Onderzoek naar Reiki

quote:

Op donderdag 11 mei 2006 11:23 schreef Clockwork_Tin_Soldier het volgende:

[..]

Jawel. Dat is het placebo-effect. Dat komen "ze" overal tegen.
[..]

Het is niet "zo significant ", want er is (zo ver bekend) geen onderzoek naar gedaan, dat geef je zelf toe, en weet je dus ook geen resultaten en kún je al helemaal niet spreken over significantie.
[..]

Dit staat helemaal vol met aannames die nergens op gebaseerd zijn. "betrouwbare waarnemingen van een duidelijk effect", "minder medicatie, snellere genezing, minder complicatie's" Allemaal ónbewezen (en toch wel hele grote) zaken, die je dus niet als argument mag aanhalen.

Waarom blijf je dit toch herhalen, het is je nu al meedere malen verteld dat dit geen goede argumenten zijn voor je betoog.

quote:

Op donderdag 11 mei 2006 11:47 schreef JeRa het volgende:

[..]

Nee, dan ben ik inderdaad weg. Ik vind het afschuwelijk als filosofie wordt gecombineerd met de medische wereld. Jammer van dit topic, het had nog wetenschappelijke potentie kunnen hebben.

quote:

Nursing researcher receives funding
for unconventional breast cancer therapy

Dr. Ahlam Mansour, of the College of Nursing, has received a $20,000 grant from the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Initiative (CBCRI) to conduct a feasibility study of the effects of Reiki [pron. ray-key], a so-called energy medicine involving the application of what she terms "universal life energy" through hands-on techniques (see box below).

The grant is one of only six awarded in a national competition in which 47 submissions were received by the CBCRI, which is a granting agency housed in the National Cancer Institute of Canada, Toronto.

Dr. Mansour, herself "a second-degree Reiki" [of three levels of mastery], says there's an abundance of anecdotal records and some emerging scientific evidence that Reiki is effective in decreasing physical problems and anxiety associated with illness.

"But to date," she adds, "no rigorous studies have been undertaken into its efficacy. Our study will be to investigate the effects of Reiki on the level of anxiety, physical problems, spiritual well-being, and complete blood counts in breast cancer patients undergoing their initial (AC) chemotherapy."

She says she and her nine-person team* will soon begin a partially-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to test for the effectiveness of the therapy.

"We hope that the feasibility study will provide enough data to determine whether or not to proceed to a full-scale study on the efficacy of Reiki in reducing the side-effects of chemotherapy and the emotional problems breast cancer patients generally experience."


* The team members include: Dr. Mansour; Dr. Gail Laing, a professor in Nursing; Marion Bueche, a Reiki master, who practices in Regina; Dr. Barbara Walley, an oncologist at the Saskatoon Cancer Clinic; Dr. Anne Leis, a psychologist in Community Health and Epidemiology (CHE); Dr. Alanna Danilkewich, a family physician at the RUH; Judy Nurse, a research coordinator in CHE; and Pat Homenick, Peg Schmidt, and Olga Stefaniuk, breast cancer survivors.

quote:

Reiki Research Papers

Thanks to Ed Miller and Darryl Harris for many of these papers.

