Science vs. Reiki

Science & Reiki

One thing a lot of people - especially in the academic and professional community - want to know is, "What does the research say about the effectiveness of Reiki?" The answer to that question, at least right now, is "Not much."

Does this mean that modern scientific enquiry has proven, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Reiki is ineffective? Not at all. Issues have compromised the effectiveness of current research; sample sizes have been quite small, which means that it's rather difficult to generalize the results to the larger population; reporting methods have also been quite poor, as has the research design.

A larger issue - and the focus of this post - is that it often takes time for science to catch up, and even when it has caught up, there tends to be a significant disagreement between what the general population "knows" to be true and what scientific research has demonstrated to be true.

*It often takes time for science to catch up*

In psychology - and, I suspect, science in general - terrible fallacies perpetuated treatment of the mentally ill, at least until scientific enquiry proved them wrong. We, as a society, used to believe that mentally ill could not get better (asylums), that modern intelligence testing should be used to identify the mentally or racially inferior, and that they should be removed from society (Terman, founder of the Stanford-Binet IQ test ; Margaret Sanger, Planned Parenthood founder http://blackgenocide.org/sanger.html; John Harvey Kellogg - yes, the inventor of Corn Flakes), that lobotomies could be used to cure mental illness, that using a spinning chair treatment cured one of mental illness, or that forced electroshock therapy could cure mental illness. To this list, we could also add the ineffectiveness of antidepressants (http://healthland.time.com/2012/01/18/new-research-on-the-antidepressant-versus-placebo-debate/), but that's a whole new ball of wax.

One good example of science taking time to catch up to a beneficial practice that people already knew for years concerns the benefits of mindfulness meditation. Long before scientific enquiry looked at benefits of meditation - long regarded by many skeptics as New Age-y, fluffy, and worthless - people practiced it for the benefits. Now, research has documented the benefits of mindfulness meditation (see http://www-psych.stanford.edu/~pgoldin/Buddhism/MindfulnessMeditationSummary.doc.)

People vs. Science
Suppose a plethora of research studies came out today proving that Reiki is a viable, effective option. Would our favorite angry skeptics (http://scienceblogs.com/whitecoatunderground/2009/03/11/reiki-still-stupid-after-all-t/, http://mikesweeklyskepticrant.blogspot.com/2008/09/stupid-reiki-bullshit-among-other.html) become overnight fans? I'm inclined to doubt it.
 Here's the thing: we, as ego-driven humans, love to know that we are right - even when, you know, we're not. We all know, for example, that our memories are completely accurate and objective, and that repressed memories can be recovered through therapy.
Eyewitness testimony: http://agora.stanford.edu/sjls/Issue%20One/fisher&tversky.htm
Objective accuracy of memory: http://www.unisci.com/stories/20012/0613011.htm
Repressed or recovered memory: http://harvardmagazine.com/2008/01/repressed-memory.html

 That would be no, no, and hell no. Even when research has clearly established that something is effective or ineffective, popular perception will be the exact opposite.

So what's my point? Two things:
1: It's a logical mistake to believe everything you hear or read as the end-all truth - even if it's research or comes from an authority figure. If history has taught us anything, it's that scientific understanding is slow to catch up - even intelligence testing went through countless revisions before arrive at the acceptable institution it is today (http://www.indiana.edu/~intell/map.shtml). Science is done by humans, and humans, as much as we wish it weren't so, are fallible and prone to biases.

2: Even when scientific understanding is in place, there will be people who still disagree. This is likely compounded by how Reiki is communicated, whether you describe Reiki as a "technique for balancing chakras, chi, sealing damaged auras" or a "non-invase, simple and effective hands on method of bringing a person into balance, physically and emotionally". Effective communication of Reiki is something that Pamela Miles has spent a long time advocating for, and she is definitely worth checking out (http://www.reikiinmedicine.org) if you're interested in joining the conversation

Some additional resources:
www.reiki.org/reikinews/reiki_in_hospitals.html - a listing of hospitals and clinics that support Reiki for patients
www.centerforreikiresearch.org/  - A current list of evidence based research into Reiki
http://guides.library.uwm.edu/content.php?pid=35074&sid=259532 - UW Milwaukee guide to free databases for conducting your own research searches
http://www.reikiinmedicine.org

What is Reiki, Part II

"How does Reiki work? Where does it come from?"

These two questions are some of the most common I get asked - well, after "Reiki? What the hell is that?".

