Religion News Service reports:
The U.S. Catholic Bishops said Thursday (March 26) that Catholic chaplains, health care facilities and retreat centers should not promote or support Reiki therapy, a Japanese alternative healing practice.
Reiki “finds no support either in the findings of natural science or in Christian belief,” the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Doctrine said in six pages of guidelines.
“For a Catholic to believe in Reiki therapy presents insoluble problems,” said the committee, which is chaired by Bishop William Lori of Bridgeport, Conn.
Practitioners believe that a salutary life energy flows through the body and fosters well-being, the center said. The energy is often transmitted through experienced Reiki practitioners who lightly touch or place their hands above the patient’s body….
The Japanese practice differs from Christian faith healing because “the healing power is at human disposal,” the bishops said. In contrast, “for Christians the access to divine healing is by prayer to Christ as Lord and Savior.”…
“A Catholic who puts his or her trust in Reiki would be operating in the realm of superstition,” the bishops said.
So what do we make of the evidence that at least some of the beneficial effects of prayer come from the human process — the centering, the sense of calm — rather than God’s intercession? Do people of faith by necessity have to denounce that kind of “man-made” spiritual effect?
I had figured that one could believe in both simultaneously.
The full document below the jump:
GUIDELINES FOR EVALUATING REIKI AS AN ALTERNATIVE THERAPY
Committee on Doctrine
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
1. From time to time questions have been raised about various alternative therapies that are often available in the United States. Bishops are sometimes asked, “What is the Church’s position on such therapies?” The USCCB Committee on Doctrine has prepared this resource in order to assist bishops in their responses.
I. HEALING BY DIVINE GRACE AND HEALING BY NATURAL POWERS
2. The Church recognizes two kinds of healing: healing by divine grace and healing that
utilizes the powers of nature. As for the first, we can point to the ministry of Christ, who
performed many physical healings and who commissioned his disciples to carry on that work. In
fidelity to this commission, from the time of the Apostles the Church has interceded on behalf of
the sick through the invocation of the name of the Lord Jesus, asking for healing through the
power of the Holy Spirit, whether in the form of the sacramental laying on of hands and
anointing with oil or of simple prayers for healing, which often include an appeal to the saints for their aid. As for the second, the Church has never considered a plea for divine healing, which comes as a gift from God, to exclude recourse to natural means of healing through the practice of medicine.
Alongside her sacrament of healing and various prayers for healing, the Church has a
long history of caring for the sick through the use of natural means. The most obvious sign of this is the great number of Catholic hospitals that are found throughout our country.
“Obviously, recourse to prayer does not exclude, but rather encourages the use of effective natural means for preserving and restoring health, as well as leading the Church’s sons and daughters to care for the sick, to assist them in body and spirit, and to seek to cure disease.”
3. The two kinds of healing are not mutually exclusive. Because it is possible to be healed
by divine power does not mean that we should not use natural means at our disposal. It is not our decision whether or not God will heal someone by supernatural means. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church points out, the Holy Spirit sometimes gives to certain human beings “a special charism of healing so as to make manifest the power of the grace of the risen Lord.”
This power of healing is not at human disposal, however, for “even the most intense prayers do not always obtain the healing of all illnesses.”3 Recourse to natural means of healing therefore remains entirely appropriate, as these are at human disposal. In fact, Christian charity demands that we not neglect natural means of healing people who are ill.
II. REIKI AND HEALING
A) The Origins and Basic Characteristics of Reiki
4. Reiki is a technique of healing that was invented in Japan in the late 1800s by Mikao
Usui, who was studying Buddhist texts.4 According to Reiki teaching, illness is caused by some kind of disruption or imbalance in one’s “life energy.” A Reiki practitioner effects healing by placing his or her hands in certain positions on the patient’s body in order to facilitate the flow of Reiki, the “universal life energy,” from the Reiki practitioner to the patient. There are numerous designated hand positions for addressing different problems. Reiki proponents assert that the practitioner is not the source of the healing energy, but merely a channel for it.
