Page 13

Reiki Research

Updated 22.12.07

Algarin, R.

Using REIKI as a harm reduction tool and as a stress management technique for participants and self.

Northeast Conference: Drugs, Sex and Harm Reduction Conference Syllabus. (1995)

Harm Reduction Coalition and the Drug Policy Foundation, the ACLU AIDS Project and the City University of New York.

Ann L. Baldwin, Gary E. Schwartz. (2006) Personal Interaction with a Reiki Practitioner Decreases Noise-Induced Microvascular Damage in an Animal Model. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 12:1, 15

CrossRef

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine

Personal Interaction with a Reiki Practitioner Decreases Noise-Induced Microvascular Damage in an Animal Model

To cite this paper:

Ann L. Baldwin, Gary E. Schwartz. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2006, 12(1): 15-22. doi:10.1089/acm.2006.12.15.

Ann L. Baldwin, Ph.D. (Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ). Gary E. Schwartz, Ph.D. (Department of Psychology, Center for Frontier Medicine in Biofield Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ.)

Objective: To determine whether Reiki, a process of transmission of healing energy, can significantly reduce microvascular leakage caused by exposure to excessive noise using an animal model.

Rationale: Reiki is beginning to be used in hospitals to accelerate recovery. Despite many anecdotes describing Reiki's success, few scientific studies are reported and none of those use animals. Animal models have the advantage over human subjects in that they provide well-controlled, easily interpretable experiments. The use of noise is relevant to hospital patients because of the excessive ambient noise in hospitals in the United Kingdom and United States. Loud noise can lead to several nonauditory disorders in humans and animals that impair recovery. In the rat, stress from noise damages the mesenteric microvasculature, leading to leakage of plasma into the surrounding tissue.

Design: One group of four rats simultaneously received daily noise and Reiki, while two other groups received "sham" Reiki or noise alone. A fourth group did not receive noise or additional treatment. The experiment was performed three times to test for reproducibility.

Outcome Measures: Average number and area of microvascular leaks to fluorescent albumin per unit length of venule.

Results: In all three experiments, Reiki significantly reduced the outcome measures compared to the other noise groups (sham Reiki and noise alone) (p < 0.01).

Conclusions: Application of Reiki significantly reduces noise-induced microvascular leakage in an animal model. Whether or not these effects are caused by Reiki itself, or the relaxing effect of the Reiki practitioner, this procedure could be useful for minimizing effects of environmental stress on research animals and hospital patients.

Otelia Bengssten, M.D

Another experiment using a Reiki like technique has also demonstrated its ability to increase haemoglobin values. Otelia a medical doctor, conducted an experiment with a group of 79 sick patients. Together the patients had a wide range of diagnosed illnesses including pancreatitis, brain tumour, emphysema, multiple endocrine disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and congestive heart failure. Laying-on hands treatments were given to 46 patients with 33 as controls. The treated patients showed significant increases in haemoglobin values. The effect was so pronounced that even cancer patients who were being treated with bone marrow-suppressive agents which predictably induce decreases in haemoglobin values showed an increase. The majority of patients also reported improvement or complete disappearance of symptoms. (Increase in Haemoglobin Values – Otelia Bengssten MD Reiki Research Organisation)

Brewitt, B., Vittetoe, T., Hartwell

The efficacy of Reiki hands-on healing: improvements in spleen and nervous system function as quantified by electrodermal screening.

Alternative Therapies 1997 July; Vol.3. No.4.

Available from: Hartwell Healing and Health 2850 228th S.E. #D, Issaquah, WA 98029

Bullock, M.

Reiki: a complementary therapy for life.

Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 1997 Jan; 14(1): 31-33.

William Collinge, Roberta Wentworth, Sherry Sabo. (2005) Integrating Complementary Therapies into Community Mental Health Practice: An Exploration. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 11:3, 569

CrossRef

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine

Integrating Complementary Therapies into Community Mental Health Practice: An Exploration

To cite this paper:

William Collinge, Roberta Wentworth, Sherry Sabo. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2005, 11(3): 569-574. doi:10.1089/acm.2005.11.569.

William Collinge, Ph.D.

(Collinge and Associates, Kittery Point, ME.)

Roberta Wentworth, L.C.S.W., L.M.T.

(Counseling Services, Inc., Saco, ME.)

Sherry Sabo, Ph.D.

(Counseling Services, Inc., Saco, ME.)

Objectives: To (1) describe the integration of massage and energy-based therapies with psychotherapy in a community mental health center, (2) to present qualitative feedback on the service, and (3) to present pilot data from a sample of long-term clients with persistent mental health concerns.

Design: A noncontrolled pilot study was conducted using interview data before and self-report instruments after completing a brief program of complementary therapy accompanying ongoing psychotherapy.

Settings/Location: The program took place at a comprehensive community mental health center in southern Maine and in the private offices of massage therapists and energy healing practitioners who contracted with the program.

Subjects: Subjects were 20 women and 5 men, with mean age of 42 years and a mean history of 7.4 years of mental health treatment. All had histories that included trauma, 10 of which involved sexual abuse. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV Axis I diagnoses were PTSD (10), major depression (nine), anxiety disorder (three), and dual diagnosis (three).

Interventions: Clients receiving ongoing psychotherapy were assigned to one modality of complementary therapy based on clinical judgment, availability of practitioners, and client interest. Modalities used were massage, acupuncture, Reiki, and Healing Touch. The mean number of sessions was five.

Outcome measures: Clients completed an investigator-generated instrument with Likert-scaled ratings of satisfaction and perceived changes in four dimensions of trauma recovery: perceived interpersonal safety, interpersonal boundary setting, bodily sensation, and bodily shame.

Results: Clients reported high levels of satisfaction with the service and significant levels of perceived (selfrated) change on each outcome measure. Qualitative results included enhanced psychotherapeutic outcomes reported by mental health clinicians.

Conclusions: The integration of complementary therapies into community mental health practice may hold promise of enhancing mental health outcomes and improving quality of life for long-term users of mental health services.

Linda J. Dressen et al

Pain, Anxiety and Depression in Chronically Ill Patients and Reiki Healing – Linda J. Dressen et al – Subtle Energies 1998 shoed a reduction in depression, anxiety and pain

Joan Engebretson DrPH, AHN-BC, RNa and Diane Wind Wardell PhD, RNCb

aDepartment of Target Populations, School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center–Houston, 6901 Bertner Avenue, Room 764, Houston, TX 77030, USA

bDepartment of Target Populations, School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center–Houston, 6901 Bertner Avenue, Room 793, Houston, TX 77030, USA

Available online 2 June 2007.

