Healing Touch and Reiki: How do they compare?

By: Lisa Mentgen-Gordon |   Print/Save as PDF

You’ve heard about different energy healing methods, maybe from a friend, a podcast, or a wellness practitioner, and now you’re curious. Two of the most familiar are Healing Touch and Reiki.

What’s the difference between them? Are they spiritual? Scientific? Too “woo-woo”? Too medical? And most importantly, which one is right for me?

You might be looking for a way to support your own healing, or maybe you’re hoping to learn how to help others. Maybe you currently have a medical practice as a nurse, a holistic practice as a massage therapist, or a mental health professional and want to investigate adding energy healing to better support your clients. Or maybe you’re a caregiver, wellness coach, or just someone who’s always been drawn to wanting to help and support others. Whatever brought you here, you want answers that are clear, grounded, and honest.

In this article, we’re going to cover:

1. What Is Energy Healing and How Does It Work?
2. How Healing Touch and Reiki are similar.
3. The key differences between the two.
4. How to choose which one fits you best.
5. Common questions answered.
6. What your first step could look like.

What Is Energy Healing and How Does It Work?

At its core, energy healing is about restoring balance to the body’s natural energy system. Just like your body has a circulatory system and nervous system, it also has an energetic system, often referred to as the aura or biofield.

When that energy is flowing freely, you tend to feel better physically, emotionally, and mentally. But when it’s congested or out of balance, it can contribute to pain, stress, anxiety, fatigue, or chronic illness.

Energy healing works to clear, balance, and revitalize your energy system so your body can do what it naturally knows how to do: heal.

It’s not about magic or mysticism. In fact, energy healing is used in hospitals, cancer centers, and wellness clinics around the world as a complement to traditional healthcare. It doesn’t replace medical care, it supports it by helping the body’s natural healing process.

Practitioners use their hands near the body or with gentle touch to influence the flow of energy. In an energy healing session, you stay fully clothed. Most people describe the experience as deeply relaxing, even if they don’t fully understand how it works.

Healing Touch and Reiki are two of the most well-known and widely practiced forms of energy healing. While they both work with energy, how they’re taught and practiced is where the differences begin.

Healing Touch and Reiki: What They Have in Common

Before we look at what sets Healing Touch and Reiki apart, it helps to understand what they share, because at a high level, they’re actually quite similar.

Both are forms of biofield energy healing that work with the body’s natural energy system to support physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Here’s what else they have in common:

They’re heart-centered. Practitioners in both Healing Touch and Reiki approach their work with compassion, presence, and the intention to help.

They’re practiced around the world. Both are used in hospitals, wellness clinics, private practices, and homes as complementary therapies.

They promote deep relaxation and balance. Most people leave sessions feeling calmer, more grounded, and emotionally lighter.

They’re open to everyone. You don’t need prior experience or a healthcare background to begin learning either modality.

Differences Between Healing Touch and Reiki Explained

While Healing Touch and Reiki share a similar goal, supporting healing by working with the body’s energy system, their approaches, training paths, and overall focus are different.

Reiki originated in Japan in the 1920s through the work of Mikao Usui. Reiki often follows intuitive hand placements and includes attunements and sacred symbols. Because there are many lineages of Reiki, the training format and structure can vary significantly depending on the teacher.

Healing Touch was developed in the 1980s by Janet Mentgen, a nurse who wanted to bring energy healing into clinical healthcare. It is a heart-centered approach that does not involve symbols or attunements and follows a standardized, structured training path.

One of the biggest differences is the level of structure and professional recognition.

Healing Touch has a standardized five-level curriculum, board-certified credentials, and continuing education contact hours. Reiki training varies widely depending on the teacher and lineage.

Both modalities are open to beginners and experienced wellness professionals alike.

Should You Choose Reiki or Healing Touch? How to Decide

Now that you have a clearer picture of how Healing Touch and Reiki are similar and different, the next question becomes: Which one fits you best?

If you’re drawn to a more intuitive and spiritually guided approach, Reiki may feel like the right starting point. Reiki classes are often shorter and more flexible.

If you value structured learning, professional development, and standardized training, Healing Touch may be a better fit. Healing Touch provides a clear progression path for those who want long-term growth and certification.

• Choose Reiki if you want an accessible and intuitive introduction to energy healing.
• Choose Healing Touch if you want a structured, professional-grade training program that can grow with you over time.

Many people explore both paths. The most important thing is starting with what feels aligned for you right now.

Healing Touch and Reiki FAQs: Common Questions Answered

Do I need special abilities to do energy healing?

No. Energy healing is a learnable skill, not something reserved for a select few.

Will this conflict with my religious beliefs?

Both Healing Touch and Reiki are spiritual in nature but not tied to any religion.

Can I use this for my own healing?

Absolutely. Many people begin learning energy healing for personal growth and self-care.

How long does it take to learn?

Reiki is typically taught in shorter workshops. Healing Touch follows a more progressive multi-level curriculum.

How much does it cost?

Reiki pricing varies widely by teacher. Healing Touch has standardized tuition and structured educational requirements.

How to Get Started with Reiki or Healing Touch Energy Healing

Choosing between Healing Touch and Reiki isn’t about picking the “better” modality. It’s about finding what fits you.

Whether your goal is personal healing, helping loved ones, or supporting clients professionally, both paths offer meaningful opportunities for growth and transformation.

If you’re feeling the nudge to explore energy healing further, here are a few simple ways to move forward:

1. Download the Healing Touch / Reiki Comparison Chart
   Download the PDF Comparison Chart
2. Receive an Energy Healing Session
   Experience both Healing Touch and Reiki firsthand.
   Find a Healing Touch Practitioner
3. Attend a Presentation or Information Session
   Look for local or online opportunities to learn more about energy healing.
4. Explore the Healing Touch Program Training and Certification Program
   Download the Healing Touch Program Course Catalog
5. Talk to an Instructor or Teacher
   Find a Healing Touch Instructor
6. Trust Yourself
   You don’t need to have it all figured out today. Stay curious and take the next step that feels right for you.