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{{Short description|Pseudoscientific healing technique}}
{{POV|date=February 2008}}
{{About|the Japanese pseudoscientific healing practice|the era|Reiki (era)}}
{{Mergefrom|Reiki symbols|date=November 2007}}
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{{use dmy dates|date=June 2023}}
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{{Alternative medicine sidebar |fringe}}


'''Reiki'''{{efn|{{IPAc-en|ˈ|r|eɪ|k|i}} {{respell|RAY|kee}}; {{langx|ja|霊気}}}} is a ] form of ], a type of ] originating in Japan.<ref name="r597" /> Reiki practitioners use a technique called ''palm healing'' or ''hands-on healing'' through which, according to practitioners, a "]" is transferred through the palms of the practitioner to the client, to encourage emotional or physical healing. It is based on ] ("chi"), which practitioners say is a universal ], although there is no ] that such a life force exists.<ref name="Lee_Pittler_Ernst_2008" /><ref name="Bellamy_6/12/2014" />
{{nihongo|'''Reiki'''|霊気 or レイキ|extra={{IPAEng|ˈreɪkiː}}}} is a form of ]<ref name="Reiki as spiritual practice">Reiki as a spiritual practice: (Lübeck,Petter,Rand 2001 ch14,pp108-110); (Ellyard 2004 p79); (McKenzie 1998 p19,42,52); (Lübeck 1996 p22); (Boräng 1997 p57); (Veltheim,Veltheim 1995 p72)</ref> used as a ]<ref>Reiki is a complementary therapy: NCCAM; BMJ; ICM</ref> for the treatment of ], ], and ] ].<ref>There is no logical justification for the capitalization of "Reiki", except perhaps that its practitioners regard it as a proper noun. It is, however, almost universally capitalized and this article follows that form.</ref><ref>What is Reiki? According to: The Reiki Alliance; The Reiki Network; International House of Reiki; The International Center for Reiki Training</ref><ref name="Reiki as holistic therapy"/> ] developed Reiki in the mid 20th century ], where he said he received the ability of '] without energy depletion' after three weeks of ] and ] on ].<ref name="Usui retreat"/> Practitioners use a technique similar to the ], which they say will channel "healing energy" (]).<ref>National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. </ref> Practitioners state that energy flows through their palms<ref name="through hands">Reiki flows through hands: (McKenzie 1998 p18); (Ellyard 2004 p27); (Boräng 1997 p9); (Veltheim,Veltheim 1995 p33)</ref> to bring about healing<ref name="for healing"/> and that the method can be used for self-treatment<ref name="self treat possible"/> as well as treatment of others.
{{Energy therapy}}
==Derivation of name==


Reiki is used as an illustrative example of pseudoscience in scholarly texts and academic journal articles.<ref name="Lee_Pittler_Ernst_2008" /><ref name="Bellamy_6/12/2014" /> The marketing of reiki has been described as "fraudulent misrepresentation",<ref name="Bellamy_6/12/2014" /> and itself as a "nonsensical method",<ref name="Barrett_3/3/2022" /> with a recommendation that the American government agency ] should stop funding reiki research because it "has no substantiated health value and lacks a scientifically plausible rationale".<ref name="Barrett_6/23/2009" />
The name Reiki derives from the Japanese pronunciation of two ]s that describe the energy itself: '霊 ''rei''' (meaning 'unseen' or 'spiritual') and 気 '']'' (Chinese ''qi'', here meaning ']' or 'life force').<ref>Derivation of name: (Lübeck,Petter,Rand 2001 ch6)</ref> In English, the meaning of ''Reiki'' is often given as 'universal life energy'<ref>Reiki means 'universal life energy': (Lübeck,Petter,Rand 2001 p302); (McKenzie 1998 p18); (Shuffrey 1998 p1)</ref> (a translation used by Hawayo Takata, see ]). The ] commonly refers to either the energy ''or'' the therapeutic method which uses the energy. ''Reiki'' is also used as a ] and an ]. Japanese speakers use the term as a generic 'spiritual power' while the ''Usui Method of Reiki Healing'' is specifically ''Usui reiki shiki ryoho''. Similarly, the practice is sometimes called ''Usui-do'' or ''Usui-no-michi'' ("the Way of Usui").


Clinical research does not show reiki to be effective as a treatment for any medical condition, including ],<ref name="ACS" /><ref name="Cancer Research UK" /> ],<ref name="Bril2001" /> ] or ].<ref name="Joyce_Herbison_4/3/2015" /> There is no proof of the effectiveness of reiki therapy compared to ]. Studies reporting positive effects have had methodological flaws.<ref name="Lee_Pittler_Ernst_2008" />
==Theory==
Reiki teachings state that there is a universal "life force" energy,<ref>Reiki as universal life force energy: (Lübeck,Petter,Rand 2001 p62); (McKenzie 1998 p18); (Ellyard 2004 p75); (Lübeck 1994 p13); (Boräng 1997 p8)</ref> which can be accessed by practitioners to induce a healing effect.<ref name="for healing">Reiki can induce healing: (McKenzie 1998 p18); (Lübeck,Petter,Rand 2001 p14,68); (Veltheim,Veltheim 1995 p30); (Ellyard 2004 p27)</ref> It is claimed by believers that anyone can gain access to this energy<ref>Anyone can be attuned to Reiki: (Lübeck,Petter,Rand 2001 p8); (Veltheim,Veltheim 1995 p35); (Ellyard 2004 p77)</ref> by means of an ''attunement'' process<ref>Note: The terms ''attunement'' and "initiation" are usually used interchangeably with regard to Reiki. Occasionally there is a slight difference of emphasis implied, with ''attunement'' used when discussing the gaining of access to the Reiki energy and "initiation" when discussing the personal (or spiritual) growth aspect. Both these aspects relate to the same physical procedure.</ref> carried out by a ].<ref>Access is by means of attunement: (Ellyard 2004 p27,31); (Lübeck,Petter,Rand 2001 p22); (McKenzie 1998 p18,19); (Gollagher 1998 p26); (Boräng 1997 p12)</ref>


==Etymology==
The belief is that the energy will flow through the practitioner's hands whenever the hands are placed on, or held near a potential recipient, who can be clothed.<ref>Recipient may be clothed: (Lübeck 1994 p48); (McKenzie 1998 p81); (Boräng 1997 p10,36)</ref> Some teachings stress the importance of the practitioner's ''intention'' or presence in this process, while others claim that the energy is ''drawn'' by the recipient's injury to ''activate or enhance the natural healing processes''.<ref>Reiki activates or enhances natural healing: (McKenzie 1998 p18); (Veltheim,Veltheim 1995 p78,93); (Gollagher 1998 p24)</ref> Going further, the belief is that the energy is "intelligent",<ref>Reiki is "intelligent": (Ellyard 2004 p28,29); (Boräng 1997 p10)</ref>, making diagnosis unnecessary.


