reiki - its history

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9/23/13 Reiki - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reiki

Reiki (?, /reki/) is a spiritual practice[1]developed in 1922 by Japanese Buddhist Mikao Usui, which has since

been adapted by various teachers of varying traditions. It uses a technique commonly calledpalm healingorhands-

on-healingas a form ofalternative medicineand is sometimes classified as oriental medicine by some professional

medical bodies.[2] Through the use of this technique, practitioners believe that they are transferring universal energy

(i.e., reiki) in the form ofqi (Japanese: ki) through the palms, which they believe allows for self-healing and a state

ofequilibrium.[3]

There are two main branches of Reiki, commonly referred to as Traditional Japanese Reik iandWestern Reiki.

Though differences can be wide and varied between both branches and traditions, the primary difference is that the

Westernised forms use systematised hand-placements rather than relying on an intuitive sense of hand-positions

(see below), which is commonly used by Japanese Reiki branches. Both branches commonly have a three-tiered

hierarchy ofdegrees, usually referred to as the First, Second, and Master/Teacher level, all of which are associated

with different skills and techniques.

The concept ofkiunderlying Reiki is speculative and there is no scientific evidence that it exists; a 2008 systematic

review ofrandomisedclinical trials concluded that "the evidence is insufficient to suggest that reiki is an effective

treatment forany condition. Therefore the value of reiki remains unproven." [4] TheAmerican Cancer Society,[5]Cance

Research UK,[6] and theNational Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine[7] have also found that there is

no clinical or scientific evidence supporting claims that Reiki is effective in the treatment of any illness.

Contents [hide]

1 History

1.1 Derivation of name

1.2 Origins

1.3 Early development

1.4 Usui's concepts and five principles

2 Traditions

2.1 Traditional Japanese Reiki

2.2 Western Reiki

3 Teachings

3.1 Training

3.1.1 First degree

3.1.2 Second degree

3.1.3 Third degree

3.1.4 Variations

4 Practice

4.1 Healing

4.2 Whole body treatment

4.3 Localised treatment

4.4 Breathing

4.5 Threepillars

4.5.1 Gassh

4.5.2 Rei ji-h

4.5.3 Chiry

5 Research, critical evaluation, and controversy

5.1 Scientific research

5.2 Safety and effectiveness

5.3 Internal controversies

5.4 Catholic Church concerns
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kipedia.org/wiki/Spiritual_practicehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA_for_Englishhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA_for_English#Keyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA_for_English#Keyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA_for_English#Keyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA_for_English#Keyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA_for_English#Keyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA_for_Englishhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Installing_Japanese_character_sets


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en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reiki 2

Mikao Usui

(1865

1926)

Chujiro

Hayashi

(1880 - 1940)

6 See also

7 References

8 Bibliography

9 External links

History [ edit source | edit beta ]

Derivation of name [ edit source | edit beta ]The English word reikiderives from the Japanese loanwordreiki(, meaning "mysterious

atmosphere"), which derives from the Chinese loanwordlngq(, "supernatural influence").

Its earliest recorded usage in English dates to 1975. [8] Instead of the usual transliteration,

some English-language authors pseudo-translate reikias "universal life energy".[9]

Reikiis commonly written as in shinjitaikanji or as inkatakana syllabary.

It compounds the words rei(: "spirit, miraculous, divine") and k i(; qi: "gas, vital energy,

breath of life, consciousness").[10] The k i(better known as Chinese qiorch'i) in reikiis

understood as meaning "spiritual energy; vital energy; life force; energy of life".[11] Some reiki

translation equivalents from Japanese-English dictionaries are: "feeling of mystery",[12] "an

atmosphere (feeling) of mystery",[13] and "an ethereal atmosphere (that prevails in the sacred

precincts of a shrine); (feel, sense) a spiritual (divine) presence."[14] Besides the usual Sino-

Japanese pronunciation reiki, these kanji have an alternate Japanese reading,

namely ryge, meaning "demon; ghost" (especially in spirit possession).[15]

Chineselngq was first recorded in the (ca. 320 BCE) Neiye"Inward Training" section of

the Guanzi, describing early Taoistmeditation techniques. "That mysterious vital energy within

the mind: One moment it arrives, the next it departs. So fine, there is nothing within it; so vast,

there is nothing outside it. We lose it because of the harm caused by mental

agitation."[16]Standard Chineselngqis t ranslated by Chinese-English dictionaries as: "(of

beautiful mountains) spiritual influence or atmosphere";[17]

