Reiki

Last updated

What we'll be looking for here, within John's auric field, is any areas of intense heat, unusual coldness, a repelling energy, a dense energy, a magnetizing energy, tingling sensations, or actually the body attracting the hands into that area where it needs the reiki energy, and balancing of John's qi. [11]

Technique

A session usually lasts for approximately an hour. "Level 1" practitioner places their hand on or near various parts of the body for several minutes. During this time a vital energy is meant to flow. [5] "Level 2" Practitioners alternatively may offer their services at a distance. [5]

Research and critical evaluation

Reiki is used as an illustrative example of pseudoscience in scholarly texts and academic journal articles. [1] [12] [13] [14] David Gorski writes that reiki vies with homeopathy to be the "one quackery that rules them all" because of its "sheer ridiculousness and disconnect from reality". [2]

In criticizing the State University of New York for offering a continuing education course on reiki, one source stated, "reiki postulates the existence of a universal energy unknown to science and thus far undetectable surrounding the human body, which practitioners can learn to manipulate using their hands," [15] and others said, "In spite of its [reiki's] diffusion, the baseline mechanism of action has not been demonstrated ..." [16] and, "Neither the forces involved nor the alleged therapeutic benefits have been demonstrated by scientific testing." [17]

Several authors have pointed to the vitalistic energy which reiki is claimed to treat, [18] [19] [20] with one saying, "Ironically, the only thing that distinguishes reiki from therapeutic touch is that it [reiki] involves actual touch," [20] and others stating that the International Center for Reiki Training "mimic[s] the institutional aspects of science" seeking legitimacy but holds no more promise than an alchemy society. [21]

A guideline published by the American Academy of Neurology, the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine, and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation states, "Reiki therapy should probably not be considered for the treatment of PDN [painful diabetic neuropathy]." [7] Canadian sociologist Susan J. Palmer has listed reiki as among the pseudoscientific healing methods used by cults in France to attract members. [22]

Evidence quality

A 2008 systematic review of nine randomized clinical trials found several shortcomings in the literature on reiki. [23] Depending on the tools used to measure depression and anxiety, the results varied and were not reliable or valid. Furthermore, the scientific community has been unable to replicate the findings of studies that support reiki. The review also found issues in reporting methodology in some of the literature, in that often there were parts omitted completely or not clearly described. [23] Frequently in these studies, sample sizes were not calculated and adequate allocation and double-blind procedures were not followed. The review also reported that such studies exaggerated the effectiveness of treatment and there was no control for differences in experience of reiki practitioners or even the same practitioner at times produced different outcomes. None of the studies in the review provided a rationale for the treatment duration and no study reported adverse effects. [23]

Safety

Safety concerns for reiki sessions are very low and are akin to those of many complementary and alternative medicine practices. Some physicians and health care providers, however, believe that patients may unadvisedly substitute proven treatments for life-threatening conditions with unproven alternative modalities including reiki, thus endangering their health. [24] [25]

In a December 2014 article from the USCCB's Committee on Divine Worship on exorcism and its use in the Church, reiki is listed as a practice "that may have [negatively] impacted the current state of the afflicted person". [26]

Training, certification and adoption

A Reiki practitioner who offers teaching is known as a "Reiki master". [5]

There is no central authority controlling use of the words reiki or reiki master. [27] Certificates can be purchased online for under $100. [28] It is "not uncommon" for a course to offer attainment of reiki master in two weekends. [29] There is no regulation of practitioners or reiki master in the United States. [30]

The Washington Post reported in 2014 that in response to customer demand at least 60 hospitals in the United States offered reiki, at a cost of between $40 and $300 per session. [31] Cancer Research UK reported in 2019 that some cancer centers and hospices in the UK offer free or low-cost reiki for people with cancer. [6] The cost per session for treatment vary widely, but a CNBC report found a practitioner charging $229 per session of 60–90 minutes. [32]

History

Reiki
Chinese name
Traditional Chinese 靈氣
Simplified Chinese 灵气

According to the inscription on his memorial stone, Mikao Usui taught his system of reiki to more than 2,000 people during his lifetime. While teaching reiki in Fukuyama, Usui suffered a stroke and died on 9 March 1926. [33] [ better source needed ]