According to the '']'', the English alternative medicine word ''reiki'' ] {{Lang|ja-latn|reiki}} (]) "mysterious atmosphere, miraculous sign", combining {{Lang|ja-latn|rei}} "universal" and {{Lang|ja-latn|ki}} "]"—the ] of ] {{Lang|zh-latn|língqì}} (]) "numinous atmosphere".<ref name="OED">{{cite book |title=Oxford English Dictionary ''(''OED'')'' |chapter=Reiki |year=2003 |chapter-url=http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/246352?redirectedFrom=Reiki#eid|title-link=Oxford English Dictionary }}</ref>
A second level of ], including another initiation, is said to equip the practitioner to perform Reiki treatments from a distance.<ref>Second level allows distance healing: (Ellyard 2004 p107); (McKenzie 1998 p56); (Lübeck 1994 p155); (Veltheim,Veltheim 1995 p119)</ref> This method, it is stated, involves the use of special ''symbols'' to form a temporary connection between the practitioner and the recipient, regardless of location, and then to send the Reiki energy.<ref>Use of symbols for connection during distant healing: (McKenzie 1998 p39); (Ellyard 2004 p110)</ref> Techniques are also taught whereby Reiki can be sent to a specific point in time, either in the past or the future.<ref>Reiki can be sent to past or future: (McKenzie 1998 p39); (Ellyard 2004 p115); (Lübeck 1994 p155)</ref>


==Conceptual basis==
The energy involved in a Reiki treatment is said to be "from the Universe", rather than the personal energy of the practitioner,<ref>Reiki energy is from the Universe, not personal: (Ellyard 2004 p27,28,75); (Boräng 1997 p9)</ref> and is therefore inexhaustible.<ref>Reiki is inexhaustible. (McKenzie 1998 p18); (Boräng 1997 p9)</ref> (Some teachings say that the energy enters the practitioner through the ''crown ]'' at the top of the head, before being emitted from the hands.)<ref>Reiki enters practitioner through crown chakra: (Ellyard 2004 p27,28)</ref> As a consequence, Reiki practitioners are taught that they can treat ''themselves'' with Reiki.<ref name="self treat possible">Self-treatment is possible: (Ellyard 2004 p27); (Veltheim,Veltheim 1995 ch6); (McKenzie 1998 p18,66); (Baginski,Sharamon 1988 ch7); (Gollagher 1998 ch6)</ref>


{{Further|Vitalism|Qi}}
Reiki is also used by practitioners as ], as it is claimed that the energy encourages healing before any noticeable symptoms have emerged.<ref>Reiki as preventative medicine: (McKenzie 1998 p18); (Ellyard 2004 p69)</ref> Another consequence of the simplicity of Reiki is that it can be taught to children.<ref>Children can use Reiki: (Ellyard 2004 p55); (McKenzie 1998 p100)</ref>
Reiki's teachings and adherents claim that qi is a ] force that can be manipulated to treat a disease or condition. There is no evidence that qi exists as an observable phenomenon.<ref name="Lee_Pittler_Ernst_2008">{{cite journal |last1=Lee |first1=MS |last2=Pittler |first2=MH |last3=Ernst |first3=E |author-link3=Edzard Ernst |title=Effects of reiki in clinical practice: A systematic review of randomised clinical trials |journal=International Journal of Clinical Practice |volume=62 |issue=6 |pages=947–54 |year=2008 |pmid=18410352 |doi=10.1111/j.1742-1241.2008.01729.x |s2cid=25832830 |type=Systematic Review |quote=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.|doi-access=free }}</ref> Reiki is thus classified as a pseudoscientific practice based on metaphysical, rather than physiological, concepts.<ref name="psych" />


Most research on reiki is poorly designed and prone to bias. There is no reliable empirical evidence that reiki is helpful for treating any medical condition,<ref name="Lee_Pittler_Ernst_2008" /><ref name="ACS">{{cite book |publisher=] |title=American Cancer Society Complete Guide to Complementary and Alternative Cancer Therapies |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/americancancerso0000unse |chapter-url-access=registration |edition=2nd |year=2009 |isbn=9780944235713 |editor1=Russell J |editor2=Rovere A |pages= |chapter=Reiki}}</ref><ref name="Cancer Research UK">{{Cite web |url=https://about-cancer.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-in-general/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/reiki?_ga=2.85017947.370597969.1581541069-1068809649.1580330016 |title=Reiki {{!}} Complementary and alternative therapy {{!}} Cancer Research UK |website=about-cancer.cancerresearchuk.org |access-date=2020-02-12 |archive-date=2021-05-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510083939/https://about-cancer.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-in-general/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/reiki?_ga=2.85017947.370597969.1581541069-1068809649.1580330016 |url-status=live}}</ref> although some physicians have said it might help promote feelings of general ].<ref name="Cancer Research UK" /> In 2011, ] of ] stated there "is no evidence that clinical reiki's effects are due to anything other than suggestion" or the ].<ref name="Jarvis">{{cite web |last=Jarvis |first=William T. |url=http://www.ncahf.org/articles/o-r/reiki.html |publisher=] |title=Reiki |access-date=31 March 2011 |archive-date=23 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090823055036/http://www.ncahf.org/articles/o-r/reiki.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Some teachers state that if, on some level, the intended recipient does not wish to be healed, the energy will not flow.<ref>Reiki blocked if recipient does not want to be healed: (Lübeck 1994 p16)</ref>


The 22 April 2014 ] episode entitled "Your Body's Alleged Energy Fields" relates a reiki practitioner's report of what was happening as she passed her hands over a subject's body:
Reiki is described by adherents as a ] therapy which brings about healing on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels.<ref name="Reiki as holistic therapy">Reiki is holistic, bringing healing on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels: (Baginski,Sharamon 1988 p35); (Gollagher 1998 p44); (Boräng 1997 p10); (McKenzie 1998 p81)</ref> It is said that healing may occur in any or all of these domains in a single treatment, without any conscious direction needed by either the practitioner or the recipient.
{{blockquote|text=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.<ref name="Dunning">{{Skeptoid|id=4411|number=411|title=Your Body's Alleged Energy Fields|access-date=3 September 2016}}</ref>}}


==Practice== == Technique ==
===Whole body treatment===


A session usually lasts for approximately one hour. A "Level 1" practitioner places their hand or hands on or near various parts of the body for several minutes. During this time, a ] energy is meant to flow from the practitioner into the client's body.<ref name=ACS/> "Level 2" practitioners alternatively may offer their services at a distance with no skin contact.<ref name=ACS/>
In a typical whole-body Reiki treatment,<ref>Whole body treatment: (Lübeck 1994 ch4,ch5); (McKenzie 1998 p84); (Ellyard 2004 p45); (Lübeck,Petter,Rand 2001 ch20); (Veltheim,Veltheim 1995 p79); (Petter 1997 p50,55); (Boräng 1997 p36)</ref> the practitioner asks the recipient to lie down, usually on a massage table, and relax. Loose, comfortable clothing is usually worn during the treatment. The practitioner might take a few moments to enter a calm or meditative state of mind and mentally prepare for the treatment,<ref>Mental preparation by practitioner at start of treatment: (Ellyard 2004 p46)</ref> which is usually carried out without any unnecessary talking.<ref>Minimum talking during formal treatments: (Ellyard 2004 p45)</ref>