To become a Reiki practitioner, one must receive an “initiation” or “attunement” from a Reiki Master. This ceremony makes one “attuned” to the “universal life energy” and enables one to serve as a conduit for it. There are said to be three different levels of attunement (some teach that there are four). At the higher levels, one can allegedly channel Reiki energy and effect healings at a distance, without physical contact.
B) Reiki as a Natural Means of Healing
5. Although Reiki proponents seem to agree that Reiki does not represent a religion of its
own, but a technique that may be utilized by people from many religious traditions, it does have several aspects of a religion. Reiki is frequently described as a “spiritual” kind of healing as opposed to the common medical procedures of healing using physical means. Much of the literature on Reiki is filled with references to God, the Goddess, the “divine healing power,” and the “divine mind.” The life force energy is described as being directed by God, the “Higher Intelligence,” or the “divine consciousness.” Likewise, the various “attunements” which the Reiki practitioner receives from a Reiki Master are accomplished through “sacred ceremonies” that involve the manifestation and contemplation of certain “sacred symbols” (which have traditionally been kept secret by Reiki Masters). Furthermore, Reiki is frequently described as a “way of living,” with a list of five “Reiki Precepts” stipulating proper ethical conduct.
6. Nevertheless, there are some Reiki practitioners, primarily nurses, who attempt to
approach Reiki simply as a natural means of healing. Viewed as natural means of healing, however, Reiki becomes subject to the standards of natural science. It is true that there may be means of natural healing that have not yet been understood or recognized by science. The basic criteria for judging whether or not one should entrust oneself to any particular natural means of healing, however, remain those of science.
7. Judged according to these standards, Reiki lacks scientific credibility. It has not been
accepted by the scientific and medical communities as an effective therapy. Reputable scientific studies attesting to the efficacy of Reiki are lacking, as is a plausible scientific explanation as to how it could possibly be efficacious. The explanation of the efficacy of Reiki depends entirely on a particular view of the world as permeated by this “universal life energy” (Reiki) that is subject to manipulation by human thought and will. Reiki practitioners claim that their training allows one to channel the “universal life energy” that is present in all things. This “universal life energy,” however, is unknown to natural science. As the presence of such energy has not been observed by means of natural science, the justification for these therapies necessarily must come from something other than science.
C) Reiki and the Healing Power of Christ
8. Some people have attempted to identify Reiki with the divine healing known to
Christians. They are mistaken. The radical difference can be immediately seen in the fact that for the Reiki practitioner the healing power is at human disposal. Some teachers want to avoid this implication and argue that it is not the Reiki practitioner personally who effects the healing, but the Reiki energy directed by the divine consciousness. Nevertheless, the fact remains that for Christians the access to divine healing is by prayer to Christ as Lord and Savior, while the essence of Reiki is not a prayer but a technique that is passed down from the “Reiki Master” to the pupil, a technique that once mastered will reliably produce the anticipated results. Some practitioners attempt to Christianize Reiki by adding a prayer to Christ, but this does not affect the essential nature of Reiki. For these reasons, Reiki and other similar therapeutic techniques
cannot be identified with what Christians call healing by divine grace.
9. The difference between what Christians recognize as healing by divine grace and Reiki
therapy is also evident in the basic terms used by Reiki proponents to describe what happens in Reiki therapy, particularly that of “universal life energy.” Neither the Scriptures nor the Christian tradition as a whole speak of the natural world as based on “universal life energy” that is subject to manipulation by the natural human power of thought and will. In fact, this worldview has its origins in eastern religions and has a certain monist and pantheistic character, in that distinctions among self, world, and God tend to fall away. We have already seen that Reiki practitioners are unable to differentiate clearly between divine healing power and power that is at
human disposal.
III. CONCLUSION
10. Reiki therapy finds no support either in the findings of natural science or in Christian
belief. For a Catholic to believe in Reiki therapy presents insoluble problems. In terms of caring for one’s physical health or the physical health of others, to employ a technique that has no scientific support (or even plausibility) is generally not prudent.
11. In terms of caring for one’s spiritual health, there are important dangers. To use Reiki
one would have to accept at least in an implicit way central elements of the worldview that
undergirds Reiki theory, elements that belong neither to Christian faith nor to natural science.
