Reiki is a form of energy healing which can be explained scientifically with recent research into the electromagnetic nature of the body and the environment as according to biophysics and molecular biology. Numerous studies have indicated not only the stress-relieving benefits of Reiki but its use in addressing mental health, including for cases of depression and Alzheimer’s disease. By examining these insights into the ancient healing art of laying on of hands, Reiki can be better understood and incorporated as a therapeutic modality in society today.
With recent research the following benefits of Reiki have been either indicated or directly demonstrated:
- promote neuronal regeneration
- increase quality of life in MCI and mild AD patients
- decrease depression issues
- decrease stress
- improve sense of relaxation and calm
These are explained in more detail below.
Research into electromagnetism has demonstrated that extremely low frequencies (between 8-32 Hz), the same as those emitted from Reiki practitioners’ hands, promote neuronal regeneration. Given that illnesses and disorders affecting the mind all, to some extent, involve the health of neurons and the effectiveness of communication between them, it is suggested that Reiki could positively affect the state of mental health. Furthermore, electromagnetic communication and communication through proticity, the flow of protons, has been shown to occur through the primary pathway of communication in the body, the living matrix, or the connective tissue and water structures of the body. This indicates that other beneficial effects of electromagnetic therapy including the healing of soft and hard tissue, would thereby have an effect on the overall state of health of the body, including the brain.
Specific studies involving the use of Reiki in persons experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have lead researchers to strongly recommend its use in patients with MCI or mild AD given that it significantly affects quality of life in these cases, with factors such as reduction in walking at night, increased ability to remember recent events, decrease in losing or misplacing things, and a decrease in depression issues.
Beyond the numerous anecdotal evidence that has accumulated demonstrating the relaxing effect of Reiki, specific research into its physiological effect has likewise demonstrated this correlated result. The use of Reiki has been shown to decrease diastolic blood pressure and mean blood pressure as well as peripheral vascular resistance, all correlated with decreased activation of the autonomic nervous system. These indicators suggest that Reiki physiologically decreases stress.
As the electromagnetic nature of the body is further uncovered this research begins to make more sense with the resulting paradigm shift from the body (and mind) as a divisible set of parts to a cohesive and interdependent unit. The use of Reiki may affect the core communication pathway of the body and may result in enhanced mental functioning.
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