Markus Reichl and the brain’s default system: when science becomes advertising

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Sometimes reiki marketing lies

Markus Reichl is a real scientist, professor from the USA.In the early 2000s, he accidentally discovered an interesting thing: when a person does nothing and just looks at the ceiling, the brain does not rest — it actively works.This mode was calleddefault system of the brain.

Imagine a computer in standby mode — the screen is dark, but the fan is humming.This is how the brain is: externally passive, internally busy.

This is a real discovery, important for science.The problem starts further.

Where did “23 Minutes” come from?

Some reiki schools say:“The session should last at least 23 minutes — that’s exactly how long it takes to activate the default system and start self-healing.Professor Reichl proved this.».

This is a lie.Reichl never said such a thing and never studied Reiki.

It’s like a mattress salesman saying:“Einstein proved that good sleep is important for genius — buy our mattress”.Einstein actually slept a lot.But he didn’t say anything about this mattress.

This technique is calledborrowing authority: They take a real, respected name and stick it on a product that a scientist has never studied.

What Japanese Tradition Really Says

It is interesting that the reiki tradition itself did without big names — and was more honest.

In Japanese culture, in Japanese Buddhism there is a conceptNan— this is directed attention, concentration right now.Not magic, not the influence on another person — but the internal state of the practitioner himself.

Imagine a musician before a concert: he doesn’t think about the past or the future, he is completely here and now.This is nen.

When a person regularly enters such a state of deep peace, the nervous system remembers:“it’s safe, you can relax”.This is a real physiological process, just a modest one — no miracles.

They also say that it is the symbol of the second stage of Sei He Ki and that practitioners with it treat addictions.

Why Reiki Doesn’t Treat Addiction

Alcohol addiction is like a broken elevator in a multi-story building.You need to fix the mechanics (neurobiology), figure out why it broke (psychology) and change the operating conditions (environment, lifestyle).

Reiki in this analogy is painting elevator doors beautifully.It’s nice, it’s calming, but the elevator won’t move.

Real treatment of addiction requires psychotherapy, sometimes medications, and work with the environment.

Where reiki really helps

A state of relaxation reduces stress levels — and stress is the main trigger for relapse.In this sense, reiki can be usefuladditionto real treatment.

It’s like walking when you’re depressed: it helps you feel better, but it doesn’t replace therapy.

Reiki next to a psychotherapist — honestly.Reiki instead of a therapist — no.

Conclusion

Reiki has its own language and its own value.He doesn’t need other people’s names and made-up numbers.

When they tell you“Professor X proved that our method works”— ask: where exactly did he prove this?Is there a link to the article?

If there is no link, you see an advertisement dressed in a white robe.