Research on touch therapies is still in the early stages of development. Studies of Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch, and Reiki are quite promising; however, at this point, they can only suggest that these healing modalities have efficacy in reducing anxiety; improving muscle relaxation; aiding in stress reduction, relaxation, and sense of well-being; promoting wound healing; and reducing pain. The multidimensional aspects of healing inherent in patient care continue to be expanded and facilitated by our understanding and application of energy therapies

doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2006.04.136

Catherine Garrett

Transcendental Meditation, Reiki and Yoga: Suffering, Ritual and Self-Transformation

DOI: 10.1080/13537900120077159

Published in: Journal of Contemporary Religion, Volume 16, Issue 3 October 2001 , pages 329 - 342

Abstract

The paper explores three practices of eastern spirituality taken up by westerners for apparently secular purposes. As an 'emic' account that proceeds inductively from the author's experience, it shows how each of these practices is an attempt to change the meaning of suffering through the creative medium of ritual. Rituals are often used as initiations from one form of subjectivity to another. Yoga, Transcendental Meditation, and Reiki are undertaken as means of self-transformation. They may be adopted as 'magical' ways of achieving personal aims, but they also have the potential to take practitioners beyond the ego towards 'sacred' understandings or 'otherness'. The sacred (or 'spiritual'), however, is not necessarily 'the good'. The paper considers the effects of these practices. Do they become forms of self-mastery and power for the individual ego or do they hold out the promise of a more ethical self (in Lévinas's sense of 'ethics')? In other words, do they help resolve the problem of suffering through creating a more communicative body and a self-for-others?

Theresa C. Gilberti, PhD

Reiki: The Re-Emergence of an Ancient Healing Art in Modern Times

Reiki has experienced a tremendous rebirth and expansion since its rediscovery by Dr. Mikao Usui in the early 1900s. The number of Reiki practitioners has grown to several hundred thousand worldwide. After Reiki instruction and attunements by a Reiki master/teacher, the practitioners, through intention alone, pull concentrated life force into their bodies and pass it through the hands to the client. The Reiki session places the client into a deep state of relaxation and peace, allowing the body to rebalance and heal. Reiki is not a religion, dogma, or creed, nor can it create or cause anyone harm. In fact, Reiki is beneficial to the practitioner and the client. Anyone can learn Reiki. There are no special skills or education necessary to learn this ancient healing art—only an open mind and heart.

Key Words: Reiki • attunement • ancient • healing • energy • life force

doi:10.1016/j.cnur.2007.02.004

Harris, Darryl James R.N., Dip.App.Sc.(Nursing) (UWSN)., B.H.Sc.(Nursing) (UWSN).,MCN(NSW)., MRCNA.

The Mystery and Meaning of Reiki.

This study contibutes to nursing knowledge and practice by expanding and supporting previous research on Reiki. It describes the essence of Reiki, thus enabling nurses, and other health care professionals, to better understand this healing art. Implications for nursing education, research, and practice are discussed.

A thesis submitted to the University of Western Sydney Nepean (School of Health & Nursing) in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing) (Honours), ã 1998. For an overview of this paper read "The Nature of the Reiki Experience" and to contact Darryl email him at: stargazer17@hotmail.com. Visit Darryl's webpage at: http://sites.netscape.net/strgzrdjh/homepage.html

Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology (2003), 45: 364-370 Cambridge University Press

doi:doi:10.1017/S0012162203000707

Published online by Cambridge University Press 09May2003

Copy and paste this link:

http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?aid=150305

Edward A Hurvitz MD a1 c1, Christina Leonard a1, Rita Ayyangar MD a1 and Virginia Simson Nelson MD MPH a1

a1 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pediatric Section, University of Michigan Medical Center/Charles Stewart Mott Children's Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

Complementary and alternative medicine use in families of children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

In order to assess patterns of usage of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in families of children with cerebral palsy (CP), 213 families with a child (0 to 18 years) with CP were recruited at the university medical center in Ann Arbor, MI, USA as part of a descriptive survey. Two hundred and thirty-five surveys were distributed. Mean age of the child was 8 years 6 months (SD 4y:9mo) and 56% of the sample was male with 35% full-time independent ambulators, while the rest used an assistive device or a wheelchair. Fifty-four percent were in special education classrooms. Families were given a survey on functional status of the child with CP, CAM usage of the child and the parent, factors influencing the decision to use CAM, demographics, and clinical information. Of the families, 56%, used one or more CAM techniques. Massage therapy (25%) and aquatherapy (25%) were the most common. Children of families that used CAM were significantly younger (7y:9mo, SD 4y:7mo) than non-users (9y:6mo, SD 4y:6mo: t-test p<0.01 two-tailed). Children with quadriplegic CP, with spasticity, and those who could not walk independently were more commonly exposed to CAM (Pearson's ?2 [P?2] p=0.01 two-tailed; for mobility, odds ratio [OR] of 2.5 with regression). Mothers with a college degree had a greater tendency to use CAM for their child than those without (P?2 p=0.01 two-tailed). Fathers of children who used CAM were older than fathers of those who did not (37y:9mo versus 33y:2mo, p=0.04 two-tailed). There was no significant difference between groups for mother's age, father's education, income, or for population of home town. Parents who used CAM for themselves were more likely to try CAM for their child (70% versus 47%, OR 2.1), and were much more likely to be pleased with the outcome (71% versus 42%, OR 3.5). Child's age (younger), lack of independent mobility, and parental use of CAM were the most significant predictive factors identified via logistic regression.

(Accepted February 17 2003)

Correspondence:

c1 Department of PM&R, CS Mott Hospital F7822, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0230, USA. E-mail: ehurvitz@umich.edu

J Joyce, P Herbison

Reiki treatment for psychological symptoms

* Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007 Issue 4 (Status: New) Cochrane reviews give an honest non bias opinion of research and is therefore very important.

DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006833 This version first published online: 17 October 2007 in Issue 4, 2007

Date of Most Recent Substantive Amendment: 20 June 2007

This record should be cited as: Joyce J, Herbison P. Reiki treatment for psychological symptoms. (Protocol) Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD006833. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006833.

http://mrw.interscience.wiley.com/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/CD006833/frame.html

Pat Kennedy RGN, SCM, BSc., Reiki Master

10 Aviemore Gardens, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 2BL, UKf1, f2

Working with survivors of torture in Sarajevo with Reiki

Abstract

While working as a nurse/therapist in Sarajevo, I had the opportunity to work in an experimental situation at a centre for torture survivors. This was to see if the use of Reiki would have a beneficial effect on this type of patient. It involved a rethink on traditional Reiki hand positions, music, and the general set-up of the room being used. It was a challenge, and one I was delighted to have had. The people I worked with were wonderful, and the changes in them over the period were so positive. The staff at the Centre were delighted; I was delighted; but so much more importantly, the patients were delighted. The ground has now been broken and hopefully will be considered in a positive light for other traumatized patients.

doi:10.1054/ctnm.2000.0516

Kelner, M. et al

Health care and consumer choice: medical and alternative therapies.

