11/07/2018 / By Michelle Simmons
Reiki is a Japanese form of therapy used for relaxation and to manage health conditions. The practice, according to a review in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, may also be used as a complementary therapy for the mind and body.
Dr. David McManus, a researcher from the Australasian Usui Reiki Association, wrote the review. The paper sought to determine whether there is enough evidence that Reiki provides more than a placebo effect.
The current study involved a total of 13 peer-reviewed studies published between 1998 and 2016. The studies involved were either randomized single-blind studies, randomized double-blind studies with human participants, or studies that used mice models. The studies looked at both short-term and long-term application of Reiki.
The review found strong evidence for Reiki being more effective than placebo. Based on the findings, Reiki can improve heart rate and blood pressure, as well as increase heart rate variability by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
For patients with chronic health problems, Reiki helped reduce pain, anxiety, and depression, while enhancing self-esteem and quality of life. The review also suggests that Reiki is a safe, gentle, and relaxing complementary healing therapy.
The findings suggest that Reiki is a safe and gentle complementary therapy that activates the parasympathetic nervous system to heal the body and mind. In addition, it has the potential for broader use to manage chronic health conditions and even postoperative recovery.
Reiki — also referred to as energy healing, palm healing, or hands-on healing — emerged in Japan during the late 1800’s. The practice involves the transfer of universal energy from the practitioner’s palms to their patient. The word Reiki means “mysterious atmosphere or miraculous sign.” It comes from the Japanese words “rei,” which means universal, and “ki,” which means life energy.
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