Top 3 Absurd Reiki Myths Effectively Debunked
By: Megan Miller
Reiki | Energy Healing | Distance Healing
It wasn’t long after I started practicing Reiki that I noticed a staggering amount of misinformation and bias circulating social media (shocking, right? who knew the internet isn’t all true?! ) The most prevalent questions asked by clients also seemed to trend in similar patterns. So, in effort to de-mystify Reiki and its amazing benefits, let’s jump in and review some of the top misconceptions.
Myth #1: Reiki is magic
Fact: Although results of sessions are often described as magical, Reiki is the focused, intentional use of natural energy all around us for the highest good of all. Reiki does not claim any supernatural powers or interfere with anyone’s free will, is not tied to any specific religious doctrine and can be practiced by people of all faiths or beliefs.
This myth often shows up in my social media feeds (follow here!) as comments condemning energy work as demonic or evil, which saddens me because Reiki is based on pure divine light and love. Reiki only works for the highest good of the collective; and, because all living things are connected, raising the vibration of one adds to the overall good of the universe. Much like many advancements throughout human history, that which isn’t easily understood or explained first may be shunned as evil or supernatural. Continued research along with educational outreach will help bring wider acceptance to energy work as a healing modality.
Myth #2: Reiki can only be done in person
Fact: Recent developments in quantum physics are deducing what Reiki practitioners have long known: our traditional view of time and space is likely flawed. Specifically, experiments in particle entanglement repeatedly affirm particles retain the ability to connect and impact each other even when separated by large distances. Similarly, Reiki can be sent to and received from long distances, making it accessible to anyone, anywhere and anytime in the world.
Society has already accepted transmission of energy invisible to the human eye as possible. We use it everyday to listen to the radio, heat up our food, examine the insides of our bodies, and bring us online to read this very article. The Universal Life Force Energy at the cornerstone of Reiki healing is similarly transmitted. Reiki practitioners are not born with special powers, we are merely conduits of that energy, like rabbit ears replacing static with clear picture (yes, I aged myself with that reference I know! )
Myth #3: Reiki is placebo.
Fact: Reiki has been shown in controlled scientific studies to have measurable effects on the body and mind of humans and animals. A 2017 study published in the National Institute of Health concluded Reiki was more effective than placebo in reducing pain, anxiety, depression, and for improving self-esteem.
Ahh the placebo effect. Defined as a notable improvement in ones condition when provided inactive form of a medication, it has been long held as proof that a treatment was not effective. Because clearly a treatment doesn’t work if improvements were found in people swallowing a sugar pill, right? However, in July 2024, a Harvard newsletter article relayed medical experts are now moving towards an alternative conclusion that placebo improvement is not proof that a treatment doesn’t work, but rather that another, non-pharmacological mechanism may be present.
Our bodies’ ability to heal itself is so underestimated. Being open to treatments, whether it be medicinal or through energy healing like Reiki (or both!), is often all it takes to trigger our self-healing system.
In short, our human minds may not be able to understand Reiki yet, but our human spirits can certainly feel it!
Set up a Reiki session with Megan today and feel the benefits for yourself!
