Reiki therapy involved the use of energy to promote healing. It cannot been seen or even measured in terms of the energy itself and so it comes as no surprise that there are some skeptics that believe Reiki is fake. Such skepticism is no surprise, as it often accompanies alternative healing modalities. Despite this, there is an increasing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of Reiki and an increasing acceptance and offering of Reiki therapy within mainstream medical settings, challenging the notion that Reiki is merely pseudoscience or a placebo effect.
As an experienced Reiki Practitioner who has been practicing Reiki for many years, every day I see the positive power and impact that Reiki has, not only on myself, but on my clients, including objective measures of efficacy. However, when I first came to Reiki, I too was a skeptic and Reiki showed me time and time again, its impact on healing. So I love a good skeptic and I love this topic!
Let's explore why Reiki is not fake.
Understanding Reiki:
Reiki, a Japanese technique developed by Mikao Usui, centres around the concept of vital life-force energy ("Rei" and "Ki").
At the heart of Reiki's philosophy lies the concept of utilising that energy, echoing the principles of modern science. Contemporary physics acknowledges that everything in the universe, from stars to the human body, is composed of energy. At the quantum level, we know that particles move and interact forming the basis of our existence. Similarly, Reiki understands life force energy as the vital essence that flows through all living beings.
For centuries, energy has been utilised and harnessed for healing and well- being. In Reiki, through gentle touch on the clothed body of the recipient, Practitioners channel this energy to promote healing on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels.
Reiki is not affiliated with any religion, energy is energy, it it not man-made nor does it require any belief-system. Reiki is also an incredible complement to various medical treatments without conflict or contraindications. Best of all there are no safety concerns with Reiki, nor concerns of any harmful side effects.
Global Acceptance of Reiki: Integration into Mainstream Healthcare:
Perhaps the most compelling evidence against the notion of Reiki being fake lies in its growing acceptance and integration into mainstream healthcare facilities worldwide. Hospitals, hospices, and cancer support units are increasingly integrating into patient care protocols, alongside conventional medical treatments, including in heart surgeries. The growing acceptance and use of Reiki within mainstream healthcare settings speaks volumes about its efficacy and potential benefits.
Over 900 hospitals in Australia, the USA, UK, Ireland, Brazil, and Mexico offer Reiki to their patients in Children’s hospitals, Hospital Emergency Rooms, Pre-Op, Operating rooms, Post Op, Oncology, Cardiology, Orthopaedics, Internal Medicine, and Palliative Care.
OBJECTIVE EVIDENCE: Studies and Hospital Settings:
Numerous studies, including peer-reviewed research, have highlighted the efficacy of Reiki in various clinical settings. For instance, a study at Hartford Hospital in Connecticut, patients receiving Reiki needed less anesthesia, had less bleeding during surgery, and shorter hospital stays. Various studies conducted at world renowned hospitals such as the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins showed positive impacts such as stress reduction, pain management, and enhanced well-being, for patients receiving Reiki.
It was concluded that Reiki was better than placebo in activating the parasympathetic nervous system, as measured by reduced heart rate, reduced blood pressure, and increased heart rate variability in 'Reiki Is Better Than Placebo and Has Broad Potential as a Complementary Health Therapy' where the study authors reviewed 13 placebo-controlled studies of Reiki. They also concluded that for patients with chronic health conditions, Reiki was found to be more effective than placebo for reducing pain, anxiety, and depression, and for improving self-esteem and quality of life. According to the neurovisceral integration model and the polyvagal theory, these effects are due to higher parasympathetic nervous system activity, mediated via the vagus nerve.
You can read more here if you are interested in reading more about Reiki in clinical settings and research to date. Here is an overview:
Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Numerous studies have demonstrated Reiki's ability to induce a state of deep relaxation, mitigating stress and anxiety levels (some using objective parameters to measure stress).
Pain Management: Research suggests that Reiki can be an effective complementary therapy for pain management. From chronic conditions to postoperative recovery, Reiki has shown promise in alleviating pain and discomfort, enhancing the body's natural healing processes.
