Reiki, “The Little Engine That Could” and the Placebo Effect

One of my early memories is of a children’s board book that doubled as a TV cartoon and served as a gateway into a universe of endless possibilities. You might remember it as well: “The Little Engine That Could.” What resonated with me was its refrain, “I think I can, I think I can,” which lit a fire of inner strength within me. To those of you who know me, this might make you chuckle. This simple mantra encapsulates much of my life’s philosophy. To “think” in this way is to acknowledge the power of the mind. And, I have to add, I was delighted, upon revisiting this childhood gem, to find that this motivational engine was a “she”—a strong, blue, magnificent little engine, unadorned by makeup or high heels, a testament to female power in its purest form. But don’t let me get distracted…

At the onset of the 20th century, the system of Reiki was developing in Japan. Hailing from this ancient culture steeped in esoteric wisdom, practices like the system of Reiki started transcending the confines of samurai existence and monastic life, attracting individuals from all walks of life.

The system of Reiki was a seemingly insignificant drop in the vast ocean of practices of the time. Toshihiro Eguchi, for example, was said to have evolved his teachings from the system of Reiki and was a friend of Mikao Usui the founder of Reiki. He is said to have had around 500, 000 students, a much greater following than Usui. However, the post-WWII shift in the Japanese mindset led to many of these practices receding into the shadows. Yet, the system of Reiki proved resilient, it definitely “thought it could” and found its way to the shores of the USA and flourished there.

In today’s world, the system of Reiki has seen a resurgence globally. Many wonder if it is the belief in the healing potential of the system that is its true source of power. If that were the case then wouldn’t the placebo effect be the cornerstone of Reiki? Or does the idea of placebo diminish its intrinsic value as a healing practice? Or do we need to “believe” in anything at all?

While the placebo effect has historically been tagged as having no true effect, current studies show that its power goes far beyond. It’s a testament to the might of the human mind, often producing effects that rival or even exceed some modern medicine. But it’s important to differentiate between the belief system of the placebo effect and the framework of the system of Reiki. The system of Reiki isn’t a belief system in the conventional sense. It is rather a practice that encourages us to let go of constraining beliefs.

As a Reiki teacher, I am aware that the mind-body connection is everything. The body is a tool of the mind and the mind uses that tool however you decide:

The body is only a tool of the mind. What the mind dictates the body will have to obey. Now I do not even think of water. I do not miss it at all…. I see I can do anything.

Swami Vivekananda

When these dual elements of mind and body work together we experience an openness, a pure balance which allows our spark of life to be strong and resilient. This is an intake of breath, lifeforce itself. We need to understand that the system of Reiki extends beyond placebo. It doesn’t ask us to hold onto belief, but rather to release our minds, harmonizing the triad of mind, body, and breath.

Revisiting my childhood chant, “I think I can,” I’m reminded of the potency of the placebo effect and the liberation from limiting beliefs offered by the system of Reiki. I realise I have replaced “I think I can” with a new mantra, “I am open to receive whatever it is that I may need at this exact moment in time”. Yes, it is somewhat longer! However, it is born of that little engine’s self-belief and transformed into an understanding that the mind exhibits its greatest power when it no longer needs to “think”.

As we navigate the intricacies of these esoteric practices, it’s essential to acknowledge the remarkable power of the mind and the value of releasing beliefs, promoting healing and well-being.

Does Placebo Play a Part in the System of Reiki? with The Reiki Women Podcasts

Video of that little train from 1963:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yx9xO98kcBU