In some Imara Reiki material the name is presented as a mnemonic for "more Reiki". That is the tradition's own slogan rather than a translation: in Swahili, imara means firm, solid, strong or stable, not "more" (see the TUKI Swahili–English dictionary entry). Treat the name as branding and tradition language, not as a dictionary etymology.
"More Reiki = Imara Reiki."
This form of Reiki is described as a channelled system that came to Barton Wendel, with his brother Geoffrey; the two are credited in Imara materials with refining and developing it. This lineage account comes from the tradition's own materials rather than from independent historical records.
Imara teachers describe the energy as simple to use once you are attuned, especially compared with modalities such as Usui and Karuna. The tradition states that before you can be attuned to Imara Reiki you must already be a Reiki Master in one of the following systems. Prerequisites and availability vary between teachers, so confirm them with the person offering the attunement.
- Usui Reiki
- Usui/Tibetan Reiki
- Karuna
- Seichem
- Essential Reiki
Imara Reiki is described within its own tradition as working at a higher vibrational level than most common Reiki modalities, because of its focused intentions. "Higher vibration" is the tradition's language for a felt quality; it is not a measured physical property.
The energy has a slightly different feel and:
- Imara Reiki does NOT need symbols
- Imara Reiki uses a new & easy attunement process
- Some recipients describe a strong spiritual connection, sometimes with ascended beings or angels; this is a personal experience, not something everyone reports
- The tradition associates Imara Reiki with release and resolution of past-life experiences, understood as spiritual reflection rather than recovered historical memory
- Some people use Imara Reiki for relaxation and to feel supported while exploring difficult material. It is not trauma therapy or a memory-recovery method, and it should not be relied on to uncover or resolve repressed memories. Reiki is a complementary relaxation practice, not therapy or treatment for trauma or abuse; trauma and abuse are matters for qualified professional care.
- Many describe Imara Reiki as a support for reflecting on patterns that seem to live below conscious awareness and still shape daily life; the tradition presents this as spiritual reflection, not diagnosis
- Imara Reiki uses what its teachers describe as a simplified and intensified distance procedure; distant practice still requires the recipient's informed agreement
- Some givers and receivers report perceiving images or information during a session; this is a personal impression, not a reliable way to know facts about another person, and it should never take the place of their own account or of professional advice.
The study package described in this historical material consists of the Imara Reiki Master handbook, an in-person or distant attunement to the Master level, and a certificate. For current availability, prerequisites, price and attunement format, check directly with the teacher.
What the prerequisite means
Requiring Master level in another system is a significant gate. It means Imara is presented as an advanced study for people who already know how to hold a session, explain a lineage and work with consent. It also means a beginner cannot reasonably start here, even if the attunement itself is described as simple.
If you meet the prerequisite, ask which school's Master level the teacher will accept and whether they require evidence of training. A teacher who accepts any self-declared title without a conversation is not necessarily more open; they may simply be less careful about the lineage they are transmitting.
What an attunement might involve
The historical material describes a simplified attunement without symbols. That does not mean it is physically simpler or emotionally neutral. An attunement may still involve close proximity, hand positions, breath, visualization or spoken prayer, and each of those needs a separate agreement. Ask what will happen, where the teacher will stand, and whether a hands-off version is available.
A distant attunement raises additional questions: what time is agreed, whether anyone else is present, how the teacher will contact you, and what you should do if you feel unwell afterwards. A reputable teacher will answer these questions plainly and will not treat hesitation as a lack of spiritual commitment.
Evaluating the claims
Statements about "higher vibration", past-life release or receiving images during a session are spiritual claims, not measurable effects. They may be meaningful to a practitioner, but they should not be used to explain a health symptom, to suggest that someone needs more sessions, or to override a recipient's own account.
If you are drawn to Imara, compare it with other advanced systems on the things you can actually evaluate: the teacher's training, the clarity of the outline, the consent practices, the cost, and the support afterwards. The Reiki Angels archive provides context for the school that hosted this material, and the guide to choosing Master training covers the questions worth asking.
Related topic: Reiki Angels, Reiki Angels, Contacts, Courses, Distant healing.