Without justification either from Christian faith or natural science, however, a Catholic who puts his or her trust in Reiki would be operating in the realm of superstition, the no-man’s-land that is neither faith nor science. Superstition corrupts one’s worship of God by turning one’s religious feeling and practice in a false direction. While sometimes people fall into superstition through ignorance, it is the responsibility of all who teach in the name of the Church to eliminate such ignorance as much as possible.
12. 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 centers, or persons representing the Church, such as Catholic chaplains, to promote or to provide support for Reiki therapy.
posted March 27, 2009 at 2:57 pm
What we make of it, is that the Church dislikes having Her franchise encroached on.
But this is hardly surprising.
The Church has no problem embracing Newt, even tho’ he dumped his wife who was dying of cancer for a better healed woman…so why should they be troubled by silly little things like statistical evidence.
My respect for the Church is grows less and less with each passing week this month. Unbelievable, truly, unbelievable. I can only imagine what they will do to top this one next week…
posted March 27, 2009 at 3:27 pm
I suppose this can be filed under “Who cares what the Catholic Bishops think?”
posted March 27, 2009 at 4:26 pm
It’s a control issue with the RCC. If they can’t throw anything”divine” into something, then is certainly isn’t worth pursuing! Never mind that it can help someone.
The RCC used to have a banned movie list, which, IMO, would make the movie more attractive! So now, Reiki is “bad”. Makes it even more attractive! OH, it could comprise one’s “spiritual” health?? Whatever the heck that means! The RCC just likes control, which IMO it is beginning to lose…fortunately.
posted March 27, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Sorry, 2nd paragraph should say “OH, it could COMPROMISE one’s “spiritual” health???
Also, the RCC is worred about Universal Life Energy? Makes the world go around, but not so according to the RCC. Shhh! They don’t want any RC to learn that there is something else. Shhh! Gotta believe in “divne healing power” (or go to hell?)
posted March 27, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Perhaps a splinter of the True Cross found its way into the hands of a Reiki priest and they have secretly appropriated our magic? Alas, my own parish, Saint Helen has a piece of this magic wood in its possession. They won’t let anyone touch it though, lest some undeserving sinner profanes it by being cured while not in a state of grace. We could save a lot of people if we wished, after all we have the power to bind and loose. But we prefer to bind…
We should put Reiki and Catholic approaches up against the hard, cold, empirical (and sadly modernist) modern medicine. The one true Church consistently produces more cures and miracles than all the others put together. I reckon Reiki would score a distant second. Any one who favors science needs to reread the Syllabus of Errors again or ponder on Archbishop Schonborn’s wise remarks about evolution.
posted March 27, 2009 at 5:32 pm
As a reiki practitioner and former 25 year Christian (I am now spiritualist, contemplating Buddhism) this comment made me disturbed-
“Nevertheless, the fact remains that for Christians the access to divine healing is by prayer to Christ as Lord and Savior, while the essence of Reiki is not a prayer but a technique that is passed down from the “Reiki Master” to the pupil”
I will tell you, I have asked God for a reiki attunement and God delivered. God loves you and when you ask for something to help others, God will bless you with it. Also, is not sermon a technique? I will tell you from experience, the deeper and harder you pray from the heart while using reiki to help someone, the stronger the strength of the energy. If reiki is “supersitition” why does the flow and strength increase with compassionate love? Prayer is asking for Love from the Divine. Reiki is channeling Love energy from the Divine Source. Love is the key to living the life God, the Creator wants you to live. Follow your heart in all matters, in all experiences, in all things. If your actions resonate with selfless love, it is all God asks of you.
Here is a quote I want to share with you- “Jesus said, “If your leaders say to you, ‘Behold, the kingdom is in the sky,’ then the birds in the sky will get there before you. If they say to you, ‘It is in the sea,’ then the fish will get there before you. Rather, the kingdom is inside you and outside you. When you know yourselves, then you will be known, and will understand that you are children of the living Father. But if you do not know yourselves, then you live in poverty, and embody poverty.”
posted March 27, 2009 at 5:32 pm
Whaddya know? When I took a Reiki class back in the 80s, we were told that Dr. Usui was a Christian praying for the healing power of Christ.