Enhanced Quality of Life: Patients undergoing Reiki treatments often report improvements in their overall quality of life. From increased energy levels to better sleep patterns, Reiki fosters a sense of vitality and well-being, empowering individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Support for Cancer Patients: In oncology settings, Reiki has emerged as a valuable adjunctive therapy for cancer patients. Studies indicate that Reiki can help alleviate treatment-related side effects, such as pain, nausea, constipation and fatigue, while promoting emotional resilience and coping mechanisms.
Accelerated Healing: By stimulating the body's innate healing mechanisms, Reiki may facilitate faster recovery from injuries, surgeries, and illnesses. By optimizing energy flow and promoting cellular regeneration, Reiki supports the body's natural ability to heal itself.
Psychological Benefits: Beyond physical health, Reiki offers profound psychological benefits. By addressing underlying emotional imbalances and promoting inner harmony, Reiki can help individuals overcome trauma, reduce depressive symptoms, and cultivate a more positive outlook on life.
Placebo Effects: Skeptics of Reiki often attribute its perceived benefits to placebo effects or the power of suggestion. While the placebo effect may indeed play a role in some cases, numerous studies have demonstrated Reiki's efficacy beyond placebo, suggesting that its effects may stem from more than just psychological factors.
Patient Testimonials:
Patient testimonials have also been gathered and collated by carious mainstream hospitals and hospices to monitor and track patient experiences of Reiki which further validate the effectiveness of Reiki. Many report significant improvements in pain, anxiety, and overall well-being after Reiki sessions. For instance, patients undergoing cancer treatment at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Perth have reported relief from pain, fatigue, and nausea. Some even said they would only choose a hospital that offered Reiki as part of patient care, which is an extraordinary testament to how they felt Reiki benefited them.
Safety Concerns:
One crucial aspect contributing to Reiki's credibility is its safety profile. Across numerous studies and real-world applications, no adverse effects of Reiki have been reported, not are there any reported contraindications. This makes Reiki and incredibly attractive complimentary healing modality that can be used to support patient care alongside mainstream or conventional modalities.
Anecdotal Evidence
While anecdotal evidence alone is not sufficient to establish the validity of a practice, the countless testimonials from individuals who have experienced the benefits of Reiki cannot be ignored. Many people report feeling deep relaxation, reduced pain, improved mood, and enhanced overall well-being after Reiki sessions. Some say Reiki helped them more than anything else they had tried and gave them renewed hope for a happier and healthier life, which is such a remarkable reflection of the offerings of Reiki. These personal accounts provide compelling evidence of Reiki's potential to positively impact individuals on a holistic level.
Holistic Approach to Healing
One of the key principles of Reiki is its holistic approach to healing, recognizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Unlike conventional medicine, which often focuses solely on treating symptoms or specific ailments, Reiki addresses the underlying energetic imbalances that contribute to illness and distress. What Reiki has always know is now beginning to infiltrate the understanding of even conventional therapies, that healing and health and well-being can not be divided and compartmentalised. They all interact and influence the impact on the individual. By working on healing and restoring balance on all levels of being, Reiki support a powerful and effective whole-person approach to health adn well-being.
Conclusion:
The widespread adoption of Reiki in mainstream healthcare settings, backed by a growing body of scientific research and positive patient experiences, well and truly dispels the notion that Reiki is fake. As more healthcare institutions recognize its value in promoting holistic well-being, Reiki continues to emerge as a legitimate and valuable healing practice, offering hope and comfort to countless individuals worldwide.
If you have any questions, or want to chat to more about Reiki please contact me and we can arrange a time to chat. If you would like to book a Reiki session in Melbourne (or distance Reiki worldwide), you can book an appointment here or if you would like to learn Reiki yourself, sign up for a Reiki course here. I look forward to connecting with you for Reiki!
Warmest,
Fiona x
Fiona Phillips
Certified Reiki Shihan (Teacher) and Practitioner
Komyo ReikiDo in Melbourne
Within The Space
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