Reiki massage is a traditional touch therapy developed in Japan. The Reiki practitioner places his hands lightly on or just above your body to facilitate your healing response. According to Reiki theory, healing can occur on physical, emotional or spiritual levels. Reiki is part of alternative and complementary medicine in the United States. Not enough medical evidence exists to support the effectiveness of Reiki therapy. See you doctor if you have persistent, unexplained pain.
History
The tradition of Reiki healing dates back thousands of years to Tibet. In the mid-1800s, Japanese Buddhist Mikao Usui developed Usui Reiki and taught the techniques throughout Japan. Grandmasters of Reiki, including Chujiro Hyashi and Hawayo Takata, continued the tradition. Takata taught Reiki healing while living in Hawaii between 1950 and 1980, spreading Reiki to the United States. According to the 2007 National Health Interview survey, "1.2 million American adults had used an energy healing therapy, such as Reiki, the previous year."
Benefits
According to the Holistic Online website, Reiki healing "facilitates the removal of blockages in energy flow and the dispersal of toxins" and provides energy for recovering from an illness. The Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine includes stress reduction, relieving chronic pain, recovering from surgery, and improving overall health and well-being as uses for Reiki massage. "Be aware that Reiki has not yet been very well studied scientifically," advises the center.
Session
During a Reiki massage session, you sit or lie comfortably, fully clothed. Sessions last 30 to 90 minutes. With a light touch, or with hands just above your body, the practitioner focuses on points around your head, chest, abdomen or back for several minutes each "until the practitioner feels the flow of energy--experienced as sensations such as heat or tingling in the hands--has slowed or stopped," cites the Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Training
A Reiki master provides Reiki massage instruction. There are three degrees of Reiki training, each a level of attunement to Reiki energy. Training for first and second degree practice is typically 10 hours of class time over a two-day period. "In first degree training, students learn to perform Reiki on themselves and others," and "in second degree training, students learn to perform Reiki on others from a distance," reports the Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Reiki master is the third degree and takes years of training.
Medical Considerations
The Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine indicates that "clients may experience a deep state of relaxation during a Reiki session" and that "Reiki appears generally safe, and no serious side effects have been reported." Reiki healing is not formally regulated and is not a substitute for medical treatment. Consult your health care provider before receiving Reiki therapy. More research is needed to determine the health benefits of Reiki massage.
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