Healing Touch and Reiki: How do they compare?

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 energy healing is.
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.

1. WHAT IS ENERGY HEALING?

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.

2. 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. And both involve trained practitioners using their hands either gently on the body or near it, to help move and balance your energy.

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, not to “cure or fix.” The goal is to create a healing environment where the body can do what it’s naturally designed to do.

They’re practiced around the world. You’ll find Healing Touch and Reiki being used in hospitals, medical clinics, wellness centers, private practices, and homes across the globe. They’re both recognized as complementary therapies, meaning they can be safely used alongside conventional medical treatments.

They promote deep relaxation and balance. Most people walk away from a Healing Touch or Reiki session feeling calm, grounded, and more at ease. Whether you’re dealing with physical pain, emotional challenges, fatigue, or a chronic illness, both modalities aim to bring the body, mind, emotions, and spirit into balance.

They’re open to everyone. You don’t need to be a doctor, nurse, or spiritual guru to practice Reiki or Healing Touch. If you feel drawn to energy healing and want to help yourself or others, both paths are accessible with no prior experience required.

3. WHERE THEY DIFFER: A SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON

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. It typically follows a sequence of hand placements, with the belief that the energy knows where to go. Many Reiki practitioners describe the process as intuitive and spiritually guided. Reiki training often involves three levels (Level I, Level II, Master Level) and includes attunements and sacred symbols, which are energetic initiations channeled through a Reiki Master. Because there are many different lineages and styles of Reiki, the training format, depth, and structure can vary extensively depending on the teacher.

Healing Touch was developed in the 1980s by Janet Mentgen, a highly intuitive nurse who wanted to bring energy healing into clinical healthcare. It is a heart-centered approach that is not affiliated with any religion or spiritual tradition and does not involve the use of symbols or attunements. Practitioners follow a standardized 10-step sequence, modeled after the nursing process, to guide each healing session. This comprehensive process includes client input, pre- and post-treatment assessment, a rationale for selected techniques, and formal documentation using a standard form. With over 30 energetic treatment techniques taught in the program, practitioners are equipped to address healing from a broad and holistic perspective.

One of the biggest differences is the level of structure and professional recognition. Reiki doesn’t have a standardized curriculum so class differ based on the teacher, and there is no universal standard of certification for Reiki teachers or practitioners.

Healing Touch has a standardized 5-level curriculum and a board-certified credential for instructors and practitioners. Healing Touch Program is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation and all classes provide continuing education contact hours.

Both modalities are open to anyone whether you’re a complete beginner or have other training in energy healing. You don’t need to be a nurse or have a medical background to learn Healing Touch or Reiki.

4. WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Now that you have a clearer picture of how Healing Touch and Reiki are similar and differ, the next question is: which one is the best fit for you? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are a few things to consider based on what you’re looking for.

If you’re drawn to a more intuitive and spiritually guided approach, Reiki may feel like the right starting point. Reiki is often more accessible, is quicker to learn, and less in-depth in terms of structured training. Most Reiki classes (Level 1, Level 2, Master Level) are taught over one or two days, with many students reaching the Master level in a short time. It offers a flexible, flowing way to begin working with energy and is ideal for those who want to explore healing in a more personal or spiritual context without a structured training commitment.

If you’re someone who values step-by-step learning, standardization, and professional training, Healing Touch would be a better fit. While the Level 1 class can also be completed in just two days (16 hours), it's the foundational starting point in a five-level sequence. Each level builds on the last, and students who want to go deeper or pursue a board-certified credential have a clear path to follow. Healing Touch offers a strong professional foundation for those who want structure, credibility, and long-term growth.

Here's a helpful way to think about it:

• Choose Reiki if you want an affordable, intuitive, and flexible introduction to energy healing that you can learn in just a weekend.
• Choose Healing Touch if you’re looking for a structured, in-depth training program that can grow with you personally and professionally over time.