* Algarin, R.
Using REIKI as a harm reduction tool and as a stress management technique for participants and self.
Northeast Conference: Drugs, Sex and Harm Reduction Conference Syllabus. (1995)
Harm Reduction Coalition and the Drug Policy Foundation, the ACLU AIDS Project and the City University of New York.
* Brewitt, B., Vittetoe, T., Hartwell
The efficacy of Reiki hands-on healing: improvements in spleen and nervous system function as quantified by electrodermal screening.
Alternative Therapies 1997 July; Vol.3. No.4.
Available from: Hartwell Healing and Health 2850 228th S.E. #D, Issaquah, WA 98029
* Bullock, M.
Reiki: a complementary therapy for life.
Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 1997 Jan; 14(1): 31-33.
* Harris, Darryl James R.N., Dip.App.Sc.(Nursing) (UWSN)., B.H.Sc.(Nursing) (UWSN).,MCN(NSW)., MRCNA.
The Mystery and Meaning of Reiki.
This study contibutes to nursing knowledge and practice by expanding and supporting previous research on Reiki. It describes the essence of Reiki, thus enabling nurses, and other health care professionals, to better understand this healing art. Implications for nursing education, research, and practice are discussed.
A thesis submitted to the University of Western Sydney Nepean (School of Health & Nursing) in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing) (Honours), ã 1998. For an overview of this paper read "The Nature of the Reiki Experience" and to contact Darryl email him at: stargazer17@hotmail.com. Visit Darryl's webpage at: http://sites.netscape.net/strgzrdjh/homepage.html
* Kelner, M. et al
Health care and consumer choice: medical and alternative therapies.
Soc Sci Med. 1997 Jul; 45(2): 203-212.
* Kelner, M. et al.
Who seeks alternative health care? A profile of the users of five modes of treatment.
J Altern Complement Med. 1997; 3(2): 127-140.
* Milton, G., & Chapman, E.
The benefits of Reiki treatment in drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs.
Pathways to healing: Enhancing Life Through Complimentary Therapies, Conference Proceedings 1995 September; 24-25.
Canberra: Royal College of Nursing Australia.
* Neklason, Zale T.
The effects of Reiki treatment on telepathy and personality traits.
Thesis (M.S. in Counseling) 80 pages --Calif. State University, Hayward,1987.
* Olson, K., Hanson, J.
Reiki to manage pain: a preliminary report.
Cancer Prevention & Control 1997; I(2) Canadian publication
* Robertson, A.L.
Pronounced effects of proper Reiki attunement.
American Reiki Master Association Newsletter; I(5),6.
* Rosentiel, L.
Hypnosis and Reiki
Journal of Hypnotism 1991 Dec.; 8-10
* Schlitz, M., Braud, W.
Reiki-Plus natural healing: an ethnographic/experimental study.
PSI Research 1985 Sept./Dec.; 4(3-4) 100-123.
Available from Mind Science Foundation, 8301 Broadway, #100, San Antonio, TX 78209
* Tattam, A.
Reiki--healing and dealing.
Aust Nurs J. 1994 Aug; 2(2): 3.
* Thorton, L.
A study of Reiki, An energy field treatment, using Rogers' Science.
1996 Winter; Vol. VIII, No. 3.
Available from: Lucia Thorton, 12592 Valley Vista Lane, Fresno, CA 93720
Email: lucia_marie_thornton@CSU.fresno.edu
* Thorton, L.
A study of Reiki using Rogers' Science, Part II
1996 Spring; Vol. VIII, No. 4.
Available from: Lucia Thorton, 12592 Valley Vista Lane, Fresno, CA 93720
Email: lucia_marie_thornton@CSU.fresno.edu
* van Sell, SL.
Reiki: an ancient touch therapy.
RN. 1996 Feb; 59(2): 57-59.
* Wetzel, W.
Reiki Healing: a physiologic perspective.
Journal of Holistic Nursing 1989; Vol.7, No. 1 47-54.
Available from Wendy Wetzel, 452 Dahlia Street, Fairfield, CA 94533
* Wirth, D.P. et al.
Wound healing and complementary therapies: a review.
J Altern Complement Med. 1996; 2(4): 493-502.
* Wirth, D.P. et al.
Complementary healing therapies.
Int J Psychosom. 1994; 41(1-4): 61-67.
* Wirth, D.P., Chang, R.J., Paxton E. And J.B.
Haematological indicators of complementary healing intervention
Complementary Therapies in Medicine 1996; 4, 14-20.
* Wirth, D.P., Brenlan, D.R., Levine, R.J., Rodriguez, C.M.
The effect of complementary healing therapy on postoperative pain after surgical removal of impacted third molar teeth.
Complementary Therapies in Medicine 1993; 1, 133-138.


Research Papers on Subjects Related to Reiki

Thanks to Ed Miller and William Rand for most of these papers.