The latter question - Where does Reiki come from - is a more straightforward question to answer, and one that I addressed briefly in my post on Power, Control and Choice , but I wanted to expound on it a little.

Where does Reiki come from

Despite differences and disagreements in interpretation and translation (see here), the most common interpretation of Reiki is as a compound words. The "Rei" for Universal or Divine and the "Ki" for Life Energy. That is to say, while Reiki practitioners serve as facilitators for the energy, the energy doesn't come from within, but from a higher, infinite source.

Some will say "But, that's not what the words really mean! Where does it REALLY come from?"

In my personal experience, the experience of others whom have experienced Reiki (both on the receiving and giving side), and empirical research, Reiki DOES, without a doubt, work – if one is ready and willing for it do so. In the end, I know it works and I have seen it work - where it comes from is, for me, a moot point.

How Does It Work?

A discussion on how it works requires a brief discussion on chakras and bodies. We are more than our physical bodies; we have spiritual bodies as well as energetic ones. 

There are 7 main chakras, or energy centers, which govern a variety of aspects of living the human experience. Physical pain is often a manifestation of deficiencies, weaknesses, or closing of any of the chakras. Like any system, a deficiency or closing of just one of these chakras tends to throw our whole system out of balance. You wouldn’t want to drive a car with a part missing (tire, headlights, oil, gas, et al); it’s just one part of the system, but it’s best for all parts to be in working order for optimal function of the overall system. Similarly, it’s dangerous to walk around with any of your chakras weak or closed. This is a very basic explanation of chakras; if you want to know more, I suggest checking out Your Auras & Your Chakras by Karla McLaren for indepth elaborations on the chakras and technqiues for empowering and protecting them; alternatively, while I am no chakra expert, you may feel free to contact me with questions, and I will do my best to answer, or direct you to resources if I cannot

Our chakras are also sensitive to thoughts and feelings, both from internal sources (ourselves, our conditioning and experiences) and external sources (environments, situations, interactions with others, et al). It's not uncommon for a given chakra to close down when a threat from within or outside is too hazardous for our overall health and being. 

Reiki, then, works in a variety of ways; it sends positive energy throughout your system, revitalizing your chakras and your bodies. It brings to awareness old issues that needs to be addressed, and offers a way to work directly with things which our preventing our own progress.

My favorite analogy of Reiki is by author and Reiki Master Christopher Penczak, who describes Reiki as a clear glass of water. "The recipient is like a glass of water with mud at the bottom. The mud is the blocked energy...Reiki is like a stream of pure, clean water being poured into the glass. The water may agitate the mud, causing the glass of water to become cloudy. That is the processing and clearing of the energy. Eventually, the pure water flushes out the mud and sands...We may clear one layer of mud that is ready to leave, but other layers of mud may be more resistant. They will only clear when they are ready to clear."

Through working with client, by offering Reiki, we provide an opportunity to clear away barriers and obstacles that block growth and progress.  Notice that I said with the client, and not on; this subtle, but important distinction emphasizes an important point: I am not responsible for the healing. When I offer Reiki, I am offering an opportunity to make a positive change. 

More on that in my next post, where I’ll be elaborating more on what makes a Reiki a team practice.

November 11

I'm coming back from my hiatus today to write (briefly) about November 11.

Some theories about November 11 have been put forward recently, ranging from cataclysmic change to a giant shift of consciousness. (Of course, the skeptics are quick to point out that it will just be another day.)

Many of the spiritually sensitive people I've had discussions with on this topic whom are also involved with intuitive healing or mind-body practices (yoga, meditation, Reiki, et al) have suggested that there has been a change coming for a while.  Personally, I don't think that there's going to be a cataclysim, world-shattering change that day; I think the change that we're going to see is going to be a little more subtle than that. I'm sure it's also no coincidence that there "happens" to be a full moon on that day.

11/11/11 has been analyzed from a numerological and astrological perspective (see here); I do believe that we're going to see even more of a consciousness shift in humanity. I say "even more" because if you look around the world at various levels of society - politically, socially, psychologically, interpersonally - I think people have been opening their eyes and expanding their worldview more and more only very recently. And that's not even looking at the explosive of alternative and/or complementary teachers, classes, and practitioners (EFT, Healing Hands, Reiki, Yoga, intuitive healers, et al). From the uprisings in Egypt to the increased awareness of the political situation in the United States, I think we've collectively been gearing up for November 11 for some time now.

