There are currently six studies, published in peer-reviewed journals that are placebo-controlled Of these studies, four support the hypothesis that Reiki significantly improves physiological well-being (reduced heart rate, blood pressure, inflammation) and psychological mood (reduced anxiety and depression) measures, and two do not report any significant effect. However, in all the studies that showed a significant effect, the numbers of subjects was very small, reducing the statistical power of the studies. In addition, the size of the observed effects was very small.
CRITICISM:-
Effectiveness:-
Since there is no proven
scientific mechanism for Reiki, The National Council Against Health
Fraud suggests that any therapeutic effect may
be due to the placebo effect. However, of six
placebo-controlled studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals,
four showed statistically significant positive effects of Reiki,
both physiologically and emotionally, that could not be explained by the placebo
effect.
Another view is that Reiki is used merely as a "feel-good" therapy, and that recipients themselves do not expect any significant healing effects. but practitioner claims that Reiki has therapeutic value can certainly be found on the Web.
Safety:-
Concerns about safety in Reiki are similar to those
of other alternative medicines. Doctors of medicine and allied health care
workers believe that patients might avoid clinically proven treatments for
serious conditions, in favour of unproven alternative medicines
like Therapeutic touch and Reiki. Reiki practitioners
may encourage their clients to consult a medical
doctor for serious conditions, stating that
Reiki can be used to complement conventional
medicine.
Religious:-
Fr Tom Ingoldsby of the Salesian Order
of the Roman Catholic church denounced Reiki as "opening the door to
evil and occult forces which have
later side effects". Some Christians, however, believe Reiki
"creates a closer connection for them to God".
In response to Fr Ingoldsby's criticism, Reiki teacher and RFI co-founder Angela Gorman said it was understandable that some people remained sceptical about complementary therapies but she warned them not to be close-minded to new ideas. “Some people’s opinions of Reiki are often anchored in ignorance and suspicion rather than pure scientific fact,” said Ms. Gorman, a former nurse.
Internal controversies:-
With the many varied ways that
have been used to teach Reiki, there have emerged
points of controversy between different groups, teachers and practitioners.
Controversies exist on topics such as the nature
of the Reiki energy itself, fees charged
for courses and treatments, training methods,
secrecy of symbols, and attunement methods.
Following the death of Hawayo Takata,
through to the mid 1990s, there were rival
claims to the title of "Grandmaster" of
Reiki. However, this dispute largely evaporated when it was discovered
that Takata herself had invented the title.