* Grad, B.
A telekinetic effect on plant growth I.
(The Grad studies were conducted using a talented non-Reiki healer who employed
'laying on' hands
International Journal of Parapsychology 1963, 5(2), 117-134
* Grad, B.
A telekinetic effect on plant growth II.
Experiments Involving Treatment of Saline in Stoppered Bottles
International Journal of Parapsychology 1964(a), 6, 473-498
* Grad, Bernard
A telekinetic effect on plant growth III.
Stimulating and inhibiting effects.
Research Brief Presented to the Seventh Annual Convention of the Parapsychological Association, Oxford University, Oxford, England Sep. 1964(b)
* Grad, Bernard R.
Some biological effects of laying-on of hands: a review of experiments with
animals and plants.
Journal of the American Society for Psychical Research 1965(a), 59, 95-127
(Also reproduced In: Schmeidler, Gertrude (Ed.) Parapsychology: Its Relation to Physics, Biology, Psychology and Psychiatry, Metuchen, NJ: Scarecrow 1976).
* Grad, Bernard
PK effects of fermentation of yeast
Proceedings of the Parapsychological Association 1965(b), 2, 15-16
* Grad, Bernard
The 'laying on of hands:' implications for psychotherapy, gentling and the placebo effect
Journal of the Society for Psychical Research 1967, 61(4), 286-305
(Also Reviewed In: Schmeidler, Gertrude (Ed.)Parapsychology: Its Relation to Physics, Biology, Psychology and Psychiatry, Metuchen, NJ: Scarecrow 1976).
* Grad, B., Cadoret, R. J. and Paul, G. I.
The Influence of an Unorthodox, Method of Treatment on Wound Healing in Mice
International Journal of Parapsyhology 1961, 3, 5-24
* Krieger, K.
Healing By The "Laying-On" of Hands as a Facilitator of Bioenergetic Change: The Response of In-Vivo Human Hemoglobin
(This study uses Therapeutic Touch)
Psychoenergetic Systems, 1976, Vol. 1, P. 121-129
* Miller, Robert N.
The positive effect of prayer on plants
Psychic, 1972, 3(5),24-25
* Miller, Robert
Methods of detecting and measuring healing energies.
White, John and Krippner, Stanley, Future Science; Garden City, NY; Anchor/Doubleday, 1977
* Miller, Robert N.
Study of remote mental healing.
Medical Hypotheses, 1982, 8, 481-490
(Also reviewed briefly in: Maddock, Peter, International Parascience Institute: Toronto and London Conferences, 1981, Parapsychology Review 1982, 13(4), 7)
* Quinn, Janet F.
One nurse's evolution as a healer.
American Journal of Nursing, (Apr) 1979, 662-665
* Quinn, Janet F.
An Investigation of the Effect of Therapeutic Touch Without Physical Contact on State Anxiety of Hospitalized Cardiovascular Patients
Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, New York University 1982
* Quinn, Janet F.
Building a body of knowledge: research on Therapeutic Touch 1974-1986
Journal of Holistic Nursing 1988, 6(1), 37-45
* Quinn, Janet F.
Therapeutic Touch as energy exchange: Replication and extansion.
Nursing Science Quarterly, 1989(a), 2(2), 79-87
* Quinn, Janet F.
Future directions for Therapeutic Touch research.
Journal of Holistic Nursing 1989(b), 7(1), 19-25

quote:

Theory and Research

Martha Rogers, Margaret Newman, R. Parse, and Jean Watson have presented holistic nursing theories.
The practice of Reiki easily fits into the paradigm of holistic nursing theory.
Roger’s theory defines human beings as unitary wholes and as energetic beings within universal energy fields.
Roger’s theory espouses the interconnection of humans to the larger universe through energy fields.
Margaret Newman’s theory of expanding consciousness speaks to the unity of life, human energy fields, and the pattern and organization that is evolutionary in human beings and nature.
Parse also developed her own language with the concepts of coexistence, cocreation, and pattern and organization.
Coexistence is the assumption that human beings exist with others and the environment and Cocreation is the creative process with self, others, and the universe. Human beings interact with the environment through energy exchange in a recognizable pattern and organization. Watson’s theory is a theory of human caring that assumes nursing is a human science and that caring is the moral idea of nursing. Nurses engage clients as caring occasions in the human energy field in a lived moment when both are touched and changed (Barnum, 1998; Chinn & Kramer, 1995; Watson, 1988).