==Research and critical evaluation==
The treatment proceeds with the practitioner placing his hands on the recipient in various positions. However, some practitioners use a non-touching technique, where the hands are held a few centimetres away from the recipient's body, for some or all of the positions. The hands are usually kept still for 3 to 5 minutes before moving to the next position. Overall, the hand positions usually give a general coverage of the head, the front and back of the torso, the knees and feet. Between 12 and 20 positions are used, with the whole treatment lasting 45 to 90 minutes.<ref>Duration of whole body treatment: (Ellyard 2004 p41)</ref>


Reiki is used as an illustrative example of pseudoscience in scholarly texts and ] articles.<ref name="psych">{{cite book |last1=Semple |first1=D. |last2=Smyth |first2=R. |title=Oxford Handbook of Psychiatry |year=2013 |publisher=] |isbn=9780199693887 |page= |chapter=Ch. 1: Psychomythology |edition=3rd}}</ref><ref name="Donlan2009">{{cite book |last=Donlan |first=Joseph E. |title=Ordaining Reality in Brief: The Shortcut to Your Future |year=2009 |publisher=] |isbn=9781599428925 |pages=}}</ref><ref name="Lobato2014">{{cite journal |last1=Lobato |first1=E |last2=Mendoza |first2=J |last3=Sims |first3=V |last4=Chin |first4=M |title=Examining the relationship between conspiracy theories, paranormal beliefs, and pseudoscience acceptance among a university population |journal=Applied Cognitive Psychology |volume=28 |issue=5 |year=2014 |pages=617–25 |doi=10.1002/acp.3042}}</ref><ref name="Gorski2014">{{cite journal |last1=Gorski |first1=DH |author-link1=David Gorski |last2=Novella |first2=SP |author-link2=Steven Novella |title=Clinical trials of integrative medicine: Testing whether magic works? |journal=] |volume=20 |issue=9 |year=2014 |pages=473–76 |doi=10.1016/j.molmed.2014.06.007 |pmid=25150944}}</ref> ] writes that reiki vies with homeopathy to be the "one quackery that rules them all" because of its "sheer ridiculousness and disconnect from reality".<ref name="Gorski_3/9/2020">{{cite web |vauthors=Gorski DH |title=No, editors of The ''Atlantic'', reiki does not work |publisher=] |url=https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/no-editors-of-the-atlantic-reiki-does-not-work/ |date=9 March 2020}}</ref> Jann Bellamy, a lawyer and critic of alternative medicine, has described the marketing of reiki as "fraudulent misrepresentation".<ref name="Bellamy_6/12/2014">{{cite web |url=https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/reiki-fraudulent-misrepresentation/ |title=Reiki: Fraudulent Misrepresentation |last=Bellamy |first=Jann |date=12 June 2014 |website=Science-Based Medicine |access-date=21 April 2021 |archive-date=21 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321144741/https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/reiki-fraudulent-misrepresentation/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Some practitioners use a fixed set of hand positions. Others use their intuition to guide them as to where treatment is needed,<ref>Use of intuition: (Usui,Petter 2003 p17)</ref> sometimes starting the treatment with a 'scan' of the recipient to find such areas. The intuitive approach might also lead to individual positions being treated for much shorter or longer periods of time.


In criticizing the ] 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,"<ref name="Lilienfeld2014">{{cite book|first1=Scott O. |last1=Lilienfeld|first2=Steven Jay |last2=Lynn|first3=Jeffrey M. |last3=Lohr|title=Science and Pseudoscience in Clinical Psychology |year=2014|publisher=]|isbn=9781462517893 |pages=}}</ref> and others said, "In spite of its diffusion, the baseline mechanism of action has not been demonstrated ..."<ref name="Ferraresi etal 2013">{{cite journal |last1=Ferraresi |first1=M |last2=Clari |first2=R |last3=Moro |first3=I |last4=Banino |first4=E |last5=Boero |first5=E |last6=Crosio |first6=A |last7=Dayne |first7=R |last8=Rosset |first8=L |last9=Scarpa |first9=A |last10=Serra |first10=E |last11=Surace |first11=A |last12=Testore |first12=A |last13=Colombi |first13=N |last14=Piccoli |first14=B |display-authors=4 |title=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 |journal=] |volume=14 |issue=1 |year=2013 |pages=129– |doi=10.1186/1471-2369-14-129 |pmid=23799960 |pmc=3694469 |doi-access=free }}</ref> and, "Neither the forces involved nor the alleged therapeutic benefits have been demonstrated by scientific testing."<ref name="Reiboldt2013">{{cite book|last=Reiboldt|first=Wendy|title=Consumer Survival: An Encyclopedia of Consumer Rights, Safety, and Protection|year=2013 |publisher=] |isbn=9781598849370 |page=}}</ref>
It is reported that the recipient often feels warmth or tingling in the area being treated, even when a non-touching approach is being used. A state of deep relaxation, combined with a general feeling of well-being, is usually the most noticeable immediate effect of the treatment, although emotional releases can also occur.<ref>Immediate effects of treatment: (Ellyard 2004 p44)</ref> As the Reiki treatment is said to be stimulating natural healing processes, instantaneous 'cures' of specific health problems are ''not'' usually observed. A series of three or more treatments, typically at intervals of 1 to 7 days, is usually recommended if a chronic condition is being addressed.<ref>Frequency of treatment of others: (Ellyard 2004 p41)</ref> Regular treatments, on an on-going basis, can be used with the aim of maintaining well-being. The interval between such treatments is typically in the range of 1 to 4 weeks, except in the case of ''self-treatment'' when a daily practice is common.<ref>Frequency of self-treatment: (Ellyard 2004 p41)</ref>