And of course you don’t have to choose just one. Many people start with Reiki and then go on to study Healing Touch as their interest deepens. The most important thing is to begin with what feels aligned with where you are right now.

5. ANSWERS TO THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS WE GET

Do I need special abilities to do energy healing?

Not at all. You don’t have to be psychic, spiritual, or even particularly “in tune” to begin. Energy healing is a skill that anyone can learn. Both Healing Touch and Reiki teach you how to become more aware of energy and how to work with it. Trust that you’ll develop confidence and skill with practice.

 Will this conflict with my religious beliefs?

No. Both Healing Touch and Reiki are spiritual in nature but not religious. They don’t require you to believe in any specific doctrine. Healing Touch is completely non-denominational and is often preferred by those who want a more neutral approach. Reiki includes more spiritual language and symbols, which some people love, and others prefer to avoid. If this is a concern, Healing Touch may feel more aligned.

 Can I use this for my own healing, or is it just for helping others?

Yes, absolutely! You can use both Healing Touch and Reiki for self-care. In fact, many people start their training purely to support their own healing journey. You’ll learn techniques to balance your own energy, reduce stress, and support your body’s natural healing process.

 How long does it take to learn?

Reiki is typically taught in one or two days per level, and you can reach the Master level fairly quickly, depending on the teacher. Healing Touch also starts with a two-day Level 1 class that is always 16 hours. The full program is designed to be taken over time, with five progressive levels and an option for professional certification. If you’re looking for a quick intro, both can give you that but Healing Touch offers more depth and long-term structure if you choose to continue.

 How much does it cost?

Reiki training costs can vary widely depending on the teacher, location, and reputation of the instructor. Pricing is not typically based on class hours, and some well-known Reiki Masters may charge significantly more. In contrast, Healing Touch classes have a set tuition and number of hours. Healing Touch Level 1 is a 16-hour course with a tuition of $497. With Healing Touch, you receive a structured, professional-grade program that includes recognized credentials, an important consideration if you plan to use your training in a clinical or wellness setting.

6. YOUR FIRST STEP INTO ENERGY HEALING

Choosing between Healing Touch and Reiki isn’t about picking the “better” modality, it’s about finding what fits you. Whether you’re drawn to Reiki’s intuitive flow and spiritual roots, or Healing Touch’s structured, professional training, both paths offer powerful tools for personal growth and healing.

What matters most is that you feel comfortable taking that first step.

If you’re still unsure, consider starting with a short introduction class, attending a session with a practitioner, or downloading a comparison guide. Both Healing Touch and Reiki offer beginner-friendly entry points, and neither requires prior experience. You don’t need to have special gifts, you just need curiosity and a willingness to learn.

Energy healing isn’t just something for other people. It’s for you, too.

Whether your goal is to support your own healing, help your family, or work with clients professionally, now is the right time.

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

1. Download the 1-page Healing Touch / Reiki Comparison Chart
   Get a side-by-side summary on one page. Link: https://www.healingtouchprogram.com/Kajabi-Assets/HTvsReiki.pdf
2. Receive an Energy Healing Session - With energy healing, the best way to know what resonates is to experience it firsthand. Receive both a Healing Touch and a Reiki session and compare them. You can check the online Healing Touch Practitioner Directory to find a practitioner.
3. Attend a Presentation or Information Session
   Look for local or online opportunities to learn more about Healing Touch or Reiki.
4. Explore the Healing Touch Program Training and Certification Program
   Download the Healing Touch Program Course Catalog for more information on the program.
5. Talk to an Instructor or Teacher
   Still have questions? Reach out. Whether it’s a Healing Touch instructor or a Reiki teacher, most are happy to share their experience and help you figure out what’s right for you. You can check the Healing Touch Instructor Directory to find an instructor. 
6. Trust Yourself
   You don’t need to have it all figured out today. Just stay curious, stay open, and follow what feels aligned with who you are and where you want to grow.