Soc Sci Med. 1997 Jul; 45(2): 203-212.

Kelner, M. et al.

Who seeks alternative health care? A profile of the users of five modes of treatment.

J Altern Complement Med. 1997; 3(2): 127-140.

Mary Ann LaTorre, RN, MA CCNS. (2005) Integrative Perspectives. The Use of Reiki in Psychotherapy. Perspectives In Psychiatric Care 41:4, 184–187

Summary Abstract and References Full Text Article Full Article PDF

(No access to abstract)

Martha Lucas, Karin Olson

Reiki To Manage Pain – Martha Lucas, Karin Olson et al Cancer Prevention and Control 1997;1:108-13 shoed a reduction in cancer pain

Nicola Mackay, Stig Hansen, Oona McFarlane. (2004) Autonomic Nervous System Changes During Reiki Treatment: A Preliminary Study. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 10:6, 1077

CrossRef

(no access to abstract)

Laura McRee, Alice Pasvogel, Alton V. Hallum, Steve E. Behr, Francisco A.R. Garcia, Robert G. Loeb. (2007) Effects of Preoperative Massage on Intra- and Postoperative Outcomes. Journal of Gynecologic Surgery 23:3, 97

Journal of Gynecologic Surgery

Effects of Preoperative Massage on Intra- and Postoperative Outcomes

To cite this paper:

Laura McRee, Alice Pasvogel, Alton V. Hallum, Steve E. Behr, Francisco A.R. Garcia, Robert G. Loeb. Journal of Gynecologic Surgery. 2007, 23(3): 97-104. doi:10.1089/gyn.2007.B-02276-1.

Laura McRee, R.N., M.S.

College of Nursing, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ.

Alice Pasvogel, Ph.D., R.N.

College of Nursing, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ.

Alton V. Hallum, M.D.

Arizona Oncology Associates, Tucson, AZ.

Steve E. Behr, M.D., P.C.

Private Practice, Tucson, AZ.

Francisco A.R. Garcia, M.D.

College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ.

Robert G. Loeb, M.D. (College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ.)

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of preoperative massage on intra- and postoperative outcomes in 105 female subjects who had a laparoscopic gynecologic surgery procedure done. The subjects received a 30-minute massage (massage group) or 30 minutes of passive touch (control group). There was no difference between the groups in the average dose of inhaled anesthetics received. Patients in the massage group received significantly less intraoperative narcotics (2.2 ± 1.1 versus 2.8 ± 2.0 mcg of fentanyl/kg/hour). Patients in the massage group had significantly less postoperative anxiety (massage group, 9.83 ± 2.9 vs. control group 11.24 ± 3.6). The findings suggest that preoperative massage decreased intraoperative narcotic requirements and postoperative anxiety levels.

Milton, G., & Chapman, E.

The benefits of Reiki treatment in drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs.

Pathways to healing: Enhancing Life Through Complimentary Therapies, Conference Proceedings 1995 September; 24-25.

Canberra: Royal College of Nursing Australia.

Neklason, Zale T.

The effects of Reiki treatment on telepathy and personality traits.

Thesis (M.S. in Counseling) 80 pages --Calif. State University, Hayward,1987.

Olson, K., Hanson, J.

Reiki to manage pain: a preliminary report.

Cancer Prevention & Control 1997; I(2) Canadian publication

Karin Olson RN, PhD, John Hanson MSc and Mary Michaud RN

Faculty of Nursing and International Institute for Qualitative Methodology (K.O.), University of Alberta; Alberta Cancer Board (J.H.); and Cross Cancer Institute (M.M.), Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Accepted 14 March 2003. ; Available online 23 October 2003.

Abstract

This trial compared pain, quality of life, and analgesic use in a sample of patients with cancer pain (n = 24) who received either standard opioid management plus rest (Arm A) or standard opioid management plus Reiki (Arm B). Participants either rested for 1.5 hr on Days 1 and 4 or received two Reiki treatments (Days 1 and 4) one hour after their first afternoon analgesic dose. Visual analogue scale (VAS) pain ratings, blood pressure, heart rate, and respirations were obtained before and after each treatment/rest period. Analgesic use and VAS pain scores were reported for 7 days. Quality of life was assessed on Days 1 and 7. Participants in Arm B experienced improved pain control on Days 1 and 4 following treatment, compared to Arm A, and improved quality of life, but no overall reduction in opioid use. Future research will determine the extent to which the benefits attributed to Reiki in this study may have been due to touch.

Brain, Behavior, and Immunity

Volume 20, Issue 3, Supplement 1, May 2006, Page 60

PNIRS 2006

doi:10.1016/S0885-3924(03)00334-8

A phase II trial of Reiki for the management of pain in advanced cancer patients

Karin Olson, RN, PhD

Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Canada

Fatigue is an extremely common side effect experienced during cancer treatment and recovery. Limited research has investigated strategies stemming from complementary and alternative medicine to reduce cancer-related fatigue. This research examined the effects of Reiki, a type of energy touch therapy, on fatigue, pain, anxiety, and overall quality of life. This study was a counterbalanced crossover trial of 2 conditions: (1) in the Reiki condition, participants received Reiki for 5 consecutive daily sessions, followed by a 1-week washout monitoring period of no treatments, then 2 additional Reiki sessions, and finally 2 weeks of no treatments, and (2) in the rest condition, participants rested for approximately 1 hour each day for 5 consecutive days, followed by a 1-week washout monitoring period of no scheduled resting and an additional week of no treatments. In both conditions, participants completed questionnaires investigating cancer-related fatigue (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Fatigue subscale [FACT-F]) and overall quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy, General Version [FACT-G]) before and after all Reiki or resting sessions. They also completed a visual analog scale (Edmonton Symptom Assessment System [ESAS]) assessing daily tiredness, pain, and anxiety before and after each session of Reiki or rest. Sixteen patients (13 women) participated in the trial: 8 were randomized to each order of conditions (Reiki then rest; rest then Reiki). They were screened for fatigue on the ESAS tiredness item, and those scoring greater than 3 on the 0 to 10 scale were eligible for the study. They were diagnosed with a variety of cancers, most commonly colorectal (62.5%) cancer, and had a median age of 59 years. Fatigue on the FACT-F decreased within the Reiki condition (P=.05) over the course of all 7 treatments. In addition, participants in the Reiki condition experienced significant improvements in quality of life (FACT-G) compared to those in the resting condition (P <.05). On daily assessments (ESAS) in the Reiki condition, presession 1 versus postsession 5 scores indicated significant decreases in tiredness (P <.001), pain (P <.005), and anxiety (P<.01), which were not seen in the resting condition. Future research should further investigate the impact of Reiki using more highly controlled designs that include a sham Reiki condition and larger sample sizes.