Several authors have pointed to the ] energy which reiki is claimed to treat,<ref name="Canter2013">{{cite book |editor-last=Ernst |editor-first=Edzard |editor-link=Edzard Ernst |first=Peter H. |last=Canter |chapter=Vitalism and Other Pseudoscience in Alternative Medicine: The Retreat from Science |title=Healing, Hype or Harm?: A Critical Analysis of Complementary or Alternative Medicine |year=2013 |publisher=Andrews UK Limited |isbn=9781845407117 |pages=}}</ref><ref name="Smith2011">{{cite book |first=Jonathan C. |last=Smith|title=Pseudoscience and Extraordinary Claims of the Paranormal: A Critical Thinker's Toolkit|year=2011|publisher=]|isbn=9781444358940 |pages=}}</ref><ref name="Shermer">{{cite book |editor-first=Michael |editor-last=Shermer |editor-link=Michael Shermer |first=Larry |last=Sarner |chapter=Therapeutic Touch |title=The Skeptic Encyclopedia of Pseudoscience |publisher=]|isbn=9781576076538 |pages=|title-link=The Skeptic Encyclopedia of Pseudoscience |year=2002 }}</ref> with one saying, "Ironically, the only thing that distinguishes reiki from ] is that it involves actual touch,"<ref name="Shermer" /> and others stating that the International Center for Reiki Training "mimic the institutional aspects of science" seeking legitimacy but holds no more promise than an ] society.<ref name="Pugliucci2013">{{cite book|last1=Pigliucci|first1=Massimo |author-link1=Massimo Pigliucci |last2=Boudry|first2=Maarten |author-link2=Maarten Boudry |title=Philosophy of Pseudoscience: Reconsidering the Demarcation Problem|year=2013|publisher=]|isbn=9780226051826 |pages=}}</ref>
===Localized treatment===


A guideline published by the ], the ], and the ] states, "Reiki therapy should probably not be considered for the treatment of PDN ."<ref name="Bril2001">{{cite journal |last1=Bril |first1=V |last2=England |first2=J |last3=Franklin |first3=GM |last4=Backonja |first4=M |last5=Cohen |first5=J |last6=Del Toro |first6=D |last7=Feldman |first7=E |last8=Iverson |first8=DJ |last9=Perkins |first9=B |last10=Russell |first10=JW |last11=Zochodne |first11=D |display-authors=4 |title=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 |journal=] |volume=76 |issue=20 |year=2011 |pages=1758–65 |doi=10.1212/WNL.0b013e3182166ebe |url=http://www.neurology.org/content/76/20/1758.full.pdf |pmid=21482920 |pmc=3100130 |access-date=2015-05-15 |archive-date=2017-07-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170712081026/http://www.neurology.org/content/76/20/1758.full.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Canadian sociologist ] has listed reiki as among the pseudoscientific healing methods used by cults in France to attract members.<ref name="Palmer2011">{{cite book |last=Palmer |first=Susan |title=The New Heretics of France: Minority Religions, la République, and the Government-Sponsored "War on Sects" |title-link=The New Heretics of France |year=2011 |publisher=] |isbn=9780199875993 |pages=}}</ref>
Localized Reiki treatments involve the practitioner's hands being held on or near a ''specific'' part of the body. Recent injuries are usually treated in this way,<ref>Treatment of injuries: (McKenzie 1998 p110); (Ellyard 2004 p70); (Veltheim,Veltheim 1995 p77)</ref> with the site of injury being targeted. There is great variation in the duration of such treatments, though 20 minutes might be typical.


] of ] describes reiki as a "nonsensical method".<ref name="Barrett_3/3/2022">{{cite web | last=Barrett | first=Stephen | author-link=Stephen Barrett | title=Reiki Is Nonsense | website=] | date=March 3, 2022 | url=https://quackwatch.org/related/reiki/ | access-date=June 14, 2024}}</ref> As a reason for why ] should stop funding reiki research, he writes: "Reiki has no substantiated health value and lacks a scientifically plausible rationale. Science-based healthcare settings should not tolerate its use, and scarce government research dollars should not be used to study it further."<ref name="Barrett_3/3/2022" /><ref name="Barrett_6/23/2009">{{cite web | last=Barrett | first=Stephen | author-link=Stephen Barrett | title=Why NCCAM Should Stop Funding Reiki Research | website=] | date=June 23, 2009 | url=https://quackwatch.org/nccam/research/reiki/ | access-date=June 14, 2024}}</ref>
Some practitioners use localized treatments for certain ailments, and some publications have tabulated appropriate hand positions.<ref>Hand positions for specific ailments: (Usui,Petter 2003 p49-67); (Lübeck 1994 p173-184)</ref> However, other practitioners prefer to use the whole body treatment for all chronic conditions, on the grounds that it has a more holistic effect.<ref>Whole body treatment for chronic conditions: (McKenzie 1998 p108); (Veltheim,Veltheim 1995 p81)</ref> Another approach is to give a whole body treatment first, followed by a localized treatment.<ref>Localized treatment following on from whole body treatment: (McKenzie 1998 p105)</ref>


===Informal treatment=== === Evidence quality ===


A 2008 ] of nine ]s found several shortcomings in the literature on reiki.<ref name="Lee_Pittler_Ernst_2008" /> Depending on the tools used to measure ] and ], 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.<ref name="Lee_Pittler_Ernst_2008" /> 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.<ref name="Lee_Pittler_Ernst_2008" />
Many practitioners use Reiki in an informal way, as part of social interaction with friends or family members. In this style of use, the practitioner places one or both hands on any part of the recipient: wherever feels appropriate and comfortable in the particular situation. Talking and all other aspects of social interaction continue as normal.<ref>Informal use of reiki: (Ellyard 2004 p60)</ref>


===Self treatment=== ===Safety===


{{See also|Alternative medicine#Safety}}
A Reiki practitioner can treat himself or herself with any of the methods described above.<ref name="self treat possible"/> In this case, the practitioner is also the recipient.
Safety concerns for reiki sessions are very low and are akin to those of many ] practices. Some ] 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.<ref name="There is no accreditation body for reiki, nor any regulation of the practice.">{{cite web |title=Reiki: Holistic Therapy Treatment Information |url=http://www.disabled-world.com/medical/alternative/reiki/ |website=Disabled world.com |date=January 2014 |access-date=19 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |title=Current Issues Regarding Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in the United States |volume=35 |issue=9 |pages=514–522 |pmc=2957745 |journal=P & T: A Peer-Reviewed Journal for Formulary Management |year=2010 |last1=Ventola |first1=C. L. |pmid=20975811}}</ref>


==Training, certification and adoption==
===Group treatment===


A reiki practitioner who offers teaching is known as a "reiki master".<ref name=ACS/>
A group treatment involves two or more Reiki practitioners treating the same recipient, simultaneously.<ref>Group treatment: (Baginski,Sharamon 1988 ch15); (Ellyard 2004 p58)</ref> This is said to have a significantly stronger effect than treatment from a single practitioner.


