Reiki
Healing by the laying on of hands?
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In Reiki, complaints such as tension are relieved by the therapist using the hands to direct energy through the body. Does it really work?
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a kind of therapeutic work with spiritual life energy. The technique was developed at the beginning of the 20th century by the Buddhist monk Mikao Usui and is made up of the words Rei (soul / spirit) and ki (which means the Chinese Qi, i.e. life energy). Followers of the technique assume that by touching your hands you can gently guide the Reiki energy through the body to where it is needed. This should be able to strengthen and activate the self-healing powers.
Reiki masters have to complete training at different levels. In general, Reiki practitioners see themselves as a channel that enables them to to direct the Reiki energy, which flows all around us, through the patient's body, which is intended to relax him, for example, and to help him relieve stress. The hands can be placed directly on or hover over the body at a short distance. The treatment often starts at the head, then you work your way down to the feet. Patients often feel a slight tingling sensation or warmth, for some the application is so relaxing that they fall asleep.
In which cases is Reiki used?
Reiki is mainly used in Japanese and Chinese medicine. But in this country too, the method is used by many people as an accompanying treatment. First and foremost, Reiki should be able to treat mental complaints and psychological imbalances. In the case of chronic illnesses, Reiki can be used as an accompanying therapy, but is not suitable as the sole treatment. Users assume that universal life energy in the form of a treatment can in no way harm, but the technology can neither replace a doctor nor medication.
In general, you can do the Reiki treatment as often as you want, several sessions per week are often recommended. Usually, the attending physician and the patient determine in advance how many sessions could be useful on the basis of the complaints.
The rules of life of Reiki
Mikao Usui has worked out five principles that are considered the rules of life in Reiki and are still taught in training today. The corresponding guiding principles are:
- Be thankful
- Do not be upset
- do not worry
- Be kind to people
- Work hard
Whoever adheres to the principles According to Usui, lives not only happier, but also healthier.
Is Reiki Scientifically Proven?
Many researchers have already dealt with the question of whether Reiki applications can cure diseases. The investigations come to different results – in clinical studies that were supposed to prove the effectiveness of Reiki, either no positive effect was found or the investigations were characterized by significant methodological deficiencies. Therefore, the effects of Reiki are not scientifically proven. According to some experts, those who feel better after using Reiki are more likely to experience a physiological effect.
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In a randomized placebo-controlled study in 2010, for example, the effectiveness of Reiki was examined in 100 people suffering from fibromyalgia. The result: In the study, it made no difference whether the patients were treated by a real Reiki therapist or by an actor who merely pretended to be a therapist.
What does a Reiki treatment cost?
The costs vary depending on the duration and scope of the Reiki treatment. In the best case scenario, the application is no more expensive than a classic massage, but it can also be considerably more expensive. Since there is no scientific evidence of its effectiveness, The health insurance companies usually do not cover the costs.
Reading tips: You can find out everything about Hatha Yoga and Bikram Yoga here. We also have all the information about what Acro Yoga is all about.
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Hosak, M .: Reiki in therapeutic practice. Haug, Stuttgart 2016
Glaser, B .: Reiki. Well-being through the healing power of the hands. Goldmann Verlag, Munich 2014
Palmer, R: Explore the ancient path of Reiki and renew your health, body and soul. 1st edition CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform 2015