"1. intelligence; power ofunderstanding; 2. supernatural power or force in fairy tales; miraculous power or force"; [18] and

"1. spiritual influence (of mountains/etc.); 2. ingeniousness; cleverness".[19]

Origins [ edit source | edit beta ]

See also Five Precepts andTimeline of Reiki history

The system of Reiki was developed by Mikao Usui () in 1922 whilst performing Isyu Guo, a twenty-one day

Buddhist training course held on Mount Kurama.[20] It is not known for certain what Usui was required to do during

this training, though it most likely involvedmeditation, fasting, chanting, and prayer.[21][22] It is claimed that by a

mystical revelation, Usui had gained the knowledge and spiritual power to apply and attune others to what he called

Reiki, which entered his body through his crown Chakra.[21] In April 1922, Usui moved to Tokyo and founded the Usu

Reiki Ryh Gakkai("" in old style characters, meaning "Usui's Spiritual Energy Therapy Method

Society") in order to continue treating people on a large scale with Reiki. [21][23]

According to the inscription on his memorial stone,[24] Usui taught his system of Reiki to over 2000 people during his

lifetime, and sixteen of these students continued their training to reach the Shinpiden level, a level equivalent to the

Western third, or Master/Teacher, degree. [24][25] While teaching Reiki in Fukuyama (, Fukuyama-shi), Usui

suffered a stroke and died on 9 March 1926. [24]

Early development [ edit source | edit beta ]
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The five concepts of Mikao Usui,

contained w ithin the whole text

(Japanesew riting is read from top to bottom,

moving f rom right to left). Note: Commonly

called theFive Precepts orFive

Principles, they start in the third column

from the right below the space, and continue

in the fourth and f ifth columns f rom the right.

After Usui's death, J. Ushida, a student of Usui, took over as president of the Gakkai. [26] He was also responsible for

creating and erecting Usui's memorial stone and for ensuring the maintenance of the grave site. [26] Ushida was

followed by Iichi Taketomi, Yoshiharu Watanabe, Kimiko Koyama and the current successor to Usui, Kondo, who

became president in 1998.[26] The sixteen masters initiated by Usui include Toshihiro Eguchi, Jusaburo Guida, Ilichi

Taketomi, Toyoichi Wanami, Yoshihiru Watanabe, Keizo Ogawa, J. Ushida, and Chujiro Hayashi.[26][27]

Before Usui's death, Chujiro Hayashi (Hayashi Chjir) approached Usui about developing a different form o

Reiki that was much simpler. Usui agreed.[28] After Usui's death, Hayashi left the Usui Reiki Ryh Gakkai and

formed his own clinic where he gave Reiki treatments, taught, and attuned people to Reiki, and it was to this clinicthat Hawayo Takata was directed in the 1930s.[26] Hayashi simplified the Reiki teachings, stressing physical healing

and using a more codified and simpler set of Reiki techniques.[29]

After multiple Reiki sessions from Hayashi's trainees at his clinic for illnesses includingabdominal pain and asthma,

Hayashi initiated and trained Takata to use Reiki,[30][31] and she became a Reiki Master on 21 February

1938.[30][32] Takata established several Reiki clinics throughout Hawaii, one of which was located in Hilo,[30] and then

went on to travel throughout the United States, practising Reiki and teaching the first two levels to others,[33] and it

was not until 1970 that Takata began initiating Reiki Masters. [34] At this stage, Takata also introduced the term Reik

Masterfor the Shinpiden level.[35] She stressed the importance of charging money for Reiki treatments and

teachings, and fixed a price of$10,000 (roughly6,500 or7,400) for the Master training. [34]

Takata died on 11 December 1980,[34][36] by which time she had trained 22 Reiki masters,[37][38] and almost all Reik

taught outside Japan can be attributed to her work. [39]

Usui's concepts and five principles [ edit source | edit beta ]

Usui was an admirer of the literary works of the Emperor Meiji (Meiji tenn). While in the process of

developing his Reiki system, Usui summarised some of the emperor's works into a set of ethical principles (called the

"Concepts" Gainen), which later became known as the Five Reiki Precepts (Gokai, meaning "The Five

Commandments", from the Buddhist teachings against kil ling, thievery, sexual misconduct, ly ing, and intemperance)

It is common for many Reiki teachers and practitioners to abide by these five precepts, or principles. [40]

Kanji

,

.

