By Akleema Ali, Board Member of CRR, an RCCM Corporate Member
In the evolving landscape of integrative healthcare, the Center for Reiki Research (CRR) stands as a beacon of scientific inquiry and validation for Reiki biofield therapy. Established to foster the acceptance of Reiki as a credible and effective integrative healthcare practice, the US-based CRR is dedicated to rigorous scientific research and education, ensuring that both the public and scientific communities are well-informed about the benefits and mechanisms of Reiki.
MISSION AND PURPOSE
The organization’s mission is to validate and promote the acceptance of Reiki biofield therapy through comprehensive scientific research. This mission is achieved by conducting, reviewing, archiving, and promoting studies that explore the effects and mechanisms of Reiki. The CRR aims to integrate Reiki into mainstream healthcare, enhancing holistic treatment options for patients.
ONGOING SERVICES AND EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH
The CRR offers a range of services to advance its mission:
Public and Scientific Education: Educating public and scientific communities on the current state of Reiki research through seminars and programs designed to introduce Reiki into medical settings.
Research Review and Cataloging: Meticulously reviewing, critiquing, summarizing, and cataloging all peer-reviewed research on Reiki, ensuring that only high-quality,
scientifically valid studies are considered.
Thought Leadership: Serving as a key opinion leader in Reiki research, providing guidelines and consultation services to other researchers and clinicians.
Rigorous Clinical Research: Conducting and publishing rigorous clinical research on Reiki in peer-reviewed journals, advocating for scientific rigor in all endeavors.
MILESTONES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Since its inception, the CRR has achieved several significant milestones:
Non-Profit Status: In 2019, the CRR was established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, marking a pivotal step in its mission to advance Reiki research.
The Touchstone Process: A cornerstone of the CRR’s research methodology, the Touchstone Process, is a robust peer review system for evaluating scientific studies. This process ensures that all reviewed studies meet stringent scientific standards, providing reliable summaries accessible through CRR memberships. Summaries are
currently available for 130 Reiki research studies.
Reiki in Hospitals: The CRR has developed workshops and presentations to introduce Reiki programs in hospitals, educating staff about the benefits and implementation of Reiki, supported by research showcasing its therapeutic value.
Global Research Partnerships: Partnering with organizations like Reiki Medic-Carein the UK, the CRR supports the well-being of medical professionals by providing free Reiki treatments from certified practitioners.
Webinar Series and International Conference: The CRR’s quarterly webinar series and the annual International Reiki Research Conference (IRRC) offer platforms for discussing the latest in Reiki research, fostering a global community of researchers and practitioners. The virtual IRRC is the only conference focused solely on Reiki research, featuring keynote speakers, research presentations, and panel discussions on topics like Reiki in hospitals, Reiki and mental health, and Reiki for cancer patients.
THE TOUCHSTONE PROCESS: A GOLD STANDARD IN REIKI RESEARCH
Originating from an effort to determine the current state of Reiki research, spearheaded by William Rand, founder and president of the International Center for Reiki Training and the Center for Reiki Research, the Touchstone Process is a hallmark of the CRR’s commitment to scientific excellence. This rigorous method involves a comprehensive peer review of all published, peer-reviewed Reiki studies in English, including multiple specialized teams and steps to ensure the highest quality and reliability of the reviewed research:
Article Retrieval Team:
Task: Search for and gather relevant studies using databases such as PubMed, the National Library of Medicine at NIH, and the Cochrane Collection. Criteria: Only studies published in peer-reviewed journals are considered, ensuring they have already undergone a level of professional scrutiny.
Article Review Team:
Task: Develop and use special forms to gather consistent metrics from each study. Both qualitative and quantitative studies are evaluated.
Review Process: Each study is reviewed by two team members independently. In cases of significant discrepancies, a third review is conducted to ensure impartiality
and accuracy.
Summarization Team:
Task: Translate the expert reviews into clear, concise summaries that convey the essential information of each article.
Consistency: Use a standardized summary form to maintain uniformity in language and content across all summaries.
CONCLUSION
The Center for Reiki Research exemplifies the integration of Reiki with scientific validation and paves the way for Reiki to be recognized as a legitimate and valuable component of integrative healthcare. The CRR remains dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding and acceptance of Reiki, benefiting both practitioners and patients alike.
Website: https://centerforreikiresearch.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-center-for-reiki-research
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centerforreikiresearch
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centerforreikiresearch/