Metaphysically or coincidentally, I am looking forward to November 11 - and even 11/11/11 at 11:11 (see here); one way or another, I think it will be a very special day.

Reiki, Complementary Therapy

As you learn about Reiki, it may seem like regular sessions could completely replace many, if not all, modern therapies. I would argue, however, that Reiki can and should be used in conjunction with, and not a replacement for, modern therapies.

Reiki is a catalyst for implementing profound, lasting change, but it isn't a silver bullet; the sources of imbalance and dis-ease weren't created overnight - it will take time, effort, and a healthy dose of brutal self-honesty to return to a state of balance.

Depression, for example, is one of the most common afflictions experienced by members of society today. Prior to my experience with Reiki, improvement with medication and counseling seemed like a very slow process. The medicines and doctors seemed to be treating the symptoms, and not my actual illness.

In SPONTANEOUS HEALING (also see here )by Dr. Andrew Weil (http://www.drweil.com), he discusses the problems inherent in medical model; through many examples, he demonstrates two things: first, the modern medical model is afflicted with a tendency to treat the symptoms, rather than the source, of problems; secondly, when therapies work with the body's natural healing ability - for example, chiropractics, which operates off a holistic, whole person approach to healing - the body is more efficient to heal itself.

He also offers some historical context to explain how this model came to be. "In ancient Greece, doctors worked under the patronage of Asklepios, the god of medicine, but healers served Asklepios's daughter, the radiant Hygiea, goddess of health ... For the worshipper of Hygeia, health is the natural order of things, a positive attribute to which men are entitled if they govern their lives wisely. According to them, the most important function of medicine is to discover and teach the natural laws which will ensure a man a healthy mind in a healthy body. More skeptical, or wiser in the ways of the world, the followers of Asklepios believe that the chief role to the physician is to treat disease, to restore health by correcting any imperfections caused by accidents of birth or life."

I feel it's important to state that I am in no way saying that people should stop using modern medicine or modern therapies; today, people are living longer than even 10 or 20 years ago, thanks to scientific advancements in medical technology and biological research. I would never endorse not going to the doctor if you are sick or have a broken arm, although I also believe the modern medical model does have its limits.

In an earlier post, I mentioned that symptoms of my depression had disappeared following my first attunement; while that is true, my depression wasn't cured, per se. Even after this point, I continued sessions with a professional counselor. Even though Reiki served as a great catalyst for change, and did what medications could not, the source of my depression was not fully resolved. As I stated in the previous post about choice, Reiki doesn't necessarily cure imbalances, but it does allow a person to face their fears head on - if they choose to.

Ultimately, I do believe that, when used in conjunction with other therapies, Reiki can be a powerful therapeutic practice for making great leaps forward. Maintaining an objective mind - whether achieved through journaling, professional counseling, or talking with a trusted friend - is highly valuable in order to confront and release imbalances that Reiki brings to the surface.

Power, Control, and Choice

Initially, I was planning on explaining more about Reiki, and how it fits into (complements) other modern therapies; but I find that, as I sit down to  actually write, the topic of choice, power, and control is bouncing around in my head.
Power, Control, and Reiki
As humans in an extremely individualistic culture, we like to think that we have ultimate power and control; the "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" mentality is one that's widely espoused as the epitome of the strength of individualistic societies. We hate the thought of any other entity controlling or manipulating our lives because that implies that we aren't in control anymore.

In Reiki, we endeavor to get away from that model. The word "Reiki" has been translated, roughtly, as "Rei" - spirit or soul and "ki" - vital energy. There is some variation due to interpretation, but usually this is implied to mean that Reiki is divine or intuitively guided energy.

It has been described as a intelligent sort of energy, one that knows where to go, when to increase power, when to decrease power, when to shut off, et al. I believe that the bodies (physical, emotional, spiritual) and whatever powers-that-be (your Divine Self, God, Godess, angels, whatever name you choose to call it by) work in tandem. I like to think of it as similar to taking medicine for a problem, whether that medicine is herbal or pharmaceutical in nature; you use Item X to resolve problem Y. You may start off with a goal or intention in mind, but once you take Item X, you trust that it'll do what it's supposed to do, and go about your business. So what does this have to do with Reiki, you ask?

It's the same principle. The goal in Reiki is not to control or exercise power, but to become a clear channel for the Reiki to flow through. Reiki practitioners aim to not become a healer, per se, but to become a facilitator of positive change. This may seem a little contradictory and confusing to some, so let me elaborate a little.