:

,

,

,

,

.

,

.

.

.

,

Rmaji

Shfuku no hih,

Manby no reiyaku.

Ky dake wa:

Okoru na,

Shinpai su na,

Kansha shite,

Gy wo hakeme,

Hito ni shinsetsu ni.

Asay gassh shite

kokoro ni nenji,

Kuchi ni tonae yo.

Shinshin kaizen.

Usui Reiki Ryh.

Chso,

Usui Mikao.

English

The secret

art of

inviting

happiness,

The

miraculous

medicine

for all

diseases.

At least for

today:

Do not

be

angry,

Do not

worry,

Be grateful,

Work with diligence,
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Reikiw ritten

inShinjitai Japanese.

. Be kind to people.

Every morning and evening, join your hands in

meditation and pray with your heart.

State in your mind and chant with your mouth.

For improvement of mind and body.

Usui Reiki Ryh.

The founder,

Mikao Usui.

Traditions [ edit source | edit beta ]

Today many branches of Reiki exist, though there exist two major traditions, respectively

called Traditional Japanese Reik iand Western Reiki.

Traditional Japanese Reiki [ edit source | edit beta ]

The term Traditional Japanese Reik iis normally used to describe the

specific system that formed from Usui's original teachings[41] and the

teachings that did not leave Japan. During the 1990s, Western

teachers travelled to Japan in order to find this particular tradition of

Reiki, though found nothing. They therefore started to establish Reiki

schools, and started to teach Reiki levels 1 and 2 to the Japanese.

Around 1993, a German Reiki Master, Frank Arjava Petter, also

started to teach to the Master/Teacher level, and as a result, the

Japanese started teaching their knowledge of Traditional Reiki. Since

then, several traditions of Traditional Japanese Reiki have been

established, the main traditions of which are listed below. [42]

Usui Reiki Ryh Gakkai (

in TraditionalChinese Characters, meaning "Usui Reiki Healing Method Learning

Society")[43] is the name of the society of Reiki masters founded

by Mikao Usui. His style is assumed to have survived to the present day (assumed as

no-one knows exactly how the Gakkai practises nowadays), with Ushida being the one

who, upon death, substituted the presidency of the association. This society remained

secret for many years and at present, the shihan (master), Masaki Kondoh, is the

president of the Gakkai. Though many of their teachings still remain secret, little by lit tle,

members of this association such as Master Hiroshi Doi have been sharing their

knowledge with the rest of the world. In spite of this, it continues to be a hermetic

society, nearly impossible to access.[citation needed]

Reid Reiki Gakkai (, meaning "Spiritual Occurrence [and]Spiritual

Energy Society") is the name given to the system that derives from the masters of the

Ryh Gakkai, and is led by Fuminori Aoki, who added to the teaching of the Gakkai,

though differences in teaching are minimal. In this system, the Koriki (meaning "the force

of happiness") symbol that inspired Fuminori Aoki has been adopted.[44][45]

Kmy Reiki Kai (, meaning "Enlightened Spiritual Energy Meeting

(Association)") is the name given to the system that takes the name of a school of

Japanese Traditional Reiki, and was established by Hyakuten Inamoto ( ), a

Reiki teacher with Western Reiki background. It differs from other systems in that it does
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not originate with the Gakkai, but instead comes from the Hayashi line, through Chiyoko

Yamaguchi ( ) that remained in Japan.[citation needed]

Jikiden Reiki (, meaning "The Direct Teaching [of]Spiritual Energy") is the

name given to the original system that was taught by Dr. Hayashi, and was founded by

Mrs. Yamaguchi and her son, Tadao Yamaguchi ().[46]

The Japanese Reiki hand positions presented in the Usui Reiki Ryh Hikkei(

, Usui Reiki Treatment Handbook) as used and compiled by Usui are considerably

more extensive than the hand positions used in Western Reiki.[47]

Western Reiki [ edit source | edit beta ]

Western Reiki (, Seiy reiki) is a system that can be accredited to Hawayo

Takata.[48] The principal difference between the traditions is the use of set hand patterns for

internal treatments instead ofReiji-h, the intuitive skill of "knowing where to place the

hands."[42] This style of Reiki places more emphasis on the healing of ailments, and

ascension to higher levels of attunement is more formalised. [42]

After being trained by Hayashi, Takata went back to Hawaii, taking Reiki with her. After

setting up clinics there, Reiki then spread to the rest of the Western world. As a result of

thesecond world war, Takata decided to modify the Traditional Japanese Reiki system in

order to make it more understandable and credible to the mentality of the West.