The first reiki clinic in the United States was started in 1970 by Hawayo Takata, a student of Chujiro Hayashi (who was a disciple of Mikao Usui). [34]

Catholic Church concerns

In March 2009, the Committee on Doctrine of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued the document Guidelines for Evaluating Reiki as an Alternative Therapy, in which they declared that the practice of reiki was based on superstition, being neither truly faith healing nor science-based medicine. [35] They stated that reiki was incompatible with Christian spirituality since it involved belief in a human power over healing rather than prayer to God, [36] and that, viewed as a natural means of healing, it lacked scientific credibility. [37] The 2009 guideline concluded that "since reiki therapy is not compatible with either Christian teaching or scientific evidence, it would be inappropriate for Catholic institutions, such as Catholic health care facilities and retreat centers, or persons representing the Church, such as Catholic chaplains, to promote or to provide support for reiki therapy." [35] Since this announcement, some Catholic lay people have continued to practice reiki, but it has been removed from many Catholic hospitals and other institutions. [38]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Acupuncture</span> Pseudoscientific needling treatment

Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine and a component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in which thin needles are inserted into the body. Acupuncture is a pseudoscience; the theories and practices of TCM are not based on scientific knowledge, and it has been characterized as quackery.

Alternative medicine is any practice that aims to achieve the healing effects of medicine despite lacking biological plausibility, testability, repeatability or evidence of effectiveness. Unlike modern medicine, which employs the scientific method to test plausible therapies by way of responsible and ethical clinical trials, producing repeatable evidence of either effect or of no effect, alternative therapies reside outside of medical science and do not originate from using the scientific method, but instead rely on testimonials, anecdotes, religion, tradition, superstition, belief in supernatural "energies", pseudoscience, errors in reasoning, propaganda, fraud, or other unscientific sources. Frequently used terms for relevant practices are New Age medicine, pseudo-medicine, unorthodox medicine, holistic medicine, fringe medicine, and unconventional medicine, with little distinction from quackery.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chiropractic</span> Form of pseudoscientific alternative medicine

Chiropractic is a form of alternative medicine concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially of the spine. It has esoteric origins and is based on several pseudoscientific ideas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Naturopathy</span> Form of alternative medicine

Naturopathy, or naturopathic medicine, is a form of alternative medicine. A wide array of practices branded as "natural", "non-invasive", or promoting "self-healing" are employed by its practitioners, who are known as naturopaths. Difficult to generalize, these treatments range from the pseudoscientific and thoroughly discredited, like homeopathy, to the widely accepted, like certain forms of psychotherapy. The ideology and methods of naturopathy are based on vitalism and folk medicine rather than evidence-based medicine, although practitioners may use techniques supported by evidence. The ethics of naturopathy have been called into question by medical professionals and its practice has been characterized as quackery.

Magnetic therapy is a pseudoscientific alternative medicine practice involving the weak static magnetic field produced by a permanent magnet which is placed on the body. It is similar to the alternative medicine practice of electromagnetic therapy, which uses a magnetic field generated by an electrically powered device. Magnet therapy products may include wristbands, jewelry, blankets, and wraps that have magnets incorporated into them.

Rolfing is a form of alternative medicine originally developed by Ida Rolf (1896–1979) as Structural Integration. Rolfing is marketed with unproven claims of various health benefits. It is based on Rolf's ideas about how the human body's "energy field" can benefit when aligned with the Earth's gravitational field.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reflexology</span> Alternative medical practice involving pressure to parts of the body

Reflexology, also known as zone therapy, is an alternative medical practice involving the application of pressure to specific points on the feet, ears, and hands. This is done using thumb, finger, and hand massage techniques without the use of oil or lotion. It is based on a pseudoscientific system of zones and reflex areas that purportedly reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands, with the premise that such work on the feet and hands causes a physical change to the supposedly related areas of the body.

