Reiki

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'''Reiki''' (sometimes mispronounced as /rejˌiki/, it is properly pronounced /reːki/) is a pseudoscientific therapy based on the following beliefs:
 
'''Reiki''' (sometimes mispronounced as /rejˌiki/, it is properly pronounced /reːki/) is a pseudoscientific therapy based on the following beliefs:
*there is a universal and inexhaustible spiritual "energy"<ref>No such spiritual "energy" exists as proved by science</ref> which can be used for healing purposes
+
*there is a universal and inexhaustible spiritual "energy"<ref>No such spiritual "energy" exists as proved by science.</ref> which can be used for healing purposes
 
*through an ''attunement'' process carried out by a Reiki Master, any person can gain access to this "energy"
 
*through an ''attunement'' process carried out by a Reiki Master, any person can gain access to this "energy"
 
*this "energy" will flow through the Reiki Master's hands when he/she places his/her hands near the patient
 
*this "energy" will flow through the Reiki Master's hands when he/she places his/her hands near the patient

Revision as of 10:37, 26 January 2013

Against allopathy

Alternative medicine

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Alternative articles

Reiki (sometimes mispronounced as /rejˌiki/, it is properly pronounced /reːki/) is a pseudoscientific therapy based on the following beliefs:

  • there is a universal and inexhaustible spiritual "energy"[1] which can be used for healing purposes
  • through an attunement process carried out by a Reiki Master, any person can gain access to this "energy"
  • this "energy" will flow through the Reiki Master's hands when he/she places his/her hands near the patient
  • this "energy" has human-like intelligence
  • as this "energy" is intelligent, there is no need for diagnosis. This "energy" will automatically judge the disease and will heal the patient.

Reiki was founded by a Japanese Buddhist monk named Usui Mikao in 1922. Today it is considered to be a form of alternative medicine. It can be dangerous, or even life-threatening, if someone avoids evidence-based medicine and relies upon Reiki for treatment. Some Reiki practitioners also argue that their practice can be carried out from a distance; thus negating any contact save you sending the nice man or lady a cheque (or your credit card number) while he or she heals you from across some random ocean.

The word, Reiki, is of Japanese origin. Rei means "universal spirit, unlimited," and ki refers to the "life force" or "energy." Proponents credit a Dr. Mikao Usui with "re-discovering" Reiki some time around 1846 as part of his search of "sacred texts."

It is clear from proponents' descriptions that Reiki is but a variation of other healing superstitions such as "pranic healing" (ritual of ancient fertility religion, Wicca [ie, witchcraft]), qigong (based upon traditional Chinese medicine), Therapeutic Touch (a pseudomedical practice done by 20th Century American nurses), and unnamed shamanic healing practices that involve hand-waving, or laying-on-of-hands, healing rituals. Such rituals are magical practices that purport to manipulate unseen "spiritual" forces.

First degree Reiki practitioners learn to treat through a series of 12 specific hand positions placed gently on the body. This allegedly facilitates the flow of Reiki energy through the practitioner, said to be manifested by a heightened feeling of warmth in the hands. The practitioner is said to merely serve as a conduit for the Reiki energy. A second degree Reiki practitioner allegedly "learns to send Reiki over distance through the use of special symbols which involve the opening up to the experience of the energy and listening to one's inner voice." The third level is Reiki Master, a process lasting a year or more while working as an apprentice with another Reiki Master. During this time the apprentice learns to embody the energy and is then able to teach Reiki to others." [3]

There is no evidence that clinical Reiki's effects are due to anything other than suggestion, or that they are superior to massage or any other healing ritual. Reiki's metaphysical beliefs may be in conflict with an individual patient's religious beliefs. Full disclosure of the belief system should precede its use in any setting. An investigation of proponent literature casts serious doubt as to whether Reiki practitioners can be trusted with such full disclosure. Reiki literature presents misinformation as fact, and instructs practitioners on how to skirt the law in order to protect themselves from regulation and accountability.
—William T. Jarvis, Ph.D. [2], © 1999 National Council Against Health Fraud. With proper citation, this article may be reproduced for noncommercial purposes

Literature

  • Lee MS, Pittler MH, Ernst E. Effects of reiki in clinical practice: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials. Int J Clin Pract 2008, 62, 6: 947-954

See also

Footnotes

  1. No such spiritual "energy" exists as proved by science.
  2. National Council Against Health Fraud
  3. Bullock M. Reiki: a comprehensive therapy for life. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care 14:31-3, 1997.
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