There is no central authority controlling use of the words ''reiki'' or ''reiki master''.<ref>{{citation|title=Modalities for Massage and Bodywork|author=Elaine Stillerman|publisher=Elsevier Health Sciences|year=2014|page=295|isbn=9780323260794|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pi9yBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA295|quote=Currently there is no standard for certification in Reiki throughout the world.}}</ref> Certificates can be purchased online for under $100.<ref>{{citation|pages=7–8|title=Essential Reiki Teaching Manual: A Companion Guide for Reiki Healers|author=Diane Stein|publisher=Potter/TenSpeed/Harmony|year=2011|isbn=9780307783806|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eASXC2-iEv4C&pg=PA8}}</ref> It is "not uncommon" for a course to offer attainment of reiki master in two weekends.<ref>{{citation|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZmKzzvL29G0C&pg=PT297|chapter=Reiki Training Levels|title=Reiki Collection|author1=Penelope Quest |author2=Kathy Roberts|publisher=Penguin|isbn=9781101576205|year=2012}}</ref> There is no regulation of practitioners or reiki master in the United States.<ref>{{citation|chapter=Reiki classes and certification|title=Reiki for Dummies|author=Nina L. Paul|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|year=2011|isbn=9781118054741}}</ref>
Groups of practitioners can come together to share Reiki.<ref>Reiki share: (McKenzie 1998 p102)</ref> In these situations, each participant in turn acts as the recipient, with the rest of the group giving the treatment. The number of people involved is usually in the range 3 to 9. (Two practitioners can also meet to exchange Reiki treatments.) If there are more than 8 or 9 participants, then they split into two or more groups for practical reasons. The duration of treatment is such that the whole sharing takes one to two hours (between 10 and 30 minutes per recipient). Such a 'Reiki share' is often a social occasion, with the practitioners talking throughout.


'']'' 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.<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=The Washington Post |author=Sacks B |date=16 May 2014 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/religion/reiki-goes-mainstream-spiritual-touch-practice-now-commonplace-in-hospitals/2014/05/16/9e92223a-dd37-11e3-a837-8835df6c12c4_story.html |title=Reiki goes mainstream: Spiritual touch practice now commonplace in hospitals |access-date=6 December 2018 |archive-date=6 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106010810/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/religion/reiki-goes-mainstream-spiritual-touch-practice-now-commonplace-in-hospitals/2014/05/16/9e92223a-dd37-11e3-a837-8835df6c12c4_story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref name="Cancer Research UK" /> The cost per session for treatment vary widely, but a CNBC report found a practitioner charging $229 per session of 60–90 minutes.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419010835/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/02/19/budget-breakdown-of-a-37-year-old-who-makes-108000-dollars-a-year.html |date=2021-04-19 }}, '']'', Emmie Martin, 19 February 2019. Retrieved 19 April 2021.</ref>
===Treatment of animals and plants===
]

Animals and plants are usually treated for shorter periods than humans. The duration of treatment, and number of hand positions used, depends on factors such as the size of the recipient and the severity of the condition being addressed. In the absence of disease, some practitioners enjoy giving Reiki to animals or plants, as a loving interaction.<ref>Treatment of animals: (Ellyard 2004 p55), (Baginski, Sharamon 1988 ch18)</ref><ref>Treatment of plants: (Baginski, Sharamon 1988 ch19)</ref>

===Spiritual practice===

Many practitioners use Reiki as the basis of a spiritual practice, or to augment other spiritual practices. The cornerstone of Reiki spiritual practice is a daily one hour self-treatment,<ref>Self-treatment as spiritual practice: (Boräng 1997 p57)</ref> conducted in a meditative frame of mind. As well as maintaining physical, mental and emotional well-being, this practice is understood to induce spiritual growth, potentially leading to ].<ref>Reiki as path to self-realization: (Petter 1998 p9)</ref>

Many Reiki practitioners also undertake to observe the 5 Reiki Principles recommended by Mikao Usui<ref>Use of 5 Reiki Principles in spiritual practice: (Lübeck,Petter,Rand 2001 ch21)</ref> (see ]).


==History== ==History==
{{expand section|date=May 2019}}
===Origin===
{{multiple image
A Japanese ] ] named ] is credited with discovering Reiki in 1922 after a twenty-one day retreat on Mount Kurama, involving ], ], and ].<ref name="Usui retreat">Usui's 21 day retreat: (Lübeck,Petter,Rand 2001 p14); </ref> Usui claimed that by mystical revelation he had gained the knowledge and spiritual power to apply and attune others to what is called Reiki.
| width = 140
| footer =
| image1 = Mikaousui.jpg
| alt1 =
| caption1 = ] (1865–1926)
| image2 = Chujiro Hayashi.jpg
| alt2 =
| caption2 = ] (1880–1940)
}}
] originated the practice in Japan.<ref name="r597">{{cite book | last=Belcaro | first=G.V. | title=Complementary, Alternative Methods And Supplementary Medicine | publisher=World Scientific Publishing Company | year=2018 | isbn=978-1-78634-568-4 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qPF9DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA36 | access-date=2024-06-13 | page=36}}</ref> According to the inscription on his memorial stone, Usui taught his system of reiki to more than 2,000 people during his lifetime. While teaching reiki in ], Usui suffered a stroke and died on 9 March 1926.<ref name="UsuiMemorial">Inscription on Usui's memorial</ref>{{better source needed|date=March 2015}}


The first reiki clinic in the ] was started in 1970 by ], a student of ] (who was a disciple of Usui).<ref name="Joyce_Herbison_4/3/2015">{{cite journal |last=Joyce |first=Janine |journal=Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews |title=Reiki for depression and anxiety |date=3 April 2015 |issue=4 |pages=CD006833 |doi=10.1002/14651858.CD006833.pub2 |pmid=25835541 |pmc=11088458 }}</ref>
In April 1922, Usui moved to Tokyo and founded the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai (Usui Reiki Healing Society).<ref>Founding of Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai: (Lübeck,Petter,Rand 2001 p14)</ref>


==See also==
Usui was an admirer of the literary works of ], and, in the process of developing his Reiki system, summarised some of the emperor's works into a set of ethical principles, which later became known as the Reiki Principles. Many Reiki teachers and practitioners aim to abide by these five principles,<ref>Practice of 5 Principles: </ref> one translation of which is:


{{Portal|Japan}}
: "The secret method of inviting good fortune.
: The marvelous medicine for all sickness * ]
* ]
:
* ]
: Just for today:
* ]
:: Do not be angry
* ]
:: Do not be worried
:: Be grateful
:: Work hard (on improving yourself)
:: Be kind to others.
:
: Every morning and every night, sit in the Gassho position and speak these words out loud in your heart.
: For the evolution of body and soul, Usui Reiki Ryoho" - Mikao Usui, the founder.<ref>The 5 Reiki Principles: ; (Petter 1998 p29); (Lübeck,Petter,Rand 2001 p95)</ref>

Usui taught over 2000 students to use Reiki. 16 of his students continued their training to reach the ''Shinpiden'' level, equivalent to the Western ], or master level.<ref>Number of people taught by Usui: (Lübeck,Petter,Rand 2001 p16)</ref>

Usui died in 1926.

