Independent research by Dr. Robert Becker and Dr. John Zimmerman during the 1980's investigated what happens whilst people practice therapies like Reiki.
They found that not only do the brain wave patterns of practitioner and receiver become synchronized in the Alpha State, characteristic of deep realization and meditation. They also pulse in unison with the earth's magnetic field, known as the Schuman Resonance.
During these moments, the biomagnetic field of the practitioners' hands is at least 1000 times greater than normal, and not as a result of internal body current. Toni Bunnell (1997) suggests that the linking of energy fields between practitioner and earth allows the practitioner to draw on the "infinite energy source" or "universal energy field" via the Schuman Resonance. Professor Paul Davies and Dr. John Gribben in The Matter Myth (1991), discuss the quantum physics view of the "living universe" in which everything is connected in a "living web of interdependance". All of this supports the subjective experience of "oneness" and "expanded consciousness" related by those who regularly receive or self-treat with Reiki.
Zimmerman (1990) in the USA and Seto (1992) in Japan further investigated the large pulsating biomagnetic field that is emitted from the hands of energy practitioners whilst they work. They discovered that the pulses are in the same frequencies as brain waves, and sweep up and down from 0.3 - 30HZ, focusing mostly in 7 -8 HZ, alpha state.
Independent medical research has shown that this range of frequencies will stimulate healing in the body, with specific frequencies being shutable for different tissues. For example, 2 Hz encourages nerve regeneration, 7Hz bone growth, 10 Hz ligament mending, and 15 Hz capillary formation. Physiotherapy equipment based on these principles has been designed to aid soft tissue regeneration, and ultra sound technology is commonly used to clear clogged arteries and disintegrate kidney stones. Also it has been known for many years that placing an electrical coil around a fracture that refuses to mend will stimulate bone growth and repair.
Becker explains that "brain waves" are not confined to the brain but travel throughout the body via the peri-neural system, the sheaths of connective tissue surrounding all nerves. During treatment, these waves begin as relatively weak pulses in the thalamus of the practitioner's brain, and gather cumulative strength as they flow to the peripheral nerves of the body including the hands. The same affect is mirrored in the person receiving treatment, and Becker suggests that it is this system more than any other, that regulates injury, repair and system re-balance. This highlights one of the special features of Reiki (and similar therapies) - that both practitioner and client receive the benefits of a treatment, which makes it very efficient.
It is interesting to note that Dr. Becker carried out his study on world-wide array of cross-cultural subjects, and no matter what their belief systems or customs, or how opposed to each other their beliefs, and can therefore be used by people of any background and faith, or none at all. This neutrality makes it particularly appropriate to a medical or prison setting. Tamisha Sabrina - UK Reiki Federation
120 participants were randomly assigned to four groups, Reiki, false-Reiki, relaxation therapy, and no treatment. Statistical analysis indicated:
(1) Reiki is effective for reducing pain, depression, and anxiety.
(2) Reiki is effective in enhancing desirable changes in personality and strengthening the faith in God.
(3) Gains made by Reiki tend to persist over longer periods of time.
(4) Attunement seems to be a vital part in Reiki training.
(5) Chronically ill patients experiencing stress and pain tend to be receptive to Reiki. (Linda J. Dressen & Sangeeta Singg, “Effects of Reiki on pain and selected affective and personality variables of chronically ill patients.” Subtle Energy, vol. 9, number
The Usui System of Natural Healing teaches us also the "Secret Art" of "Inviting Happiness" into one's life which can be achieved by working with the Five Reiki Ideals and the Three Degrees of Attunements. The Five Reiki Ideals help us realize that improving oneself is an essential part of Reiki healing.
A 2008 survey indicated that 15 percent of U.S. hospitals offered Reiki as a part of their routine patient services. Hartford Hospital in Connecticut reported that patients who received Reiki experienced pain reduction by 78 percent, and patient sleep was improved by 86 percent. Julie Motz, a Reiki healer who works with Dr. Mehmet Oz at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York, assisted during both open heart surgery and transplants. She reports that none of her patients treated thus far have experienced post-operative depression; all have reported a reduction in pain; and among transplant patients, none in her care have experienced organ rejection. Even more astounding is a study conducted on the immune system in Portland, Oregon. Volunteers were divided into three groups, one received Reiki treatment, another received relaxation, and the third received nothing. Blood was drawn from participants before and after treatment. The study showed that the Reiki group received an immune enhancement by way of an increase of white blood cells after the treatment. Another study found that patients who received Reiki experienced a lower diastolic blood pressure. These exciting studies are opening the door for us to learn more about what Reiki can offer to the medical community, and its benefits on our bodies and immune systems.