up a lot, so it is important to understand their process for integration and grounding afterwords, and if they offer additional support.

• What is your philosophy on energy healing?

  You want a pracitioner who understands heaaling as an ongoing. complex process rather than a quick fix. Their job is to facilitate your self-healing not cure you.

Responsibility in Energy Work

The takeaway here isn’t that Reiki is dangerous—it’s that it’s a tool, and like any tool, it needs to be used with care. Energy work isn’t about finding one modality to solve everything. It’s about understanding the energy you’re working with and using it appropriately for the situation.

As a practitioner or client, it’s important to remain informed, listen to your intuition, and approach every healing modality with both respect and discernment. Don’t assume something is harmless simply because it’s popular or widely accepted. The path to true healing requires awareness, intention, and a willingness to keep learning.

Curious about exploring energy healing with greater discernment? Whether you're a practitioner or client, understanding energy is key. Schedule a clarity call today and see how I can support you in navigating the complexities fo Reiki, energy work, dark shadow and entity attachment, and more.  Learn more HERE.