REIKI IS FAKE: DISPELLING MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT REIKI

Fiona Phillips | Certified Japanese Reiki Shihan (Teacher)
Mar 21, 2024
6 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

DISPELLING MISCONCEPTIONS THAT REIKI IS FAKE

Reiki therapy is a traditional Japanese practice that works with the concept of life-force energy to support wellbeing. It cannot been seen or even measured in terms of the energy itself and so it comes as no surprise that there are some skeptics that believe Reiki is fake. Such skepticism is no surprise, as it often accompanies alternative healing modalities. Despite this, there is an increasing body of research exploring Reiki in therapeutic settings, and an increasing acceptance and offering of Reiki therapy within mainstream medical settings, challenging the notion that Reiki is merely pseudoscience or a placebo effect.

As an experienced Reiki Practitioner who has been practicing Reiki for many years, every day I see the positive power and impact that Reiki has, not only on myself, but on my clients, including changes they report in how they feel physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. However, when I first came to Reiki, I too was a skeptic and Reiki showed me time and time again, its impact on overall wellbeing and quality of life. So I love a good skeptic and I love this topic!

Let's explore why Reiki is not fake.

Understanding Reiki:

Reiki, a Japanese technique developed by Mikao Usui, centres around the concept of vital life-force energy ("Rei" and "Ki").

At the heart of Reiki's philosophy lies the concept of utilising that energy, echoing the principles of modern science. Contemporary physics acknowledges that everything in the universe, from stars to the human body, is composed of energy. At the quantum level, we know that particles move and interact forming the basis of our existence. Similarly, Reiki understands life force energy as the vital essence that flows through all living beings.

For centuries, energy has been used and worked with for healing and wellbeing. In Reiki, through gentle touch on the clothed body of the recipient, practitioners work with this energy to support the body's own natural healing processes in order to support wellbeing on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels.

Reiki is not affiliated with any religion, energy is energy, it it not man-made nor does it require any belief-system and it is commonly used alongside various medical treatments as a supportive, non-invasive practice. It is generally considered gentle, non-invasive, and safe to use alongside other forms of care.

Global Acceptance of Reiki: How It Is Used in Mainstream Healthcare Settings

One of the clearest signs that Reiki is not “fake” is its growing acceptance and integration within mainstream healthcare settings around the world. Hospitals, hospices, and cancer support units are increasingly integrating Reiki into supportive-care offerings, alongside conventional medical treatments, including in heart surgeries. The growing acceptance and use of Reiki within mainstream healthcare settings speaks volumes about how widely it is sought after and appreciated.

Over 900 hospitals in Australia, the USA, UK, Ireland, Brazil, and Mexico offer Reiki to their patients in Children’s hospitals, Hospital Emergency Rooms, Pre-Op, Operating rooms, Post Op, Oncology, Cardiology, Orthopaedics, Internal Medicine, and Palliative Care.

Research and Reiki's Use in Hospitals and Mainstream Care Settings

Numerous studies, including peer-reviewed research, have explored the effects of Reiki in various clinical settings. For instance, a study at Hartford Hospital in Connecticut, patients who received Reiki reported feeling less anxious before surgery, and the clinicians involved observed patterns such as the use of less anaesthetic, less bleeding during surgery and indications of quicker recovery, although the researchers noted that more studies are needed to explore these findings properly. Various studies conducted at world renowned hospitals such as the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins reported benefits described by patients, such as stress reduction, pain management, and enhanced well-being, for patients receiving Reiki.

It was concluded in one review that Reiki appeared to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, as measured by reduced heart rate, reduced blood pressure, and increased heart rate variability in 'Reiki Is Better Than Placebo and Has Broad Potential as a Complementary Health Therapy' where the study authors reviewed 13 placebo-controlled studies of Reiki. The authors of that review also concluded that, in the studies they examined, Reiki appeared to be more effective than placebo for reducing pain, anxiety, and depression, and for improving self-esteem and quality of life. They also noted that more research is needed to better understand these findings. According to the neurovisceral integration model and the polyvagal theory, some researchers suggest these changes may be linked to relaxation responses within the parasympathetic nervous system. Interpretation of these outcomes continues to evolve, and more research is ongoing.

You can read more here if you are interested in reading more about Reiki in clinical settings and research to date. Here is an overview:

Reiki, Stress and Anxiety: Numerous studies have demonstrated Reiki's ability to induce a state of deep relaxation, which many patients report as helping ease feelings of stress or anxiety.