In 1992 the National Institute of Health (NIH) created the Office of Alternative Medicine (OAM) to evaluate alternative therapies. In 1998 the OAM became the freestanding center, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). This transition occurred because the federal government recognized that citizens of the United States (US) were using complementary and alternative methods.

It is estimated that 40 percent of US adults use some form of complementary and alternative therapies and between 1991 and 1997 the total number of visits to complementary and alternative practitioners increased nearly 50 percent, from 425 million visits to 629 million visits, exceeding the total number of visits to primary care physicians in the US. Estimates of out-of-pocket expenditures for complementary and alternative care ranges from 27-34 billion dollars (Dossey, Keegan, Guzzetta, 2000).

According to Sparber (2001) 53 state and territorial boards of nursing in the United States are concerned about the use of complementary and alternative nursing interventions but the present status of addressing the regulation issue of complementary and alternative practices within nursing are as follows: Results of the survey showed that N=25 state boards of nursing or 47% permit practice, N=7 or 13% are under discussion, and N=21 or 40% have no formal position. Sparber (2001) goes beyond the data and charges nursing: The nursing profession cannot afford to fall behind in an increasingly popular area of health care that is so reflective of the basic values of nursing care. Currently, there is national recognition of nurses’ leadership, and their ability to act as gatekeepers for consumers. It is essential that nurses use this front line position to enhance the safe and effective use of complementary therapies (p. 8).

Quantum physics has discovered what ancient people have always known, our bodies are interacting fields of energy. This concept is new to the Western world, but the concepts are deeply rooted in the Eastern cultures, such as India, China, Japan, and Egypt. Within these cultures it is accepted that the body is made up of dynamic energy systems, invisible energy fields that interact within the individual, between individuals, and within the environment. The chakra-nadi originated in India and acupuncture meridian models originated in China are ancient models that describe the flow of universal energy within the body. The charkas are energy vortices that transmute universal energy throughout the human body for proper functioning of the mind and body. There are major chakras in the body, aligned along the spine from the head to the tailbone. Energetic threads or nadis connect the charkas to each other and the rest of the physical body. The chakra system corresponds to the endocrine glands and the six nerve plexuses that maintain chemical homeostasis, balances the body’s physical energy, and stabilizes mental and emotional functioning. Meridians are conduit systems through which the chi or life force flows throughout the body to the nerves, blood vessels, and organs. The universal energy flows through the subtle layers surrounding the dense physical body and enters into the physical body via the chakra, nadi, and meridian systems and outward to the cells, tissues and organs.

The energy fields are interpenetrating systems and specific energy patterns can be expressed as imbalance or disease in the human energy field. Reiki can be used to intervene. Barnett & Chambers (1996) reiterate: The Reiki practitioner conducts vital energy from the universal energy field into the human energy field, where the energy is transmuted into a form that is usable at the cellular level. The vital energy recharges, realigns, and rebalances the subtle bodies, bringing harmony and wholeness to all the recipient’s systems (p. 22). The Reiki process highlights the truth about healing: that the power and the responsibility for healing lie within the individual. The Reiki practitioner brings intention and commitment to the process, acting as compassionate conduit for the universal life force, but the practitioner does not do the healing for the client. The healing happens as a result of the relationship between the receiver’s energy field and the universal energy field, mediated through the cellular consciousness of the receiver.
Reiki empowers the receiver to do the healing that needs to be done on all levels of being (p. 25). Bullock (1997) concludes with anecdotal comments from her work using Reiki with hospice patients: Reiki has been associated with dramatic results for many patients. The importance of the patient’s intent during Reiki treatments cannot be overemphasized. Some general trends seen with Reiki include: Periods of stabilization in which there is time to enjoy the last days of one’s life; a peaceful
and calm passing if death is imminent; and relief from pain, anxiety, dyspnea and edema. Reiki is a valuable complement in supporting patients in their end-of-life journey, enhancing the quality of their remaining days (p.33).

