Reiki is a type spiritual healing developed by Mikao Usui. After fasting and meditating for several weeks on Mount Kurama, Mikao Usui claimed to have gained the ability to heal without energy depletion. Part of the practice, tenohira or palm healing, is used as a form of complementary alternative medicine.

Reiki teachings claim that there is an inexhaustible, universal “life force” or a spiritual energy, which can be used to stimulate healing. This energy will flow through the practitioner’s hands whenever the hands are placed on, or held near a recipient, who can be clothed. Believers say that the energy is “intelligent”, making the need for expert diagnosis unnecessary.

Concerns about the safety in Reiki are similar to those of other alternative health medicines. Fears from doctors of medicines include patients’ siding with unproven alternative medicines over clinically proven treatments. Some Reiki practitioners encourage their clients to consult a medical doctor for serious conditions, since Reiki complements conventional medicine. Clinical trials have not shown any significant adverse effects from the use of Reiki.

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