Reiki

This article is about the energy therapy. For the Japanese era name, see Reiki (era). For uses of the homophone "raki", see Raki (disambiguation).

Energy medicine - edit
Acupuncture Energy (esotericism) Energy medicine Polarity therapy Reiki Therapeutic touch
NCCAM classifications
Alternative Medical Systems Mind-Body Intervention Biologically Based Therapy Manipulative Methods Energy Therapy
See also
Alternative medicine

Reiki
Chinese name
Traditional Chinese	靈氣
Simplified Chinese	灵气
Transcriptions Mandarin - Hanyu Pinyin língqì - Wade–Giles ling2-ch'i4 Cantonese (Yue) - Jyutping ling4-hei3
Japanese name
Hiragana	れいき
Kyūjitai	靈氣
Shinjitai	霊気
Transcriptions - Revised Hepburn Reiki
Korean name
Hangul	영기
Hanja	靈氣
Transcriptions - Revised Romanization yeonggi - McCune- Reischauer yŏngki
Vietnamese name
Quốc ngữ	linh khí

Reiki (霊気^?, English pronunciation: /ˈreɪkiː/) is a spiritual practice^[1] developed in 1922 by Japanese Buddhist Mikao Usui. The teaching was continued and adapted by various teachers. It uses a technique commonly called palm healing as a form of complementary and alternative medicine and is sometimes classified as oriental medicine by some professional bodies.^[2] Through the use of this technique, practitioners believe that they are transferring universal energy (reiki) in the form of ki through the palms that allows for self-healing and a state of equilibrium.^[3]

There are two main branches of Reiki, commonly referred to as Traditional Japanese Reiki and Western Reiki. The primary difference between branches is that the Westernized form uses systematized gestures rather than relying on an intuitive sense for proper hand patterns. Both branches have a three-tiered hierarchy of degrees - commonly called First, Second, and Master/Teacher - which are associated with different skills and abilities.

The concept of ki underlying Reiki is speculative and there is no scientific evidence that it exists. A 2008 systematic review of randomised clinical trials concluded that "the evidence is insufficient to suggest that reiki is an effective treatment for any condition. Therefore the value of reiki remains unproven."^[4] The American Cancer Society^[5] and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine^[6] have also found that there is no clinical or scientific evidence supporting claims that Reiki is effective in the treatment of any illness.

History

Derivation of name

Mikao Usui 臼井甕男 (1865–1926)

Chujiro Hayashi 林 忠次郎 (1880 - 1940)

The English word reiki derives from the Japanese loanword reiki (霊気, meaning "mysterious atmosphere"), which derives from the Chinese loanword língqì (靈氣, "supernatural influence"). Its earliest recorded usage in English dates to 1975.^[7] Instead of the usual transliteration, some English-language authors pseudo-translate reiki as "universal life energy".^[8]

Reiki is commonly written as 霊気 in shinjitai kanji or as レイキ in katakana syllabary. It compounds the words rei (霊: "spirit, miraculous, divine") and ki (気 "gas, vital energy, breath of life, consciousness").^[9] The ki (better known as Chinese qi or ch'i) in reiki is understood as meaning "spiritual energy; vital energy; life force; energy of life".^[10] Some reiki translation equivalents from Japanese-English dictionaries are: "feeling of mystery",^[11] "an atmosphere (feeling) of mystery",^[12] and "an ethereal atmosphere (that prevails in the sacred precincts of a shrine); (feel, sense) a spiritual (divine) presence."^[13] Besides the usual Sino-Japanese pronunciation reiki, these kanji 霊気 have an alternate Japanese reading, namely ryōge, meaning "demon; ghost" (especially in spirit possession).^[14]

Chinese língqì 靈氣 was first recorded in the (ca. 320 BCE) Neiye "Inward Training" section of the Guanzi, describing early Daoist meditation 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."^[15] Standard Chinese língqì is translated by Chinese-English dictionaries as: "(of beautiful mountains) spiritual influence or atmosphere";^[16] "1. intelligence; power of understanding; 2. supernatural power or force in fairy tales; miraculous power or force";^[17] and "1. spiritual influence (of mountains/etc.); 2. ingeniousness; cleverness".^[18]

Origins

See also Five Precepts and Timeline of Reiki history

The system of Reiki was developed by Mikao Usui (臼井甕男) in 1922 whilst performing Isyu Guo, a twenty-one day Buddhist training course held on Mount Kurama.^[19] It is not known for certain what Usui was required to do during this training, though it most likely involved meditation, fasting, chanting, and prayer.^[20][21] 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.^[20] In April 1922, Usui moved to Tokyo and founded the Usui Reiki Ryōhō Gakkai ("臼井靈氣療法學會" in Traditional Mandarin, meaning Usui's Spiritual Energy Therapy Method Society) in order to continue treating people on a large scale with Reiki.^[20][22]

According to the inscription on his memorial stone,^[23] 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.^[23][24] While teaching Reiki in Fukuyama (福山市, Fukuyama-shi), Usui suffered a stroke and died on 9 March 1926.^[23]

Early development

After Usui's death, Mr. J. Ushida, a student of Usui, took over as president of the Gakkai.^[25] He was also responsible for creating and erecting Usui's memorial stone and for ensuring the maintenance of the grave site.^[25] Mr. Ushida was followed by Mr. Iichi Taketomi, Mr. Yoshiharu Watanabe, Mr. Kimiko Koyama and the current successor to Usui, Mr. Kondo, who became president in 1998.^[25] The sixteen Masters initiated by Usui include Toshihiro Eguchi, Jusaburo Guida, Ilichi Taketomi, Toyoichi Wanami, Yoshihiru Watanabe, Keizo Ogawa, J. Ushida, and Chujiro Hayashi.^[25][26]

