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2017-07-09 06:10:58 UTC
Reiki [Fact √]
MNT - Hourly Medical News Since 2003
Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine
Reiki: What Is It And Does It Work?Written by Tim NewmanPublished: Fri 8 Apr 2016
Reiki is a form of alternative therapy commonly referred to as "energy healing." It originated in Japan in the 1920s and involves the transfer of "universal energy" from the practitioner's palms to their patient.
A certain degree of controversy surrounds Reiki, and its effectiveness has been called into doubt.
Despite these concerns, Reiki is rising in popularity; a Google search for the term returns no less than 27,400,000 results.
An estimated 4 million people across the world have had some form of Reiki training and at least 800 American hospitals offer Reiki services to patients.1,2
In this article, we will learn what Reiki entails, when it is used and review any relevant scientific evidence.
Fast facts on Reiki
Here are some key points about Reiki. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.
Reiki was invented in Japan in the 1920s by Mikao Usui
Reiki is a form of energy therapy
Many conditions and emotional states have been treated with Reiki
The practice reached the US in the 1940s and is still growing in popularity
The theory of Reiki revolves around manipulating "universal energy" or qi
Reiki sessions vary in length from 15 to 90 minutes
To date, there is no substantial evidence that Reiki is effective in treating any diseases
Some small studies have shown that Reiki can reduce pain by a small amount
A growing number of hospitals in America and Europe offer Reiki to patients.
What is Reiki?
The word "Reiki" means "mysterious atmosphere, miraculous sign" and comes from the Japanese words "rei" (universal) and "ki" (life energy). The practice was initially developed in 1922 by a Japanese Buddhist called Mikao Usui.
[Woman having Reiki on her head]
Millions of people worldwide have had some form of Reiki training, and a growing number of hospitals are offering it as a form of complementary treatment.
According to Usui's memorial stone inscription, he taught 2,000 people the Reiki method during his lifetime.
From Asia, the practice spread to America through Hawaii in the 1940s and then to Europe in the 1980s.
Reiki uses a technique commonly referred to as palm healing or hands-on healing.
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According to practitioners, the healing effects are mediated by channeling the universal energy known as qi (pronounced "chi"). This energy permeates our bodies but is not measurable by modern scientific techniques.
It is alleged to aid relaxation, assist in the body's natural healing processes and develop emotional, mental and spiritual well-being.3
Conditions that Reiki has been used to help treat include:4
Cancer
Heart disease
Anxiety
Depression
Chronic pain
Infertility
Neurodegenerative disorders
Autism
Crohn's disease
Fatigue syndromes.
What happens in a Reiki session?
Because Reiki is not specific to a religion, anyone can train to be a practitioner; this has played a part in the rising popularity of Reiki.
Although a more peaceful setting is preferable, a Reiki session can be carried out anywhere. While some people choose to be treated in silence, others may choose to listen to relaxing music.
[Woman doing Reiki on a man]
Theoretically, a Reiki session can be conducted anywhere.
During the Reiki session, the patient will lie or sit in a comfortable chair (fully clothed) as the practitioner places their hands lightly on specific regions of the head, limbs and torso using different hand shapes.
Each hand position is held for 2-5 minutes, until the practitioner senses that the energy has stopped flowing.5
If the Reiki practitioner is working on a particular injury such as a burn, they may hold their hands just above the wound.
Session lengths can vary, from 15-20 minute sessions (particularly in hospital or hospice settings) to 90 minutes (especially with private practitioners).
More advanced Reiki practitioners can carry out their sessions from a distance; this is referred to as Reiki by distance.6
According to the University of Minnesota, the following are the types of statements that patients can make after a Reiki session:7
"I feel very refreshed and seem to be thinking more clearly."
"I think I fell asleep."
"I can't believe how hot your hands got!"
"I feel more relaxed than even after a massage."
"My headache is gone."
The reported experiences vary significantly between individuals; some report that the practitioner's hands become hot, others report cooling hands and some people feel pulsating waves. The most common emotions reported are a release of stress and deep relaxation.
Evidence for Reiki's healing power
Solid, well-run, studies into the effectiveness of Reiki are limited but, to date, none have shown that Reiki is any more effective than a placebo. A literature review, carried out in 2008, states:
"In conclusion, the evidence is insufficient to suggest that reiki is an effective treatment for any condition. Therefore, the value of reiki remains unproven."8
In 2015, Cochrane carried out a literature review on Reiki and the treatment of anxiety and depression. They concluded that "[t]here is insufficient evidence to say whether or not Reiki is useful for people over 16 years of age with anxiety or depression or both." The authors found that little research had been carried out, and what research had been done was of a low quality - studies often featured small sample sizes, were non-peer reviewed or lacked a control group.9
Despite the lack of current evidence for Reiki as a healing tool, some studies have reported small reductions in pain and feelings of stress; for this reason, some health care professionals tolerate Reiki in clinical settings.
Often, Reiki is offered by volunteers, so there is no cost to the institution and, of course, there are no side effects above and beyond those found in placebo trials.10
A bigger concern that many doctors have raised is that Reiki (or other complementary medicine) might be used instead of rigorously tested modern medicine. In this way, Reiki could indeed be dangerous.11
Overall, the evidence for the benefits of Reiki is currently lacking. Given time and substantial financing, however, Reiki may finally be given the in-depth research required to measure its efficacy once and for all.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/308772.php
MNT - Hourly Medical News Since 2003
Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine
Reiki: What Is It And Does It Work?Written by Tim NewmanPublished: Fri 8 Apr 2016
Reiki is a form of alternative therapy commonly referred to as "energy healing." It originated in Japan in the 1920s and involves the transfer of "universal energy" from the practitioner's palms to their patient.