Choice/Free Will

In many therapeutic models, our problems result from poor choices that we make; we may be conditioned by environment or genetics to possess a tendency to act in a certain way, but we ultimately still decide to adopt something or not. This is true of most behavioural problems - anger, aggression, self-pity - but it's also true of other problems as well. In fact, instead of thinking of disease, we should think of dis-ease, a lack of ease or an imbalance. Just as we have chosen to adopt a certain imbalance, we ultimately have to be the ones to choose to discard it.

In fact, many of the negative conditions we suffer from are good learning experiences; phsyical symptoms of pain, for example, can be thought of as a final wake up call. For example, many people with anger, worry, or affective issues frequently suffer from stomach or digestion problems, and the physical symptoms many times serve as a wake up call to change - but, individuals still have to choose to change, or not.

So, in many cases, these problems we experience are actually a wake up call from our body - it's a sign that there's some unresolved issue that we need to address. If Reiki practitioners worked to heal sick individuals, it would intefere with their own path and the lesson that they have to learn from their disorder. Instead, working as a facilitator, those who practice Reiki offer the means to bring about balance, but it still remains up to the client whether they choose to do the work necessary to heal themselves, or not.

In ending, I'd like to offer a list of affirmations that my Reiki Teacher, Laurie Scott (http://sacredspiral9.wordpress.com/); again, notice the importance of choice:

I choose:

To Live By Choice, Not By Chance;
To Be Motivated and Enthusiastic;
To Be Useful and Joyous;
To Excel, Not Compete!
I Choose Self-Esteem, Not Self-Pity.
I Choose to Listen to the INner Voice and to be aware that at each moment, I always have the freedom of choice!

What is Reiki? (aka, "WTF?" or "That's not real!")

This is usually the first of many questions people ask me when I'm asked about reiki; it's also a generally complicated and loaded question. To phrase it in simplest terms, Reiki is a method of hands-on healing that works on many levels simultaneously - and yet, it is so much more than that.

For me, Reiki began as a personal quest to search for a better, more cost effective, more efficient way of dealing with illness and stress. Just under a year ago I, like many college students, was without health insurance; unlike most college students, I was facing a number of medical problems. Medically resistant bacterial skin infections, stomach ulcers, and severe clinical depression, just to scratch the surface - don't worry, I'll spare you all the details. ;) In short, my body and mind was a dysfunctional wreck. After repeat doctor visits, I noticed that medical conditions were either not getting better, or briefly relapsing, and then coming back stronger - sometimes they did all of the above.

For a time, I tried self-medicating with different teas, herbs, meditation, and affirmations, all with varying levels of success. Finally, about a year ago, I had an opportunity to take my first Reiki class, something I had been trying to get into for some time. I had some reservations about it, but felt compelled, nonetheless, to jump on the opportunity. Needless to say, I'm glad I decided to listen to my intuition/the Gods/God/Spirit/whatever you choose to call it.


One common denominator in all Reiki classes is the Reiki attunement, which opens you up to become a facilitator of Reiki energy; it also cleanses your spiritual, physical, and emotional bodies. After all, how can you be a healer if you have not taken the time to heal yourself?

The class passed quickly, and it was a lot of fun, but there was also  a lot of information to absorb - I had been opened up to something entirely new and revitalizing.

I was driving home that evening, rather exhausted, when I came to an abrupt realization: I had forgotten to take my depression medication that day. Every other time I had forgotten to take my medication, I usually became a very negative, cynical person - certainly not pleasant to be around. I also came to the realization that I didn't feel the familiar, heavy weight of the depression.

Over the next week, I noticed other things had resolved itself: my stomach ulcer was gone, and I was able to enjoy spicy foods again; self-defeating attitudes, such as cynicism and sarcasm, has been replaced with a general feeling of empathy; headaches and backaches, things that had plagued me for most of my life, were not so present anymore. Still, I think the most miraculous feeling was the sense of inner peace that I felt.

As I said at the beginning, the easing of physical and psychological discomfort (disease or dis-ease) is only the beginning of what Reiki does; it can also be a very positively transforming journey - if you let it.
In a [very long-winded] nutshell, that is what Reiki is. In my next post, I'll be talking about why Reiki and modern medicine should be used as complementary therapies, instead of opposite ends of a therapeutic spectrum.