Before Usui's death, Chujiro Hayashi (林 忠次郎 Hayashi Chūjirō) approached Usui about developing a different form of Reiki that was much simpler. Usui agreed.^[27] After Usui's death, Hayashi left the Usui Reiki Ryōhō Gakkai and formed his own clinic where he gave Reiki treatments, taught, and attuned people to Reiki, and it was to this clinic that Hawayo Takata was directed in the 1930s.^[25] Hayashi simplified the Reiki teachings, stressing physical healing and using a more codified and simpler set of Reiki techniques.^[28]

After multiple Reiki sessions from Hayashi's trainees at his clinic for illnesses including abdominal pain and asthma, Hayashi initiated and trained Takata to use Reiki,^[29][30] and she became a Reiki Master on 21 February 1938.^[29][31] Takata established several Reiki clinics throughout Hawaii, one of which was located in Hilo,^[29] and then went on to travel throughout the United States, practising Reiki and teaching the first two levels to others,^[32] and it was not until 1970 that Takata began initiating Reiki Masters.^[33] At this stage, Takata also introduced the term Reiki Master for the Shinpiden level.^[34] She stressed the importance of charging money for Reiki treatments and teachings, and fixed a price of $10,000 (roughly £6,500 or €7,400) for the Master training.^[33]

Takata died on 11 December 1980,^[33][35] by which time she had trained 22 Reiki masters,^[36][37] and almost all Reiki taught outside Japan can be attributed to her work.^[38]

Five Principles

Usui was an admirer of the literary works of the Emperor Meiji (明治天皇 Meiji tennō). While in the process of developing his Reiki system, Usui summarised some of the emperor's works into a set of ethical principles, which later became known as the Five Reiki Precepts (五戒 Gokai, meaning "The Five Commandments," from the Buddhist teachings of being prohibited against killing, thievery, sexual misconduct, lying, and for intemperance). It is common for many Reiki teachers and practitioners to abide by these five precepts, or principles.^[39]

Kanji 招福の秘法, 萬病の霊薬. 今日丈けは: 怒るな, 心配すな, 感謝して, 業をはけめ, 人に親切に. 朝夕合掌して心に念じ, 口に唱へよ. 心身改善. 臼井霊氣療法. 肇祖, 臼井甕男.

Rōmaji Shōfuku no hihō, Manbyō no reiyaku. Kyō dake wa: Okoru na, Shinpai su na, Kansha shite, Gyō wo hakeme, Hito ni shinsetsu ni. Asayū gasshō shite kokoro ni nenji, Kuchi ni tonae yo. Shinshin kaizen. Usui Reiki Ryōhō. Chōso, Usui Mikao.

The five concepts of Mikao Usui, contained within the whole text (Japanese writing is read from top to bottom, moving from right to left). Note: Commonly called the Five Precepts or Five Principles, they start in the third column from the right below the space, and continue in the fourth and fifth columns from the right. 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, 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 Ryōhō. The founder, Mikao Usui.

