Reiki: An Ancient Healing Art

by Nate Widom

This Japanese art of spiritual healing may be the practice you’re looking for to relax your mind and body. Though it has only resurged in the past century, Reiki has been practiced for over 2500 years worldwide, mainly in East Asia.

The Art of Reiki

Reiki is an energy healing art originating in Japan. Its name is derived from the Japanese words “rei,” meaning “universal life,” and “ki,” meaning “energy.” During a reiki session, patients typically lay on their backs on a massage table, always fully clothed. Then, the reiki healer directs their energy. This involves gently touching the client’s body or sometimes using no touch at all. The healer will hold their hand above specific body parts, maintaining position for several minutes before moving to a different area of the body. As this occurs, the patient may feel a relaxing warmth or tingling sensation.^1,2

According to the International Association of Reiki Professionals, reiki sessions are relaxing and can ease tension and stress. Reiki healers believe that everyone has their own healing energy, which can be used to strengthen the energy in themselves and help others.¹

Effectiveness & Usage

Reiki has been credited with reducing pain and improving sleep, mood, and anxiety. However, concrete evidence about effectiveness is lacking. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health concludes that most studies about reiki have not been “high quality,” and there’s inconsistent evidence about any health improvement. Furthermore, they publish that no findings prove the existence of the energy fields that Reiki is built upon.⁴

Reiki is never recommended as a treatment solution. The International Association of Reiki Professionals states, “Reiki is not a cure for a disease or illness.” Another concern is the need for more oversight. In the United States, there is no authoritative certifying body to set the bar for how reiki sessions should be administered and by whom, nor are there state licensing requirements or national certification exams.⁵

Though energy healing has been a practice for thousands of years, reiki as we know it today was founded formally by Dr. Mikao Usui, also known as the Usui Sensei. After studying many healing techniques and becoming a Buddhist monk, he eventually participated in a healing event in a cave on Kyoto’s Mount Kurama. Inspired by ancient Sanskrit symbols in the cave, he created the reiki technique, opening his first facility in Tokyo in 1922. Since then, the method has spread worldwide.³

Contrary to popular belief, Reiki is not a religious practice or form of massage.

That said, reiki may assist in healing or calming the minds and bodies of some. Yes, some studies have shown no significant improvements in reiki patients’ physical and mental health, but others have seen more convincing results. One analysis of 13 peer-reviewed clinical studies found reiki produces physical relaxation more successfully than treatments including meditation, soothing music, and even placebo reiki treatments.⁵

In Conclusion

If you fall into the camp of reiki skeptics, you’re not alone. However, science and debate aside, reiki is widely regarded as a safe practice that is embraced all over the globe for its potential benefits. If you’re intrigued by reiki and are curious about how it may enhance your overall wellness, consider trying it! Just know that the practice should be used not in place of but in addition to other doctor-approved interventions for treating physical and mental ailments.^2,5

Looking for more ways to improve your mind and body?

We offer several services here at the Hockessin Athletic Club that may also scratch your itch.

References

1. iarp.org/what-is-reiki/
2. medicalnewstoday.com/articles/308772
3. iarp.org/history-of-reiki/
4. nccih.nih.gov/health/reiki
5. webmd.com/pain-management/reiki-overview