I don’t know of anyone who had any actual physical healing from it. Most a form of psychological support.
posted March 27, 2009 at 6:44 pm
Frankly he could have written an essay with just reason 7 and called it a day. There’s no evidence it works and no credible explanation of how it could work.
posted March 27, 2009 at 9:31 pm
Things work when a person believes hard enough that it will work, so no one can correctly say “Reiki doesn’t work”.
posted March 28, 2009 at 9:58 am
Actually, Dr. Usui wanted to heal like Christ and thought why can’t I do this.
So after much meditation, was lead to his understanding of Reiki and of what Reiki actually is, a universal healing energy that is independent and a force of its own in the Universe, which can not be used for personal or selfish gain and more importantly, it is something that is not tied to any religion or religious beliefs.
ALSO, the idea that Dr. Usui was Christian was something said to make Reiki more palatable to Christians. There is nothing that suggests Christianity in his teachings however, it is possible that he may have embraced Christianity for a brief period when he as doing his soul searching.
Reiki is a wonderful source of healing and is a benefit and blessing to all who use it or have used its healing energies to heal others. It is simply another method that can be used to bring healing into the lives of others with compassion and love.
A wonderful book on this subject as well as Dr. Usui,
Reiki Fire by Frank Arjava Petter
ISBN # 0-914955-50-0
posted March 28, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Well, the RCC thinks that healing is ‘not subject to the manipulation of human mind/effort’.
Hmmm.
Seems that a really great scientific experiment was performed. A number of very ill patients in a hospital were divided into two groups. A large number of people from different faiths were gathered together as well. The ‘faithful’ people were told to pray for healing for one of the groups of patients. They had not met these people, didn’t know their names etc. They did so for 30 days.
After the experiment, the conclusion was that the people in the prayed-for group mostly recovered, and did so uneventfully with no complications. The non-prayed-for group did not do well at all. A large number of them died, and the ones who did recover had a difficult recovery.
The prayer group was obviously manipulating something – could it just be this ‘Universal Life Energy’?
And no, the majority of this prayer group was not RCC. Some of them were not even Christian. But they all believe in the power of ‘prayer’ to whatever deity they choose. And the power was given.
Science doesn’t know everything. Just because it hasn’t been ‘proved beyond a shadow of a doubt’ doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Scientists used to believe that objects were solid. We know now they are mostly made up of empty space. 50 years ago, the theories of quantum physics were unknown. Now, we have actually demonstrated 5 of the 6 particles predicted by that theory. Dark matter? Yup – it’s true. Who knew? I am sure there is more stuff in the Universe we know nothing about. That does not mean it does not exist.
If you have a good Reiki practitioner and think it helps you – well, the placebo effect is as good an explanation as any. And does the RCC deny the placebo effect? That is not a ‘spiritual’ nor a ‘natural’ healing technique.
posted March 29, 2009 at 6:01 pm
==My respect for the Church is grows less and less with each passing week this month. ==
So, you still have some respect. Good.
How long before you run out?
==As a reiki practitioner and former 25 year Christian (I am now spiritualist, contemplating Buddhism) …==
Sorry to hear of your affliction. The Word of God has a cure for that.
==I have asked God for a reiki attunement …==
“Attunement”? “ATTUNEMENT”?????? You’re serious, aren’t you?
==Love is the key to living the life God, the Creator wants you to live. ==
Define “love,” as God defines it.
==… so no one can correctly say “Reiki doesn’t work”. ==
I say that it doesn’t work. You THINK it works. You’re deceived.
==If you have a good Reiki practitioner and think it helps you – well, the placebo effect is as good an explanation as any. And does the RCC deny the placebo effect? That is not a ‘spiritual’ nor a ‘natural’ healing technique.==
Yeah, it’s a mind trick, that’s all. Used car salesmen play mind tricks, too.
posted March 29, 2009 at 6:04 pm
==Seems that a really great scientific experiment was performed.==
So, you dreamt it was performed?
