In the last blog we lightly discussed energy fields, aura’s, Healing Touch and Reiki, today we will be going more in-depth with this conversation.
Healing Touch and Reiki are similar in that they are both considered energy medicine as well as alternative medicine and both help with mind body integration to help the body to heal itself. While some people feel these are stand alone therapies I consider both to be adjunctive therapies meaning used along with traditional medicine.
What is Reiki?
Reiki is channeling the universal life energy known as qi to stimulate the integration of mind, body, and spirit to enhance the natural healing mechanism. It was created by a Buddist Monk named Mikao Usui in 1922. Before his death, he taught the practice to over two thousand students. Like Healing Touch, Reiki can usually be taught in a weekend. While many organizations offer certificates for practitioners, there is no formal regulation of these classes.
Reiki practitioners must be aligned before they can practice on others. If the practitioner’s qi is blocked, it will hinder their healing capabilities. In Reiki, the strokes are similar to those found in Healing Touch, but they are done close to the body, not directly on the body. This might make Reiki a more comfortable practice for those who dislike being touched.
What is Healing Touch?
Unlike Reiki, Healing Touch doesn’t require an attunement before you can practice it. It is a modality that was developed by Janet Mentgen, R.N. and was originally for those in the medical field. However, it is now open to all. It is an energy modality, like Reiki. There are several levels. Level I based on 15 or more clock hours of instruction that allows people of varying backgrounds to enter, acknowledge their previous learnings and further develop concepts and skills in energy-based therapy. A strong commitment to personal growth and knowledge of holistic health principles are also required. There is no required waiting period between these levels, except level 4 must have a six month waiting period with numerous requirements and a mentor to move on to level 5. Level 5 has another six month waiting period with mentorship before the practitioner can be certified. All levels can each taught in a weekend.
In healing touch, also known as therapeutic touch, having an understanding of the 12 meridians and the chakras and learning hands-on therapeutic skills in opening blocked energies is essential. It requires the gentle use of hands from practitioner to receiver. Healing Touch has more techniques available for specific conditions, such as back problems. Healing Touch is a method of altering the body’s energy system to influence self-healing.
There are numerous studies done with both Healing Touch and Reiki, but more on Healing Touch. Of course, some studies say neither work and some say they don’t know why but improvement can be seen. Adjunctive or alternative therapies is popular enough that the National Institutes of Health has an Integrative Health division.
Next time we’ll discuss what is energy and why does energy medicine work?