Reiki
What is it ?
Reiki is a form of energy healing originating from Japan where it was developed and promoted by Mikao Usui, a Buddhist monk in the early 20th century. The Reiki practitioner uses light touch and believes to channel Reiki “energy” into the patient or client.1 Reiki can be practised by anyone with different degrees of training and expertise.
Application and dosage
The Reiki-practitioner either uses light touch or heals at a distance by sending Reiki-‘energy’ to the patient. The term is in inverted commas because it is not energy in the sense science would define it. Therapy can be as often as desired, typically several times per week. A course of treatment might consist of 6 or more sessions and is determined by the preferences or needs of the patient and the practitioner. Reiki is usually used in addition to conventional therapies in any setting.
History/providers
The Japanese theologian Mikao Usui is said to have rediscovered the technique in the late 19th century. Apparently it has its roots in ancient Tibetan Buddhism. Providers are initiated by an experienced Reiki-master up to three levels of attunement.
Claims of efficacy
The Reiki-‘energy’ allegedly stimulates ’balance’ and self-healing. Thus Reiki is being used to maintain wellbeing and help the treatment of most human conditions or symptoms.
Mechanism of action
Some authors claim that Reiki operates on an anatomic level causing molecules within the body to attain higher energy levels. Reiki is said to remove “energy” blocks.2 From a more scientific point of view, Reiki's effects have not been documented and its mechanisms are unexplained and biologically implausible.
Alleged indications
Anecdotal evidence suggests that Reiki can alleviate cancer symptoms, such as pain or anxiety. Some advocates would go further and claim that Reiki can influence the natural history of malignancies.
Prevalence of use
In Japan, Reiki has been known for many decades. Recently, it has been more widely used in other countries as well. There are no reliable data to accurately describe the prevalence of use in cancer patients. Most authors claim it is commonly used by cancer patients,e.g.3,4 Other data, however, suggest that Reiki use is rare.5 Hence its precise prevalence is unknown.
Legal issues
In most countries, Reiki-practitioners are not regulated healthcare professionals. Anyone regardless of education, training or experience, can claim to be a Reiki-practitioner or Reiki-master. In some countries, e.g. the UK, Reiki-practitioners are not allowed to claim to cure cancer.
Cost and expenditure
Some Reiki-practitioners do not charge for treatments but most would ask for around €60 per session.
Citation
Edzard Ernst, CAM-Cancer Consortium. Reiki [online document]. http://www.cam-cancer.org/CAM-Summaries/Mind-body-interventions/Reiki. July 26, 2011.Document history
Summary first published in July 2011, authored by Edzard Ernst.
References
- Jonas WB. Mosby's Dictionary of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. St Louis US: Elsevier Mosby. 2005.
- Barnett H. The Which? Guide to Complementary Therapies. Which? Books, London. 2002.
- Lorenc A, Peace B. The integration of healing into conventional cancer care in the UK. Comp Ther Clin Pract 2010; 16(4):222-228.
- Pierce B. The use of biofield therapies in cancer care. Clin J Oncol Nurse 2007; 11(2):253-258.
- Talmi YP, Yakirevitch A. Limited use of complementary and alternative medicine in Israeli head and neck cancer patients. Laryngoscope 2005; 115(8):1505-1508.
- Mansour AA, Beuche M. A study to test the effectiveness of placebo Reiki standardization procedures developed for a planned Reiki efficacy study. J Alt and Comp Med 1999; 5(2):153-164.
- Olson K, Hanson J. A phase II trial of Reiki for the management of pain in advanced cancer patients. J Pain Sympt Man 2003; 26(5):990-997.
- Potter PJ. Breast biopsy and distress: feasibility of testing a Reiki intervention. J Holistic Nursing 2007; 25(4):238-248.
- Tsang KL, Carlson LE. Pilot crossover trial of Reiki versus rest for treating cancer-related fatigue. Integr Cancer Ther 2007; 6(1):25-35.
- Beard C, Stason WB, Wang Q, Manola J, Dean-Clower E, Dusek JA et al. Effects of complementary therapies on clinical outcomes in patients being treated with radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Cancer 2011; 117(1):96-102.
- 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.
The present documentation has been compiled by the CAM-CANCER Project with all due care and expert knowledge. However, the CAM-CANCER Project provides no assurance, guarantee or promise with regard to the correctness, accuracy, up-to-date status or completeness of the information it contains. This information is designed for health professionals. Readers are strongly advised to discuss the information with their physician. Accordingly, the CAM-CANCER Project shall not be liable for damage or loss caused because anyone relies on the information.