===Early development===
After Usui's death, ] a former student of Usui left the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai and formed his own association. Hayashi simplified the Reiki teachings, stressing physical healing and using a more codified and simpler set of Reiki techniques.<ref>Hayashi's teachings: (Lübeck,Petter,Rand 2001 p17,ch19)</ref>

Hayashi initiated and trained ],<ref>Hayashi trained Takata: (Ellyard 2004 p13)</ref> who travelled widely in the USA, practising Reiki and teaching the first two ] to others.<ref>Takata's Reiki practice and teaching in the US: (Ellyard 2004 p15)</ref>

Takata stressed the importance of charging money for Reiki treatments and teachings. In 1976, Takata began teaching the ''Shinpiden'' stage and introduced the term ''Reiki master'' for this level.<ref>Start of Takata's teaching of Reiki Masters: (Ellyard 2004 p15)</ref> She also fixed a price of $10,000 for the master training.{{Fact|date=September 2007}}

Takata died in 1979<ref>Death of Takata: (Ellyard 2004 p16); some sources give the year of death as 1980: (Petter 1997 p21), (Veltheim, Veltheim 1995 p26)</ref> by which time she had trained 22 Reiki masters.<ref>Takata trained 22 Reiki Masters: (Ellyard 2004 p14), (Veltheim, Veltheim 1995 p26), (Petter 1997 p20)</ref> Almost all Reiki taught outside Japan has followed from her work.<ref>Significance of Takata in bringing Reiki out of Japan: (Ellyard 2004 p14,16), (Veltheim, Veltheim 1995 p26)</ref>

===Recent developments===
{{POV-section|date=December 2007}}
Shortly before the death of Hawayo Takata in December 1980, Mrs. Takata and Dr. Barbara Ray founded the American Reiki Association (ARA) which later became the AIRA and is now The Radiance Technique International Association Inc. (TRTIA). The organization differentiates its teachings from those of other Reiki masters and organizations, considering itself to be the one true continuation of Takata's heritage. <ref>The Radiance Technique brief history and "authentic" stance: (Ellyard 2004 p23)</ref> <ref>The Radiance Technique<sup>®</sup>, Authentic Reiki<sup>®</sup>: Historical Perspectives, 1995</ref>

Soon after the founding of the ARA, Phyllis Furumoto, a granddaughter of Takata, founded The Reiki Alliance.<ref>Founding of the Reiki Alliance: (Ellyard 2004 p20)</ref> Since 1988, the Alliance has accepted Reiki Masters from a wide range of backgrounds as members.<ref>The Reiki Alliance accepting wide range of masters: (Ellyard 2004 p21)</ref>

Another Takata student, Iris Ishikuro, abandoned the practice of charging $10,000 for Reiki Master training, allowing Reiki to spread more widely. {{Fact|date=September 2007}}

A great deal of generic New Age content is now often taught either as an adjunct to Reiki or even as an integral part of the system, and numerous schools of thought now exist, some being freely offered and some proprietary.<ref>Diversification of Reiki: (Ellyard 2004 p24)</ref>

The Reiki Network was formed as an organization to promote a standardized teaching of traditional Reiki.<ref>Formation and aim of the Reiki Network: (Veltheim, Veltheim 1995 p113), </ref> In addition to the teaching organizations, whose members are Reiki masters, many communities of Reiki ''practitioners'' have formed.{{Fact|date=September 2007}}

==Training==
The teaching of Reiki outside of Japan is commonly divided into three levels, or degrees.<ref>Reiki is taught in 3 levels: (McKenzie 1998 p54); (Veltheim,Veltheim 1995 p117); (Petter 1997 p38)</ref>

===First degree===
The first degree Reiki course<ref>First degree course content: (McKenzie 1998 p54); (Veltheim,Veltheim 1995 p118); (Petter 1997 p38)</ref> teaches the basic theories and procedures of how to work with Reiki energy. The channel through which Reiki energy passes to the practitioner is said to be opened or widened through four "attunements" given to the student by the teacher.<ref>Effect of 4 attunements in 1st level: (Ellyard 2004 p37)</ref> Students learn hand placement positions on the recipient's body that are thought to be most conducive to the healing process in a whole body treatment.<ref>Teaching of hand positions during First degree course: (Baginski, Sharamon 1988 p48), (Petter 1997 p39)</ref> Having completed the first degree course, the participant can treat himself and others with Reiki. The course duration is typically two days, although this varies widely.<ref>Duration of First degree course: (Baginski, Sharamon 1988 p46), (Petter 1997 p38)</ref>

===Second degree===
In the second degree Reiki course,<ref>Second degree course content: (McKenzie 1998 p56); (Veltheim,Veltheim 1995 p119); (Petter 1997 p43)</ref> the student learns the use of three symbols (illustrated here ]) which are said to enhance the healing effect and allow for distance healing.<ref>Teaching of symbols in Second Degree: (Ellyard 2004 p81)</ref> Another attunement is given which is said to further increase the capacity for Reiki to flow through the student, as well as empowering the use of the symbols.<ref>Effect of 2nd level attunement: (Ellyard 2004 p81)</ref> Having completed the second level, the student can treat people with Reiki without being physically present with the recipient.<ref>Healing at a distance taught during Second Degree course: (Petter 1997 p43)</ref> The first degree is a prerequisite for the second degree, which is usually taught over two days, although this varies considerably.<ref>Duration of Second Degree course: (Petter 1997 p44)</ref>

===Third degree or master training===
Through the third degree, or "master training",<ref>Master training: (McKenzie 1998 p58); (Veltheim,Veltheim 1995 p120-124); (Petter 1997 p47-49)</ref> the student becomes a Reiki Master. (In Reiki terminology, the word 'master' does not imply spiritual enlightenment.) One or more attunements are carried out and the student learns a further master-level symbol.<ref>Content of master training: (Ellyard 2004 ch16,ch17)</ref> Having completed the master training, the new Reiki Master can attune other people to Reiki and teach the three degrees of Reiki. The first and second degrees are prerequisites for the master training. The duration of the master training can be anything from a day to a year or more, depending on the school and philosophy of the Reiki Master giving the training. In the case of comprehensive training, the third level is often broken into two or three smaller stages of attunements and teaching.<ref>Splitting of third degree teaching into two or three stages: (Ellyard 2004 p157)</ref>

===Variations===
There is much variation in training methods, speeds and costs, as there is no regulation of Reiki. Students on the traditional path may be made to wait up to a year or more after the first level, before being allowed to learn the second degree, and thereafter many more years before being taught the master level. Other teachers, taking a non-traditional approach, might cover all three levels within a few days. Correspondence courses over the ] even offer ]. Some traditionalists maintain that any method that teaches Reiki "quickly" cannot yield as strong an effect, because there is no substitute for experience and patient mastery of the art.<ref></ref><ref></ref>

