Can energy be used as a contraindication?
I think it's important to distinguish between Reiki and other types of energy work in this discussion. No matter what "story" one wants to put to it, the general consensus is that Reiki can't be used for harm. Whether folks believe that's because it has its own Universal Intelligence, comes straight from the Christian God, or that powerful beings guide Reiki and its use (all stories I've heard from different people, btw), I would put my bettin' money against those who want to try -- go ahead, just try ;-) -- to use Reiki for harm.Having said that, I wouldn't use Reiki on things like unset dislocations, fresh broken bones, severed parts, etc for the reason mentioned previously: get things physically aligned before initiating/speeding up the healing process. Also, clients should be made aware that Reiki has the potential to intensify, even if shortening the duration of, any acute symptoms they might be experiencing... even if just a cold or flu. I've heard it suggested that Reiki may be best applied at the early onset or tail end of such conditions if the client won't be able (e.g. because of work schedule, obligations) to make time and space for such healing. Sometimes it's more in line with a client's goals to go through a week of mild symptoms than to have to take a day off work to really be sick and then be done with it.But I definitely think the client's intention affects how it plays out. NOW, as for other types of energy work... I believe some can be used in other ways. Chi is certainly manipulated by advanced martial artists to ends other than the therapeutic bodywork done in Shiatsu ;-) But I don't think we can generalize about "energy work" as if there were no differences between the different modalities.