Key Words: complementary therapy • CAM • Reiki • energy therapy • cancer-related fatigue • pain • anxiety • colorectal cancer

Home Health Care Management & Practice, Vol. 16, No. 6, 480-486 (2004)

DOI: 10.1177/1084822304265847

Dr Mehmet Oz

Reduction in Post Operative Complications in Heart Patients – Dr Mehmet Oz Consultant Cardiologist and Julie Motz RN.

Tuscan Medical Centre Arizona – Use of Reiki on the Cancer Care Unit

Juliet Clare Pankhurst, RGN. RMCC Golden Atlantean Book of Healing: Authorhouse

13 Case studies indicating a reduction in the following symptoms in people with MS. (No comparison used)

90.2% Reduction of Lethargy

87% Reduction of Depression

78.7% Reduction of Cognitive Problems

75.3% Reduction of Motor Problems

73.5% Reduction of Pain

70.2% Reduction of Fatigue

69.1% Reduction of Urine Problems

62.8% Reduction of Bowel Problems

38% Reduction in time to walk measured distance

10 Case studies indicating a reduction in symptoms in people with ME (chronic fatigue syndrome) (No comparison used)

(70%) Reduction in Fatigue

90% Reduction in pain

80% Reduction in Motor Problems

71% Reduction of Symptoms in their legs

66% Reduction in Urinary symptoms

60% Reduction in Lethargy

60% Reduction in Bowel symptoms

50% Reduction in depression

42% Reduction in Symptoms in their arms

Dizziness, Anger, Sleeplessness and Stomach Pains were reduced in those who complained of these symptoms.

Anecdotal case reports Reiki reduces trauma of post traumatic stress disorder and sexual abuse. Reports from children and adults. (Reiki Research Foundation)

Anecdotal case reports Reiki reduces arthritis symptoms. (Reiki Research Foundation)

There is significant work being undertaken by the drug rehabilitation services in particular in Bristol where results are suggesting that Reiki can help people to become less dependent on drugs. Contact Reiki Research Foundation for contacts

Anecdotal evidence. In sports Reiki has been shown to help people to perform better because stress plays an active part in reducing performance.

Beverly Pierce, MLS, MA, RN, CHTP1

The Use of Biofield Therapies in Cancer Care. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing: Oncology Nursing Society. 1092-1095 (Print) 1538-067X (Online) Volume 11, Number 2 / April 2007. Pages 253 - 258

1 Suburban Hospital, Bethesda, MD

Abstract

Biofield therapies form a subcategory of the domain of energy therapies, as defined by the National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Specific biofield therapies addressed in this article include Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch, Polarity Therapy, Reiki, and Qigong. This article will identify core concepts in biofield therapies, review controlled trials of the use of biofield therapies with patients with cancer, describe the process of biofield therapies implementation in one cancer centre, and suggest research to benefit not only patients with cancer but also family members and oncology professionals.

Janet Quinn

The experiment was carried out by Janet Quinn, assistant director of nursing at the University of South Carolina. In thirty heart patients anxiety levels dropped 17 percent after only five minutes treatment by trained practitioners. (Reduction in Anxiety Levels – Janet Quinn University of Carolina)

Bonnie Raingruber ab; Carol Robinson a

The Effectiveness Of Tai Chi, Yoga, Meditation, And Reiki Healing Sessions In Promoting Health And Enhancing Problem Solving Abilities Of Registered Nurses

a University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacremento, California, USA

b California State University, Sacremento, California, USA

DOI: 10.1080/01612840701581255

Published in: Issues in Mental Health Nursing, Volume 28, Issue 10 October 2007 , pages 1141 - 1155

Abstract

Given the current necessity of retaining qualified nurses, a self-care program consisting of Yoga, Tai Chi, Meditation classes, and Reiki healing sessions was designed for a university-based hospital. The effectiveness of these interventions was evaluated using self-care journals and analyzed using a Heideggerian phenomenological approach. Outcomes of the self-care classes described by nurses included: (a) noticing sensations of warmth, tingling, and pulsation which were relaxing, (b) becoming aware of an enhanced problem solving ability, and (c) noticing an increased ability to focus on patient needs. Hospitals willing to invest in self-care options for nurses can anticipate patient and work related benefits.

Valeria Ricotti, Norman Delanty1

Use of complementary and alternative medicine in epilepsy. Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports : Current Medicine Group LLC; Volume 6, Number 4 / July, 2006 10.1007/s11910-006-0029-4’ pp. 347-353

1Beaumont Hospital Consultant Neurologist Dublin 9 Ireland Dublin 9 Ireland

Abstract

Abstract Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has become much in vogue, and CAM practitioners have increased in tandem with this. The trend of using CAM for treating epilepsy does not differ from that in other medical conditions, with nearly one half of patients using CAM. In this article we review the major complementary and alternative medicines used for treatment of epilepsy. They include mind-body medicines such as reiki and yoga; biologic-based medicine such as herbal remedies, dietary supplements, and homeopathy; and manipulative-based medicine such as chiropractic. In the available literature, there is a sense of the merit of these therapies in epilepsy, but there is a paucity of research in these areas. Individualized therapies such as homeopathy and reiki cannot be compared with medicines in a conventional pharmaceutical model. Hence, many studies are inconclusive. In a science of double-blind, randomized controlled trials, appropriate designs and outcome measurements need to be tailored to CAM. This article explains the principles of the major CAM therapies in epilepsy, and discusses peer-reviewed literature where available. More effort needs to be put into future trials, with the assistance of qualified CAM professionals to ensure conformation to their therapeutic principles.

Beverly Rubik, Audrey J. Brooks, Gary E. Schwartz. (2006) In Vitro Effect of Reiki Treatment on Bacterial Cultures: Role of Experimental Context and Practitioner Well-Being. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 12:1, 7

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine

In Vitro Effect of Reiki Treatment on Bacterial Cultures: Role of Experimental Context and Practitioner Well-Being

To cite this paper:

Beverly Rubik, Audrey J. Brooks, Gary E. Schwartz. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2006, 12(1): 7-13. doi:10.1089/acm.2006.12.7.