Traditions Today many branches of Reiki exist, though there exist two major traditions, respectively called Traditional Japanese Reiki and Western Reiki. Traditional Japanese Reiki Reiki written in Shinjitai Japanese. The term Traditional Japanese Reiki is normally used to describe the specific system that formed from Usui's original teachings[40] 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.[41] Usui Reiki Ryōhō Gakkai (臼井靈氣療法學會 in Traditional Chinese Characters, meaning "Usui Reiki Healing Method Learning Society")[42] 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 little, 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. Reidō Reiki Gakkai (靈道靈氣學會, meaning "Spiritual Occurrence [and] Spiritual Energy Society") is the name given to the system that derives from the masters of the Ryōhō 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.[43][44] Kōmyō Reiki Kai (光明レイキ會, 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 (稲本　百天), a Reiki teacher with Western Reiki background. It differs from other systems in that it does not originate with the Gakkai, but instead comes from the Hayashi line, through Chiyoko Yamaguchi (山口　千代子) that remained in Japan. Jikiden Reiki (直傳靈氣, 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 (山口 忠夫).[45] The Japanese Reiki hand positions presented in the Usui Reiki Ryōhō Hikkei (臼井靈氣療法必携, Usui Reiki Treatment Handbook) as used and compiled by Usui are considerably more extensive than the hand positions used in Western Reiki.[46] Western Reiki Western Reiki (西洋レイキ, Seiyō reiki) is a system that can be accredited to Hawayo Takata.[47] The principal difference between the traditions is the use of set hand patterns for internal treatments instead of Reiji-hō, the intuitive skill of "knowing where to place the hands."[41] This style of Reiki places more emphasis on the healing of ailments, and ascension to higher levels of attunement is more formalised.[41] 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 the second 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 Ryōhō (臼井靈氣式療法, 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" (Ryōhō (療法) 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.[48] 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 uses Takata's versions of the four original symbols passed to her by Hayashi. Usui Reiki Shiki Ryōhō is also the norm requested qualification (along with Reiki lineage) when seeking insurance to practise Reiki on the general public in the United Kingdom.[49] 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.[50][51] This system is derived from Usui Reiki as taught by Takata and includes techniques from the Usui Reiki Ryōhō Gakkai, such as Byōsen-hō (病専法, Scanning Method), Gyōshi-hō (凝視法, Healing Eyes Method), and Kenyoku-hō (件抑制法, Dry Bathing Method). There have been a few additions to this system in comparison with Usui Shiki Ryōhō by Rand, such as a modified attunement method that incorporates the Violet Breath,[50] the use of the 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.[50] Along with introducing the above, Usui/Tibetan Reiki can sometimes incorporate psychic surgery. Unlike Usui Reiki Shiki Ryōhō, it has four levels, commonly called First Degree, Second Degree, Advanced Reiki Training (commonly 3A or ART), and Master/Teacher (commonly 3B).[50] Gendai Reiki Hō (現代靈氣法, meaning "Modern Spiritual Energy Method") is a system that incorporates elements of both Japanese and Western Reiki,[52] and was established by Hiroshi Doi.[52] Doi was first trained in Western Reiki by Mieko Mitsui, a Master of the "Radiance Technique."[53] In 1993, he was granted membership to Usui Reiki Ryōhō Gakkai.[53] Teachings Reiki teachings claim that Reiki is inexhaustible[54][55] and that it can be used to induce a healing effect.[56] Practitioners claim that anyone can gain access to this energy[57] by means of an attunement process[58] carried out by a Reiki Master.[59] Reiki is described by adherents as a holistic therapy which brings about healing on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels.[60] 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.[61] Further to this notion, the belief is that the energy is "intelligent",[62] meaning that the Reiki knows where to heal, even if a practitioner's hands are not present in the specific area. Training The teaching of Reiki outside of Japan is commonly divided into three levels,[63] 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,[64] which is known in Japanese as Byosen-hō, 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 The first degree Reiki course,[65] sometimes given the Japanese name of Shoden ("初伝" in Japanese, meaning "'Elementary/Entry Teachings"),[66] teaches the basic theories and procedures. A number of "attunements" are given to the student by the teacher.[67] 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.[68] Having completed the first degree course, a Reiki practitioner can then treat himself 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.[69] Second degree In the second degree Reiki course,[70] sometimes given the Japanese name of Okuden ("奥伝" in Japanese, meaning "Inner Teachings"),[71] 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.[72] 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.[73][74] 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.[75] Having completed the second level, the student can work without being physically present with the recipient - a practise known as "distant healing".[76] Students in Japan sometimes only attained the Second Degree after a period of 10, sometimes 20, years of practice under Usui's tutorship, and the majority of student never attained the Third Degree.[77] Third degree Through the third degree, or "master training",[78] sometimes given the Japanese name of Shinpiden ("神秘伝" in Japanese, meaning "Mystery Teachings"),[79] 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 be carried out and the student learns a further symbol.