Access Bars Practitioner vs. Reiki Practitioner: What’s the Difference?

 As the interest in holistic and energy healing therapies continues to grow worldwide, two modalities are often compared by wellness seekers and aspiring healers: Access Bars and Reiki. Both are energy-based techniques that claim to balance the mind and body, but they differ in approach, philosophy, and practice.

If you’re considering becoming an Access Bars Practitioner or a Reiki Practitioner—or simply curious about how they compare—this guide will provide clarity on their differences, benefits, and which one may be right for you.

What is an Access Bars Practitioner?

An Access Bars Practitioner is a certified individual trained in a unique technique involving gentle touch on 32 points on the head. These points, known as "Bars," store the electromagnetic component of thoughts, emotions, and beliefs from a lifetime of experiences.

The purpose of an Access Bars session is to:

• Release mental clutter and limiting beliefs

• Reduce stress and anxiety

• Promote clarity, relaxation, and emotional balance

• Encourage ease and flow in daily life

During a session, the practitioner lightly touches specific points on the client’s head, facilitating the release of stored energy patterns that may be holding them back.

Key Features of Access Bars:

• Physical touch is limited to the head only.

• Sessions usually last 60–90 minutes.

• It can be learned and practiced after a one-day certified course.

• Often used by life coaches, wellness therapists, and healers to complement other techniques.

What is a Reiki Practitioner?

A Reiki Practitioner is trained in the ancient Japanese healing art of channeling universal life force energy (known as "Ki" or "Chi") to support physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.

In a Reiki session:

• The practitioner gently places their hands on or slightly above different parts of the client's body.

• The goal is to clear energy blockages and balance the body’s chakras and energy flow.

• Reiki is non-invasive and does not involve manipulating the body or energy directly.

Key Features of Reiki:

• Involves hand placements on or above various body parts, not limited to the head.

• Sessions typically last 45–60 minutes.

• Requires multiple levels of attunement and training (Level 1, 2, and Master).

• Rooted in spiritual practice, often combined with meditation and intention setting.

Access Bars Practitioner vs. Reiki Practitioner: Main Differences

Let’s explore the core distinctions between these two practices:

1. Origin and Philosophy

• Access Bars Practitioner: Part of the Access Consciousness® system founded by Gary Douglas. Focuses on clearing mental, emotional, and energetic limitations through touch points on the head.

• Reiki Practitioner: Originates from Japan, founded by Mikao Usui. A spiritual practice that channels universal life force energy to promote overall healing.

2. Technique and Application

• Access Bars Practitioner: Uses precise finger placement on 32 points of the head. The technique involves no movement or intention other than the release of stored energy.

• Reiki Practitioner: Involves hand positions on various parts of the body. The practitioner acts as a channel to transfer healing energy to where the body needs it most.

3. Training Duration

• Access Bars Practitioner: Requires only a one-day training course to become certified and start offering sessions.

• Reiki Practitioner: Usually involves several levels of training, which can take weeks or months to complete, especially for those who pursue the Master level.

4. Focus of Healing

• Access Bars Practitioner: Primarily focuses on clearing mental blocks, beliefs, and thought patterns that limit potential.

• Reiki Practitioner: Aims to balance the body’s energy flow, cleanse chakras, and support physical and emotional healing.

5. Touch vs. Non-Touch

• Access Bars Practitioner: Gentle touch only on the head points.

• Reiki Practitioner: May involve light touch or hands hovering over the body, depending on the practitioner’s style.

6. Spirituality Involvement

• Access Bars Practitioner: Less spiritual, more focused on consciousness and clearing mental energy.

• Reiki Practitioner: Deeply spiritual, rooted in Japanese spiritual traditions, often accompanied by symbols, mantras, and meditation.

Pros and Cons of Each Modality

Access Bars Practitioner

Pros:

• Quick certification (1 day)

• Easy to learn and practice

• Effective for stress relief and mental clarity

• Can be integrated with other therapies

Cons:

• Focused only on head points

• Less emphasis on physical or spiritual body energy flow

Reiki Practitioner

Pros:

• Holistic healing (mind, body, spirit)

• Deeply spiritual and meditative

• Can address physical, mental, and emotional issues

• Widely recognized worldwide

Cons:

• Requires more time and training

• May require spiritual or meditative practice integration

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between becoming an Access Bars Practitioner or a Reiki Practitioner depends on your goals:

• If you want a fast, practical tool to help clients release mental clutter, stress, and limiting beliefs—with minimal spiritual components—Access Bars Practitioner training is ideal.

• If you’re drawn to a spiritual path that integrates body, mind, and spirit—and you enjoy meditation and energy work—Reiki might resonate more with you.

Both practices offer powerful ways to support personal and client well-being and can even complement each other in a holistic therapy practice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the main benefit of becoming an Access Bars Practitioner?

As an Access Bars Practitioner, you gain the ability to help clients release stress, limiting beliefs, and mental clutter quickly and effectively. It’s an easy-to-learn, hands-on tool for creating change.

Can I become both an Access Bars Practitioner and a Reiki Practitioner?

Yes, many healers choose to get certified in both to offer a broader range of services to their clients.

Do Access Bars Practitioners need spiritual training?

No. Access Bars is not rooted in spirituality. It focuses on clearing mental energy and limiting patterns rather than spiritual attunement.

Which technique is better for anxiety relief?

Both techniques are effective, but Access Bars may bring faster mental clarity, while Reiki provides overall energy balancing that includes emotional, mental, and physical support.

How long does it take to become an Access Bars Practitioner?

Typically, you can become a certified Access Bars Practitioner after completing a one-day training course.

Conclusion

While both Access Bars and Reiki are powerful energy healing techniques, they serve different purposes and resonate with different people.

If you seek a simple, quick-to-learn method to help clients shift thoughts and release stress, becoming an Access Bars Practitioner may be perfect for you. If your calling involves a more spiritual, holistic energy practice, Reiki offers a deeper journey into mind-body-spirit healing.

Whichever path you choose—or if you blend both—you’ll be offering valuable support to those seeking balance, relaxation, and transformation in their lives.