Reiki, like many so-called ‘alternative’ healing methods, has its roots, as the name suggests, in East Asian thought, made up of ‘rei’ = soul, spirit and ‘ki’ = life energy. Reiki” refers both to the method of treatment itself and to the supposed “energy” with which it is said to work. This esoteric practice was developed in Japan at the beginning of the 20th century by Mikao Usui while fasting at the foot of Mount Kurama, north of Kyoto, in connection with pagan practices.
Reiki is said to increase general wellbeing, maintain health and strengthen the body’s ability to heal itself in the event of illness. It also aims to promote mental and social health and has a similar effect to relaxation exercises such as autogenic training. The treatment is carried out as “therapeutic energy work” through the laying on of hands. This refers to a “universal life energy” that is passed on and flows to where it is needed, including animals and plants. This alone makes it clear that a) this “healing method” is entirely a child of East Asian philosophy and religion and therefore b) works with occult powers and methods, i.e. the “therapists” are actually mediums who pass on an occult power, “energy” or “channel” through which this energy flows after their “initiation”. This “initiation” through a special ritual is necessary because otherwise the channel is not “open” for the energy to flow. This makes it clear that this healing method is particularly dangerous and can put people under the influence of occult powers. It is related to Qigong, a traditional (esoteric) Chinese healing method, and to shamanic methods. The “energy of life” is an integral part of East Asian philosophy and religion, as is the assertion of a human “bio-energy” that needs to be rebalanced. There are many parallels here with the other alternative healing methods presented.
Despite numerous studies, the effectiveness of Reiki in healing has not been scientifically proven. Many effects can be attributed to the placebo effect, as shown by the 2010 study of 100 fibromyalgia patients by Assefi et al. No difference in effect was found whether they were treated by a Reiki healer or an actor pretending to be a healer.
Source: Online article “Health at any price”, Roland Sckerl
