Reiki as complementary touch therapy can speed up healing and improve emotional condition

Reiki is seen as an alternative medicine or complementary therapy based on the precept of presence 'universal energy healing' or 'life force' to be mobilized for healing purposes. The practice is said to be of Japanese origin which is over 2,000 years old practice.

Medical science treats Reiki as a pseudo-science that has literature but no empirical evidences for its effectiveness. Hence, at the most, it can be used a complementary therapy only and not a substitute of scientific medical treatment. The clinically un-verified placebo effect may be seen on rare cases.

A certified Reiki practitioner uses 'palm healing or hands-on healing technique' to transfer 'universal energy' through his or her palms to the patient to mitigate mental and physical health conditions.

Basic assumptions are as follows

• There is an all-pervading universal healing energy and there are energy centres in or around around human body

• Inadequate health condition is caused because of lack of connect between the universal energy and individual human energy centres

• A certified Reiki master with purity of mind and senses works as a conduit through his palms to connect energy fields around the body and involves the transfer of universal energy

A Reiki practitioner gives treatment to the fully clothed sitting or lying-down client on wooden furniture in an individualized peaceful setting in the clinic or anywhere.

The practitioner first meditates to bring the energy to his or her palms and then places hands lightly on or above specific areas of the client for minimum of three minutes and total session may last for 15 to 30 minutes. The typical technique of Reiki involves the following main steps: (1) centring; (2) clearing; (3) beaming; and (4) infusing

Even a client, after a few session can practice daily 'reiki self-care' for at least 15 minutes by centring and clearing to restore balance, reduce stress, and wellness.

A Reiki master is a pure and divine person capable of concentrating universal energy between his or her palms with honed meditative state of being.