Reiki – Mechanisms of Healing – Part 1

In the past series on Reiki I discussed whether Reiki was a placebo, and cited a variety of scientific experiments to demonstrate it is not.

Now I would like to discuss the mechanisms of healing. Like all other aspects of healing, the mechanism is little understood. So I would like to discuss the range of ideas concerning such mechanisms.

At one end of this range, is the belief, held by many healers, that they are channelling a higher spiritual energy that ultimately derives from God. This energy is often referred to as “divine love” or “unconditional love” by healers.

At the other end of the range there are many theories which are based on our knowledge of science, particular physics. The possibility that any conventional electromagnetic energy may be a candidate for “healing energy” seems unlikely as healing has been shown, at times to operate outside the dimensions of space & time. For example there are a wide variety of scientific experiments were healing procedures were partly or wholly undertaken at a distance1.

Between these ‘spiritual’ and ‘material’ poles there is a middle ground of ideas concerning healing mechanisms based on the concepts of subtle energies, the subtle energy bodies of all living organisms and the universal energy known by names such as prana and chi. . I personally believe that I act as a channel for universal energy that comes from the natural world.

References

Dossey, L. (1993). Healing Words. The Power of Prayer and the Practice of Medicine. Harper Collins; New York.

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    Reference

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    1. Innerfield I. The anti-inflammatory effect of parenterally administered proteases. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1957 Aug 30;68(1):167-76; discussion 176-7.
    2. Miller et. Al. The effects of protease supplementation on skeletal muscle function and D.O.M.S. following downhill running. Journal of Sports Sciences 22, 365-372;2004.
    3. Taussig SJ The mechanism of the physiological action of bromelain Medical Hypotheses 1980; 6: 99-104
    4. Donaho C, Rylander C Proteolytic enzymes in athletic injuries: a double blind study of a new anti-inflammatory agent Delaware Medical Journal 1962; 34: 168-170.
    5. Cirelli MG Clinical experience with bromelains in proteolytic enzyme therapy of inflammation and edema Medical Times 1964; 92(9): 919-922.
    6. Taussig SJ, Batkin S Bromelain, the enzyme complex of pineapple and its clinical application Journal of Ethnopharmacology 1988; 22: 191-203.
    7. Atal CK, Zutshi U, Rao PG. Scientific evidence on the role of Ayurvedic herbals on bioavailability of drugs. J Ethnopharmacol. 1981 Sep;4(2):229-32.
    8. Velpandian T, Jasuja R, Bhardwaj RK, Jaiswal J, Gupta SK. Piperine in food: interference in the pharmacokinetics of phenytoin. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 2001 Oct-Dec;26(4):241-7.
    9. Miller et. Al. The effects of protease supplementation on skeletal muscle function and D.O.M.S. following downhill running. Journal of Sports Sciences 22, 365-372;2004.