The Truth about Reiki
Lighthouse Trails Research

In a recent article in Reiki News, it was revealed that 15 percent of all US hospitals are now implementing the practice of Reiki. Reiki, a type of therapeutic touch, it is believed that the ki [chi] energy (a supposed universal energy that flows through all things) can be used to heal people.

In the Reiki News article written by Reiki proponent William Lee Rand, Rand expresses a concern about a statement released by US Catholic bishops asking Catholic hospitals not to use Reiki because of its Buddhist roots. Rand tries to show that Reiki is a scientific method that has healing results.However, as Rand explains his views on Reiki, the discerning reader begins to realize that Reiki is not scientific at all but rather a spiritual approach.

Rand admits "Reiki healing energy directs itself." He says:

"I was unable to direct it with my mind or will and realized this wasn't necessary as Reiki had its own form of guidance that was superior to my own. This experience has been verified by other professional Reiki practitioners and forms the basis of one of the important keys to using Reiki: If you want Reiki to provide the best healing experience, it's necessary for the practitioner to set their own desire, will and ego aside, and allow the Reiki energy to guide itself."
Author Ray Yungen explains: “there are now over one million Reiki channelers in the US, as well as in Germany.

One practitioner describes the experience in the following way”:

‘When doing it, I become a channel through which this force, this juice of the universe, comes pouring from my palms into the body of the person I am touching, sometimes lightly, almost imperceptibly, sometimes in famished sucking drafts. I get it even as I am giving it. It surrounds the two of us, patient and practitioner.’

What is "this force"- this "juice of the universe" this "it"?

The answer is an important one, given by a renowned Reiki master [Rand] who explains:

A Reiki attunement is an initiation into a sacred metaphysical order that has been present on earth for thousands of years ... By becoming part of this group; you will also be receiving help from the Reiki guides and other spiritual beings who are also working toward these goals."

While this is not widely advertised, Reiki practitioners depend on this "spirit guide" connection as an integral aspect of Reiki. In fact, it is the very foundation and energy behind Reiki.

One Reiki master who has enrolled hundreds of other masters spoke of her interaction with the spirit guides:

"For me, the Reiki guides make themselves the most felt while attunements are being passed. They stand behind me and direct the whole process, and I assume they also do this for every Reiki Master. When I pass attunements, I feel their presence strongly and constantly. Sometimes I can see them."

A Christian's initial response to this information might be, "So what? I don't travel in those circles, so it does not concern me." This nonchalant viewpoint would be valid except for the fact that Reiki is currently growing to enormous proportions and in some very influential circles. (It may even be in your local hospitals, schools, and youth organizations.) It is essential to know that many nurses, counselors, and especially massage therapists use Reiki as a supplement to their work. It is often promoted as a complementary service.

In Rand's article, he talks about a doctor who has been largely responsible for the growing popularity of Reiki. Dr. Mehmet Oz is "one of the most respected cardiovascular surgeons in the US" who "uses Reiki during open-heart surgeries and heart transplants." According to Dr. Oz, "Reiki has become a sought-after healing art among patients and mainstream medical professionals." Dr. Oz is a frequent guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show. No doubt, she has been an evangelist for Dr. Oz and Reiki treatments.

Explaining the rapid growth in popularity and level of acceptance of Reiki, Ray Yungen says:

"Most people, many Christians included, believe if something is spiritually positive then it is of God. A pastor friend of mine recounted a situation in which a Christian, who had some physical problems, turned to Reiki for comfort. When this pastor advised the man that Reiki fundamentally opposed the Christian faith he became furious and responded with the following defense, 'How can you say this is bad when it helped me?' [However], if something is of God it will conform to the very cornerstone of God's plan to show His grace through Christ Jesus and Him alone (Ephesians 2:7).

Reiki, as defined earlier, is based on the occult view of God. This assessment of Reiki is beyond question. Every Reiki book is chock full of pronouncements that back up this point.

In The Everything Reiki Book, the following clears up any doubt about Reiki's incompatibility with Christianity:

"During the Reiki attunement process, the avenue that is opened within the body to allow Reiki to flow through also opens up the psychic communication centers. This is why many Reiki practitioners report having verbalized channeled communications with the spirit world.”

We are living in a society that has integrated occult mysticism into every facet of life. The Bible gives a prophetic statement about such practices (of which includes contemplative spirituality)- which should not be ignored or taken lightly.

"And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived." Revelation 18:22-24