Usui Reiki Shiki Ryh (, commonly translated as meaning "Usui's

Spiritual Energy Style of Therapy", but a more literal translation is "Usui's Spiritual

Energy Style of Medical Treatment" (Ryh () meaning medical treatment)) is the

name given to the Western system of Reiki, and is a system that has tried to stay near

enough the same as the original practises of Hawayo Takata. It is taught today by, for

instance, the Reiki Alliance, led by Phyllis Lei Furumoto, Takata's granddaughter.[49] In

this system, as with most Western systems of Reiki, there are three levels, respectively

called the First Degree, Second Degree, and Master/Teacher Degree, which usesTakata's versions of the four original symbols passed to her by Hayashi. Usui Reiki Shiki

Ryh is also the norm requested qualification (along with Reiki lineage) when seeking

insurance to practise Reiki on the general public in the United Kingdom.[50]

Usui/Tibetan Reiki is the name given to the system that was developed by Arthur

Robertson and later popularised by William Lee Rand and Diane Stein.[51][52] This

system is derived from Usui Reiki as taught by Takata and includes techniques from the

Usui Reiki Ryh Gakkai, such as Bysen-h (, Scanning Method), Gyshi-h (

, Healing Eyes Method), and Kenyoku-h (, Dry Bathing Method). There

have been a few additions to this system in comparison with Usui Shiki Ryh by Rand,

such as a modified attunement method that incorporates the Violet Breath,[51]

the use ofthe Tibetan Master and kundalini fire symbols along with the four traditional Usui

symbols, the hui yin position (located in the perineum), and also the microcosmic

orbit.[51] Along with introducing the above, Usui/Tibetan Reiki can sometimes

incorporatepsychic surgery. Unlike Usui Reiki Shiki Ryh, it has four levels, commonly

called First Degree, Second Degree, Advanced Reiki Training (commonly 3A orART),

and Master/Teacher (commonly 3B).[51]

Gendai Reiki H (, meaning "Modern Spiritual Energy Method") is a system

that incorporates elements of both Japanese and Western Reiki, [53] and was established

by Hiroshi Doi.[53] Doi was first trained in Western Reiki by Mieko Mitsui, a Master of the
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"Radiance Technique."[54] In 1993, he was granted membership to Usui Reiki Ryh

Gakkai.[54]

Teachings [ edit source | edit beta ]

Reiki teachings claim that Reiki is inexhaustible[55][56] and that it can be used to induce a

healing effect.[57] Practitioners claim that anyone can gain access to this energy [58] by

means of an attunementprocess[59] carried out by a Reiki Master.[60]

Reiki is described by adherents as a holistic therapy which brings about healing on physical,

mental, emotional and spiritual levels.[61] The belief is that the energy will flow through the

practitioner's hands whenever the hands are placed on, or held near a potential recipient.

Some teachings stress the importance of the practitioner's intention or presence in this

process, while others claim that the energy is drawn by the recipient's injury to activate or

enhance the natural healing processes.[62] Further to this notion, the belief is that the energy

is "intelligent",[63] meaning that the Reiki knows where to heal, even if a practitioner's hands

are not present in the specific area.

Training [ edit source | edit beta ]

The teaching of Reiki outside of Japan is commonly divided into three levels, [64] or degrees,

the most common of which are described below. Traditional Japanese Reiki was taught

intensively under Usui's guidance, with weekly meditation meetings where Reiki was given

and used to scan the body in order to supply an energetic diagnosis, [65] which is known in

Japanese as Byosen-h, as a Japanese Reiki treatment is intuitive and specifically directed

in comparison to a Western Reiki treatment, which tends to generally treat the whole body

instead of specific areas.

