Reiki is a healing technique, using gentle touch with the hands placed on or slightly away from the body to optimize physical, mental and emotional health. It is based on the assumption that the flow of energy through the body can be supported and adjusted to promote wellness. Reiki in Clinical Practice is aimed at two main groups: 'medical' practitioners and those with a 'medical' background such as nurses, osteopaths, physical therapists, who may be familiar with Reiki but lack an evidence-based guide on conditions for which Reiki is most effective and who want the 'ammunition' to justify its use in their practice; those unfamiliar with Reiki but who are interested in finding how it can benefit their patients. The book provides an accurate description of Reiki, based on qualitative and quantitative scientific evidence, in terms of how it can be used in medical settings to benefit patients of all types, physiologically and psychologically. It achieves this by following the journey of the author (a scientist), starting from her unsolicited encounter with Reiki and personal observations to her continuing testing of its validity and her quest to determine its effectiveness through robust, scientific investigation. The author distils the essence of the currently peer-reviewed published research to produce a clear outline of the effectiveness of Reiki in alleviating disease and imbalance in various body systems. She will provide a summary of the effectiveness of Reiki (based on a review of surveys of its use) in various circumstances and locations. She presents possible mechanisms by which Reiki may exert its effects. Unlike most books about Reiki, the book is written in a scientific style with which medical practitioners are familiar (clear, precise, logical and concise), so they will be more likely to read it, judge the evidence for themselves, and hopefully support, extend and develop Reiki treatment and training programs so that their patients will have more access to a non-invasive, inexpensive complementary therapy to assist in their healing.

In this unique issue, Dr. Stephen Krau, Consulting Editor, is serving as Guest Editor to present a topic not easily found in the nursing literature: complementary and alternative medicine. This issue serves as Part I and is devoted to therapies. Part II publishes in March 2021 and is devoted to herbal supplements and vitamins. This information is invaluable to nurses who care for patients taking complementary and alternative supplements and therapies, which often have an impact on care and healing. Specific articles are devoted to the following topics of Part I: Overview and History of Alternative and Complementary Interventions; Presence and Therapeutic Listening; Impact of Music Therapy on Mind-Body-Spirit; Impact of Music Therapy on Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Pilot Study; Guided Imagery; Meditation Journaling; Aroma Therapy; The Differences Between Healing and Therapeutic Touch; Therapeutic Effects of Reiki; Acupressure and Acupuncture; Therapeutic Effects of Tai Chi; and Exercise as a Therapeutic Intervention. Readers will come away with hard-to-find information on complementary and alternative therapies, which will have an impact on patient outcomes.

Now in its eighth edition, this highly acclaimed, newly revised and expanded text continues to deliver innovative practice guidelines for evidence-based complementary and alternative therapies that can easily be incorporated into curriculum and applied directly to practice. The book describes holistic treatments that are culturally appropriate for clients across the life span and NCLEX®-relevant content appropriate for preparation of advanced practice nurses. The eighth edition reflects an expanding interest in these therapies worldwide and features numerous sidebars by international contributors who provide a global perspective that builds readers’ understanding of the cultural derivations and uses of complementary therapies. The new edition also highlights digital and technical advances, provides key updates to foundations for practice, and describes cutting-edge research. Included is a description of the evolution and establishment of the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) and its current national agenda. Updated legal information regarding regulation and credentialing, enlarged safety and precaution content, and the inclusion of a broad range of therapies add to the utility of this new edition. The only book about complementary and alternative therapies written specifically for nurses that focuses on essential evidence for practice, the text uses a consistent format to present a definition and description of each therapy, a summary of how it evolved, and a rationale for its use. The scientific basis and research evidence for use of each therapy in a variety of specific patient populations is emphasized. Sidebars in each chapter describe the use of various therapies in different settings worldwide. All chapters provide practical guidelines for using the therapies to promote health and comfort while increasing patients’ well-being and satisfaction with care. New to the Eighth Edition: Updated research-based content, including new cutting-edge references Expanded content about technology and digital resources New Foreword and endorsements by prominent scholars Describes key steps in evolution of the NCCIH and its current national agenda Highlights indigenous culturally based therapies New chapter: “Systems of Care: Sowa Rigpa—The Tibetan Knowledge of Healing” New chapter: “Independent Personal Use of Complementary Therapies” New chapter: “Afterword: Creating a Preferred Future—Editors’ Reflections” Updated information on legal concerns, regulation, and credentialing Enlarged safety and precaution content Helpful tips for selecting practitioners Use of therapies for nurses’ and patients’ self-care Strategies for initiating institution-wide therapies and programs Key Features: Delivers comprehensive and current guidelines for therapy use Written by highly respected nurse experts Employs a consistent format for ease of use Describes instructional techniques and safety precautions for each therapy Provides a strong international focus