Whilst masters affiliated to the Reiki Alliance or the Reiki Network teach within the three level structure outlined above, The Radiance Technique®/Authentic Reiki® teaches a seven level system.<ref>TRTIA teached a seven level system: (Lübeck 1996 p139)</ref>

Many independent teachers combine Reiki with other techniques, such as working with crystals, colour therapy, spirit guides or visualization. Such methods are sometimes included as part of a Reiki course.<ref>Variations in styles of Reiki and course content: (Ellyard 2004 p24), (Veltheim, Veltheim 1995 p105)</ref>


==Science==
Despite the thousands of anecdotal accounts describing the effects of Reiki, there are only a few hundred articles and reviews about Reiki published in scientific journals. Of these, only a handful of studies fulfill the accepted criteria for a rigorous scientific study, that is, a randomized, blinded placebo-controlled design. In such studies, one group of participants receives Reiki, while another group receives ‘Sham’ Reiki, in which a person who has no training or experience with energy healing is substituted for the Reiki practitioner. The person performing ‘Sham’ Reiki imitates the hand positions of the Reiki practitioner and the subjects are not told whether they are in the Reiki group or the ‘Sham’ Reiki group. In this way, the experimental results are corrected for the placebo effect.

There are currently six studies, published in peer-reviewed scientific journals that are placebo-controlled <ref> placebo controlled studies: (Baldwin, Schwartz. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 12(1): 15-22, 2006); (Dressin, Singg. Subtle Energies and Energy Medicine, 9(1): 53-82, 1998); (Mackay, Hansen, McFarlane. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine,10(6): 1077-1081, 2004); (Shiflett, Naijak, Bid, Miles, Agostinelli. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 8(6): 755-763, 2002); (Shone. Altern. Ther. Health and Med.,10(3): 42-48, 2004); (Witte, Dundes. Alter. Complement. Ther., 10: 304-309, 2001)</ref>. Of these studies, four support the hypothesis that Reiki significantly improves physiological well-being (reduced heart rate, blood pressure, inflammation) and psychological mood (reduced anxiety and depression) measures, and two do not report any significant effect.


==Criticism==
===Effectiveness===
Since there is presently no proven scientific mechanism for Reiki, skeptics suggest that any therapeutic effect may be due to the ].<ref>A skeptical assessment of reiki: .</ref>

Another view is that Reiki is used merely as a "feel-good" therapy, and that recipients themselves do not expect any significant healing effects.<ref></ref>; but practitioner claims that Reiki has therapeutic value can certainly be found on the Web<ref></ref>. In addition, of six placebo-controlled studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, four showed statistically significant positive effects of Reiki, both physiologically and emotionally that could not be explained by the placebo effect.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}

===Safety===
{{main|Alternative medicine#Safety}}
Concerns about safety in Reiki are similar to those of other ]s. Doctors of ] and allied health care workers believe that patients might avoid clinically proven treatments for serious conditions, in favour of unproven alternative medicines like ] and Reiki. <ref> Postmodern Nursing</ref> Reiki practitioners may encourage their clients to consult a medical doctor for serious conditions, stating that Reiki can be used to complement conventional medicine.<ref>Reiki does not replace conventional medicine but complements it: (McKenzie 1998 p7,18,105)</ref>

===Religious===
Fr Tom Ingoldsby of the Salesian Order of the Roman Catholic church denounced Reiki as "opening the door to evil and occult forces which have later side effects".<ref></ref> Some Christians believe Reiki "creates a closer connection for them to God."<ref></ref>

In response to Fr Ingoldsby's criticism, Reiki teacher and RFI co-founder Angela Gorman said it was understandable that some people remained sceptical about complementary therapies but she warned them not to be close-minded to new ideas."<ref></ref> “Some people’s opinions of Reiki are often anchored in ignorance and suspicion rather than pure scientific fact,” said Ms. Gorman, a former nurse.<ref></ref>.

===Internal controversies===
With the many varied ways that have been used to teach Reiki, there have emerged points of controversy between different groups, teachers and practitioners. Controversies exist on topics such as the nature of the Reiki energy itself, fees charged for courses and treatments, training methods, secrecy of symbols and attunement methods.{{Fact|date=February 2007}}

Following the death of Hawayo Takata, through to the mid 1990s, there were rival claims to the title of "Grandmaster" of Reiki. However, this dispute largely evaporated when it was discovered that Takata herself had invented the title.<ref>"Grandmaster" dispute: (Veltheim, Veltheim 1995 p106), (Ellyard 2004 p21,23)</ref>

==See also==
*]
*]
*]
*], illustrations of common Reiki symbols
*], a concise Reiki history timeline
*]


==Notes== ==Notes==
{{Reflist|2}} {{notelist}}


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist}}


== Further reading ==
* ''Reiki: Universal Life Energy'', Bodo J. Baginski & Shalila Sharamon, English print: Life Rhythm, 1988, ISBN 0-940795-02-7
* ''Spiritual Healing: Scientific Validation of a Healing Revolution'', Daniel J. Benor, M.D., Vision Publications (MI) (December 2000) ISBN 1-886785-11-2
* ''Reiki (Principles of)'', Kajsa Krishni Boräng, Thorsons, 1997, ISBN 0-7225-3406-X
* ''Reiki Healer: A Complete Guide to the Path and Practice of Reiki'', Ellyard, Lotus Press, 2004, ISBN 0-940985-64-0
* ''Reiki: a Gift from the Universe'', Trevor Gollagher, 1998
* ''Big Book of Reiki Symbols'', Mark Hosak and Walter Luebeck, Lotus Press, ISBN 0-914955-64-0
* ''Complete Reiki Handbook'', Luebeck, English print: Lotus Press, 1994, ISBN 0-941524-87-6
* ''Reiki: Way of the Heart'', Luebeck, English print: Lotus Press, 1996, ISBN 0-941524-91-4
* ''Spirit of Reiki'', Luebeck, Petter & Rand, 1st English print: Lotus Press, 2001, 5th print: 2004, ISBN 0-914955-67-5
* ''Reiki Systems of the World'', Oliver Klatt with Petter, Luebeck, Rand, Alexander, Furumoto, Mitchell and others, Lotus Press, ISBN 0-914955-79-9
* ''Healing Reiki'', Eleanor McKenzie, Hamlyn, 1998, ISBN 0-600-59528-5
* ''Reiki: A Comprehensive Guide'', Pamela Miles, Tarcher/Penguin, 2006, ISBN 1-58542-474-9
* ''Reiki For Dummies'', Nina L Paul PhD, Wiley Publishing Inc, 2005, ISBN 0-7645-9907-0
* ''Reiki Fire'', Frank Arjava Petter, Lotus Press, 1997, ISBN 0-914955-50-0
* ''Reiki: The Legacy of Dr. Usui'', Frank Arjava Petter, 1st English print: Lotus Press, 1998, ISBN 0-914955-56-X
* ''Hayashi Reiki Manual: Traditional Japanese Healing Techniques from the Founder of the Western Reiki System'', Petter, Yamaguchi and Hayashi, Lotus Press, ISBN 0-914955-75-6
* ''The 'Reiki' Factor in The Radiance Technique(R)'', Dr. Barbara Ray, Radiance Associates, 1983 (current Expanded Edition (c) 1992), ISBN 0-933267-06-1
* ''Reiki: A Beginner's Guide'', Sandi Leir Shuffrey, Headway (Hodder & Stoughton), 1998, ISBN 0-340-72081-6
* ''The Reiki Sourcebook'', Bronwen and Frans Stiene, O Books, 2003, ISBN 1-903816-55-6
* ''The Japanese Art of Reiki'', Bronwen and Frans Stiene, O Books, 2005, ISBN 1-905047-02-9
* ''A-Z of Reiki'', Bronwen and Frans Stiene, O Books, 2006, ISBN 1-905047-89-4
* ''Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui'', Usui and Petter, 4th English print: Lotus Press, 2003, ISBN 0-914955-57-8
* ''Reiki: the Science, Metaphysics and Philosophy'', Dr. John & Esther Veltheim, Parama, 1995, ISBN 0-9645944-0-4


