What is scientific Evidence of Reiki by www.reiki4universe.co.nr

Is there scientific evidence for reiki?
In order for any medicine or treatment method to be accepted into the mainstream health care system, evidence is needed that the medicine/method is effective and safe.

Reiki, being medicine-less and non-ivasive (non-manipulative) can be regarded as safe, or at least there is no known established case of negative effects of reiki, till now.

That leaves the question of effectiveness. Is reiki effective?

Let us look at findings of some research organizations -

■Natural standard and Harvard Medical School released a paper on a study done by scientists on reiki and its effects.The studies were carried out on small samples and it was found that:
Reiki works on the autonomic nervous system, effecting heart beat rate, blood pressure and/or breathing activity.
Reiki can help reduce depression and stress.
Reiki can help reduce pain.

The scientists did point out though that all the trials were on a small scale and larger trials were needed before any conclusion could be drawn.

■Through one of its studies, University of Michigan Complementary and Alternative Medicine Research Center (CAMRC), found that Reiki can be effective for diabetics experiencing nerve problems, especially in the legs. Reiki was applied to relieve some of the pain and numbness experienced by the diabetic patients.

■Several studies were carried out using single blind study technique to determine efficacy of reiki treatment. In a study female nursing students were given either real reiki or “mimic reiki” (a placebo form). Tests conducted before and after failed to find any improvement (generally attributed to reiki treatment) in the group which received real reiki.

■Hartwell and Brewitt conducted a study on reiki in 1997 in which a group of chronically ill patients received eleven, weekly, one hour reiki treatment sessions. The patients were not given any other allopathic or complementary medicine or treatment during this period. Tests were conducted to find before/after differences in health. It was observed that all the patients experienced a reduction in pain and an increase in relaxation and mobility.
In addition to the organizations mentioned above there are several more research organizations and medical schools conducting