Olson (1997) performed a pilot study involving 20 volunteers experiencing pain. Using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and a Likert scale, pain was measured immediately before and after the Reiki treatment. Both instruments showed a highly significant reduction in pain following the Reiki treatment.

Alandydy & Alandydy (1999) report anecdotal findings from using Reiki as a 15-minute treatment to calm and center patients before and after surgery. 872 patients chose the Reiki treatment at the Portsmouth Regional Hospital in New England. The assistant director of surgical services is a Reiki Master and he proposed Reiki treatments for surgical patients and the chief executive officer approved the proposal. Reiki practice guidelines and staff competencies were developed. Studies are underway to document the noted decrease in use of pain medicine, shorter length of stay, and increased patient satisfaction for patients using Reiki.

Two studies have drawn inconclusive results with Reiki treatments.
Wirth et al (1996) examined wound healing and five complementary therapies, including Reiki. The overall results were inconclusive in establishing the efficacy for accelerating the rate of re-epithelialization of full thickness dermal wounds.

Thorton (1996) studied the effects of Reiki on anxiety, sense of personal power, and sense of well being in female nursing students (n=22) who received a Reiki treatment from a trained Reiki practitioner. The control group (n=20) received a mimicked Reiki treatment. The hypotheses predicting the post treatment Reiki subjects would report significantly lower anxiety, significantly greater sense of personal power, and significantly greater sense of well-being were not
supported. Although following treatments, anxiety was significantly lower for both the experimental and control group.

Nield-Anderson & Ameling (2000) and Brennan (2001) report that Reiki has been used by individuals who are white, high functioning, well educated and financially capable and who seek out private, independent Reiki practitioners. Consistent reports of reduction of pain, stress reduction, and healing on a physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual levels, reduction of nausea and emotional distress in hospice patients, and improved communication between recipients and caregivers. Obviously more research is needed to validate Reiki practice in the scientific community but for the patients who seek out Reiki practice, anecdotal evidence seems to be enough to convince them to return time and again. Reiki along with other healing arts is gaining credibility in the eyes of the healthcare consumer because in many cases technology has replaced the simple act of touch: The touch and the caring concern that is missing from our present healthcare system. These elements of touch and caring concern are so sorely missed that healthcare consumers are willing to pay out-of-pocket for these amenities and through the expenditure of the healthcare consumer at the tune of $37 billion dollars the rest of the world including the scientific community, the medical community, and the federal government cannot help but stand up and take notice.

Reiki Case Studies

The following two Reiki case studies are resent examples of the effectiveness of Reiki therapy. AH is a 60 year-old white male. He is a healthy and active person. Recently he fractured his left ankle and had surgical repair of the ankle. I met AH and his ankle was not healing well and his orthopedist suggested another surgery for electrical bone-stimulation therapy. After three Reiki sessions (60 minute sessions while sitting) he visited his orthopedist and following x-rays of the ankle AH needed no further follow-up or surgery. She was anxious to know what had brought about such a dramatic change in such a short period and AH told her about the Reiki treatments. The orthopedist knew about Reiki and recommended continuing the therapy and discharged AH from her care.

The second case study is with my mother FR who is a 65 year-old white female who was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. She was skeptical of Reiki although she has always been a believer in hands-on healing methods performed in her church. As she became more immobile and stiff, she asked me to perform a Reiki treatment to see if it would help. As I worked on FR her body felt like a stone. After one treatment she was able to move easier and was less stiff. I work on her one time per week (60 minute session while lying on a massage table) and Reiki has made a dramatic change in her condition. The most startling and surprising change has occurred in my relationship with her, deepening and healing lifetime challenges that existed between us. I am truly grateful to be a part of my mother’s healing and the healing of our relationship. FR also continues to take her medication, sinemet, for the Parkinson’s disease.

quote:

Op donderdag 11 mei 2006 13:31 schreef Doffy het volgende:
En waar blijft nu de wetenschappelijke component? Gaat dat niet verder dan 'het komt eraan, maar eigenlijk weten we niks'? Vanwaar dan dit topic, dat pretendeert een WFL-topic te zijn? Zolang we niet verder komen dan 'maar het werkt voor sommige mensen', dan is dit inderdaad meer een TRU-topic.