Therapeutic touch (TT), or non-contact therapeutic touch (NCTT), is a pseudoscientific energy therapy which practitioners claim promotes healing and reduces pain and anxiety. "Therapeutic Touch" is a registered trademark in Canada for the "[s]tructured and standardized healing practice performed by practitioners trained to be sensitive to the receiver's energy field that surrounds the body;...no touching is required."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Craniosacral therapy</span> Pseudoscientific alternative medicine technique

Craniosacral therapy (CST) or cranial osteopathy is a form of alternative medicine that uses gentle touch to feel non-existent rhythmic movements of the skull's bones and supposedly adjust the immovable joints of the skull to achieve a therapeutic result. CST is a pseudoscience and its practice has been characterized as quackery. It is based on fundamental misconceptions about the anatomy and physiology of the human skull and is promoted as a cure-all for a variety of health conditions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cupping therapy</span> Pseudoscience whereby suction is applied to the skin

Cupping therapy is a form of pseudoscience in which a local suction is created on the skin with the application of heated cups. As alternative medicine it is practiced primarily in Asia but also in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. Cupping has been characterized as a pseudoscience and its practice as quackery.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alternative cancer treatments</span> Alternative or complementary treatments for cancer that have not demonstrated efficacy

Alternative cancer treatment describes any cancer treatment or practice that is not part of the conventional standard of cancer care. These include special diets and exercises, chemicals, herbs, devices, and manual procedures. Most alternative cancer treatments do not have high-quality evidence supporting their use and many have been described as fundamentally pseudoscientific. Concerns have been raised about the safety of some purported treatments and some have been found unsafe in clinical trials. Despite this, many untested and disproven treatments are used around the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Energy medicine</span> Pseudo-scientific alternative medicine

Energy medicine is a branch of alternative medicine based on a pseudo-scientific belief that healers can channel "healing energy" into a patient and effect positive results. The field is defined by shared beliefs and practices relating to mysticism and esotericism in the wider alternative medicine sphere rather than any sort of unified terminology, leading to terms such as energy healing or vibrational medicine being used as synonymous or alternative names. In most cases there is no empirically measurable energy involved: the term refers instead to so-called subtle energy. Practitioners may classify the practice as hands-on, hands-off, and distant where the patient and healer are in different locations. Many schools of energy healing exist using many names: for example, biofield energy healing, spiritual healing, contact healing, distant healing, therapeutic touch, Reiki or Qigong.

Oil pulling is an alternative medical practice in which an edible oil is swished around the mouth for a period of time and then spat out, similar to mouthwash. It originates from Ayurvedic medicine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Radionics</span> Form of alternative medicine

Radionics—also called electromagnetic therapy (EMT) and the Abrams Method—is a form of alternative medicine that claims that disease can be diagnosed and treated by applying electromagnetic radiation (EMR), such as radio waves, to the body from an electrically powered device. It is similar to magnet therapy, which also applies EMR to the body but uses a magnet that generates a static electromagnetic field.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Qigong</span> Chinese system of coordinated posture and movement, breathing, and meditation

Qigong, is a system of coordinated body-posture and movement, breathing, and meditation said to be useful for the purposes of health, spirituality, and martial arts training. With roots in Chinese medicine, philosophy, and martial arts, qigong is traditionally viewed by the Chinese and throughout Asia as a practice to cultivate and balance the mythical life-force qi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aromatherapy</span> Pseudoscientific alternative medicine practice

Aromatherapy is a practice based on the use of aromatic materials, including essential oils and other aroma compounds, with claims for improving psychological well-being. It is offered as a complementary therapy or as a form of alternative medicine. Fragrances used in aromatherapy are not approved as prescription drugs in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reiki share</span> Alternative medicine group practice

Reiki share, also known as Reiki circle or exchange, is a gathering of Reiki believers who participate in group Reiki treatments on each other. The main purpose of the Reiki share is to give and receive Reiki in a casual atmosphere of friendship, honor, positive energy and devotion. Reiki shares usually last a few hours or they can be all-day events. The gatherings are often free or the host may ask for a small donation.

