Reiki
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But it’s mostly harmless ''in itself'', except financially. (Or, if you’re a good [[Catholic]], spiritually.<ref>[http://old.usccb.org/doctrine/Evaluation_Guidelines_finaltext_2009-03.pdf Guidelines for Evaluating Reiki as an Alternative Therapy] (Committee on Doctrine, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 25 March 2009)</ref> Or, if you’re one of the weirder [[New Age]]rs, [[psychic]] attacks.<ref>[http://www.lipstickmystic.com/a-healing-crisis-equals-massive-psychic-attack-you-reiki-idiots/ A “Healing Crisis” Equals Massive Psychic Attack, You Reiki Idiots!] (Lipstick Mystic, January 26th, 2013)</ref>) Though [[Edzard Ernst]] writes of an ethically-challenged study giving reiki to cancer patients<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/blog/2011/oct/11/placebos-reiki-cancer-patients-harm Giving placebos such as reiki to cancer patients does more harm than good] (Edzard Ernst, ''Notes and Theories'', ''Guardian'', 11 October 2011)</ref> that suggests NCCAM need to stop indulging these nutters.<ref>[http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/reiki.html Reiki Is Nonsense] (Stephen Barrett, Quackwatch)</ref> The Advertising Standards Authority in the UK slap people upside the head for making any shade of medical claim for Reiki.<ref>[http://www.cap.org.uk/Advice-Training-on-the-rules/Advice-Online-Database/Therapies,-c-,-Reiki.aspx Therapies: Reiki] (Committee of Advertising Practice, September 2011)</ref><ref>[http://www.asa.org.uk/Rulings/Adjudications/2012/1/Jackie-Howchin/SHP_ADJ_157302.aspx ASA Adjudication on Jackie Howchin] (Advertising Standards Authority, 4 January 2012)</ref> | But it’s mostly harmless ''in itself'', except financially. (Or, if you’re a good [[Catholic]], spiritually.<ref>[http://old.usccb.org/doctrine/Evaluation_Guidelines_finaltext_2009-03.pdf Guidelines for Evaluating Reiki as an Alternative Therapy] (Committee on Doctrine, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 25 March 2009)</ref> Or, if you’re one of the weirder [[New Age]]rs, [[psychic]] attacks.<ref>[http://www.lipstickmystic.com/a-healing-crisis-equals-massive-psychic-attack-you-reiki-idiots/ A “Healing Crisis” Equals Massive Psychic Attack, You Reiki Idiots!] (Lipstick Mystic, January 26th, 2013)</ref>) Though [[Edzard Ernst]] writes of an ethically-challenged study giving reiki to cancer patients<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/blog/2011/oct/11/placebos-reiki-cancer-patients-harm Giving placebos such as reiki to cancer patients does more harm than good] (Edzard Ernst, ''Notes and Theories'', ''Guardian'', 11 October 2011)</ref> that suggests NCCAM need to stop indulging these nutters.<ref>[http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/reiki.html Reiki Is Nonsense] (Stephen Barrett, Quackwatch)</ref> The Advertising Standards Authority in the UK slap people upside the head for making any shade of medical claim for Reiki.<ref>[http://www.cap.org.uk/Advice-Training-on-the-rules/Advice-Online-Database/Therapies,-c-,-Reiki.aspx Therapies: Reiki] (Committee of Advertising Practice, September 2011)</ref><ref>[http://www.asa.org.uk/Rulings/Adjudications/2012/1/Jackie-Howchin/SHP_ADJ_157302.aspx ASA Adjudication on Jackie Howchin] (Advertising Standards Authority, 4 January 2012)</ref> | ||
| − | From its invention in Japan in 1922, Reiki has split into many forms (similar to the process in which [[religion]]s split into denominations). Like religious denominations, there are far too many to list here, but a few of them are: Usui Reiki (the original); Western Reiki, brought to Hawaii by [[Hawayo Takata]], which most Western varieties spring from; Gendai (Modern) Reiki, an updated Japanese version; Rainbow Reiki, which combines Reiki with chakras; Five Element Seichem, a recent variant from Canada; Kundalini Reiki, another version crossed with [[chakra]]s, which appears particularly suited to distance learning; [[The 'Reiki' Factor in The Radiance Technique|The Radiance Technique]], which also has chakras added, and which asserts ''true'' Reiki was brought to [[Earth]] by [[extraterrestrial]]s; and, of course, tantric | + | From its invention in Japan in 1922, Reiki has split into many forms (similar to the process in which [[religion]]s split into denominations). Like religious denominations, there are far too many to list here, but a few of them are: Usui Reiki (the original); Western Reiki, brought to Hawaii by [[Hawayo Takata]], which most Western varieties spring from; Gendai (Modern) Reiki, an updated Japanese version; Rainbow Reiki, which combines Reiki with chakras; Five Element Seichem, a recent variant from Canada; Kundalini Reiki, another version crossed with [[chakra]]s, which appears particularly suited to distance learning; [[The 'Reiki' Factor in The Radiance Technique|The Radiance Technique]], which also has chakras added, and which asserts ''true'' Reiki was brought to [[Earth]] by [[extraterrestrial]]s; and, of course, tantric Reiki, which is just what it sounds like. But very spiritual. |
Of these, The Radiance Technique is probably the most dogmatic; the main TRT organization once excommunicated<ref>"Decertified", in TRT lingo.</ref> a practitioner for deviating from its [[dogma]]s.<ref>[http://www.trtia.org/decert.htm Notice of Decertification of Authorized Instructor]</ref> Since being a practitioner simply means you've been attuned to the Universal Cosmic Energy(TM), does this mean she's been "deattuned"? One wonders if the energy (which is supposedly so intelligent) had any say in this process. | Of these, The Radiance Technique is probably the most dogmatic; the main TRT organization once excommunicated<ref>"Decertified", in TRT lingo.</ref> a practitioner for deviating from its [[dogma]]s.<ref>[http://www.trtia.org/decert.htm Notice of Decertification of Authorized Instructor]</ref> Since being a practitioner simply means you've been attuned to the Universal Cosmic Energy(TM), does this mean she's been "deattuned"? One wonders if the energy (which is supposedly so intelligent) had any say in this process. | ||
Revision as of 22:17, 21 March 2013
| Against allopathy |
| Alternative articles |
Reiki (sometimes mispronounced as /rejˌiki/; it is properly pronounced /reːki/) is a pseudoscientific energy therapy that claims a long and venerable tradition, although it was invented from whole cloth in 1922. It is based on the following beliefs:
- There is a universal and inexhaustible spiritual energy 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.