My God, was it, or wasn’t it???? Did it seem like it was, or was it???? GEEZ!
posted March 29, 2009 at 6:16 pm
==I have asked God for a reiki attunement …==
Taking a break from the laughability factor attached to the use of the oddball, fruity concoction, “attunement”…
Asking God for this “attunement”…
Where is this in the Word of God? Where is the alignment? Cuz I know the Word of God, and this “attunement” ain’t in there and neither is this “Reiki” .
You say that God delivered what you aksed, this “attunement.” If it isn’t aligned with His Word, then, it wasn’t HE Who delivered. It’s the “other one.”
posted March 29, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Don’t knock something you’ve never tried, “I” Dude.
I’ve tried “Christianity”, but decided it is a great fairy tale. You’ve never tried Reiki, so how do YOU know it doesn’t work? You don’t. A god doesn’t have to be connected to everything to make it work. A failure can then be excused as “a lesson” or not “God’s will”. God’s will? Allowing wars, death of children, starvation, droughts, etc.? Don’t feed me the “free will thing”. N.A. Sorry Charlie! Not for me. Reiki however? Makes a heck of a lot more sense.
Blessed Be
posted April 1, 2009 at 12:34 am
Religion is a source to step in spirituality.
Spirituality embraces GOD to the sense of the term as ONE SOURCE OR ONE CREATOR, irrespective of multifareous religions and philosophies.
Is Religion scientific to prove GOD REALISATION.
It works on ethics, concepts and beliefs.
So is Reiki with only the concept of Universal energy—NOT A RELIGION.
JESUS SAID EVERY HUMAN IS CREATED IN THE LIKENESS OF GOD
THIS HAS BEEN ACCEPTED BY RELIGION
IF THIS IS SCIENTIFIC SO IS REIKI
With all my respects to every religion on Earth
posted April 1, 2009 at 2:28 am
Religion itself is no science. It is a sum up of beleifs and ethics.
Probing the concept of God itself is an esoteric science, where religion takes its birth.
The concept of God verbatim is comprehended as Creator and supreme ruler of the Universe—-from which science this was derived.
BUT THIS WORD IS WELL ACCEPTED AS NATURAL AND SUPERNATURAL.
Again Science talks of various energy physical and metaphysical, and every invention and discovery is again from the human being which was once imagination and fantasy, but still manifested as reality.
All this cannot happen without God’s will, with his energy of life put into every creation of HIS.
If this energy is accepted by every religion on Earth, then REIKI IS AS WELL ACCEPTED FROM THE TIME GOD CREATED HUMAN BEINGS.
Every Human is a BEING, this can be realised only in his true form being ENERGY.
REIKI JUST VALIDATES THIS TRUTH.
posted April 1, 2009 at 4:51 am
==Don’t knock something you’ve never tried, “I” Dude.==
You mean, like, bank robbery??
==I’ve tried “Christianity”, but decided it is a great fairy tale.==
Then you never really tried it cuz you never really got around to loving God through Christ.
== You’ve never tried Reiki, so how do YOU know it doesn’t work?==
Because it is a false religion.
== You don’t.==
A bank robber gets a thrill from robbing banks. So what?
== A god doesn’t have to be connected to everything to make it work.==
It’s true that a “god” doesn’t. However, God does, in order to make a good thing work.
== God’s will?==
Yes.
== Allowing wars…==
Man allow wars.
You think had he should be our babysitter?
==… death of children…==
Men kill children.
==… starvation, droughts, etc.?==
All that is because Adam and Eve gave authority to the Devil, opened the gate to sin. It’s not God’s fault.
== Don’t feed me the “free will thing”. ==
We won’t cuz you don’t believe it anyway. You’ve precluded yourself from the evidence. You blinded yourself.
== N.A. Sorry Charlie! Not for me.==
Yeah, that sure is some scientific mind you have.
== Reiki however? Makes a heck of a lot more sense. ==
The Devil is happy, too.
posted April 1, 2009 at 4:53 am
==… Reiki with only the concept of Universal energy—NOT A RELIGION.==
It IS a religion. A false religion.
posted April 1, 2009 at 9:44 pm
Whatever “I”. The lack of being able to answer with anything but a god related answer leads me to believe you have stopped thinking for yourself. Fiction is fine, but it isn’t an answer to every blasted comment someone makes. The bible is a work of fiction.