Reiki and Experiences With Pain Support: Studies have explored Reiki in oncology settings, with some indicating that Reiki may support people experiencing treatment-related side effects such as pain, nausea, constipation, and fatigue. Many patients also report feeling calmer, less anxious, more grounded and emotionally supported during treatment, with some describing improvements in self-esteem as well.

Reiki and Reported Improvements in Quality of Life: Patients undergoing Reiki treatments often report improvements in their overall quality of life. From increased energy levels to better sleep patterns, Reiki fosters a sense of vitality and well-being, empowering individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Reiki as Support During Cancer Treatment: In oncology settings, Reiki has emerged as a valuable adjunctive therapy for cancer patients. Studies indicate that Reiki can help alleviate treatment-related side effects, such as pain, nausea, constipation and fatigue, while promoting emotional resilience and coping mechanisms.

Reiki and the Healing Support: Reiki is traditionally believed to support the body’s natural healing processes by encouraging deep relaxation, restoring balance and helping the body move into a state where healing can occur more effectively. Based on the research to date, some people have reported faster healing from injuries, surgeries and illnesses when Reiki has been part of their supportive-care routine.

Emotional and Psychological Experiences With Reiki: Beyond physical health, Reiki offers profound psychological benefits. Many individuals report emotional release, increased clarity and a greater sense of inner calm following Reiki sessions. Experiences vary, but emotional shifts are commonly described.

Placebo Effects: Skeptics of Reiki often attribute its perceived benefits to placebo effects or the power of suggestion. While the placebo effect may indeed play a role in some cases, numerous studies suggested that Reiki may have effects beyond placebo, though interpretations differ and research continues to evolve.

Patient Testimonials

Patient testimonials have also been gathered and collated by carious mainstream hospitals and hospices to monitor and track patient experiences of Reiki and to understand how patients perceive its benefits. Many report significant improvements in pain, anxiety, and overall well-being after Reiki sessions. For instance, patients undergoing cancer treatment at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Perth have reported relief from pain, fatigue, and nausea. Some even said they would only choose a hospital that offered Reiki as part of patient care, which is an extraordinary testament to how they felt Reiki benefited them.

Safety of Reiki

One crucial aspect contributing to Reiki's credibility is its safety profile. Across numerous studies and real-world applications, Reiki is generally considered gentle and safe, with no known harmful effects when used appropriately as a complementary practice. This makes Reiki a widely accessible supportive practice that can be used alongside conventional care.

Anecdotal Experiences

While anecdotal evidence alone is not sufficient to establish the validity of a practice, the countless testimonials from individuals who have experienced the benefits of Reiki cannot be ignored. Many people report feeling deep relaxation, reduced pain, improved mood, and enhanced overall well-being after Reiki sessions. Some say Reiki helped them more than anything else they had tried and gave them renewed hope, which is such a remarkable reflection of the offerings of Reiki. These personal accounts provide compelling evidence of Reiki's potential to positively impact individuals on a holistic level.

Reiki’s Holistic Approach

One of the key principles of Reiki is its holistic approach to healing, recognizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Unlike conventional medicine, which often focuses solely on treating symptoms or specific ailments, Reiki addresses the energetic and emotional aspects of wellbeing as traditionally understood in Reiki philosophy. What Reiki has always know is now beginning to infiltrate the understanding of even conventional therapies, that healing and health and well-being can not be divided and compartmentalised. They all interact and influence the impact on the individual. By working on to restore balance on all levels of being, Reiki supports a powerful and effective whole-person approach to health and well-being.

Conclusion:

So is Reiki fake? The widespread adoption of Reiki in mainstream healthcare settings, backed by a growing body of clinical interest and positive patient experiences, shows how valued Reiki has become as a supportive practice. As more healthcare institutions recognize its value in promoting holistic well-being, Reiki continues to emerge as a legitimate and valuable healing practice, offering hope and comfort to countless individuals worldwide.

If you have any questions, or want to chat more about Reiki please contact me and we can arrange a time to chat. If you would like to book a Reiki session in Melbourne (or distance Reiki worldwide), you can book an appointment here or if you would like to learn Reiki yourself, sign up for a Reiki course here. I look forward to connecting with you for Reiki!