Beverly Rubik, Ph.D.

Institute for Frontier Science, Oakland, CA.

Union Institute and University, Cincinnati, OH.

Audrey J. Brooks, Ph.D.

Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ.

Center for Frontier Medicine in Biofield Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ.

Gary E. Schwartz, Ph.D.

Center for Frontier Medicine in Biofield Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ.

Departments of Psychology, Surgery, Medicine, Neurology, and Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ.

Objective: To measure effects of Reiki treatments on growth of heat-shocked bacteria, and to determine the influence of healing context and practitioner well-being.

Methods: Overnight cultures of Escherichia coli K12 in fresh medium were used. Culture samples were paired with controls to minimize any ordering effects. Samples were heat-shocked prior to Reiki treatment, which was performed by Reiki practitioners for up to 15 minutes, with untreated controls. Plate-count assay using an automated colony counter determined the number of viable bacteria. Fourteen Reiki practitioners each completed 3 runs (n = 42 runs) without healing context, and another 2 runs (n = 28 runs) in which they first treated a pain patient for 30 minutes (healing context). Well-being questionnaires were administered to practitioners pre–post all sessions.

Results: No overall difference was found between the Reiki and control plates in the nonhealing context. In the healing context, the Reiki treated cultures overall exhibited significantly more bacteria than controls (p < 0.05). Practitioner social (p < 0.013) and emotional well-being (p < 0.021) correlated with Reiki treatment outcome on bacterial cultures in the nonhealing context. Practitioner social (p < 0.031), physical (p < 0.030), and emotional (p < 0.026) well-being correlated with Reiki treatment outcome on the bacterial cultures in the healing context. For practitioners starting with diminished well-being, control counts were likely to be higher than Reiki-treated bacterial counts. For practitioners starting with a higher level of well-being, Reiki counts were likely to be higher than control counts.

Conclusions: Reiki improved growth of heat-shocked bacterial cultures in a healing context. The initial level of well-being of the Reiki practitioners correlates with the outcome of Reiki on bacterial culture growth and is key to the results obtained.

Robertson, A.L.

Pronounced effects of proper Reiki attunement.

American Reiki Master Association Newsletter; I(5),6.

Rosentiel, L.

Hypnosis and Reiki

Journal of Hypnotism 1991 Dec.; 8-10

Schlitz, M., Braud, W.

Reiki-Plus natural healing: an ethnographic/experimental study.

PSI Research 1985 Sept./Dec.; 4(3-4) 100-123.

Available from Mind Science Foundation, 8301 Broadway, #100, San Antonio, TX 78209

Samuel C. Shiflett, Sangeetha Nayak, Champa Bid, Pamela Miles, Sandra Agostinelli. (2002) Effect of Reiki Treatments on Functional Recovery in Patients in Poststroke Rehabilitation: A Pilot Study. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 8:6, 755

CrossRef

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine

Effect of Reiki Treatments on Functional Recovery in Patients in Poststroke Rehabilitation: A Pilot Study

To cite this paper:

Samuel C. Shiflett, Sangeetha Nayak, Champa Bid, Pamela Miles, Sandra Agostinelli. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2002, 8(6): 755-763. doi:10.1089/10755530260511766.

Samuel C. Shiflett, PhD

Continuum Center for Health and Healing, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY

Sangeetha Nayak, PhD

New Jersey Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ

Champa Bid, MD

Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, West Orange, NJ

Pamela Miles, BA

Marymount Manhattan College, New York, NY

Sandra Agostinelli, MA

New Jersey Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ

Objectives: The three objectives of this study were: (1) to evaluate the effectiveness of Reiki as an adjunctive treatment for patients with subacute stroke who were receiving standard rehabilitation as inpatients, (2) to evaluate a double-blinded procedure for training Reiki practitioners, and (3) to determine whether or not double-blinded Reiki and sham practitioners could determine which category they were in.

Design: A modified double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial with an additional historic control condition.

Setting: The stroke unit of a major rehabilitation hospital.

Subjects: Fifty (50) inpatients with subacute ischemic stroke, 31 male and 19 female.

Interventions: There were four conditions: Reiki master, Reiki practitioner, sham Reiki, and no treatment (historic control). Subjects received up to 10 treatments over a 2½-week period in addition to standard rehabilitation.

Outcome measures: Functional independence measure (FIM), and Center for Epidemiologic Studies - Depression (CES-D) measure.

Results: No effects of Reiki were found on the FIM or CES-D, although typical effects as a result of age, gender, and time in rehabilitation were detected. Blinded practitioners (sham or reiki) were unable to determine which category they were in. Sham Reiki practitioners reported greater frequency of feeling heat in the hands compared to Reiki practitioners. There was no reported difference between the sham and the real Reiki practitioners in their ability to feel energy flowing through their hands. Post hoc analyses suggested that Reiki may have had limited effects on mood and energy levels.

Conclusion: Reiki did not have any clinically useful effect on stroke recovery in subacute hospitalized patients receiving standard-of-care rehabilitation therapy. Selective positive effects on mood and energy were not the result of attentional or placebo effects.

Allan Sweeney

In those who have tinnitus and those who had stress or back pain there was a reduction in symptoms. (Seed: Study into the Effectiveness of Energy on Deafness)by (IJHC) International Journal of Healing and Caring

Tattam, A.

Reiki--healing and dealing.

Aust Nurs J. 1994 Aug; 2(2): 3.

Thorton, L.

A study of Reiki, An energy field treatment, using Rogers' Science.

1996 Winter; Vol. VIII, No. 3.

Available from: Lucia Thorton, 12592 Valley Vista Lane, Fresno, CA 93720

Email: lucia_marie_thornton@CSU.fresno.edu

Thorton, L.