Blessed Be
posted April 2, 2009 at 12:29 am
==The lack of being able to answer with anything but a god related answer leads me to believe you have stopped thinking for yourself.==
Quite the contrary. You’d have to think that to justify yourself.
== Fiction is fine…==
As you have shown in your posts.
==… but it isn’t an answer to every blasted comment someone makes.==
Then, stop doing it.
== The bible [sic] is a work of fiction. ==
You’d have to think that, too. That’s part of the trick you play on your mind.
posted April 2, 2009 at 10:21 am
Mind tricks comment from one who is an expert. Have a good on, “I”. Thus ends the lesson. Amen.
posted April 2, 2009 at 3:55 pm
==Mind tricks comment from one who is an expert==
I was blind, and God, through Christ, made me see. Before faith, my mind played tricks on me. Before the Word, my mind played tricks on me. Now we have to work on people like you, so that you can realize your unrighteous condition before God.
posted April 2, 2009 at 8:17 pm
Whatever floats your boat, “I”. My boat is floating just fine and has been for over 60 years.
posted April 3, 2009 at 6:15 am
Pagansister,
I envy you your patience and willingness to learn and share.
The more time I spend here, the more difficult I find it to velvet my claws.
With each passing day, it becomes easier to understand why Jesus found the company of prostitutes and tax collectors preferable to that of the rigidly unbending religious.
posted April 3, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Panthera: Life is too short to get upset about comments on any internet site that has discussions…such as this one. (which I enjoy greatly). And to me, someone I don’t actually know, making comments, isn’t worth it. I just respond as I feel at the moment. Since I have other things to do, this is the only discussion site I belong to. Personality wise, it usually takes a lot to upset me. But when the limit is reached…one knows it. As to the site, in some cases, I find the responses rather funny when they are trying to be serious…won’t mention names. I’m sure I’ve ticked off a few, which doesn’t bother me either. I attempt to be “polite” ,as per the rules
)
I tend to agree with you that sometimes it is easier to understand why Jesus found the company of prostitutes and tax collectors preferable to that of rigidly unbending religious.
posted April 4, 2009 at 8:16 pm
There is no god. When my 12 year old son was diagnosed with his severe, chronic, incurable, eventually disabling and then fatal illness, I prayed hard. And no one answered, because no one is there. This world, with all its pain and misery and agony, is all that there is. If you find comfort in believing in a fairy tale like “god,” then I’m happy for you, but you’re just delusional.
posted April 4, 2009 at 9:22 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss. It is impossible, as a mother of 2 grown children, to imagine what you must have gone through and what you probably are still going through. I wish you the strength to continue to live with your loss, and find some kind of happiness.
posted April 6, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Karly, what a dreadful experience to live through. I have two sons, who so far, are in good health…
It isn’t that your prayers weren’t heard, or that they weren’t answered. They just weren’t answered with the miracle you were hoping for (whether that was a miracle through faith, or a scientific solution found “just in time”, or some other possibility).
This may sound trite to you – I am not trying to be that way. I remember praying like anything when I was young for a father who was very ill. My prayer was answered – Dad died, so my answer was “not this time.” It was Dad’s time to go, even though he was still young. It was 3 weeks before my 6th b’day, and 3 days before my mother’s 44th b ‘day.
Interestingly, I saw Dad in my room a few days after the funeral, looking healthy, and smiling at me. This made me realise that while we cease to exist physically, part of us is beyond that physical death.
Your son is now beyond that.
My hope for you is that as time passes, you regain a sense of joy for whatever happy times you shared with your son, and that one day, you will be reunited.
I won’t say my prayers are with you – you might find that somewhat presumptuous given your current state of mind – but I will say my thoughts are with you…
posted April 18, 2009 at 12:20 am
I thought I would place my piece in here as well as in the other blog God Bless Mr Incredible
First. For choosing his ID, for he shows his inflated opinion of himself. Perhaps as a good christian he might have considered Mr. Humble.
