Ok, probably a very bad idea to open this thread back up after 22 pages of back and forth (sorry, haven't read the entire thing) but I was browsing and just wanted to add a few thoughts for any lurkers or people with an interest. Skeptics - please feel free to dismiss at will!
One of the fundamental problems that manifest when discussing the subject at hand is that what is generally known as Reiki in the west is a wide array of numerous practices and beliefs that bear very little comparison to the system as originally practiced in Japan, where it is known as Usui Reiki Ryoho. It has roots in Tendai Buddhism and was developed by Mikao Usui, a zaike, or lay priest of that tradition following an experience of satori he had in 1915. It was intended to be a simple system of spiritual and personal development, the practice of which promoted good health and well-being on all levels. Much of the focus centers on the development of mindfulness in daily life, breathing, meditation, and the strengthening of ki, or vital energy, through the laying on of hands, or tenohira in Japanese. The practice of tenohira may be done on the self or shared with others. It is this element of Reiki which has evolved to become a popular complementary therapy in the west - though the ways in which it is practiced are manifold and there is no current standardization or regulation in place for it. So when a person goes to see a Reiki practitioner, they may be seeing someone who has recently been on a weekend workshop or someone with decades of experience behind them.
Reiki was first introduced to the west by a Japanese-American woman named Hawayo Takata in the 1930's who essentially removed most of the Japanese material in an effort to make it understandable, and marketable, to westerners. She was very successful in rewriting the system's history and charging excessively high fees. None of her students were aware that Reiki was still practiced in Japan, or that is was practiced in a very different way in which they had been taught. When Mrs Takata passed away in 1980, there was no western authority left on the subject, and the practice became more ambiguous as it began to grow in popularity within the emerging new age movement.
I first experienced Reiki as a student when I was suffering from a hereditary condition which limited my mobility, caused chronic pain and negatively impacted my mental health. I was also experiencing nasty side effects from the medication I was on (there is no cure for said condition but some of the pain and other symptoms can be alleviated by drugs). I was initially very skeptical when offered treatments by a friend, but when you're suffering you'll try most anything, and I approached it with an open mind. There was no belief involved, and not much expectation either as I had already tried a few complementary therapies without success. But Reiki was quite different. My initial experiences were subtle, but definitely helpful. After a few sessions I felt better, physically and mentally. Please understand - I was not cured - but I did feel a difference that I'd not previously felt with anything else, so I decided to take a few Reiki courses to explore it further.
My first courses were horrible. I was very uncomfortable with the degree of woo to be honest. Spirit guides, ascended masters, angels, chakras - it all seemed pretty ridiculous. But I sat through the courses respectfully and learned how to perform treatments on myself. I just ignored the elements I was uncomfortable with and focused on the practical stuff.
I really took to self-treatment and began to perform it daily. Within a year my symptoms had improved to the degree that I was able to phase out my medication, which was great as it was only partially effective and had some very unpleasant side effects. I began researching Reiki history and was fascinated by its Buddhist roots and practice in Japan. Eventually I took some more courses, this time by a more informed and traditionally minded teacher. They really deepened and enriched my practice, and it was nice to know that all the woo I had been so uncomfortable with in the beginning wasn't really part of it anyway - not in a traditional sense at least.
I'm now in my 30's and have been practicing for about 15 years. My health is much better than it was in my 20's and I no longer have to take medication for my condition. But this is not because I had a few treatments from a practitioner and was magically cured. Traditional practice of Reiki is very much a discipline along the lines of Tai Chi, Qi Gong, or a martial art. Much emphasis is placed on personal development, cultivation of mindfulness, and self-healing. It demands a lot from the practitioner, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
Please forgive me if I can't respond to what I'm sure will be the inevitable criticism to follow - I'm a new mum with a 15 week baby who is very high need at the moment. I just wanted to write this in the hope that it could educate and assist anyone with an interest.