First degree [ edit source | edit beta ]

The first degree Reiki course,[66] sometimes given the Japanese name ofShoden ("" in

Japanese, meaning "Elementary/Entry Teachings"),[67] teaches the basic theories and

procedures. A number of "attunements" are given to the student by the teacher. [68] Students

learn hand placement positions on the recipient's body that are thought to be most

conducive to the process in a whole body treatment. [69] Having completed the first degree

course, Reiki practitioners can then treat themselves and others with Reiki. Course duration

is dependent on the Reiki Master Teacher; some hold four sessions spread over a number of

days, others hold two sessions over two days.[70]

Second degree [ edit source | edit beta ]

In the second degree Reiki course,[71] sometimes given the Japanese name ofOkuden ("

" in Japanese, meaning "Inner Teachings"),[72] the student learns the use of a number of

symbols that are said to enhance the strength and distance over which Reiki can be

exerted.[73] This involves the use of symbols to form a temporary connection between the

practitioner and the recipient, regardless of location and time, and then to send the Reiki

energy.[74][75] Another attunement is given, which is said to further increase the capacity for

Reiki to flow through the student, as well as empowering the use of the symbols. [76] Having

completed the second level, the student can work without being physically present with the

recipient a practise known as "distant healing".[77] Students in Japan sometimes only

attained the Second Degree after a period of 10, sometimes 20, years of practice under
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The seven majorchakras used w ithin many Western

systems of reiki

Usui's tutorship, and the majority of students never attained the Third Degree.[78]

Third degree [ edit source | edit beta ]

Through the third degree, or "master training", [79] sometimes given the Japanese name

ofShinpiden ("" in Japanese, meaning "Mystery Teachings"),[80] the student becomes

a Reiki Master. In Reiki terminology, the word "master" does not imply spiritual

enlightenment, and is sometimes changed to "Master/Teacher" in order to avoid this

confusion. According to the specific branch of Reiki, either one or more attunements can becarried out and the student learns a further symbol. [81] Having completed the master training,

the new Reiki Master can attune other people to Reiki and teach the three degrees. The

duration of the master training can be anything from a day to a year or more, depending on

the school and philosophy of the Reiki Master giving the training. There are commonly two

types of Master:Master Teacherand Master Practitioner; a Master Teacher is a Master of

Reiki and also has the ability to teach Reiki (i.e., attune others), though a Master

Practitioner is a Master of Reiki but does not teach Reiki.

Variations [ edit source | edit beta ]

There is much variation in training methods, speed of completion (i.e., attunement), andcosts. Though there is no accreditation and central body for Reiki, nor any regulation of its

practice, there exist organisations within the United Kingdom that seek to standardise Reiki

and Reiki practises, such as the UK Reiki Federation[82] and the Reiki Council (UK).[83]Reiki

courses are also available online, although traditionalists state that attunement must be

done in person in order to take effect, as the Reiki Master/Teacher doing the attunement

must be able to actually touch the energy field of the person being attuned. A distance Reiki

attument is not always recognised by certain Reiki federations, such as with the UK Reiki

Federation, who state, "[a]ll t raining must have been "in-person" or "face to face" (distant

attunements are not accepted)."[84] Some traditionalists also hold the ideal that methods

that teach Reiki "quickly" cannot yield as strong an effect, because there is no substitute forexperience and patience when mastering Reiki.

Practice [ edit source | edit beta ]

In Western Reiki, it is taught that

Reiki works in conjunction with

themeridian energy

lines and chakrasthrough the use of

the hand-positions, which normally

correspond to the seven major

chakras on the body. These hand-

positions are used both on the front

and back of the body, and can

include specific areas (seelocalised

treatment). According to authors

such as James Deacon, Usui used

only five formal hand-positions,

which focused on the head and

neck.[85] After Reiki had been given first to the head and neck area, specific areas of the

body where imbalances were
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A schematic diagram of the human body's meridians.

present would then be

treated.[85]The use of the chakras

is widespread within Western Reiki,

though not as much within

Traditional Japanese Reiki, as it

concentrates more on treating

specific areas of the body after

using techniques such as Byosen-

h and Reiji-h, which are used to

find areas of dis-ease (discomfort)

in the auras and physical body.

