Reiki therapy
Alternate names: Bioenergy Therapy, Biofield Energy Therapy, Buddhist Reiki, Energy Health, Energy Medicine, Energy Work, Healing Touch, Japanese Reiki, Ray-kee, Reiki, Reiki Therapie, Reiki Touch Therapy, Terapia Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Touch Therapy, Universal Life Energy
Background
Reiki therapy is a type of energy therapy in which "universal life energy" is channeled to the patient through touch and positive intention.
Reiki originated from Buddhist monks. "Rei" means "universal spirit" and "ki" means "life energy." Reiki is called an energy medicine therapy because practitioners believe that it can improve the flow and balance of energy. It is believed that energy imbalances or disturbances result in disease.
People use Reiki therapy for pain, stress, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Reiki originated from Buddhist monks. "Rei" means "universal spirit" and "ki" means "life energy." Reiki is called an energy medicine therapy because practitioners believe that it can improve the flow and balance of energy. It is believed that energy imbalances or disturbances result in disease.
People use Reiki therapy for pain, stress, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Safety Safety definitions
Reiki therapy likely safe. There's no reason to expect safety concerns. But it shouldn't be used in place of standard treatments or therapies.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Reiki therapy is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. But there's no reason to expect safety concerns.Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
There is interest in using Reiki therapy for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Dosing & administration
Reiki therapy involves a practitioner placing their hands on or very near a person's body. Through touch, the Reiki practitioner attempts to transmit or deliver energy. The Reiki practitioner uses 12-15 different hand positions and keeps them in place for 2-5 minutes. Sessions often last for 30, 60, or 90 minutes.
Reiki practitioners are largely unregulated in North America. In some states, Reiki practitioners must also be licensed massage therapists. There is no consistent standard for training in Reiki therapy. But most schools recognize three or four levels of expertise. Training for each level takes 1-2 days. Talk to your physician or other healthcare professional to learn more about how Reiki therapy is used for specific conditions.
Reiki practitioners are largely unregulated in North America. In some states, Reiki practitioners must also be licensed massage therapists. There is no consistent standard for training in Reiki therapy. But most schools recognize three or four levels of expertise. Training for each level takes 1-2 days. Talk to your physician or other healthcare professional to learn more about how Reiki therapy is used for specific conditions.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if this treatment interacts with any medicines. Before using this treatment, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 31/07/2023 10:00:00 and last updated on 18/06/2015 19:34:55. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
