Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

96 Alternative and Complementary Approaches
works similar to those of ACUPUNCTURE (though
acupuncture and reflexology are not related in
philosophy or practice). However, there are no
clinical studies to substantiate any of these theories,
or that reflexology produces objective results.
Most conventional doctors are skeptical that
reflexology has therapeutic value beyond that
which one might expect from a thorough foot
massage.
See also MASSAGE THERAPY; REIKI.
Reiki A 3,000 year-old system of energy HEALING
that originated with Tibetan monks. The word
Reiki means “universal life force.” Reiki practitioners
use their hands, without touching the person,
to focus energy. The energy might come from the
person’s body, identifying the location of illness or
injury. Sometimes the Reiki practitioner experiences
these locations as feeling hot or cold. The
energy also comes through the Reiki practitioner
to the person, focusing healing where the body
needs it. Many people feel profound relaxation
and release during a Reiki session and often relief
from PAIN. It is common for both the person
receiving Reiki and the Reiki practitioner to
emerge from a Reiki session feeling a heightened
sense of awareness.
Because there is no clinical substantiation for the
effects of Reiki, many doctors tend to be skeptical.
However, there are no known risks associated with
Reiki when it is a complementary component of
overall care and treatment. Unlike MASSAGE THER-
APY, with Reiki there is no, or only very light,
touching. The primary concern of conventional
doctors is that people continue to receive conventional
medical care when necessary.
A number of hospitals make Reiki practitioners
available to people who are waiting for transplant
organs or undergoing strenuous CANCER treatment.
Some conventional health-care practitioners, such
as nurses, become Reiki practitioners. Some
researchers believe the deep relaxation that people
experience with Reiki sessions causes the body to
release natural PAIN-relieving chemicals (endorphins
and enkephalins), accounting for effects
such as pain relief and stress reduction. Reiki may
be especially helpful for people who have conditions,
such as BURNS or major trauma, that make
touch therapies difficult or unfeasible.
Reiki practitioners designate their levels of
expertise according to degrees. A first-degree Reiki
practitioner has received basic Reiki training, typically
a two-day session. A second-degree Reiki
practitioner has been practicing Reiki for a minimum
of three months and has completed an additional
Reiki training session, typically a two-day
workshop, to learn more advanced techniques
including mental healing and distance healing. A
third-degree Reiki practitioner is a Reiki master. A
Reiki master has practiced Reiki for at least a year
and then has completed a year-long training program.
Reiki masters also teach Reiki. As with
other forms of bodywork and energy healing, it is
essential to trust in, and feel comfortable with, the
Reiki practitioner.
See also ACUPUNCTURE; REFLEXOLOGY.