{{Wiktionary|reiki}}
* ''An Introduction to Reiki'' National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (retrieved on ] ])
{{Commons category|Reiki}}
* ''ABC of complementary medicine'' Catherine Zollman and Andrew Vickers, BMJ 1999;319:693-696, ] ], (retrieved on ] ])
* {{cite web |url=http://nccam.nih.gov/health/reiki/ |title=Reiki: An Introduction (NCCAM Backgrounder) |author=] |date=4 May 2010 |access-date=5 May 2010}}
* ''BRCP Divisions and Practises'' Institute For Complementary Medicine (retrieved on ] ])
* ''Reiki: Review of a Biofield Therapy--'' Miles, P., True, G., ''Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine'' (March/April 2003), 9(2) pp 62-72
* ''Human Hemoglobin Levels and Reiki'' (''Journal of Holistic Nursing, 7(1)''pp.47-54 1989)
* ''Biological correlates of Reiki touch healing,'' Wardell, D.W., Engebretson, J., J. Advanced Nursing, 33(4): 439-445 (2001)


==External links== ==External links==
<!-- ATTENTION! Please do not add links without discussion and consensus on the talk page. Undiscussed links will be removed. -->
*
* Many articles on Reiki and research into Reiki.
* Excerpts from Tomita Kaiji's 1933 book and many other articles.
*
* - Skeptic's Dictionary
* at the ]


* "", 2020 article in '']''
]

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Latest revision as of 22:10, 10 December 2024

Pseudoscientific healing technique This article is about the Japanese pseudoscientific healing practice. For the era, see Reiki (era).

A reiki session in progress
Part of a series on
Alternative medicine
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Reiki is a pseudoscientific form of energy healing, a type of alternative medicine originating in Japan. Reiki practitioners use a technique called palm healing or hands-on healing through which, according to practitioners, a "universal energy" is transferred through the palms of the practitioner to the client, to encourage emotional or physical healing. It is based on qi ("chi"), which practitioners say is a universal life force, although there is no empirical evidence that such a life force exists.

Reiki is used as an illustrative example of pseudoscience in scholarly texts and academic journal articles. The marketing of reiki has been described as "fraudulent misrepresentation", and itself as a "nonsensical method", with a recommendation that the American government agency NCCAM should stop funding reiki research because it "has no substantiated health value and lacks a scientifically plausible rationale".

Clinical research does not show reiki to be effective as a treatment for any medical condition, including cancer, diabetic neuropathy, anxiety or depression. There is no proof of the effectiveness of reiki therapy compared to placebo. Studies reporting positive effects have had methodological flaws.

Etymology

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the English alternative medicine word reiki comes from Japanese reiki (霊気) "mysterious atmosphere, miraculous sign", combining rei "universal" and ki "vital energy"—the Sino-Japanese reading of Chinese língqì (靈氣) "numinous atmosphere".

Conceptual basis

Further information: Vitalism and Qi

Reiki's teachings and adherents claim that qi is a physiological force that can be manipulated to treat a disease or condition. There is no evidence that qi exists as an observable phenomenon. Reiki is thus classified as a pseudoscientific practice based on metaphysical, rather than physiological, concepts.

Most research on reiki is poorly designed and prone to bias. There is no reliable empirical evidence that reiki is helpful for treating any medical condition, although some physicians have said it might help promote feelings of general well-being. In 2011, William T. Jarvis of The National Council Against Health Fraud stated there "is no evidence that clinical reiki's effects are due to anything other than suggestion" or the placebo effect.

The 22 April 2014 Skeptoid podcast episode entitled "Your Body's Alleged Energy Fields" relates a reiki practitioner's report of what was happening as she passed her hands over a subject's body:

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.

Technique

A session usually lasts for approximately one hour. A "Level 1" practitioner places their hand or hands on or near various parts of the body for several minutes. During this time, a vital energy is meant to flow from the practitioner into the client's body. "Level 2" practitioners alternatively may offer their services at a distance with no skin contact.

Research and critical evaluation

Reiki is used as an illustrative example of pseudoscience in scholarly texts and academic journal articles. 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". Jann Bellamy, a lawyer and critic of alternative medicine, has described the marketing of reiki as "fraudulent misrepresentation".

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," and others said, "In spite of its diffusion, the baseline mechanism of action has not been demonstrated ..." and, "Neither the forces involved nor the alleged therapeutic benefits have been demonstrated by scientific testing."

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

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 ." Canadian sociologist Susan J. Palmer has listed reiki as among the pseudoscientific healing methods used by cults in France to attract members.

Stephen Barrett of Quackwatch describes reiki as a "nonsensical method". As a reason for why NCCAM should stop funding reiki research, he writes: "Reiki has no substantiated health value and lacks a scientifically plausible rationale. Science-based healthcare settings should not tolerate its use, and scarce government research dollars should not be used to study it further."

Evidence quality

A 2008 systematic review of nine randomized clinical trials found several shortcomings in the literature on reiki. 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. 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.

Safety

See also: Alternative medicine § 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.

Training, certification and adoption

A reiki practitioner who offers teaching is known as a "reiki master".

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

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. 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. The cost per session for treatment vary widely, but a CNBC report found a practitioner charging $229 per session of 60–90 minutes.

History

This section needs expansion. You can help by making an edit requestadding to it . (May 2019)
Mikao Usui (1865–1926)Chujiro Hayashi (1880–1940)

Mikao Usui originated the practice in Japan. According to the inscription on his memorial stone, 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.

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 Usui).

See also

Notes

  1. /ˈreɪki/ RAY-kee; Japanese: 霊気

References

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  34. Inscription on Usui's memorial

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