[80] 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 Teacher and 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 There is much variation in training methods, speed of completion (i.e., attunement), and costs. 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[81] and the Reiki Council (UK).[82] 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 training must have been "in-person" or "face to face" (distant attunements are not accepted)."[83] Some traditionalists also hold the ideal that methods that teach Reiki "quickly" cannot yield as strong an effect, because there is no substitute for experience and patience when mastering Reiki. Practice The seven major chakras. A schematic diagram of the human body's meridians. In Western Reiki, it is taught that Reiki works in conjunction with the meridian energy lines and chakras through 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 (see localised treatment). According to authors such as James Deacon, Usui used only five formal hand-positions, which focused on the head and neck.[84] After Reiki had been given first to the head and neck area, specific areas of the body where imbalances were present would then be treated.[84] 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-hō and Reiji-hō, which are used to find areas of dis-ease (discomfort) in the auras and physical body. Healing Usui Reiki Ryōhō does not use any medication or instruments, but uses looking, blowing, light tapping, and touching.[85] 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,[86] and used a technique commonly referred to as palm healing as a form of complementary and alternative medicine. Through the use of this palm healing (sometimes referred to as "tenohira" (掌, meaning "the palm"), practitioners believe that they are transferring universal energy (reiki) in the form of ki through the palms that allows for self-healing and and a state of equilibrium.[3] Whole body treatment In a typical whole-body Reiki treatment,[87] 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,[88] that is usually carried out without any unnecessary talking.[89] 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 are held 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.[90] Many Western practitioners use a common fixed set of 12 hand positions,[64] while others use their intuition to guide them as to where treatment is needed[91] 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 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.[77] The use of the 12 hand positions energise on many levels,[77] 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.[77] 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.[92] 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,[90] 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.[90] Localised treatment A Reiki treatment in progress. 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,[93] with the site of injury being targeted. There is great variation in the duration of such treatments, though 20 minutes is typical. Takata described "localised treatment" as 'hands-on work,' compared to distant or "absent healing."[94] Some practitioners use localised treatments for certain ailments, and some publications have tabulated appropriate hand positions,[95][96] However, other practitioners prefer to use the whole body treatment for all chronic conditions, on the grounds that it has a more holistic effect.[97] Another approach is to give a whole body treatment first, followed by a localised treatment for any specific ailments.[98] Usui used specific hand positions to treat specific ailments and dis-eases (discomfort),[99] which included disorders of the nervous system (such as hysteria),[100] respiratory disorders (such as inflammation of the trachea),[101] digestive disorders (such as gastric ulcers),[102] circulatory disorders (such as chronic high blood pressure),[103] metabolism and blood disorders (such as anaemia),[104] urogenital tract disorders (such as nephritis),[105] skin disorders (such as inflammation of the lymph nodes),[106] childhood disorders (such as measles),[107] women’s health disorders (such as morning sickness),[108] and contagious disorders (such as typhoid fever).[109] Breathing 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.[110] Usui taught a technique called Joshin Kokyū-hō (女神呼吸法), which roughly translates as "the breathing method for cleansing the spirit," though literally translates as "Goddess Breath Method".[86] Joshin Kokyū-hō 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 the tanden.[86] Three Pillars of Reiki Along with the five Reiki principles, Usui based his Reiki system on three other practises; Gasshō, Reiji-hō, and Chiryō.[111] Gasshō Gasshō ("合掌" 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/meetings. One technique of Gasshō is to concentrate on the pads where the two middle fingers meet.[111] Reiji-hō Reiji-hō (霊示法, 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 the third/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.[112] 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.[112] 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.[112] Though similar to the practice of Byosen-hō, Reiji-hō relies specifically on intuition of where to heal, whereas Byosen-hō scans for areas with the hands, feeling for subtle changes in the aura of the practitioner's hands and the aura of the recipient. Chiryō Chiryō ("治療" in Japanese, meaning "(medical) treatment") requires the practitioner to place his/her dominant hand on the crown chakra and wait for hibiki (響き, "feedback") in the form of an impulse or inspiration, which the hand then follows. During Chiryō, 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.[113] Research, critical evaluation, and controversy Scientific research The proposed mechanism for Reiki energy is hypothetical as the existence of the ki or "life force" energy used in this method has not been proven scientifically.