A study of Reiki using Rogers' Science, Part II

1996 Spring; Vol. VIII, No. 4.

Available from: Lucia Thorton, 12592 Valley Vista Lane, Fresno, CA 93720

Email: lucia_marie_thornton@CSU.fresno.edu

Kathy L. Tsang, BA ( Department of Psychology)

Linda E. Carlson, PhD, CPsych ( Department of Psychology; Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Psychosocial Resources, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Cancer Board-Holy Cross Site, Department of Psychosocial Resources, 2202 2nd Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2S 3C1) l.carlson@ucalgary.ca

Pilot Crossover Trial of Reiki Versus Rest for Treating Cancer-Related Fatigue

Norman Salanskya and Natasha Salanskyb

aUniversity of Miami, Department of Biomedical Engineering, USA

bMillennium Health Institute

Human resonance EEG phenomena induced by low energy photons (<2 eV) and Reiki attunement

The paper is dedicated to study induced EEG resonance phenomena by low energy stimulation with photons and Reiki attunement. In order to reveal induced resonance EEG effects of photon and Reiki energy stimulation, narrow-band EEG structure has been analyzed with Furrie analysis (Salansky et al., 1995 and Salansky and Fedotchev, 1994). The first part is dedicated to EEG spectrum analysis of low energy stimulation induced by photons (eye–brain interaction) of different powers (.02–.05 mW) and stimulation duration 6–18 s (Salansky et al., 1998). It was established the specificity of induced resonance EEG phenomena in the range of 1–19.8 Hz in healthy volunteers. To obtain a stable EEG spectrum induced by photons a critical time of stimulation is requested. A brain response time parameter was defined. Reiki is a part of energy medicine which is claimed to be able to strengthen and reorient the patient’s energies. Overall these therapies have impressive anecdotal evidence but none has been fully scientifically understood. For example, W. Wetzel has shown that hemoglobin and hematocrit of the blood samples in Reiki group had significant changes in comparison with the control group.

Dr. Zimmerman (Zimmerman et al., 1982) using a SQUID magnetometer observed pulsating biomagnetic field that is emitted from the hands of Reiki practitioners while they work, which exceeds by several hundred times usual emitted biomagnetic fields. The frequencies of the magnetic fields surrounding the hands of a trained healer where of ? and ? wave range similar to those seen in the brain during deep meditation.

The second part of the study is analyzing the EEG spectrum in Reiki Masters as compared to normal healthy volunteers. A resonance peak of significant amplitude was found in Reiki Masters’ EEG in the range of (.2 –.3) Hz that suggests a synchronization of neurons’ activities at these frequencies. The objective changes of EEG spectrum of the Reiki Masters simultaneously with healthy volunteers during the Reiki attunement was observed first time.

van Sell, SL.

Reiki: an ancient touch therapy.

RN. 1996 Feb; 59(2): 57-59.

Waldspurger Robb, Wendy J.1

Self-Healing: A Concept Analysis. Nursing Forum, Volume 41, Number 2, April 2006 , pp. 60-77(18) : Blackwell Publishing

Abstract:

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a rapidly growing specialty within the healthcare field. One concept that appears central to the notion of CAM therapies is the concept of self-healing. Although “self-healing” is addressed within several bodies of literature, the concept is ill-defined within the context of CAM therapies, specifically energy-based healing modalities such as reiki therapy. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the concept of self-healing through a concept analysis using Walker and Avant's technique (1995). The resultant operational definition of self-healing was the result of 6 weeks of study and is not considered to be a final product, but merely a beginning step to understanding this unique phenomenon.

DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-6198.2006.00040.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Nursing, Cedar Crest College, Allentown, PA

Diane Wind Wardell PhD RNC & Joan Engebretson DrPH RNC (Associate Professor, School of Nursing, University of Texas Houston Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA)

Correspondence to: Diane Wind Wardell, School of Nursing, The University of Texas Houston Health Science Center, 1100 Holcombe Blvd. 5.533G, Houston, TX 77055, USA. E-mail: dwardell@son1.nur.uth.tmc.edu

Journal of Advanced Nursing. Volume 33 Issue 4 Page 439-445, February 2001

To cite this article: Diane Wind Wardell PhD RNC, Joan Engebretson DrPH RNC (2001)

Biological correlates of Reiki Touchsm healing

Journal of Advanced Nursing 33 (4), 439–445.

doi:10.1046/j.1365-2648.2001.01691.x

Biological correlates of Reiki Touchsm healing

Abstract

Background. Despite the popularity of touch therapies, theoretical understanding of the mechanisms of effect is not well developed and there is limited research measuring biological outcomes.

Aims. The aim of this study was to test a framework of relaxation or stress reduction as a mechanism of touch therapy.

Methods. The study was conducted in 1996 and involved the examination of select physiological and biochemical effects and the experience of 30 minutes of Reiki, a form of touch therapy. A single group repeated measure design was used to study Reiki Touch'ssm effects with a convenience sample of 23 essentially healthy subjects. Biological markers related to stress-reduction response included state anxiety, salivary IgA and cortisol, blood pressure, galvanic skin response (GSR), muscle tension and skin temperature. Data were collected before, during and immediately after the session.

Results. Comparing before and after measures, anxiety was significantly reduced, t(22)=2·45, P=0·02. Salivary IgA levels rose significantly, t(19)=2·33, P=0·03, however, salivary cortisol was not statistically significant. There was a significant drop in systolic blood pressure (SBP), F(2, 44)=6·60, P < 0·01. Skin temperature increased and electromyograph (EMG) decreased during the treatment, but before and after differences were not significant.

Conclusions. These findings suggest both biochemical and physiological changes in the direction of relaxation. The salivary IgA findings warrant further study to explore the effects of human TT and humeral immune function.

Wetzel, W.

Reiki Healing: a physiologic perspective.

Journal of Holistic Nursing 1989; Vol.7, No. 1 47-54.

Available from Wendy Wetzel, 452 Dahlia Street, Fairfield, CA 94533

Clare Weze, Helen L. Leathard, Gretchen Stevens. (2005) Healing by gentle touch in musculoskeletal disorders. Spirituality and Health International 6:4, 200

CrossRef

Clare Weze, Helen L. Leathard, Gretchen Stevens. (2005) Healing by gentle touch in musculoskeletal disorders. Spirituality and Health International 6:4, 200

Healing by Gentle Touch Ameliorates Stress and Other Symptoms in People Suffering with Mental Health Disorders or Psychological Stress

Clare Weze1, Helen L. Leathard2, John Grange3, Peter Tiplady4 and Gretchen Stevens1

1The Centre for Complementary Care, Muncaster Chase Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1RD, 2Faculty of Health and Social Care, St Martin's College Lancaster, Lancashire LA1 3JD, 3Centre for Infectious Diseases and International Health, Royal Free and University College Medical School 46 Cleveland Street, London W1P 6DB and 4Meadow Croft, Wetheral Carlisle, Cumbria CA4 8JG, UK

Previous studies on healing by gentle touch in clients with various illnesses indicated substantial improvements in psychological well-being, suggesting that this form of treatment might be helpful for people with impaired quality of mental health. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of healing by gentle touch in subjects with self-reported impairments in their psychological well-being or mental health. One hundred and forty-seven clients who identified themselves as having psychological problems received four treatment sessions. Pre- to post-treatment changes in psychological and physical functioning were assessed by self-completed questionnaires which included visual analogue scales (VAS) and the EuroQoL (EQ-5D). Participants recorded reductions in stress, anxiety and depression scores and increases in relaxation and ability to cope scores (all P < 0.0004). Improvements were greatest in those with the most severe symptoms initially. This open study provides strong circumstantial evidence that healing by gentle touch is safe and effective in improving psychological well-being in participants with self-reported psychological problems, and also that it safely complements standard medical treatment. Controlled trials are warranted.