A certain degree of controversy surrounds Reiki, and its effectiveness has been called into doubt.
Despite these concerns, Reiki is rising in popularity; a Google search for the term returns no less than 27,400,000 results.
An estimated 4 million people across the world have had some form of Reiki training and at least 800 American hospitals offer Reiki services to patients.1,2
In this article, we will learn what Reiki entails, when it is used and review any relevant scientific evidence.
Fast facts on Reiki
Here are some key points about Reiki. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.
Reiki was invented in Japan in the 1920s by Mikao Usui
Reiki is a form of energy therapy
Many conditions and emotional states have been treated with Reiki
The practice reached the US in the 1940s and is still growing in popularity
The theory of Reiki revolves around manipulating "universal energy" or qi
Reiki sessions vary in length from 15 to 90 minutes
To date, there is no substantial evidence that Reiki is effective in treating any diseases
Some small studies have shown that Reiki can reduce pain by a small amount
A growing number of hospitals in America and Europe offer Reiki to patients.
What is Reiki?
The word "Reiki" means "mysterious atmosphere, miraculous sign" and comes from the Japanese words "rei" (universal) and "ki" (life energy). The practice was initially developed in 1922 by a Japanese Buddhist called Mikao Usui.
[Woman having Reiki on her head]
Millions of people worldwide have had some form of Reiki training, and a growing number of hospitals are offering it as a form of complementary treatment.
According to Usui's memorial stone inscription, he taught 2,000 people the Reiki method during his lifetime.
From Asia, the practice spread to America through Hawaii in the 1940s and then to Europe in the 1980s.
Reiki uses a technique commonly referred to as palm healing or hands-on healing.
ADVERTISEMENT
Crohn's Disease Symptoms
Experiencing Crohn's Symptoms? Get Info on How to Manage Them. CrohnsTreatment.com/Crohns-Therapy
According to practitioners, the healing effects are mediated by channeling the universal energy known as qi (pronounced "chi"). This energy permeates our bodies but is not measurable by modern scientific techniques.
It is alleged to aid relaxation, assist in the body's natural healing processes and develop emotional, mental and spiritual well-being.3
Conditions that Reiki has been used to help treat include:4
Cancer
Heart disease
Anxiety
Depression
Chronic pain
Infertility
Neurodegenerative disorders
Autism
Crohn's disease
Fatigue syndromes.
What happens in a Reiki session?
Because Reiki is not specific to a religion, anyone can train to be a practitioner; this has played a part in the rising popularity of Reiki.
Although a more peaceful setting is preferable, a Reiki session can be carried out anywhere. While some people choose to be treated in silence, others may choose to listen to relaxing music.
[Woman doing Reiki on a man]
Theoretically, a Reiki session can be conducted anywhere.
During the Reiki session, the patient will lie or sit in a comfortable chair (fully clothed) as the practitioner places their hands lightly on specific regions of the head, limbs and torso using different hand shapes.
Each hand position is held for 2-5 minutes, until the practitioner senses that the energy has stopped flowing.5
If the Reiki practitioner is working on a particular injury such as a burn, they may hold their hands just above the wound.
Session lengths can vary, from 15-20 minute sessions (particularly in hospital or hospice settings) to 90 minutes (especially with private practitioners).
More advanced Reiki practitioners can carry out their sessions from a distance; this is referred to as Reiki by distance.6
According to the University of Minnesota, the following are the types of statements that patients can make after a Reiki session:7
"I feel very refreshed and seem to be thinking more clearly."
"I think I fell asleep."
"I can't believe how hot your hands got!"
"I feel more relaxed than even after a massage."
"My headache is gone."
The reported experiences vary significantly between individuals; some report that the practitioner's hands become hot, others report cooling hands and some people feel pulsating waves. The most common emotions reported are a release of stress and deep relaxation.
Evidence for Reiki's healing power
Solid, well-run, studies into the effectiveness of Reiki are limited but, to date, none have shown that Reiki is any more effective than a placebo. A literature review, carried out in 2008, states:
"In conclusion, the evidence is insufficient to suggest that reiki is an effective treatment for any condition. Therefore, the value of reiki remains unproven."8
In 2015, Cochrane carried out a literature review on Reiki and the treatment of anxiety and depression. They concluded that "[t]here is insufficient evidence to say whether or not Reiki is useful for people over 16 years of age with anxiety or depression or both." The authors found that little research had been carried out, and what research had been done was of a low quality - studies often featured small sample sizes, were non-peer reviewed or lacked a control group.9
Despite the lack of current evidence for Reiki as a healing tool, some studies have reported small reductions in pain and feelings of stress; for this reason, some health care professionals tolerate Reiki in clinical settings.
Often, Reiki is offered by volunteers, so there is no cost to the institution and, of course, there are no side effects above and beyond those found in placebo trials.10
A bigger concern that many doctors have raised is that Reiki (or other complementary medicine) might be used instead of rigorously tested modern medicine. In this way, Reiki could indeed be dangerous.11
Overall, the evidence for the benefits of Reiki is currently lacking. Given time and substantial financing, however, Reiki may finally be given the in-depth research required to measure its efficacy once and for all.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/308772.php