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Reiki (pronounced raykey) is a Japanese word meaning universal (Rei) life force energy (Ki). Universal life force energy is inherent in all life forms and is recognized in many different cultures and religions. For example, in Chinese medicine, this universal life force energy is called chi. Hawaiiens refer to it as mana, Asians call it prana, and Christians name it light (Honervogt, 1998). According to Reiki tenets, universal life force energy is connected to the body's innate power of healing and promotes physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual self-healing.
A Reiki practitioner facilitates healing energy; he or she does not provide energy. Unlike other touch and energy practices (e.g., massage therapy, therapeutic touch), Reiki does not manipulate, stretch, or knead the body, nor does it claim to direct energy. Universal life force energy is facilitated through the practitioner's hands and naturally goes to the places in the recipient's body in which it is needed. Whether lying down, sitting, or standing, Reiki recipients remain clothed as a practitioner gently places his or her hands on the recipient's body in a series of positions, with the intention of facilitating self-healing and comfort (Barnett & Chambers, 1996; Rowland, 1998).
Like other alternative and complementary therapies, Reiki has become increasingly popular. Not only has there been a rise in the number of persons seeking the services of Reiki practitioners, there has been an increase in the number of trained certified Reiki practitioners. Curricula in medical and nursing schools have begun to incorporate coursework in alternative and complementary therapies including Reiki.
A survey by Keiner and Wellman (1997) indicated that Reiki is used more widely by persons who are better educated, with higher levels of education, and who are able to pay out-ofpocket expenses, and for emotional problems, low energy, and concerns with health maintenance. Professional and popular literature and Internet Web sites continue to cite Reiki practitioners' anecdotal accounts and testimonials of clients who benefit from Reiki with pain management, anxiety and fear, depression, sleep promotion, and enhanced well-being in hospice and general hospital settings, as well as in outpatient settings. However, educational and socioeconomic information usually are not included in these accounts.
For example, the first author was a psychiatric consultation liaison nurse who routinely used Reiki with clients...