- As this energy has human-like intelligence, there is no need for diagnosis — the energy will automatically judge the disease and heal the patient.
Basically, vitalism.
Reiki was founded by a Japanese Buddhist monk named Mikao Usui in 1922. Proponents hold that he rediscovered reiki as part of his search of "sacred texts." But it’s basically a rehash of similar practices such as pranic healing, Qi Gong, therapeutic touch and others that involve hand-waving or laying on of hands, that make the patient feel they’re getting paid some attention by someone. Today it is considered to be a form of alternative medicine.
Some Reiki practitioners also claim that their practice can be carried out from a distance, thus obviating any contact save you sending the nice man or lady your credit card number while he or she heals you from across an ocean.
There are three levels of Reiki:
- First-degree Reiki healers learn twelve specific hand positions on the body, that facilitate the flow of Reiki energy through the practitioner, who serves as a mere conduit for the energy. He can tell it works because his hands feel warmed.
- Second-degree practitioners can send Reiki energy over a distance through the use of special symbols, by "opening up to the experience of the energy and listening to one’s inner voice."[1]
- Third-degree practitioners are Reiki Masters, a process requiring an apprenticeship of a year or more, in which the apprentice learns to embody the energy. They can then teach Reiki to others.
Prices for first level are apparently around $100, second level $150-300 and master around $600-800.[2]
There is, of course, no evidence that Reiki has any clinical effect, or that it is superior to plain old massage or any other healing ritual.[3]
But it’s mostly harmless in itself, except financially. (Or, if you’re a good Catholic, spiritually.[4] Or, if you’re one of the weirder New Agers, psychic attacks.[5]) Though Edzard Ernst writes of an ethically-challenged study giving reiki to cancer patients[6] that suggests NCCAM need to stop indulging these nutters.[7] The Advertising Standards Authority in the UK slap people upside the head for making any shade of medical claim for Reiki.[8][9]
From its invention in Japan in 1922, Reiki has split into many forms (similar to the process in which religions split into denominations). Like religious denominations, there are far too many to list here, but a few of them are: Usui Reiki (the original); Western Reiki, brought to Hawaii by Hawayo Takata, which most Western varieties spring from; Gendai (Modern) Reiki, an updated Japanese version; Rainbow Reiki, which combines Reiki with chakras; Five Element Seichem, a recent variant from Canada; Kundalini Reiki, another version crossed with chakras, which appears particularly suited to distance learning; The Radiance Technique, which also has chakras added, and which asserts true Reiki was brought to Earth by extraterrestrials; and, of course, tantric Reiki, which is just what it sounds like. But very spiritual.
Of these, The Radiance Technique is probably the most dogmatic; the main TRT organization once excommunicated[10] a practitioner for deviating from its dogmas.[11] Since being a practitioner simply means you've been attuned to the Universal Cosmic Energy(TM), does this mean she's been "deattuned"? One wonders if the energy (which is supposedly so intelligent) had any say in this process.
Footnotes
- ↑ William T. Jarvis, Ph.D. "Reiki." National Council Against Health Fraud
- ↑ Reiki (Skeptic's Dictionary)
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Guidelines for Evaluating Reiki as an Alternative Therapy (Committee on Doctrine, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 25 March 2009)
- ↑ A “Healing Crisis” Equals Massive Psychic Attack, You Reiki Idiots! (Lipstick Mystic, January 26th, 2013)
- ↑ Giving placebos such as reiki to cancer patients does more harm than good (Edzard Ernst, Notes and Theories, Guardian, 11 October 2011)
- ↑ Reiki Is Nonsense (Stephen Barrett, Quackwatch)
- ↑ Therapies: Reiki (Committee of Advertising Practice, September 2011)
- ↑ ASA Adjudication on Jackie Howchin (Advertising Standards Authority, 4 January 2012)
- ↑ "Decertified", in TRT lingo.
- ↑ Notice of Decertification of Authorized Instructor