Reiki Therapy: An Introduction
Reiki (pronounced “RAY-key,”) is classified as "biofield medicine, which involves systems that use subtle energy fields in and around the body for medical purposes" (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine).1
Biofield therapies are based on the fundamental concept that subtle energy flows throughout a living being. Reiki works within these energy fields (biofields) to address disruptions that present as physical illnesses. With the normal energy flow re-established, the Reiki encourages the body’s innate healing systems.
Reiki energy works in concert with all other forms of therapy. The mechanism of Reiki therapy is described in the section on Conducting a Reiki Treatment.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
The terms complementary or alternative refer to a distinction in use of a particular therapy, such as Reiki (biofield therapy). Complementary therapy is used in conjunction with conventional medicine while alternative refers to using a particular therapy instead of conventional treatment.
Statistics Canada reports that the use of CAM in human patients in Canada has increased dramatically over the past decade.2
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1 What is CAM?, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Institutes of Health, http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam/
2 Park, Jungwee, Use of alternative health care, Health Reports, Volume 16, Number 2. Statistics Canada, March, 2005. http://www.statcan.gc.ca/ads-annonces/82-003-x/pdf/4194125-eng.pdf |
