As a scientific man I'm surprised that Dwarkin didn't draw parallels with the Quantum Physics princinpal whereby observing an experiment can affect its outcome (I do profess now to having a very limited knowledge in this area so feel free to shoot me down!). So one could also assume that since we have no Scientific understanding of the actual Scientific processes involved during some of these alternative methods then how can we accurately measure them and draw conclusions with our current limited understanding? When it comes to therapies that manipulate the energy system of the body, I think there is definitely something in therapies like Accupuncture, EFT/TFT, Reflexology, etc... I've never tried Reiki, and am a little sceptical of this area due to the number of therapists out there (who seem to get qualified in a weekend course), but then again I don't have much of a scientific understanding of the underlying principals/Mechanics, so won't totally dismiss it. If more scientific research were carried out in these areas then we'd all be better informed. Trying to debunk something based on current understanding is wrong....just like the world used to be flat!