I am asked frequently about various alternative therapies, some of which I know a lot about and some that I have never heard of. The other day I got a couple of emails asking me about Reiki and if it is worth trying for chronic and acute illness treatment. I do know quite a bit about Reiki as I do have known a few Reiki Masters over the years, although I must say, I did not know the true efficacy of it, as he research states.
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a spiritual practice created by a Japanese Buddhist in 1922, and it involves palms (or hand) healing as a form of complementary therapy. The Reiki practitioners use their energy, transferring it through their palms to the patient. This transference of energy allows for self-healing and a state of equilibrium. There is Traditional Japanese Reiki and Western Reiki, in which the main difference is hand placement; the Japanese technique relies on the practitioner sensing where the body needs energy versus the Western technique tends to use systemized hand placement. Either way, the energy is being transferred from the practitioner to the patient, and promote self-healing. There are three levels of practitioners: First, Second, and Master level.
Does Reiki actually heal?
I was pretty bummed to find no research that supports Reiki as a scientifically based healing method. The American Cancer Society actually making a statement stating that Reiki is no clinical or scientific proof to support Reiki as a healing or curing treatment. There is basically no scientific research to support it, and a review of all clinical research trials shows that there is insufficient evidence that Reiki is effective in curing or healing any illness BUT that is not to say that it isn’t helpful or useful.
What do I mean by that? Well, people who are sick that get Reiki treatments, report feeling better, and swear by the fact that their Reiki is what is helping them heal and make them feel better. I truly believe that healing is all about rest, relaxation, and doing positive things for yourself. So, this is a case where you will ask 10 different HCPs their thoughts on Reiki as a healing treatment, and you will most likely get 10 different answers, but I fully support a non-invasive treatment, where you are not ingesting anything that may interact with your current medication regimen, and makes you feel great. I see it as a win-win.
I have had Reiki and I felt amazing afterwards, and for a week or so afterwards, plus little aches and pains that I had went away completely. I always suggest talking to your own HCP for advice about changing your healthcare regimen, but I fully support the use of Reiki, even though the research isn’t out there yet!
Yours in Good Health
B