[4][114] A 2008 systematic review of randomised clinical 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 of blinding practitioners. 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 for placebo 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 or adjuvant therapy for any medical condition, or that it has any benefits beyond possible placebo effects.[4][115] Placebo trials of Reiki are complicated by the difficulty of designing a realistic placebo,[116] 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."[117] Safety and effectiveness Main article: Testing of safety The American Cancer Society has noted that the research surrounding Reiki has been poorly conducted, and stated: "Available scientific evidence at this time 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 National Center 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."[6] Concerns about safety in Reiki are similar to those of other unproven alternative medicines. Doctors of medicine and allied health care workers believe that patients might avoid clinically proven treatments for serious conditions in favour of unproven alternative medicines.[118] Reiki practitioners may encourage their clients to consult a medical doctor for serious conditions, stating that Reiki can be used to complement conventional medicine.[119] Clinical trials have not reported any significant adverse effects from the use of Reiki.[4] William T. Jarvis, Ph.D., of The 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.[120] Internal controversies 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.[121][122] 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.[123] Catholic Church concerns 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)[124] 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." See also Energy medicine Glossary of alternative medicine Laying on of hands Vibrational medicine References ^ Lübeck, Petter, and Rand (2001). Chapter 14, pages 108 to 110; Ellyard (2004). Page 79; McKenzie (1998). Pages 19, 42, and 52; Lübeck (1996). Page 22; Boräng (1997). Page 57; Veltheim and Veltheim (1995). Page 72 ^ Institute for Complementary and Natural Medicine. "BRCP Divisions & Practises". http://www.i-c-m.org.uk/practitioners/divisions. Retrieved April 10, 2010.  ^ a b Reiki flows through hands: (McKenzie (1998). Page 18); (Ellyard (2004). Page 27); (Boräng (1997). Page 9); (Veltheim and Veltheim (1995). Page 33) ^ a b c d e f g Lee, MS; Pittler, MH; Ernst, E (2008). "Effects of Reiki in clinical practice: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials". International Journal of Clinical Practice 62 (6): 947–54. doi:10.1111/j.1742-1241.2008.01729.x. PMID 18410352. http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1742-1241.2008.01729.x. Retrieved 2008-05-02.  ^ a b "Reiki". American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/ManualHealingandPhysicalTouch/reiki. Retrieved 18 October 2011.  ^ a b "Energy Medicine: An Overview". National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Archived from the original on 11 November 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20081115162836/http://nccam.nih.gov/health/backgrounds/energymed.htm. Retrieved 18 October 2011.  ^ The San Mateo Times, 2 May 1975, 32/1. ^ Lübeck, Petter, and Rand (2001). Page 302; McKenzie (1998). Page 18; Shuffrey (1998). Page 1. ^ Jack Halpern, New Japanese-English Character Dictionary (新漢英字典), Kenkyūsha, 1990, NTC reprint, 1993. Ki is additionally defined as "… spirits; one's feelings, mood, frame of mind; temperament, temper, disposition, one's nature, character; mind to do something, intention, will; care, attention, precaution". ^ Derivation of name: Lübeck, Petter, and Rand (2001). Chapter 6) ^ M. Spahn and W. Hadamidtzy (1989), Japanese Character Dictionary With Compound Lookup via Any Kanji, Nichigai. ^ J. H. Haig (1997 edition), The New Nelson Japanese-English Character Dictionary, Tuttle. ^ T. Watanabe, E., R. Skrzypczak, and P. Snowden (2003). Kenkyūsha's New Japanese-English Dictionary. ^ Morohashi Tetsuji, 1960, Dai Kan-Wa jiten 大漢和辞典, Taishukan; Todo Akiyasu, 1978, Kan-Wa Daijiten 漢和大字典, Gakken. Both dictionaries define ryōge as a mononoke もののけ, meaning "ghost; demon; evil spirit" that possesses people. Ryō 霊 means "evil spirit who possesses a human", J. H. Haig 1997. ^ Roth, Harold D. 2004. Original Tao: Inward Training (Nei-yeh) and the Foundations of Taoist Mysticism, Columbia University Press, p. 97. Compare translating 靈氣在心 as "The magical qi within the heart"; R. Eno, 2005, Guanzi: "The Inner Enterprise" (Section 18: Moderation) Lübeck, Petter, and Rand (2001, p. 45) falsely quote the Mengzi (which uses ling 7 times and qi 20 times) for the earliest lingqi usage, "the work in the sense of a personal opening of the human being to the divine by using Ling Qi, was neglected" [sic]. ^ Lin Yutang, 1972, Lin Yutang's Chinese-English Dictionary of Modern Usage, Chinese University of Hong Kong Press. ^ Ling Yuan, 2002, The Contemporary Chinese Dictionary, Chinese-English Edition, Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press. ^ DeFrancis, John, 2003, ABC Chinese-English Comprehensive Dictionary, University of Hawaii Press. ^ Rand, William L. (March 1998) [1991]. Reiki: The Healing Touch, First and Second Degree Manual (Expanded and Revised ed.). Michigan, USA: Vision Publications. p. I-13. ISBN 1886785031.  ^ a b c Rand, William L. (March 1998) [1991]. Reiki: The Healing Touch, First and Second Degree Manual (Expanded and Revised ed.). Michigan, USA: Vision Publications. p. I-14. ISBN 1886785031.  ^ Usui's 21 day retreat: (Lübeck, Petter, and Rand (2001). Page 14); What is the History of Reiki? ^ Founding of Usui Reiki Ryōhō Gakkai: (Lübeck, Petter, and Rand (2001). Page 14) ^ a b c Inscription on Usui's memorial ^ Number of people taught by Usui: (Lübeck, Petter, and Rand (2001). Page 16) ^ a b c d e Rand, William L. (March 1998) [1991]. Reiki: The Healing Touch, First and Second Degree Manual (Expanded and Revised ed.). Michigan, USA: Vision Publications. p. I-15. ISBN 1886785031.  ^ From original research conducted by Frank Arjava Petter and Dave King ^ Miles, P. & True, G., 2003, p. 63 ^ Hayashi's teachings: (Lübeck, Petter, and Rand (2001). Chapter 19, Page 17) ^ a b c Rand, William L. (March 1998) [1991]. Reiki: The Healing Touch, First and Second Degree Manual (Expanded and Revised ed.). Michigan, USA: Vision Publications. p. I-16. ISBN 1886785031.  ^ Hayashi trained Takata: (Ellyard (2004). Page 13) ^ A copy of her original certificate is available at Aetw.org ^ Takata's Reiki practice and teaching in the US: (Ellyard (2004). Page 15) ^ a b c Rand, William L. (March 1998) [1991]. Reiki: The Healing Touch, First and Second Degree Manual (Expanded and Revised ed.). Michigan, USA: Vision Publications. p. I-17. ISBN 1886785031.  ^ Start of Takata's teaching of Reiki Masters: (Ellyard (2004). Page 15) ^ (Petter (1997). Page 21) and (Veltheim and Veltheim (1995). Page 26) ^ UK Reiki Federation. "UK Reiki Federation - About Lineages". http://www.reikifed.co.uk/pub/about/fed/join/lineages.shtml. Retrieved 15 April 2010.  ^ Takata trained 22 Reiki Masters: (Ellyard (2004). Page 14), (Veltheim and Veltheim (1995). Page 26) and (Petter (1997). Page20) ^ Significance of Takata in bringing Reiki out of Japan: (Ellyard (2004). Pages 14 to 16) and (Veltheim and Veltheim (1995). Page 26) ^ Quest, Penelope (2008). Living the Reiki Way. London: Piatkus. pp. 17–18. ISBN 0749928328.  ^ Stein, Diane (1998). Essential Reiki: A Complete Guide to an Ancient Healing Art. Australia: Crossing Press. ISBN 0895947366.  ^ a b c Master-Reiki.com (2009). "Master Reiki - Become a Reiki Master". http://www.master-reiki.com/. Retrieved April 27, 2010.  ^ James Deacon (2003). "Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai". http://www.aetw.org/. http://www.aetw.org/reiki_gakkai.html. Retrieved 5 June 2010.  ^ Tomaqui. "KORIKI - Un primer símbolo [Koriki - The First Symbol]" (in Spanish). http://usuarios.multimania.es/tomaqui/KORIKI%20-%20Un%20primer%20simbolo.htm. Retrieved 28 February 2010.  ^ James Deacon. "Reido Reiki". http://www.aetw.org/. http://www.aetw.org/reiki_reido.html. Retrieved 5 June 2010.  ^ Tadao Yamaguchi. "Jikiden Reiki History | Chiyoko Yamaguchi | Tadao Yamaguchi". http://www.jikidenreiki.co.uk/. http://www.jikidenreiki.co.uk/83/0/tooltip1.htm. Retrieved 5 June 2010.  ^ Usui, Dr. Mikao; Frank Arjava Petter (31). The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui: The Traditional Usui Reiki Ryōhō Treatment Positions and Numerous Reiki Techniques for Health and Well-being. Lotus Press. p. 7. ISBN 0914955578.  ^ Streich, Marianne; William, Rand L. (Spring 2007). How Hawayo Takata Practised and Taught Reiki. Reiki News Magazine. p. 1. http://www.centerforreikiresearch.org/Downloads/TakataArticle.pdf. Retrieved 27 April 2010. "All Western Reiki practitioners have a lineage going back through Mrs. Takata. It was she who brought Reiki to the west."  ^ The Reiki Alliance (2006). "What is the Reiki Alliance?". http://www.reikialliance.com/the-reiki-alliance. Retrieved 5 May 2010.  ^ Complementary Therapists Association. "Complementary Therapists Association - Accepted Qualifications - Reiki". http://www.ctha.com/Quals/?QC=16. Retrieved 15 April 2010.  ^ a b c d International Reiki Federation. "Explanation of Reiki". http://www.reiki-federation.co.uk/glossary.asp. Retrieved 5 May 2010.  ^ Vincent Amador. "Usui Tibetan Reiki - Introduction". Archived from the original on 14 April 2002. http://web.archive.org/web/20020414093724/http://angelreiki.nu/level3/tibetan.htm. Retrieved 26 July 2010.  ^ a b Lila Desy, Phylameana (1 March 2004). The Everything Reiki Book: Channel Your Positive Energy to Reduce Stress (Everything (New Age)). Adams Media Corporation. p. 232. ISBN 159337030X.  ^ a b Richard R. Rivard (23 October 2009). "What is Gendai Reiki Ho?". The Reiki Threshold (http://www.threshold.ca/reiki/, direct link to source: http://www.threshold.ca/reiki/Gendai.html). http://www.threshold.ca/reiki/Gendai.html. Retrieved 11 June 2010. "See section entitled Mr. Doi's Reiki Training"  ^ Reiki is inexhaustible. McKenzie (1998). Page 18; Boräng (1997). Page 9 ^ Reiki as universal life force energy: Lübeck, Petter, and Rand (2001). Page 62; McKenzie (1998). Page 18; Ellyard (2004). Page 75; Lübeck (1994). Page 13; Boräng (1997). Page 8 ^ McKenzie (1998). Page 18; Lübeck, Petter, and Rand (2001). Pages 14 and 68; Veltheim and Veltheim (1995). Page 30; Ellyard (2004). Page 27 ^ Anyone can be attuned to Reiki: (Lübeck, Petter, and Rand (2001). Page 8); (Veltheim and Veltheim (1995). Page 35); (Ellyard (2004). Page 77) ^ Note: The terms attunement and "initiation" are usually used interchangeably with regard to Reiki. Occasionally there is a slight difference of emphasis implied, with attunement used when discussing the gaining of access to the Reiki energy and "initiation" when discussing the personal (or spiritual) growth aspect. Both these aspects relate to the same physical procedure. ^ Access is by means of attunement: (Ellyard (2004). Page 27 and 31); (Lübeck, Petter, and Rand (2001). Page 22); (McKenzie (1998). Pages 18 and 19); (Gollagher (1998). Page 26); (Boräng (1997). Page 12) ^ Reiki is holistic, bringing healing on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels: (Baginski and Sharamon (1988). Page 35); (Gollagher (1998). Page 44); (Boräng (1997). Page 10); (McKenzie (1998). Page 81) ^ Reiki activates or enhances natural healing: (McKenzie (1998). Page 18); (Veltheim and Veltheim (1995). Pages 78 and 93); (Gollagher (1998). Page 24) ^ Reiki is "intelligent": (Ellyard (2004). Pages 28 and 29); (Boräng (1997). Page 10) ^ Reiki is taught in 3 levels: (McKenzie (1998). Page 54); (Veltheim and Veltheim (1995). Page 117); (Petter (1997). Page 38) ^ a b Usui, Dr. Mikao; Frank Arjava Petter (31). The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui: The Traditional Usui Reiki Ryoho Treatment Positions and Numerous Reiki Techniques for Health and Well-being. Lotus Press. p. 7. ISBN 0914955578.  ^ First degree course content: (McKenzie (1998). Page 54); (Veltheim and Veltheim (1995). Page 118); (Petter (1997). Page 38) ^ James Deacon (2002), Reiki Glossary: S - Z (online). Accessed: 20 March 2011 (available: http://www.aetw.org/reiki_glossary_s.html) ^ Effect of attunements in 1st level: (Ellyard (2004). Page 37) ^ Teaching of hand positions during First degree course: (Baginski and Sharamon (1988). Page 48), (Petter (1997). Page 39) ^ Duration of First degree course: (Baginski and Sharamon (1988). Page 46), (Petter (1997). Page 38) ^ Second degree course content: (McKenzie (1998). Page 56); (Veltheim and Veltheim (1995). Page 119); (Petter (1997). Page 43) ^ James Deacon (2002), Reiki Glossary: M - R (online). Accessed: 23 February 2010 (available: http://www.aetw.org/reiki_glossary_m.html#o) ^ Teaching of symbols in Second Degree: (Ellyard (2004). Page 81) ^ Reiki can be sent to past or future: (McKenzie (1998). Page 39), in Western Reiki; (Ellyard (2004). Page 115); (Lübeck (1994). Page 155) ^ Use of symbols for connection during distant healing: (McKenzie (1998). Page 39); (Ellyard (2004). Page 110) ^ Effect of 2nd level attunement: (Ellyard (2004). Page 81) ^ Healing at a distance taught during Second Degree course: (Petter (1997). Page 43) ^ a b c d Usui, Dr. Mikao; Frank Arjava Petter (31). The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui: The Traditional Usui Reiki Ryoho Treatment Positions and Numerous Reiki Techniques for Health and Well-being. Lotus Press. p. 8. ISBN 0914955578.  ^ Master training: (McKenzie (1998). Page 58); (Veltheim and Veltheim (1995). Pages 120 to 124); (Petter (1997). Pages to 47 and 49) ^ James Deacon (2002), Reiki Glossary: S - Z (online). Accessed: 23 February 2010 (available: http://www.aetw.org/reiki_glossary_s.html) ^ Content of master training: (Ellyard (2004). Chapters 16 and 17) ^ UK Reiki Federation website link: http://www.reikifed.co.uk/ ^ The Reiki Council website link: http://www.reikicouncil.org.uk/ ^ UK Reiki Federation (2009), Membership Form. Accessed 23 February 2010 (available: http://www.reikifed.co.uk/pub/about/fed/join/reikifed_mem-app.pdf) ^ a b James Deacon (2006), Usui's Original Hand Positions (online). Available: http://www.aetw.org/d_treatment_usui.htm (accessed 25 February 2010) ^ Usui, Dr. Mikao; Frank Arjava Petter (31). The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui: The Traditional Usui Reiki Ryoho Treatment Positions and Numerous Reiki Techniques for Health and Well-being. Lotus Press. p. 25. ISBN 0914955578.  ^ a b c Usui, Dr. Mikao; Frank Arjava Petter (31). The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui: The Traditional Usui Reiki Ryoho Treatment Positions and Numerous Reiki Techniques for Health and Well-being. Lotus Press. p. 22. ISBN 0914955578.  ^ Whole body treatment: (Lübeck (1994). Chapters 4 and 5); (McKenzie (1998). Page 84); (Ellyard (2004). Page 45); (Lübeck ,Petter, and Rand (2001). Chapter 20); (Veltheim and Veltheim (1995). Page 79); (Petter (1997). Pages 50 to 55); (Boräng (1997). Page 36) ^ Mental preparation by practitioner at start of treatment: (Ellyard (2004). Page 46) ^ Minimum talking during formal treatments: (Ellyard (2004). Page 45) ^ a b c Duration of whole body treatment and others: (Ellyard (2004). Page 41) ^ Use of intuition: (Usui and Petter (2003). Page 17) ^ Immediate effects of treatment: (Ellyard (2004). Page 44) ^ Treatment of injuries: (McKenzie (1998). Page 110); (Ellyard (2004). Page 70); (Veltheim and Veltheim (1995). Page 77) ^ James Deacon (2006), On CKR, SHK, and Absent Healing (online). Accessed: 23 February 2010 (available: http://www.aetw.org/reiki_takata_course2.htm) ^ Reiki.nu (2009), Reiki hand positions photos - treating others, self and "quick version" (online). Accessed 23 February 2010 (available: http://www.Reiki.nu/Treatmentguide2.pdf) ^ Hand positions for specific ailments: (Usui and Petter (2003). Pages 49 and 67); (Lübeck (1994). Pages 173 and 184) ^ Whole body treatment for chronic conditions: (McKenzie (1998). Page 108); (Veltheim and Veltheim (1995). Page 81) ^ Localised treatment following on from whole body treatment: (McKenzie (1998). Page 105) ^ Usui, Dr. Mikao; Frank Arjava Petter (31). The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui: The Traditional Usui Reiki Ryoho Treatment Positions and Numerous Reiki Techniques for Health and Well-being. Lotus Press. p. 28. ISBN 0914955578.  ^ Usui, Dr. Mikao; Frank Arjava Petter (31). The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui: The Traditional Usui Reiki Ryoho Treatment Positions and Numerous Reiki Techniques for Health and Well-being. Lotus Press. p. 49. ISBN 0914955578.  ^ Usui, Dr. Mikao; Frank Arjava Petter (31). The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui: The Traditional Usui Reiki Ryoho Treatment Positions and Numerous Reiki Techniques for Health and Well-being. Lotus Press. p. 52. ISBN 0914955578.  ^ Usui, Dr. Mikao; Frank Arjava Petter (31). The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui: The Traditional Usui Reiki Ryoho Treatment Positions and Numerous Reiki Techniques for Health and Well-being. Lotus Press. p. 54. ISBN 0914955578.  ^ Usui, Dr. Mikao; Frank Arjava Petter (31). The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui: The Traditional Usui Reiki Ryoho Treatment Positions and Numerous Reiki Techniques for Health and Well-being. Lotus Press. p. 56. ISBN 0914955578.  ^ Usui, Dr. Mikao; Frank Arjava Petter (31). The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui: The Traditional Usui Reiki Ryoho Treatment Positions and Numerous Reiki Techniques for Health and Well-being. Lotus Press. p. 57. ISBN 0914955578.  ^ Usui, Dr. Mikao; Frank Arjava Petter (31). The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui: The Traditional Usui Reiki Ryoho Treatment Positions and Numerous Reiki Techniques for Health and Well-being. Lotus Press. p. 59. ISBN 0914955578.  ^ Usui, Dr. Mikao; Frank Arjava Petter (31). The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui: The Traditional Usui Reiki Ryoho Treatment Positions and Numerous Reiki Techniques for Health and Well-being. Lotus Press. p. 60. ISBN 0914955578.  ^ Usui, Dr. Mikao; Frank Arjava Petter (31). The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui: The Traditional Usui Reiki Ryoho Treatment Positions and Numerous Reiki Techniques for Health and Well-being. Lotus Press. p. 63. ISBN 0914955578.  ^ Usui, Dr. Mikao; Frank Arjava Petter (31). The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui: The Traditional Usui Reiki Ryoho Treatment Positions and Numerous Reiki Techniques for Health and Well-being. Lotus Press. p. 64. ISBN 0914955578.  ^ Usui, Dr. Mikao; Frank Arjava Petter (31). The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui: The Traditional Usui Reiki Ryoho Treatment Positions and Numerous Reiki Techniques for Health and Well-being. Lotus Press. p. 65. ISBN 0914955578.  ^ Usui, Dr. Mikao; Frank Arjava Petter (31). The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui: The Traditional Usui Reiki Ryoho Treatment Positions and Numerous Reiki Techniques for Health and Well-being. Lotus Press. p. 21. ISBN 0914955578.  ^ a b Usui, Dr. Mikao; Frank Arjava Petter (31). The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui: The Traditional Usui Reiki Ryoho Treatment Positions and Numerous Reiki Techniques for Health and Well-being. Lotus Press. p. 15. ISBN 0914955578.  ^ a b c Usui, Dr. Mikao; Frank Arjava Petter (31). The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui: The Traditional Usui Reiki Ryoho Treatment Positions and Numerous Reiki Techniques for Health and Well-being. Lotus Press. p. 17. ISBN 0914955578.  ^ Usui, Dr. Mikao; Frank Arjava Petter (31). The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui: The Traditional Usui Reiki Ryoho Treatment Positions and Numerous Reiki Techniques for Health and Well-being. Lotus Press. p. 18. ISBN 0914955578.  ^ "Categories of CAM Therapies". National Cancer Institute Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine. http://www.cancer.gov/cam/health_categories.html. Retrieved 18 October 2011.  ^ Henderson M (17 April 2008). "Prince of Wales's guide to alternative medicine ‘inaccurate’ - Times Online". The Times (London). http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/alternative_medicine/article3760857.ece. Retrieved 2011-03-31.  ^ Mansour AA, Beuche M, Laing G, Leis A, Nurse J (April 1999). "A study to test the effectiveness of placebo Reiki standardization procedures developed for a planned Reiki efficacy study". J Altern Complement Med 5 (2): 153–64. doi:10.1089/acm.1999.5.153. PMID 10328637.  ^ vanderVaart, S; Gijsen, V; Wildt, S; Koren, G (2009). "A Systematic Review of the Therapeutic Effects of Reiki". The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 15 (11): 1157–1169. doi:10.1089/acm.2009.0036. PMID 19922247.  ^ Lilienfeld, Scott O. (2002). "Our Raison d'Être". The Scientific Review of Mental Health Practice 1 (1). http://www.srmhp.org/0101/raison-detre.html. Retrieved 2008-01-28.  ^ Reiki does not replace conventional medicine but complements it: (McKenzie (1998). Pages 7, 18, and 105) ^ Jarvis WT. "Reiki". http://www.ncahf.org/articles/o-r/reiki.html. Retrieved 2011-03-31.  ^ "Charging for Reiki Healing". Indobase. http://www.indobase.com/reiki/info-for-practioners/charging-for-reiki.html. Retrieved 2009-02-05.  ^ Ray, Barbara (1995). "The Radiance Technique, Authentic Reiki: Historical Perspectives". The Radiance Technique International Association Inc.. http://www.trtia.org/histpers.html. Retrieved 2008-04-02.  ^ "Grandmaster" dispute: (Veltheim and Veltheim (1995). Page 106), (Ellyard (2004). Pages 21 and 23) ^ "Guidelines for Evaluating Reiki as an Alternative Therapy". 25 March 2010. http://www.usccb.org/doctrine/Evaluation_Guidelines_finaltext_2009-03.pdf. Retrieved 7 April 2010.  Bibliography Baginski, Bodo; et al. (1994). Reiki: Universal Life Energy: Holistic Method Suitable for Self-Treatment and the Home Professional Practice, Teleotherapeutics/Spiritual Healing. Lithia Springs, Georgia: New Leaf Distribution Company. ISBN 0940795027.  Ellyard, Lawrence (2004). Reiki Healer: A Complete Guide to the Path and Practice of Reiki. Dorset, England: Lotus Press. ISBN 0940985640.  Gollagher, Trevor (1998). Reiki: a Gift from the Universe.  Leir Shuffey, Sandi (1998). Reiki - A Beginner's Guide. Headway. ISBN 0340720816.  McKenzie, Eleanor; et al. (1998). Healing Reiki (Hamlyn Health & Well Being). Hamlyn. ISBN 0600608182.  Rand, William L. (March 1998) [1991]. Reiki: The Healing Touch, First and Second Degree Manual (Expanded and Revised ed.). Michigan, USA: Vision Publications. ISBN 1886785031.  Ray, Barbara (1992). The Reiki Factor in the Radiance Technique. Radiance Assoc. ISBN 0933267002.  Usui, Mikao; et al. (2000). The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui: The Traditional Usui Reiki Ryoho Treatment Positions and Numerous Reiki Techniques for Health and Well-being. Lotus Press. ISBN 0914955578.  Vetheim, Dr John & Esther (1995). Reiki: the Science, Metaphysics and Philosophy. PaRama. ISBN 0964594404.  External links National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (4 May 2010). "Reiki: An Introduction (NCCAM Backgrounder)". http://nccam.nih.gov/health/reiki/. Retrieved 5 May 2010. "Government agency dedicated to exploring complementary and alternative healing practices in the context of rigorous science, training complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) researchers, and disseminating authoritative information to the public and professionals"  The International Center for Reiki Training (2010). "The International Center for Reiki Training". http://www.reiki.org/. Retrieved 5 May 2010. "Articles and research concerning Reiki"  Stephen Barrett, M.D. (4 August 2009). "Reiki Is Nonsense". http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/reiki.html. Retrieved 5 May 2010. "Quackwatch article by Stephen Barrett"