Reiki is a Japanese form of healing that is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. What makes Reiki unique is that it incorporates elements of just about every other alternative healing practices, but does it actually work?
The medical profession has mixed views, but a strong number of doctors have shown support for Reiki, an array of journals have been published on the subject.
Natural standard and Harvard Medical School released a paper on a study done by scientists on reiki and its effects. The studies were carried out on small samples and it was found that:
- Reiki works on the autonomic nervous system, effecting heart beat rate, blood pressure and/or breathing activity.
- Reiki can help reduce depression and stress.
- Reiki can help reduce pain.
The scientists did point out though that all the trials were on a small scale and larger trials were needed before any conclusion could be drawn. Interesting nonetheless.
While there is no evidence of Reiki having a detrimental impact on ones’ health, studies have unexpectedly shown other positives of the treatment.
Through one of its studies, University of Michigan Complementary and Alternative Medicine Research Center (CAMRC), found that Reiki can be effective for diabetics experiencing nerve problems, especially in the legs. Reiki was applied to relieve some of the pain and numbness experienced by the diabetic patients.
Several studies were carried out using single blind study technique to determine efficacy of reiki treatment. In a study female nursing students were given either real reiki or “mimic reiki” (a placebo form). Tests conducted before and after failed to find any improvement (generally attributed to reiki treatment) in the group which received real reiki.
Hartwell and Brewitt conducted a study on reiki in which a group of chronically ill patients received eleven, weekly, one hour reiki treatment sessions. The patients were not given any other allopathic or complementary medicine or treatment during this period. Tests were conducted to find before/after differences in health. It was observed that all the patients experienced a reduction in pain and an increase in relaxation and mobility.
Reiki Master, Judith Conroy, claims “Anybody can learn Reiki and improve their lives. It can be expensive but thanks to the Internet we can obtain all the information we need at a fraction of the traditional cost.”
“This should open doors for more people to discover and perform this amazing treatment for themselves”. Judith offers an online Reiki course complete with a money back promise for those who don’t feel the benefits. You can view her course here.