If you’re looking for a hands-on technique to help you relax and feel better, Reiki massage may be for you. But if you’re looking for a scientifically-proven program of healing which uses tried-and-tested methods that have rigorously examined in clinical trials – and passed with flying colors - look somewhere else.
Reiki was developed by Dr Mikao Usui. Legend has it that one day he began to ruminate about his life underneath a waterfall (as one does). As cascades of water flowed over his head, he believed that it activated his crown chakra, or the spiritual energy in his head.
Developed in Japan but refined in the West, Reiki massage is a “laying on hands” type of healing based on belief: the belief that a trained Reiki practitioner can channel energy through his or her hands to a recipient, allowing the recipient to heal from within. Reiki practitioners believe that this energy transfer can help not only with minor complaints, but also assist people with long-term or terminal illnesses relax and find peace.
History of Reiki
The word Reiki is actually made up of two Japanese words: Rei means “God’s wisdom,” or “the higher power”, and Ki means life force energy. Most people, therefore, translate Reiki as “universal life energy” - a way of people-to-people healing which leaves both healer and recipient with high energy levels.
Reiki was developed by Dr Mikao Usui, who was born in 1865. Legend has it that he was a gifted spiritualist - but a failed lover and businessman. So one day he began to ruminate about his life underneath a waterfall (as one does). As cascades of water flowed over his head, he believed that it activated his crown chakra, or the spiritual energy in his head.
As a result, Dr Usui found that his healing abilities were purportedly heightened, while his energy levels remained constant. A Usui disciple, Dr Chujiro Hayashi, further developed the technique, but it wasn’t until Hawayo Takato from Hawaii began hearing voices in her head that the West took notice.
Takato, the daughter of a Japanese sugar plantation worker, was visiting her parents’ homeland when she became ill. She was on the operating table facing an operation to cure her of tumors, emphysema and gallstones when she heard a voice saying “The operation is not necessary.”
Instead, Takato turned to Reiki, and when she was “cured” of all her diseases she eventually brought Reiki back to Hawaii, and eventually the US mainland. The rest, as they say, is history.
The Four Paths of Reiki
Although there is no real belief system or even – God forbid – religious aspect to Reiki, it nonetheless works on the principle of a universal life force, and a divine energy. With this in mind, the art of Reiki, according to Dr Usui, is divided into four sections, including:
- Personal development. Developing a deeper sense of self-love and self-awareness through Reiki.
- Healing practice. Using the hands-on technique to help others and yourself channel the universal life energy.
- Mystic order. Bringing a sense of connection with others who practice Reiki, and thus developing a common bond with them.
- Spirituality. Awakening a sense of spiritual discipline in your life through following the practices of Reiki.
Having a Reiki Treatment
Unlike many other type of self-characterized “spiritual healing”, Reiki is actually very simple and straightforward. The recipient has a brief chat with the practitioner, then lies on a comfy couch. There is no need to disrobe as practitioners claim their energy is able to pass through any type of clothing whatsoever, and can even permeate plaster casts (!).
Next, the practitioner will place his or her hands over the recipient’s body, concentrating, if wished, on areas that need special attention – if there is tension in the back or neck, for example. The whole process takes anywhere from one to two hours, with each position being held for several minutes or longer. Some recipients claim they can actually feel heat emanating from the practitioner’s hands.
Reiki followers claim the massage can help people resolve health complaints ranging from heart problems, rheumatic pain and skin problems to depression and chronic fatigue. They say it also can help with a variety of ailments, including:
- Physical problems
- Mental problems
- Emotional problems
- Spiritual problems
- Acute injuries
- Chronic illnesses
Does Reiki Work?
There is no doubt that people who are feeling low and tired can benefit from having someone listen to their complaints and give their undivided attention to them. Studies have also shown that skin-to-skin contact, or positive physical contact in general, even through clothes, can make us feel better and more alive.
However, there is no conclusive scientific proof that Reiki can help anyone at all, apart from the supply of human contact which it provides. A review into Reiki research carried out by the University of Exeter, the most comprehensive review so far which was published into January, 2008, found that evidence “is insufficient to suggest that reiki is an effective treatment for any condition,” according to the Quackwatch website, run by Dr Stephen Barrett.
In an article titled “Reiki is Nonsense” on his excellent website, Dr Barrett deplores the use of this age-old practice, saying it has no scientific basis whatsoever, and that practitioners simply receive an “initiation” or “attunement” from a Reiki Master.
“Reiki has no substantiated health value and lacks a scientifically plausible rationale. Science-based healthcare settings should not tolerate its use, and scarce government research dollars should not be used to study it further,” Barrett writes.
If you or someone you know wishes to try Reiki go right ahead – as long as you do not forsake conventional treatment, as did sugar cane girl Hawayo Takato. While the “massage” may or may not cure you of any health problems, you will probably find the experience pleasurable and even entertaining, if perhaps for different reasons than intended…
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