Healing [ edit source | edit beta ]

Usui Reiki Ryh does not use any

medication or instruments, but

uses looking, blowing, light tapping,

and touching.[86] According to

Frank Arjava Petter, Usui touched

the diseased parts of the body, he

massaged them, tapped them

lightly, stroked them, blew on

them, fixed his gaze upon them for

two to three minutes, and

specifically gave them

energy,[87] and used a technique commonly referred to as palm healingas a form

ofcomplementary and alternative medicine. Through the use of this palm healing (sometimes

referred to as "tenohira" (, meaning "the palm"), practitioners believe that they are

transferring universal energy (reiki) in the form ofkithrough the palms that allows for self-

healing and a state ofequilibrium.[3]

Whole body treatment [ edit source | edit beta ]

In a typical whole-body Reiki treatment,[88] the Reiki practitioner instructs the recipient to lie

down, usually on a massage table, and relax. Loose, comfortable clothing is usually worn

during the treatment. The practitioner might take a few moments to enter a calm or

meditative state of mind and mentally prepare for the treatment,[89] that is usually carried out

without any unnecessary talking.[90]

The treatment proceeds with the practitioner placing the hands on the recipient in various

positions. However, practitioners may use a non-touching technique, where the hands areheld a few centimetres away from the recipient's body for some or all of the positions. The

hands are usually kept in a position for three to five minutes before moving to the next

position. Overall, the hand positions usually give a general coverage of the head, the front

and back of the torso, the knees, and feet. Between 12 and 20 positions are used, with the

whole treatment lasting anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes. [91]

Many Western practit ioners use a common fixed set of 12 hand positions, [65] while others

use their intuition to guide them as to where treatment is needed[92] as is the practise in

Traditional Japanese Reiki, sometimes starting the treatment with a "scan" of the recipient to

find such areas. The intuitive approach might also lead to individual positions being treated
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A Reiki treatment in progress.

for much shorter or longer periods. A Western Reiki treatment is considered a type of large-

scale treatment in comparison to the more localised-style treatment of Traditional Japanese

Reiki.[78]

The use of the 12 hand positions are believed to energise on many levels, [78] by:

Energising on a physical level through the warmth of the hands,

Energising on the mental level through the use of the Reiki symbols,

Energising on the emotional level through the love that flows with the use of the symbols,

Energising on the energetic level though the presence of an initiated practitioner as well

as the presence of the Reiki power itself. [78]

It is reported that the recipient often feels warmth or tingling in the area being treated, even

when a non-touching approach is being used. A state of deep relaxation, combined with a

general feeling of well-being, is usually the most noticeable immediate effect of the

treatment, although emotional releases can also occur.[93] As the Reiki treatment is said to

stimulate the body's natural healing processes, instantaneous "cures" of specific health

problems are not normally observed. A series of three or more treatments, typically at

intervals of one to seven days, is usually recommended if a chronic condition is being

addressed,[91] and regular treatments on an on-going basis can be used with the aim of

maintaining well-being. The interval between such treatments is typically in the range of one

to four weeks, except in the case of self-treatment where daily practice is common.[91]

Localised treatment [ edit source | edit beta ]

Localised Reiki treatment involves the

practitioner's hands being held on or near a

specific part of the body for a varying length of

time. Recent injuries are usually treated in this

way,[94] with the site of injury being targeted.

There is great variation in the duration of suchtreatments, though 20 minutes is typical. Takata

described "localised treatment" as 'hands-on

work,' compared to distant or "absent

healing."[95]

Some practitioners use localised treatments for

certain ailments, and some publications have

tabulated appropriate hand positions,[96][97]However, other practitioners prefer to use the

whole body treatment for all chronic conditions, on the grounds that it has a more holistic

effect.[98] Another approach is to give a whole body treatment first, followed by a localised

treatment for any specific ailments.[99]

Usui used specific hand positions to treat specific ailments and dis-eases

(discomfort),[100]which included disorders of the nervous system (such

as hysteria),[101] respiratory disorders (such as inflammation of the trachea),[102] digestive

disorders (such as gastric ulcers),[103]circulatory disorders (such as chronic high blood

pressure),[104] metabolism and blood disorders (such as anaemia),[105] urogenital tract

disorders (such as nephritis),[106] skin disorders (such as inflammation of the lymph

nodes),[107] childhood disorders (such asmeasles),[108] womens health disorders (such

as morning sickness),[109] and contagious disorders (such as typhoid fever).[110]
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Breathing [ edit source | edit beta ]

