Introduction

Are you interested in energy healing? Reiki is a complementary therapy that allows individuals to engage with the body’s energy field or aura using a gentle touch that is noninvasive and respects personal boundaries. It complements, rather than substitutes, medical treatments, providing a conjunction approach rather than a replacement.^1,2

Definition of reiki

Reiki is a coined Japanese word that means universal energy. Reiki is a word comprised of two other Japanese words - Rei refers to ‘God's wisdom or the Higher power', and Ki means 'life force energy'. Reiki embodies the essential life force existing within every living being. Practitioners believe that tapping into this universal life energy can promote healing and balance within individuals.^3,4

Origin of reiki

Reiki (pronounced as ray-key) is a technique developed at the end of the 19th century and early 20th century in Japan by Mikao Usui. In reiki, practitioners place their hands gently above or on the clothed body, moving slowly through different hand positions on the front and back. It's important to note that reiki doesn't have any specific religious rules and is embraced by people of various backgrounds and belief systems.^1,2

Core principles of reiki

After developing reiki, Mikao Usui introduced five principles for its practice. These principles aim to highlight the importance of conscious self-improvement, aiding individuals in recognising and enhancing their spirit to facilitate the healing experience.³ 

The five principles are: “`Just for today: do not anger, do not worry, be grateful, work with diligence and be kind to others.”

The reiki system

Reiki’s main defining feature is the idea of practice ability gained through a process which is not dependent on natural healing talent - ‘attunement’. Practitioners of reiki perform attunement through rituals aimed at opening energy channels within the body. Attunement to the first level in reiki is the ability to learn to use touch for treating yourself and others. The second level is the ability to use special symbols for mental access, allowing healing from a distance. Finally, the third level is the ability to attune others to reiki. With more practice, practitioners become better at healing with reiki.²

Many people doubt the idea of gaining special healing abilities through a ritual. Some say the benefits of reiki might just be in the mind, also known as a placebo effect, and you could get similar results without going through the attunement process.

Benefits of reiki

While research on reiki has given mixed results, some studies suggest positive benefits:

• Research has shown that reiki may be more effective than placebo and may be integrated into psychotherapy for managing conditions such as depression, stress and anxiety⁵
• More effective than a placebo by helping the body relax by activating the parasympathetic nervous system: reduced heart rate, blood pressure and increased heart rate variability²
• More effective than a placebo in improving self-esteem and quality of life² 
• Positive impact on sleep quality⁶
• Reducing stress levels⁷
• May benefit mood⁸

Reiki session process

Preparing for a session

• During your first visit to the reiki practitioner, you may be inquired about your health and medical history
• This may also involve a discussion on why you are seeking reiki
• You and your practitioner will collaboratively devise a plan for your treatment
• It is essential to notify your doctor if you undergo complementary and alternative medicine¹

Conducting a session

• No need to undress for the session practitioner may ask you to remove your shoes and coat
• You can sit or lie down and decide whether you want to close or open your eyes during the session
• Your practitioner will hover their hands on your body with a gentle touch or above your body without direct skin contact, moving from your head to your feet
• This technique is designed to manipulate and balance energy for healing
• You may not feel anything, or you may feel a range of sensations. According to practitioners, not experiencing any sensations or feelings doesn't mean the therapy is ineffective

Post-session practicers

• Reiki is generally safe and no reported side effects are associated with reiki
• You may feel deep relaxation and be advised to rest at home
• After the session, you might experience heightened thirst and are recommended to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water while avoiding caffeinated beverages
• If there is any discomfort it is important to discuss this matter with your practitioner

Complementary nature of reiki

Reiki can be grouped into complementary and alternative medicine, which falls outside of conventional medicine. Complementary and alternative medicine is a supplement and cannot replace or substitute conventional medicine and treatment for patients.^1,5 

Integration into healthcare practices

As mentioned, Reiki lies outside the scope of conventional healthcare, and some hospitals offer reiki to reduce stress and anxiety. For example, reiki can be offered as a palliative/supportive therapy for cancer patients for general well-being. It is important to note reiki is a type of supportive treatment and does not have the capacity to cure your disease. 

Common misconceptions about reiki

• Reiki is not a cult or religion
• Reiki is simple and not complicated
• Reiki cannot cure, meaning it cannot alleviate symptoms and treat patients and can only assist in promoting a relaxation response for healing
• Depending on the person, a single session may not help; a repeated session may be required to promote healing⁹

Choosing a reiki practitioner

• Before considering reiki as a complementary therapy alongside your conventional medicine, it is important to notify your doctor and ask if they offer complementary therapy in the hospital
• It is important to research about reiki
• You must ensure your practitioner is well-trained, has suitable credentials and is registered as a reiki practitioner with complementary and natural healthcare council^1,10

Summary 

Reiki is a form of complementary and alternative medicine that originated in Japan, with the concept of energy healing through the reiki practitioner’s hands. While it is not a substitute for conventional medicine and cannot cure diseases, it is offered to patients to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels and anxiety to improve patients’ quality of life. Reiki aims to enhance the general well-being of patients. Scientific research is ongoing to establish evidence supporting its practice and as a complementary and alternative medicine for different conditions.