Do We Really Need Scientific Evidence

As Reiki practitioners we often feel the need for scientific evidence to back up our claims of how Reiki is beneficial. But do we really need studies to back up it's' efficacy.

Well indeed there have been studies conducted on the effectiveness of Reiki and how it affects the autonomic system. New York Presbyterian hospital/Columbia University campus conducted a random blind study using three groups ~ a placebo group, a Reiki group and a control group. It was noted after the sessions that the Reiki group participants realized a lowering of their heart rate, respiration and blood pressure.

William Rand, founder and president of The international Centre for Reiki Research developed what is known as The Touchstone Process. This is a peer review method for analyzing the current state of scientific studies being conducted in hospitals, clinics and hospice facilities throughout the US. Dr. Mehmet Oz brought tremendous attention to Reiki when he invited Reiki practitioners to treat patients during open heart surgeries and transplant surgeries. He is quoted as saying, "Reiki has become a sought after healing art among patients and mainstream medical professionals."

In a press release dated September 15th, 2008, president and CEO of the The American Hospital Association stated, "complementary and alternative medicine has shown great promise in supporting and stimulating healing. It is one of the many tools hospitals look to as they continue to create optimal healing environments for the patients they serve." Presently, there are 65 hospitals in the US taking part in these studies.

So with all this evidence before us, I wonder, as practitioners do we really need to back up our claims of Reiki's healing ability with scientific evidence? Ask yourself – how do you decide what matters?

Do you believe what you feel and experience? If you feel it, notice a difference, does that make it real enough for you? If Reiki could help you feel better when something was wrong, would that be enough? Or do you need scientific data to convince you to try it? Do you trust yourself enough to discern the truth in your own life?

Either way, you will find what you need. Reiki is real...