Keywords: alleviation of symptoms – complements medical treatments – gentle touch – healing – psychological well-being – relaxation – stress

For reprints and all correspondence: Clare Weze, St Martin's College, Bowerham, Lancaster, Lancashire LA1 3JD, UK. Tel: +44-1524-221718; E-mail: clare.weze@btinternet.com

Integrative Cancer Therapies, Vol. 6, No. 1, 25-35 (2007)

DOI: 10.1177/1534735406298986

Clare Weze, BSc(Hons) MSc 1 *, Helen L. Leathard, BSc(Hons) PhD 1, Gretchen Stevens, BA 2

Healing by gentle touch in musculoskeletal disorders

1Faculty of Health & Social Care, St Martin's College, Lancaster, Lancs LA1 3JD.

2The Centre for Complementary Care, Muncaster Chase, Muncaster, Cumbria, CA18 1RD.

*Correspondence to Clare Weze, Faculty of Health & Social Care, St Martin's College, Lancaster, Lancs LA1 3JD.

Keywords faith • healing • placebo response • relaxation • stress • touch

Abstract

The Centre for Complementary Care, Muncaster (The Centre), provides healing by gentle touch: a non-invasive intervention that is complementary to conventional medicine and involves the gentle placing of hands on various parts of the body. An outcomes study at The Centre has recorded clients' perceptions of their health status, both before and after treatment, using validated research tools. A subgroup of clients attending The Centre with largely long-term, intractable musculoskeletal disorders (including osteoarthritis and various joint/back injuries) reported significant reductions in stress and pain, increased ability to cope and to carry out usual activities, improved relaxation levels, reduced medication use and decreased disability after four healing sessions. Those participants with the most severe symptoms on entry showed the most substantial improvement. Some of the processes that might be responsible for the improvements in these subjects include the modification of stress and pain pathways by particular psychological and physiological aspects of healing. The psychological mediators include love, caring, willingness to treat and aspects of the therapeutic relationship. The physiological mediators include touch, warmth and relaxation. These interact indirectly with the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and related systems to ease those aspects of the ailment that are exacerbated by stress, thus greatly reducing symptoms and facilitating endogenous healing mechanisms. The intensity and significance of pain may be lowered by modification of both the interpretation of the sensory input, and the psychological component of the pain experience. This is likely to result in a change in the perception of pain severity, the quality of the pain and the level of distress it produces. These findings suggest that healing may be a valuable adjuvant to other therapeutic interventions. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Wirth, D.P. et al.

Wound healing and complementary therapies: a review.

J Altern Complement Med. 1996; 2(4): 493-502.

Daniel Wirth of Healing Sciences International in Orinda, California conducted Reiki healing in forty four minor wounds. Eight and sixteen day follow-up measurements of the rate of wound healing were done. After eight days, the treated groups wounds had shrunk 93.5 percent compared with 67.3 percent for those not treated. After sixteen days, the figures were 99.3 and 90.9.

Wirth, D.P. et al.

Complementary healing therapies.

Int J Psychosom. 1994; 41(1-4): 61-67.

Wirth, D.P., Chang, R.J., Paxton E. And J.B.

Haematological indicators of complementary healing intervention

Complementary Therapies in Medicine 1996; 4, 14-20.

Wirth, D.P., Brenlan, D.R., Levine, R.J., Rodriguez, C.M.

The effect of complementary healing therapy on postoperative pain after surgical removal of impacted third molar teeth.

Complementary Therapies in Medicine 1993; 1, 133-138.

Diane Witte, Lauren Dundes. (2001) Harnessing Life Energy or Wishful Thinking? Reiki, Placebo Reiki, Meditation, and Music. Alternative & Complementary Therapies 7:5, 304

(no abstract available)

Dr. John Zimmerman

Dr. John Zimmerman of the University of Colorado using a SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device) has discovered that magnetic fields several hundred times stronger than background noise are created around the hands of trained healers when doing healing work on patients. The frequencies of the magnetic fields surrounding the hands of the trained healers were of the alpha and theta wave range similar to those seen in the brain of mediators. (Zimmerman 1990 Biomagnetic Fields from Reiki Practitioners Hands - Scientific and Medical Network Cortona Conference)

Case Study

Independent on Sunday (London)

March 13, 2005, Sunday

Children Receive Spiritual Healing On Nhs;

Health: London Hospital Appoints Energy Channeler' To Help Young

Julia Stuart

Section: First Edition; News; Pg. 15

Highlight:

Graham King, the health service's first paid spiritual healer, performs reiki on 12-year-old Martin Johnson DAVID SANDISON

Graham King stood last week at a hospital bed and placed his hands gently on the head of a 12-year-old boy suffering from leukaemia. He slowly moved his hands to the boy's chest. Using the power of cosmic energy, Mr King was helping to heal him.

In a ground-breaking move to complement conventional cancer treatments, Mr King, who has no medical qualifications, has been appointed the first paid National Health Service healer to help Britain's sick children. With the blessing of the hospital's senior consultants, Mr King was laying his hands on the body of Martin Johnson, who in 2003 was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia that can prove fatal.

He was being treated with reiki, a type of healing which is believed to have originated in Tibet thousands of years ago. Practioners claim to channel energy into recipients using their hands placed on particular areas of their body.

Mr King, 57, is now employed by the paediatric oncology ward, an acute cancer unit at Middlesex Hospital in London. He treats around eight children a week during 30-minute sessions, always with consent from parents. Patients remain fully clothed.

Martin, whose condition has an 80 per cent cure rate, has been receiving healing since August. An outpatient who is being treated with chemotherapy, he comes to the hospital twice a month for the complementary therapy for help with side-effects.

"My mum said it didn't have anything to do with needles, so I thought OK," says Martin, who lives in London. "I like it. It releases pain from the joints and gives you energy throughout the day. It's made quite a big difference. The side-effects aren't that bad any more. Sometimes you can imagine colours, sometimes you can twitch a bit."