Alternative medicine describes any practice which aims to achieve the healing effects of medicine, but which lacks biological plausibility and is untested or untestable. Complementary medicine (CM), complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), integrated medicine or integrative medicine (IM), and holistic medicine are among many rebrandings of the same phenomenon.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Semple, D.; Smyth, R. (2013). "Ch. 1: Psychomythology". Oxford Handbook of Psychiatry (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press. p.  20. ISBN   9780199693887.
  2. 1 2 Gorski DH (9 March 2020). "No, editors of The Atlantic, reiki does not work". Science-Based Medicine.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Lee, MS; Pittler, MH; Ernst, E (2008). "Effects of reiki in clinical practice: A systematic review of randomised clinical trials". International Journal of Clinical Practice (Systematic Review). 62 (6): 947–54. doi: 10.1111/j.1742-1241.2008.01729.x . PMID   18410352. S2CID   25832830. Most trials suffered from methodological flaws such as small sample size, inadequate study design and poor reporting....In conclusion, the evidence is insufficient to suggest that reiki is an effective treatment for any condition. Therefore the value of reiki remains unproven.
  4. ↑ Bellamy, Jann (12 June 2014). "Reiki: Fraudulent Misrepresentation". Science-Based Medicine. Archived from the original on 21 March 2021. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 Russell J; Rovere A, eds. (2009). "Reiki" . American Cancer Society Complete Guide to Complementary and Alternative Cancer Therapies (2nd ed.). American Cancer Society. pp.  243–45. ISBN   9780944235713.
  6. 1 2 3 4 "Reiki | Complementary and alternative therapy | Cancer Research UK". about-cancer.cancerresearchuk.org. Archived from the original on 10 May 2021. Retrieved 12 February 2020.
  7. 1 2 Bril, V; England, J; Franklin, GM; Backonja, M; et al. (2011). "Evidence-based guideline: Treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy: Report of the American Academy of Neurology, the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation" (PDF). Neurology . 76 (20): 1758–65. doi:10.1212/WNL.0b013e3182166ebe. PMC   3100130 . PMID   21482920. Archived (PDF) from the original on 12 July 2017. Retrieved 15 May 2015.
  8. ↑ Joyce, Janine; Herbison, G Peter (3 April 2015). "Reiki for depression and anxiety". Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (4): CD006833. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006833.pub2. eISSN   1465-1858. PMID   25835541.
  9. ↑ "Reiki". Oxford English Dictionary (OED). 2003.
  10. ↑ Jarvis, William T. "Reiki". National Council Against Health Fraud. Archived from the original on 23 August 2009. Retrieved 31 March 2011.
  11. ↑ Dunning, Brian. "Skeptoid #411: Your Body's Alleged Energy Fields". Skeptoid . Retrieved 3 September 2016.
  12. ↑ Donlan, Joseph E. (2009). Ordaining Reality in Brief: The Shortcut to Your Future. Universal Publishers. pp.  63–. ISBN   9781599428925.
  13. ↑ Lobato, E; Mendoza, J; Sims, V; Chin, M (2014). "Examining the relationship between conspiracy theories, paranormal beliefs, and pseudoscience acceptance among a university population". Applied Cognitive Psychology. 28 (5): 617–25. doi:10.1002/acp.3042.
  14. ↑ Gorski, DH; Novella, SP (2014). "Clinical trials of integrative medicine: Testing whether magic works?". Trends in Molecular Medicine . 20 (9): 473–76. doi:10.1016/j.molmed.2014.06.007. PMID   25150944.
  15. ↑ Lilienfeld, Scott O.; Lynn, Steven Jay; Lohr, Jeffrey M. (2014). Science and Pseudoscience in Clinical Psychology. Guilford Press. pp.  202–. ISBN   9781462517893.
  16. ↑ Ferraresi, M; Clari, R; Moro, I; Banino, E; et al. (2013). "Reiki and related therapies in the dialysis ward: An evidence-based and ethical discussion to debate if these complementary and alternative medicines are welcomed or banned". BMC Nephrology . 14 (1): 129–. doi: 10.1186/1471-2369-14-129 . PMC   3694469 . PMID   23799960.
  17. ↑ Reiboldt, Wendy (2013). Consumer Survival: An Encyclopedia of Consumer Rights, Safety, and Protection. ABC-CLIO. p.  765. ISBN   9781598849370.
