"How do I know that Reiki and other energy work is doing anything?" 
Even after hours of training, observation, working with individuals who benefit (as well as my own healing), I'm asking that question! "As I look up studies, read opinions about it being "inconclusive" or even "quackery", my mind begins to go down the dark path of doubt... Am I making this up? Can I authentically claim that it remedies particular conditions, that it's balancing energy or unblocking pathways in the body, that sitting there with my hands on a person is helping to heal?"
     There I am, on the razor's edge-ouch! A Registered Nurse with conventional training and a strong interest in the scientific process, AND a practitioner and teacher of philosophies and "methods" that claim to improve one's health, for which there is little conventional means of measurement. i.e., Reiki and JSJ, yoga, meditation, guided imagery. Sometimes being on the edge of new ways of thinking and being is darned uncomfortable, but when I remind myself that having a worldview, much less the movement towards integrative health, is new and that evolution is often s-l-o-w enough to not be obvious to the naked eye, my confidence returns. Just because a "quackwatch" conservative or the mainstream doesn't agree or believe doesn't mean it is not truth. So, I turn to my self-care practice today, and check in with my own experience, which is ALWAYS valid. And what I find to be true is that practicing Reiki feels really good. And, when I practice it on myself, on a daily basis, my acceptance of life as it is is strong,  I resonate with a deep joy and optimism that we are on our way to higher levels of consciousness, compassion, and healthier ways of living. I notice the gentle hum of pleasant energy in my body, my mind relaxes, and I'm better at practicing loving kindness towards myself and others for the rest of the day. Now THAT's healing!


     One of my core beliefs is that it's essential to have the full spectrum of healing available, conventional and CAM, invasive and non-invasive, and that we must integrate all as part of standard health care. Without accepting all levels of healing, we'll continue to slide down the slippery slope of ill-health that we are witness to now, such as the alarming rise in diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity, depression, and chronic pain syndromes, as well as  violence to ourselves (critical thoughts or debasing comments about our own body for example) and others (just look at the daily news).
     It's important to transcend our doubts and cynicism when something is beyond our comprehension, and be open to things we don't understand, but which intuitively seem beneficial. How would electricity have been discovered, or laser technology, or the benefits of handwashing to prevent the transmission of germs (Semmelwise observed lower death rates from infection in patients of midwives, who washed, vs. physicians, who did not)? These are all things not visible to the naked eye and beyond comprehension at the time... Even with research studies, we are after all talking about the statistical odds, and the outcome may depend on whether we are asking the right questions in the first place. In the midst of this line of thinking, I also realize that sometimes the information we have at hand, the ability to know which questions to ask, or the means to measure something like subtle healing energy is limited, and it comes down to plain old belief, observation and experience until we develop those means.
     I had a confirming 'lightbulb moment' while listening to an NPR interview with  Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse, writers of the TV show "Lost", in which they said that the writers look at each other all the time and say "This is the most ridiculous show in the history of television shows, what the h*** do we think we are doing?" Same sort of question as when my cynical mind creeps in and says, "Energywork? Healing through my hands? What is it exactly that I'm doing?" They go on to say, " In our writing we have to be so committed to this not being ridiculous, " and when everyone continues no matter how ridiculous it seems, it all works. It's a very successful show, and the take away message for me is to continue the study of and application of mind-body and energy medicine and my belief that we do have an innate capacity for healing, and trust my intuitive wisdom, which tells me that when people slow down and intentionally experience subtle energy in and around their body, no matter how riduciulous it seems from a science or rational point of view, it is healing. (discussion of healing vs. curing for future blog topic) And, at the end of a session that I've provided to clients, the joyful and relaxed look on their face, as well as their verbal feedback, tells me this is true for others as well.