Though the specific use of breath and breathing is central to many styles of Japanese Reiki,

it is often a neglected topic in Western Reiki. [111] Usui taught a technique called Joshin

Koky-h (), which roughly translates as "the breathing method for cleansing the

spirit," though literally translates as "Goddess Breath Method".[87] Joshin Koky-h is

performed by sitting straight, with the back aligned, breathing in slowly through the nose. As

the practitioner inhales, s/he also breathes the Reiki energy in through the crown Chakra in

order to purify the body and make it fit for the flow of Reiki, and is drawn down into

thetanden.[87]

Three pillars [ edit source | edit beta ]

Along with the five Reiki principles, Usui based his Reiki system on three other

practises:Gassh, Reiji-h, and Chiry.[112]

Gassh [ edit source | edit beta ]

Gassh ("" in Japanese, meaning "two hands coming together") is a meditative state

where both palms of the hands are placed together, and was practised each time at the

beginning of Usui's Reiki workshops and meetings. One technique of Gassh is to

concentrate on the pads where the two middle fingers meet. [112]

Reiji-h [ edit source | edit beta ]

Reiji-h (, meaning "indication of the Reiki power method") is a means of connecting

with the Reiki power by asking it to flow through the practitioner three times, and is

commonly split into three parts. The first part is to ask the Reiki power to flow through the

practitioner. It will either enter through the crown chakra (as this is the highest ascension),

the heart chakra (as indicated by the pure love of Reiki), or the hands (as the palms are

attuned with specific Reiki symbols). A student of the Second Degree can use thethird/distance symbol to connect with the Reiki along with the first/power symbol; the

distance symbol is sent first and is then sealed with the power symbol.[113]

The second part is to pray for the recovery of the person if a specific ailment is being healed,

or for the general health of the person if otherwise. [113]

The third part is to place both hands, palms facing each other, to the third eye (the area in

between the two eyebrows), and ask the Reiki power to guide the hands to where energy is

needed.[113] Though similar to the practice ofByosen-h, Reiji-h relies specifically

onintuition of where to heal, whereas Byosen-h scans for areas with the hands, feeling for

subtle changes in the aura of the practitioner's hands and the aura of the recipient.

Chiry [ edit source | edit beta ]

Chiry ("" in Japanese, meaning "(medical) treatment") requires the practitioner to place

his/her dominant hand on the crown chakra and wait forhibiki (, "feedback") in the form

of an impulse or inspiration, which the hand then follows. During Chiry, the practitioner gives

free rein to the hand, touching painful areas of the body until the area no longer hurts or until

the hands move on their own to another area. [114]

Research, critical evaluation, and controversy [ edit source | edit beta ]
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Scientific research [ edit source | edit beta ]

The proposed mechanism for reiki energy is hypothetical as the existence of the kior "life

force" energy used in this method has not been proven scientifically.[4][115]

A 2008 systematic review ofrandomisedclinical trials assessing the evidence basis of reiki

concluded that efficacy had not been demonstrated for any condition.[4] Nine studies fit the

inclusion criteria; a modified Jadad score of methodological quality was used, taking into

account the difficulty ofblinding practit ioners. Non-randomised studies were excluded, as the

potential for intentional or unintentional bias in such studies is large, rendering the results

un-interpretable. Overall, the methodological quality of the evidence base was poor as most

of the studies suffered from flaws such as small sample size, inadequate study design and

poor reporting, with even high-ranking studies failing fully to control forplacebo effects."[4] As

trials with such flaws are known to be likely to show exaggerated treatment effects, there is

insufficient evidence to indicate that reiki is effective as sole oradjuvant therapy for any

medical condition, or that it has any benefits beyond possible placebo effects.[4][116]Placebo

trials of Reiki are complicated by the difficulty of designing a realistic placebo,[117]although

subsequent trials with adequate placebo or sham controls have shown no difference between

the procedure and the control groups. [4]

A 2009 review in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that "the

serious methodological and reporting limitations of limited existing reiki studies preclude a

definitive conclusion on its effectiveness."[118]