  18. ↑ Canter, Peter H. (2013). "Vitalism and Other Pseudoscience in Alternative Medicine: The Retreat from Science". In Ernst, Edzard (ed.). Healing, Hype or Harm?: A Critical Analysis of Complementary or Alternative Medicine. Andrews UK Limited. pp.  116–. ISBN   9781845407117.
  19. ↑ Smith, Jonathan C. (2011). Pseudoscience and Extraordinary Claims of the Paranormal: A Critical Thinker's Toolkit. John Wiley & Sons. pp.  251–. ISBN   9781444358940.
  20. 1 2 Sarner, Larry (2002). "Therapeutic Touch". In Shermer, Michael (ed.). The Skeptic Encyclopedia of Pseudoscience. ABC-CLIO. pp.  252–. ISBN   9781576076538.
  21. ↑ Pigliucci, Massimo; Boudry, Maarten (2013). Philosophy of Pseudoscience: Reconsidering the Demarcation Problem. University of Chicago Press. pp.  178–. ISBN   9780226051826.
  22. ↑ Palmer, Susan (2011). The New Heretics of France: Minority Religions, la Republique, and the Government-Sponsored "War on Sects". Oxford University Press. pp.  129–. ISBN   9780199875993.
  23. 1 2 3 Lee, M.; Pittler, M.; Ernst, E. (2008). "Effects of reiki in clinical practice: A systematic review of randomised clinical trials". International Journal of Clinical Practice. 62 (6): 947–54. doi: 10.1111/j.1742-1241.2008.01729.x . PMID   18410352. S2CID   25832830.
  24. ↑ "Reiki: Holistic Therapy Treatment Information". Disabled world.com. January 2014. Retrieved 19 September 2015.
  25. ↑ Ventola, C. L. (2010). "Current Issues Regarding Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in the United States". P & T: A Peer-Reviewed Journal for Formulary Management. 35 (9): 514–522. PMC   2957745 . PMID   20975811.
  26. ↑ USCCB Committee on Divine Worship and the Secretariat of Divine Worship (December 2014). "29 Questions on Exorcism and Its Use in the Church, Part Two". Committee on Divine Worship Newsletter. No. Volume L. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
  27. ↑ Elaine Stillerman (2014), Modalities for Massage and Bodywork, Elsevier Health Sciences, p. 295, ISBN   9780323260794, Currently there is no standard for certification in Reiki throughout the world.
  28. ↑ Diane Stein (2011), Essential Reiki Teaching Manual: A Companion Guide for Reiki Healers, Potter/TenSpeed/Harmony, pp. 7–8, ISBN   9780307783806
  29. ↑ Penelope Quest; Kathy Roberts (2012), "Reiki Training Levels", Reiki Collection, Penguin, ISBN   9781101576205
  30. ↑ Nina L. Paul (2011), "Reiki classes and certification", Reiki for Dummies, John Wiley & Sons, ISBN   9781118054741
  31. ↑ Sacks B (16 May 2014). "Reiki goes mainstream: Spiritual touch practice now commonplace in hospitals". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 6 January 2019. Retrieved 6 December 2018.
  32. ↑ Here’s the budget breakdown of a 37-year-old ex-CIA analyst turned energy healer who makes $108,000 a year Archived 2021-04-19 at the Wayback Machine , CNBC , Emmie Martin, 19 February 2019. Retrieved 19 April 2021.
  33. ↑ Inscription on Usui's memorial
  34. ↑ Joyce, Janine (3 April 2015). "Reiki for depression and anxiety". Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (4): CD006833. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006833.pub2. PMID   25835541. Archived from the original on 9 February 2022. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
  35. 1 2 Committee on Doctrine United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (25 March 2010). "Guidelines for Evaluating Reiki as an Alternative Therapy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 31 March 2015.
  36. ↑ Kosloski, Phillip (23 October 2018). "The spiritual dangers behind Reiki healing services". Aletia. Média-Participations Group and WordPress. Foundation for Evangelization through the Media. Archived from the original on 26 February 2020. Retrieved 26 February 2020.
  37. ↑ Fernandes, Earl. "WHAT DOES THE CHURCH TEACH ABOUT REIKI?". The Catholic Telegraph. Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Archived from the original on 15 November 2019. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
  38. ↑ Lawton, Kim (12 February 2010). "Reiki and the Catholic Church". PBS. Archived from the original on 1 July 2015. Retrieved 28 June 2015.

Further reading

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.