Safety and Effectiveness
The American Cancer Society has noted that the research surrounding reiki has been poorly conducted, and stated: "Available scientific evidence at this time does not support claims that reiki can help treat cancer or any other illness. More study may help determine to what extent, if at all, it can improve a patient's sense of well-being." Likewise, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine has echoed this position, noting that the existence of energy fields in biofield therapies, such as reiki, "has not yet been scientifically proven."
Concerns about safety in reiki are similar to those of other unproven alternative medicines. Some doctors of medicine and allied health care workers believe that patients might avoid clinically proven treatments for serious conditions in favour of unproven alternative medicines. Reiki practitioners may encourage their clients to consult a medical doctor for serious conditions, stating that reiki can be used to complement conventional medicine. Clinical trials have not reported any significant adverse effects from the use of Reiki.
William T. Jarvis of The National Council Against Health Fraud, suggests that there "is no evidence that clinical reiki's effects are due to anything other than suggestion" or the placebo effect.
Read more about this topic: Reiki, Research, Critical Evaluation, and Controversy
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