Safety and effectiveness [ edit source | edit beta ]

Main article: Testing of safety

TheAmerican Cancer Society has noted that the research surrounding reiki has been poorly

conducted, and stated: "Available scientific evidence at this t ime does not support claims

that reiki can help treat cancer or any other illness. More study may help determine to what

extent, if at all, it can improve a patient's sense of well-being."[5] Likewise, the NationalCenter for Complementary and Alternative Medicine has echoed this position, noting that the

existence of energy fields in biofield therapies, such as reiki, "has not yet been scientifically

proven."[7]Cancer Research UK say that "there is no scientific evidence to prove that Reiki

can prevent, treat or cure cancer or any other disease".[6] It does, however, continue on to

say that "many healthcare professionals accept Reiki as a useful complementary therapy

that may help to lower stress, promote relaxation and possibly help reduce some types of

pain."

Concerns about safety in reiki are similar to those of other unproven alternative medicines.

Some physicians and allied health care workers believe that patients might avoid clinically

proven treatments for serious conditions in favour of unproven alternative medicines.[119]Reiki

practitioners may encourage their clients to consult a physician for serious conditions,

stating that reiki can be used to complement conventional medicine. [120] Clinical trials have

not reported any significant adverse effects from the use of Reiki. [4]

William T. Jarvis, ofThe National Council Against Health Fraud, suggests that there "is no

evidence that clinical reiki's effects are due to anything other than suggestion" or the placebo

effect.[121]

Internal controversies [ edit source | edit beta ]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reiki#cite_note-Jarvis-121http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Placebo_effecthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_National_Council_Against_Health_Fraudhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reiki#cite_note-Lee_SR-4http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reiki#cite_note-120http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reiki#cite_note-Lilienfeld_2002-119http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physicianshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternative_medicinehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reiki#cite_note-cruk-6http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cancer_Research_UKhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reiki#cite_note-NCCAM-7http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Center_for_Complementary_and_Alternative_Medicinehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reiki#cite_note-ACS-5http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Cancer_Societyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternative_medicine#Testing_of_safetyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reiki#cite_note-vanderVart-118http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reiki#cite_note-Lee_SR-4http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reiki#cite_note-pmid10328637-117http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Placebo-controlled_studyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reiki#cite_note-Ernst_PW-116http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reiki#cite_note-Lee_SR-4http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Placebo_effecthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adjuvanthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reiki#cite_note-Lee_SR-4http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Placebohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blind_experimenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jadad_scorehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reiki#cite_note-Lee_SR-4http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinical_trialhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randomized_controlled_trialhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systematic_reviewhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reiki#cite_note-OCCAM-115http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reiki#cite_note-Lee_SR-4http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Reiki&veaction=edit&section=27http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Reiki&action=edit&section=27http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Reiki&veaction=edit&section=26http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Reiki&action=edit&section=26http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Reiki&veaction=edit&section=25http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Reiki&action=edit&section=25


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With the many varied ways that have been used to teach reiki, there have emerged points of

controversy between different groups, teachers, and practitioners. Controversies exist on

topics such as the nature of the reiki energy itself, fees charged for courses and treatments,

training methods, secrecy of symbols, and attunement methods.[122][123]

Following the death of Hawayo Takata, through to the mid-1990s, there were rival claims to

the title of "Grandmaster" of reiki. However, this dispute largely evaporated when it was

discovered that Takata herself had created the term. [124]

Catholic Church concerns [ edit source | edit beta ]

In March 2009, the Committee on Doctrine of the United States Conference of Catholic

Bishops issued a decree (Guidelines for Evaluating Reiki as an Alternative

Therapy)[125]halting the practice of Reiki by Catholics used in some Catholic retreat centres

and hospitals. The conclusion of the decree stated that "since Reiki therapy is not

compatible with either Christian teaching or scientific evidence, it would be inappropriate for

Catholic institutions, such as Catholic health care facilities and retreat centres, or persons

representing the Church, such as Catholic chaplains, to promote or to provide support for

Reiki therapy."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Churchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reiki#cite_note-125http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reiki#cite_note-124http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reiki#cite_note-TRTIA_history-123http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reiki#cite_note-122http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Reiki&veaction=edit&section=28http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Reiki&action=edit&section=28

reiki - its history

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