His mother, Elza Johnson, 52, didn't need to be asked twice when staff suggested Martin try healing. "I thought it was a good idea," says Mrs Johnson. "I was really pleased. The steroids have 22 side-effects including insomnia, mood swings, joint pains and backache. He's having pain relief and it helps him cope."

Does she think it will cure him? "As a mother I have to try everything. I believe he will be cured both through reiki and the medication. If a doctor doesn't succeed with a certain patient it's not because they can't cure the disease. They don't succeed because the body is weak and can't take any more chemotherapy. Reiki is supposed to inject energy into the body."

Ellie Stone, 10, from St Albans, Hertfordshire, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in December, has had three sessions. Her father, Chris, 37, a hospital director, says: "It's clear that she finds the experience relaxing and calming. The treatment lasts for two years, and involves intensive chemotherapy. Anything that one can do to help the system through that process we will do."

Staff on the ward requested that Mr King work with them after seeing the results he and his wife, Angie Buxton-King, a spiritual healer also funded by the NHS, had had on adult patients in the haematology department of University College Hospital.

One of them was advance nurse practitioner Krissy Nemeth. "The patients raved about it in haematology, and we would refer some of our children for a session if they had a needle phobia or were really scared about certain procedures. Their parents firmly believed in complementary therapy. We then put in a bid for Graham to work here for two days a week. We see him very much as part of our team. I wouldn't believe some of the things that I've seen - children who kick and scream about having a blood test just hold out their arm for a doctor to take blood after having reiki. These are children who you couldn't even walk near. I'm sure there are a lot of doubters out there but there will always will be when it comes to complementary medicine."

Mr King came across reiki, which was rediscovered by Dr Mikao Usui in the 19th century, around 13 years ago. Following training, he became a reiki master nine years ago and now works full-time as a healer. "Reiki has a way of relaxing people and helping their body and immune system to cope with the various treatments," says Mr King, of Pimlico, Hertfordshire. "We channel energy. Some children think it's weird at first because they feel extreme heat in their body. They might feel tingling, they might feel waves in their body, they might feel colours."

Some parents are now also paying for their children to have the treatment privately by one of around 5,000 practitioners in the UK. It differs from spiritual healing in that practitioners often use it to treat themselves.

Terry Cullen, the chairman of the British Complementary Medicine Association, says: "I think there is a recognition that complementary therapies are proving to be beneficial to children. Parents are finding out what complementary therapies are available and what they can do. And by personal experience, or someone they know, they are feeling comfortable at the thought of getting their kids to take advantage of them."

But does healing really work? Edzard Ernst, professor of complementary medicine at the Peninsula Medical School at Exeter and Plymouth universities, believes it may well be all in the mind. "The evidence is extremely mixed for any form of spiritual healing, including reiki," he says. "Scientifically it's implausible because there is no scientific basis to assume that it works. But treatments may work despite us not understanding how they work. My personal impression after studying the entire literature is that it is unlikely to be more than a placebo effect."

HEALING HANDS

t Reiki's roots can be traced back several thousand years to the mountains of Tibet

t It was revived around 100 years ago by Japanese Christians who suggested Jesus was a reiki master

t Believers claim reiki channels chi', the underlying force that guides the universe, to heal individuals

t The chi is administered by practitioners who pass their hands over afflicted parts of the body

t Reiki is said to be useful for dulling pain, healing wounds and broken bones, calming stress and achieving a balanced state

t Animals, plants and life situations' can all be dealt with through the healing hands or crystals used by reiki masters

t More than 60 million people follow reiki worldwide and at least a million practice it. More than 2.6 million webpages are dedicated to it

t One US group believes reiki gives its members the power to talk to their dogs

CITY: LONDON, ENGLAND

SUBJECT: DISEASES & DISORDERS (92%); LEUKEMIA (91%); CHILDREN (90%); ONCOLOGY (90%); ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE (90%); CANCER (90%); CHEMOTHERAPY & RADIATION (89%); DRUG INTERACTIONS & SIDE EFFECTS (88%); HOSPITALS (78%); HEALTH INSURANCE (78%); LYMPHOMA (77%); PEDIATRICS (76%); STEROIDS (76%); APPOINTMENTS (72%); NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE (71%);

PERSON: MARTIN JOHNSON DAVID

LOAD-DATE: March 13, 2005

Places to access more research

British Nursing Index

CAB Health

CINAHL

COCHRANE LIBRARY

HMIC

Wwwlib.umi.com

www.econlit.org

www.elsevier.com

http://healthpromis.hda-online.org.uk

MEDLINE

www.thesis.com

AIDSLINE

BIOETHICSLINE

HEALTHSTAR

PUBMED www.pubmed.gov

www.gateway.nlm.nih.gov

PSYCINFO

Reference: www.regard.ac.uk

SIGLE

www.csa1.co.uk

wok.mimas.ac.uk

ZETOC

www.acpjc.org

www.harcourt-international.com/journals/cein

www.elsevier.com/locate/issn/01972456

www.adis.co.uk

www.harcourt-international.com/journals/ebcm

www.harcourt-international.com/journals/ebhc

http://ebm.bmjjournals.com/current.shtml

http://ebn.bmjjournals.com/current.shtml

www.elsevier.com/inca/publications/store/5/2/5/4/7/2/index.htt

www.radcliffe-oxford.com

Journal of Evaluation of Clinical Practice

Blackwell Science

ScHARR

www.alltheweb.com

http://altavista.com

http://www.biomedcentral.com

ww.medicine.ox.ac.uk/cairns

www.phru.org.uk/#casp/index.htm

www.ich.ucl.ac.uk/ebm/ebm.htm

http://cebm.jr2.ox.ac.uk

www2.york.ac.uk/healthsciences/centres/evidence/cebn.htm

www.shef.ac.uk/#psyc

www.ohsu.edu/cliniweb

http://drsdesk.sghms.ac.uk

www.google.com

http://hiru.mcmaster.ca

www.ixquick.com

http://medbioworld.com

www.metacrawler.com

www.merck.com

NeLH

ZETOC

www.nice.org.uk

NLM

http://gort.ucsd.edu/newjour

www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd/welcome.htm

www.hta.nhsweb.nhs.uk

http://nmap.ac.uk

http://omni.ac.uk

www.oncolink.com

www.jr2.ox.ac.uk/bandolier/booth/painpag/index.html

www.hw.ac.uk/libWWW/irn/pinakes/pinakes.html

http://prodigy.nhs.uk

www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov

www.shef.ac.uk/#scharr/ir/email.html

www.shef.ac.uk/#scharr/ir/netting

http://sosig.ac.uk

www.tripdatabase.com

www.healthcentre.org.uk

www.who.int/en

yahoo