Reiki- Energy Healing

Reiki is known as “energy healing”. This practice evolved from Japan during the early 20^th century by Mikao Usui, a spiritual teacher. It was introduced and popularized in Western cultures in the 1930s. The term “reiki” is composed of 2 words, rei (universal) and ki (life energy).

It is believed that the body is surrounded by an energy field that cannot be measured by modern scientific tools. This energy field is said to support life; and the practice of reiki facilitates healing by “balancing” and “strengthening” the energy. It is claimed to cure every illness and injury, such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, broken bones, headache, colds, flu, insomnia, cuts, skin problems, poor memory, impotence, lack of confidence, etc. 

During a reiki session, the patient lies down or sits fully clothed while the practitioner places their hands, palms down, lightly or above the patient’s body. The patient is supposed to feel the flow of energy coming from the practitioner, felt as sensations of heat or tingling in the hands. The session typically consists of 4 sessions of 30 to 90 minutes. Additionally, reiki can be administered to patients from a distance. “Spirit guides” aid practitioners in producing energy and guiding it to the patient. 

Reiki requires no proper training. One must receive an “initiation” from a Reiki Master, which can be accomplished in 1 or 2 days. However, training can take up to years to become a Master.

Studies have proven reiki to be completely fake. The most comprehensive examination of reiki research was made by Edzard Ernst, M.D., Ph.D. and his colleagues at the University of Exeter. They wrote the Effects of Reiki in Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trails, which pointed out the flaws of reiki studies, such as poor design, improper reporting and inadequate sample sizes. They concluded that “the evidence is insufficient to suggest that reiki is an effective treatment for any condition.”

Additionally, six other studies have been funded by NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) to study the effectiveness of reiki, and all concluded that it is not a credible as an effective therapy.

My point of view:

I do not believe that reiki is real. It lacks scientific credibility and has not been accepted by the scientific and medical communities as an effective therapy. Additionally, it sounds like a complete sham for a way for the creator to make money. Afterall, how can hovering hands possibly heal cancer or broken bones?

Sources:

http://www.reiki.org/faq/whatisreiki.html

http://wordscribe43.hubpages.com/hub/What-is-Reiki-Does-Reiki-Treatment-Work-What-the-Scientific-Studies-Reveal

http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/reiki.html