Reiki, an otherworldly spiritual practice created by a Buddhist, has formed into different customs. Some call it palm mending, others name it hands on recuperating – primary concern, it’s reciprocal treatment and a type of contemplation. That being said, Reiki emerges in the realm of contemplation – but how and why?
A traditional Reiki whole-body Reiki treatment would go like this: The Reiki practitioner has the patient lie down and relax on a massage table, and then helps bring the patient to a clear and more peaceful state of mind. The practitioner places his hands either on or above various positions and is kept for a few minutes on each position. The main areas covered by this process are the head, back and front of the upper body, the knees and the feet. A general treatment usually lasts 45 minutes to an hour and a half.
The practitioners believe they are “transferring universal energy (known as reiki) through the palms that allow self-healing and a state of equilibrium.” The process is energizing as a massage and there is a unique emotional/mental level of enhancement that the form of meditation provides. Reiki is unique for having its own array of formats and soundtracks.
Some hospitals have adapted Reiki principles in their programs to help cancer patients and other ill-bodied folk. Throughout the country, Reiki has become a regular practice for them. However, according to the American Cancer Society, “Available scientific evidence at this time does not support claims that Reiki can help treat cancer or any other illness. More study may help determine to what extent, if at all, it can improve a patient’s sense of well being.” Backed by the NCCAM (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine) on that theory, Reiki has no scientific evidence to help anyone with anything. But then again, the art of meditation and massage has never been backed by science (other than for general relaxation and localized improvements, respectively) – it dates back for centuries and is based on anecdotal results rather than scientific research. There must be something to it; otherwise the tradition would have died down over the years instead of finding its way into modern-era hospitals. That something is called “the placebo effect“. Throw in a little confirmation bias, and a dash of personalized 1-on-1 attention from another person, and you’ve got yourself an “effective treatment“.
The Committee on Doctrine of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops stands strong against Reiki’s practice for Catholics. Issuing a decree stating that, “since Reiki therapy is not compatible with either Christian teaching or scientific evidence, it would be inappropriate for Catholics institutions, to promote or to provide support for Reiki therapy.” Reiki is not religiously affiliated, but is opposed by religious denominations.
Overall, Reiki seems to stand out in the world of meditation practices with its apprehensive style of practice and controversy in the media. Perhaps the most controversial form of meditation, yet booming and up-and-coming, Reiki practice is growing fast… and who knows? Maybe the great Reiki debates will be fished up in somebody’s net.
The growth of Reiki despite its controversial standing is quite fascinating. It’s a clear example of how cultural practices can evolve and adapt to modern contexts.
I agree. It also shows how people seek out diverse forms of support and healing, beyond conventional medicine.
The fact that some hospitals use Reiki for patient care reflects a demand for holistic approaches. However, it’s important to keep the distinction clear between scientifically validated treatments and those based on anecdotal evidence.
It’s interesting to see how religious institutions react to practices like Reiki. The tension between traditional religious beliefs and modern alternative practices often highlights deeper cultural and philosophical conflicts.
The combination of meditation and physical touch in Reiki likely contributes to its calming effects. Even if the benefits are largely psychological, they can still be very real for those who practice it.
Absolutely. The mind-body connection is complex, and practices like Reiki might offer significant mental health benefits even without scientific validation.
Reiki’s practice and its integration into modern hospitals is intriguing, especially given the lack of scientific evidence supporting its efficacy. It’s a testament to the power of tradition and belief in alternative medicine.
The placebo effect is a powerful phenomenon, and it seems to play a significant role in the perceived benefits of Reiki. While it may not be scientifically proven, if patients feel better from it, there’s value in that.