Reiki vs Yoga: What Are The Differences Between These Holistic Healing Practices?

Reiki vs Yoga: When it comes to holistic healing practices, Reiki and Yoga are two of the leading wellness principles that are followed by thousands worldwide. While both may seem to be sthe ame, including restoring balance, reducing stress and improving overall well-being, there are major differences between them in terms of origins and goals. Both of the forms of wellness are rooted in centuries-old traditions and focus on aligning the mind, body and spirit. The healing principles of both Yoga and Reiki are based on the chakra theory and system. They mainly focus on promoting inner peace and healing, but they have major differences between them. Understanding these differences can help individuals choose the right path based on their personal wellness needs.

Reiki and Yoga are not the same thing. Reiki is a Japanese energy healing technique that involves the transfer of universal life force energy through the hands of a practitioner to support emotional and physical healing. Yoga, on the other han,d is a physical and spiritual discipline originating from ancient India,which combines movement, breath control and meditation to strengthen the body and calm the mind. Here’s everything you need to know about Reiki and Yoga.

Reiki vs Yoga: Origin

Reiki originated in the early 20th century Japan by Mikao Usui. Re means universal, Ki refers to energy, thus, Reiki means Universal energy. It is only through this energy, which is transferred by placing the palms over the subjec,t that healing is sent or received. In contrast, Yoga is almost 5000 years old, having originated from Hindu and Vedic philosophy and involves a mixture of various movements and meditation to be practised.

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Reiki vs Yoga: Practices

Reiki, as the name suggests, is all about energy healing. It is performed when a person is lying down or sitting. Yoga, on the other hand, is a collection of physical postures, breath work and meditation. It can be practised standing, sitting and lying down through the formation of different asanas. While Reiki uses only the hands, in the case of Yoga, the mind, consciousness, along with breathing techniques and hands and legs are used.

Reiki Healing Benefits (Image Credits: Canva)

Reiki vs Yoga: Benefits

Reiki helps to relieve stress and balance the energy chakras in the body. It has all the benefits of any other kind of meditation. Yoga helps to calm the mind, stay fit, lose weight, increase concentration and more.

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Reiki vs Yoga: Learnings

For practising Reiki, it is important to take a degree in the wellness principle through a Reiki master, but Yoga can be self-guided or undertaken individually or group-led by an instructor.