My question was about people saying it is not to be used on its own but should be used as "complementary" to another treatment (which works, presumably). I'm asking why it should only be used to complement another treatment if it actually works?
The answer, obviously, is that it doesn't work. And that is why you are only told to use it as complement to a real treatment. Like homeopathy or prayer - doctors don't mind you doing them as long as you don't stop your real treatment.
I think there is another reason that alternative/complementary practices can be complementary to more medical interventions. An example of this is aromatherapy massage. When I had to have a back operation I had several aromatherapy massages beforehand, building an association of the smell of the massage oil with relaxation and positive thoughts. Science already has shown that the power of smell is very strong in affecting how we think and feel. During my recovery I used the associated smell to help me relax and promote healing thoughts. The doctors told me I would need 6 weeks off work, I was back at work within 2 weeks. Using a mix of complementary and "real" medicine I was also managing to work full-time right up until the operation for something that many people have to stop work over. Incidentally it was also a 'quack' osteopath who first told me that I needed an MRI scan as he believed the GP and physiotherapist had both been misdiagnosing me. Luckily my GP accepted his comments and an MRI scan showed that I had some major problems going on. Without the osteopath and the aromatherapist I would have been off work longer, costing the taxpayer money. My recovery was also a lot quicker than it would otherwise have been and my mobility both before and after the operation were commented on positively by the medical professionals I was in contact with - for instance I was up and out of bed one day post-op, whereas other patients take 3-4 days to get out of bed. It may have just been 'positive thought' involved, but for £300 total outlay, several thousands were saved by the NHS and my employer.
I feel this story illustrates how things can be positive when an holistic approach is taken to the patient. Unfortunately the NHS doesn't have the money to offer this kind of support, and there are a lot of charlatans out there offering complementary medicine with no training whatsoever, so I know I was lucky to find the right help when I needed it.
Sorry, this is nothing about reiki as I would never use that as a method of healing as I find it disturbing as a concept and have been put off it by the Reiki Masters I have come across. But I don't dismiss all complementary medicines out of hand just because I don't like one particular example.
The only complementary medicine that requires proper training is that for the National Institute of Medical Herbalists who study for several years and are aware of contraindications with more conventional medicines. My mother used one of these for support when she was going through chemotherapy and it helped alleviate some of the nastier side effects of chemo, such as nausea, mouth ulcers and recurrent thrush. Again, another example of an holistic approach helping support a patient through the nastier effects of modern medicine.