Should Reiki Really Be Considered A Massage Therapy
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Health Fitness -> subcategory Alternative Medicine.
Should Reiki Be Considered Massage Therapy?
Summary
Reiki is often taught in massage schools, but its classification as a form of massage is debated. Is it truly a type of massage, mystical healing, or just New Age hocus pocus?Exploring the Distinctions
When I think of a massage, I envision a therapist using hands, fingers, and maybe elbows to relieve stress and tension. I remember vividly a visit to a physical therapist for a pinched nerve causing neck and arm pain. The therapist skillfully used her elbow to alleviate discomfort, providing immediate relief. That, to me, is the essence of massage.
Recently, I came across Reiki while researching massage therapies. Surprisingly, many massage schools offer it as a therapeutic option, leading me to question its classification alongside traditional massage therapies.
Massage vs. Reiki
Massage is typically defined as the manipulation of soft tissues for therapeutic, healing, or relaxation purposes. Manipulation is key here. In contrast, Reiki takes a different approach. Similar to Shiatsu, it aims to balance "ki" or life force energy based on ancient Oriental philosophies. When this energy is out of balance, individuals may suffer physically or emotionally. Reiki practitioners channel energy to correct these imbalances, but often without actual touch, which conflicts with the traditional massage definition.
The Origins of Reiki
Reiki's modern form was developed by Dr. Mikao Usui in Japan, inspired by a quest to understand Jesus's healing methods. After extensive study and a revelatory experience following a 21-day fast, he initiated a healing ministry and taught others, leading to the spread of Reiki practices.
Reiki involves transferring energy from practitioner to patient, empowering the patient to take an active role in their healing. This aligns and balances energy to restore harmony in the body.
Spirituality and Skepticism
Although not a religion, Reiki involves spirituality, acknowledging a Universal Life Force as the source of energy. Its methods resemble the "laying on of hands" seen in various religious healing practices, which differs from manipulating soft tissue in massage.
Massage therapy has worked to gain legitimacy in the medical field. It's accepted under physical therapy for restoring muscular function. However, its reputation is mixed, seen as a blend of mainstream and alternative medicine, holistic health, New Age ideas, and sometimes even skepticism. The inclusion of non-manipulative practices under massage causes confusion.
The Debate on Reiki
Some scientists view Reiki as a placebo, where patients feel better because they expect to. The principle of energy exchange, often monetary, is central to Reiki, raising questions about practitioner motivations.
In some states, Reiki practitioners must be licensed as massage therapists, a categorization many dispute due to the fundamental differences between Reiki and massage.
Reiki's classification is complex. While many massage schools teach it, practitioners often don't consider it a type of massage. Whether Reiki is an effective healing method is still debatable. However, I find it challenging to categorize Reiki as massage without altering the definition of massage itself.
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