Reiki Therapy: Does it Work?

Several years ago, after I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, I was introduced to the idea of Reiki (Rey-Key) therapy as a form of alternative medicine to help me deal with my symptoms. I consider myself to be a fairly logical person and as such, was skeptical about the benefits of using energy to induce healing.

Thankfully, I tried it anyway. I found that not only did it help me to manage some of my MS symptoms, but also reduced my back pain and surprisingly I found that over time -with regular treatment- my mental state vastly improved as well. I started to enjoy life a lot more and little things that used to irritate me to no end seemed like they were nothing to worry about.

Reiki is a practice that was developed in Japan by a Buddhist named Mikao Usui . It involves the use energy transfer from the healer to the sick through touch or by placing the hands over the body. According to those who believe in the healing properties of Reiki and those who practice it there are many benefits associated with this therapy including: relief of stress and tension, removes energy blockages, raises the vibrational frequencies of the body, lowers blood pressure, supports the immune system, aids in sleep and relieves pain.

I am aware that some health organizations and doctors of western medcine have deduced that the benefits of Reiki are due completely to suggestion and that any healing benefits are the result of a placebo effect. I understand that there is insufficient scientific evidence to support the claim that this therapy works. I would never suggest that someone refuse the treatment of a doctor in favour of this alternative practice, but I will say that it works for me. I know when it's been too long since I've seen my Reiki Master, I can feel it in my body and in my mind. I have discovered that this form of healing coupled with regular meditation and focus on conscious thought can be life altering.

It is a form of complementary treatment that has been practiced for almost a hundred years and is based on the prinicples of balance and harmony. If all it does for you is help you relax for an hour, what's the harm? I know it works for me and I don't care to uncover the reasons why, I just know that it does.