Ik stel dan ook voor dat dit topic alsnog, zeer snel, wordt verbouwd tot een serieus wetenschappelijk topic, óf we wijzigen de TT en schoppen het naar TRU. Idee, TS?

quote:

Op donderdag 11 mei 2006 16:18 schreef JeRa het volgende:

[..]

Ofwel begrijp jij ook niets van de wetenschap, ofwel vind je dat het zien of horen dat mensen genezen door middel van Reiki niet behoren tot de zintuigelijke capaciteiten?
[..]

Er zit meer achter dan alleen "zien" dat iets werkt. Een hoop methodes werken voor een hoop mensen zonder dat ze weten hoe dit komt, maar Sylvia Millecam is een typisch voorbeeld waarbij zoiets fout kan gaan - en zij was een bekende Nederlander, kun je nagaan van hoeveel mensen je niets hoort.

In Amerika hoef je zoiets in ieder geval niet te proberen. Een ziekenhuis ziet liever geen rechtzaak tegen zich lopen omdat ze in plaats van bewezen methodes een empirisch 'succesvolle' methode hebben gebruikt.

quote:

Op donderdag 11 mei 2006 18:19 schreef JeRa het volgende:

[..]

Dat klopt niet helemaal, zelfs al heb je een hele reeks mensen in exact dezelfde medische situatie en Reiki blijkt te werken, dan is het nog geen bewijs dan heb je alleen een experiment uitgevoerd, maar een experiment voer je meestal uit als je een hypothese hebt. Het is dus van belang dat er een wetenschappelijke hypothese wordt opgesteld, en dat er een hoop experimenten worden uitgevoerd waarmee je elementen uit je hypothese danwel kunt bewijzen of kunt ontkrachten. Als alles klopt met je hypothese, dan kun je dat geheel een bewijs noemen.

Maar het moeilijke aan een onderzoek naar Reiki is dus het opstellen van zo'n hypothese daarvoor moet je imho naar niets luisteren van de meer 'zweverige' kant (zie veel sites die over Reiki gaan) en het fenomeen op zichzelf bekijken.

quote:

Op donderdag 11 mei 2006 18:23 schreef Invictus_ het volgende:

[..]

Het volgende:
[..]

Inderdaad, misschien de eerste opdeling in drieën; A: reiki-congres, B: skepsis-congres, C: blanco.
[..]

Gezien de beweringen die gedaan worden vanuit de reiki-beweging zou het niet moeten uitmaken welke ziekte en in welk stadium. Hoe breder de variateit, hoe specifieker het op reiki gericht kan worden.
[..]

Volgens al jouw quotes zijn die er zat, ik snap nog steeds niet waarom ze zo'n simpel onderzoek niet doen. Als het teweeg kan brengen wat jij en anderen beweren zou een echt grootschalig onderzoek makkelijk te regelen zijn; en als de uitslag positief is (voor reiki) kan het meteen overal geimplementeerd worden. Daarom vraag ik nogsteeds; als het zo'n succes is, waarom krijgen ze het maar niet voorelkaar om gedegen onderzoek te doen?

quote:

Op donderdag 11 mei 2006 21:08 schreef JeRa het volgende:

[..]

Prima experiment hoor, maar met zo'n hypothese bewijs je alleen dat er een (in)directe relatie is tussen Reiki en de resultaten bij de proefpersonen. Ik weet dat jij altijd wil weten hóe iets werkt of in elkaar steekt, nou, dat is ook wat je bij zo'n onderzoek moet bedenken. Er zijn duizenden dergelijke onderzoeksresultaten terug te vinden die erg twijfelachtig of incompleet zijn (kijk bijvoorbeeld naar de onderzoeken naar invloed van bepaalde softdrugs op het lichaam) waardoor ze gewoon nog niet geaccepteerd worden.

Kortom, het is dus niet alleen van belang om te zeggen dat een actie A het resultaat C oplevert, maar ook hoe proces B verloopt. Als zoiets goed en grondig kan worden onderzocht kan ik je garanderen dat Reiki binnen no-time wordt geaccepteerd in de huidige medische wereld