SECOND. For undoing a lot of the good works done by Jesus in his time
THIRD. For showing by his words, why we all would benefit by practicing Reiki and receiving Reiki treatments.
Fourth For showing that there are still a minority in the Catholic Church (I am assuming he is one, or is he simply of GOD) who have Tunnell Vison, inflexible opinions, dictatorial attitude, and arrogant behaviour.. the list goes on.
To comment on his input here would be only feeding his already inflated ego. So I refrain and instead wish him well on his journey.
Love light and lots of laughter
posted April 18, 2009 at 9:09 pm
Well put John. I was going to reply to Mr. I’s rattlings but in light of what you have said I shall send him love and light instead.
posted April 19, 2009 at 11:58 pm
Actually there have been several scientifc studies published in peer reviewed scholarly journals which show the efficacy of Reiki. For starters see:
?Brewitt, B., Vittetoe, T, and Hartwell, B., 1997. “The Efficacy of Reiki Hands-On Healing:
Improvements in spleen and nervous system function as quantified by electrodermal
screening”. Alternative Therapies, July 1997, Vol.3, No.4, pg.89.
Improvement in spleen, immune, and nervous system function were quantified by electrodermal
screening, and a reduction of pain, an increase in relaxation, and more mobility was reported in
patients with chronic conditions as multiple sclerosis, lupus, fibromyalgia, thyroid goitre.
posted April 20, 2009 at 10:30 pm
I feel neither called nor qualified to be an apologist for Reiki, but I will share my personal feelings about the Conference of Bishop’s regretful decision. When I first studied and was attuned to Reiki more than 16 years ago, several tenets were impressed upon me and my fellow initiates by our Master Teacher. The first was that Reiki is not a religion, can be practiced by anyone of anyfaith, and does not require a “belief system” to work. The second was that Reiki energy comes from the “universal source” and comes through us and not from us. The third, and for me the most important, was that channeling Reiki with the purest and highest intention is an act of love. Therein lies my disappointment with the Bishop’s decree. They seem to have forgotten about love.
To deny the ability to share love and compassion through the laying on of hands and relegate it only to divine inercession through prayer is forgetting the foundation of Christian healing as described in Luke 9:1-2: (1) “When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, (2) and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.”
According to their own canon, Jesus empowered the disciples to heal and charged them with the responsibility to minister to the sick. To deny Reiki, is to deny all forms of spiriutal and energy healing and to forget the loving foundation of all healing. It also serves to disempower the wonderful nuns and priests I have had the privilege to study with and attune over the years.
Reiki for me was a spiritual accelerant. It brought me closer to God and opened my heart. May those with closed hearts look deeply inside and may God move them from egoism to altruism, from dogma to open-mindedness and from fear to love.
posted April 20, 2009 at 11:24 pm
Thank you, Victor, for the way you worded your post. It was refreshing after having read so many angrily worded responses by some. John, your comments do indeed indicate why everyone would benefit from reiki.
posted January 21, 2010 at 11:41 am
This must scare the church. Since when did they need “scientific evidence” in matters of spirituality?
-Reiki Master; Alumnus University of Notre Dame, ’71; K of C Member, 3rd Degree
posted September 29, 2010 at 6:09 pm
I’m orthodox and I remember how our local priest saw me practicing qigong and went on to tell me that it’s actually demonic energy and the devil’s way to corrupt you and get you away from faith. He then proceeded to tell me about how happy it makes God to hear you say “I have shed heresy”.
Course it was hard for him to bring arguments when I told him Tibetan monks were practicing qigong before Christianity appeared. He was mistaking it for Reiki which appeared in 1922.
posted January 6, 2011 at 11:24 pm
Reiki works is a different way. It mainly used the endless cycle of energy within human beings. It harnesses the power house and it properly used in the benefits of the human body. It allows you to recover from weakness in converting the negative energy to positive.
posted February 7, 2011 at 11:52 pm
Reiki is very good for our health.Gain valuable experience and confidence. I started to enjoy friends, family and a local priest to get free healing experience for the treatment of others.The ability to learn Reiki is not dependent on intellectual capacity,