The authors discuss the religious spiritual healing practice Reiki, revealing components of it that help transform the message held by the alleged life-force called reiki energy into meaning expressed in efficacy for the recipient's body, mind and spirit. Components that are analyzed include but are not limited to, touch, symbols, initiation, and precepts. The practitioner's surrender to a combination of internal and external authority - with reiki energy being part of that - is a crux in Reiki practice and one means with which practitioners speak of beneficial effect. This work contributes to academic knowledge about how practicing a religious or spiritual practice may contribute to one's well-being and flourishing life. Moreover, it explores the question of the nature of Reiki in academic definitions of religion.

Complementary and alternative medicine encompasses a wide range of modalities, including acupuncture, herbs and supplements, naturopathy, and body and mind therapies. The use of these healing methods is increasing rapidly, and more and more patients are approaching primary care physicians with questions about them. The purpose of this issue is to help doctors understand the evidence supporting and refuting complementary and alternative medicine techniques so they can provide patients with answers. This is the first of a two-part series, and it focuses on the various modalities.

Designed for use in churches wishing to begin or revive a healing ministry, In His Name is a deliberately hands-on course. Although it is careful to build a proper foundation in terms of both theology and good practice, the emphasis is on equipping the participants to engage in an active ministry of healing. Fully illustrated and containing ice-breakers, practical exercises, group prayer times and many real life stories of healing, In His Name is deliberately written to be easy to use. First published in 2008 and now on its third printing, it has been widely used in local churches and is the recommended course in a number of Anglican dioceses. “Far and away the most balanced, informed, practical guide for church healing teams. The authors have seen much healing – physical, psychological and spiritual, and have the theological and biblical underpinning to ground it. The course is interactive, beautifully written and has been tested over ten years. Simply invaluable” – Canon Dr Michael Green“Following on from the open evening we ran the ‘In His Name’ course and had over forty participants, which attracted participants from other local churches and was widely spoken of it as one of the best things St Paul’s had ever done” – Revd Chris Spittle, Skelmersdale, Lancashire

Reiki is a Japanese word meaning Universal Life Force Energy. Drawing on ancient practices, which are said to have dated back to Buddha, Reiki balances the energy in the body, renewing vitality and bringing about a powerful feeling of serenity and relaxation through the laying on of hands. Reiki can be used to relieve the problems associated with stress, tension, chronic illness and post-operative pain. In this revised and updated edition Chris and Penny Parkes explain what to expect from a treatment, how it works and how it can be of benefit - and even show how you too can train (very easily) to practice Reiki. Written by one of the few Reiki masters in the UK and featuring the original Usui method, this practical and accessible book reveals the fascinating story behind the discovery of Reiki.

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Supporting a Physiologic Approach to Pregnancy and Birth: A Practical Guide provides an overview of current evidence and a range of practical suggestions to promote physiologic birth within the United States healthcare system. Presenting the latest evidence available on practical approaches and minimal interventions, this book looks into clinic exam rooms and hospital labor units to investigate the possibilities for improving the pregnancy and labor experience. Contributors discuss recent research and other published information and present a range of ideas, tools, and solutions for maternity care clinicians, including midwives, nurses, physicians, and other members of the perinatal team. An invaluable resource, Supporting a Physiologic Approach to Pregnancy and Birth is a must-have practical guide for those involved in all aspects of pregnancy and birth.