Reiki

Reiki

Reiki is a complementary health approach in which practitioners direct energy to facilitate the person’s own healing response. Reiki is used as a way to manage symptoms and improve general well-being. During a Reiki session, the practitioner places their hands either directly on you or just above you to stimulate your body’s natural healing abilities. Reiki is a Japanese energy healing technique. The form of Reiki practiced was created by Dr. Mikao Usui in the early 20th century. It is not a substitution of medical expertise.

Benefits of Reiki

Relieves pain, anxiety and fatigue

According to a review of randomized trials (Highly respected database: “PubMed Central“), Reiki may help to reduce pain and anxiety and reduce fatigue.

Studies of PubMed Central:

A 2015 study found that people being treated for cancer who received distant reiki in addition to regular medical care had lower levels of pain, anxiety, and fatigue. These levels were significantly lower than the control group, who only received medical care. Participants had 30-minute sessions of distant reiki for five days.

In another 2015 study, researchers looked at the effects of Reiki on women following cesarean delivery. They found that reiki significantly reduced pain, anxiety, and the breathing rate in women 1-2 days after having a cesarean delivery. The need for and number of analgesic pain killers was also reduced. Reiki didn’t have an effect on blood pressure or pulse rate.

A 2018 study compared the use of Reiki to physiotherapy for relieving lower back pain in people with herniated disks. Both treatments were found to be equally effective at relieving pain, but reiki was more cost-effective and, in some cases, resulted in faster treatment. Larger studies are needed to expand on these findings.

Depression

Reiki treatments may be used as part of a treatment plan to help relieve depression.

Studies of PubMed Central:

In a small 2010 study, researchers looked at the effects of reiki on older adults experiencing pain, depression, or anxiety. The participants reported an improvement of their physical symptoms, mood, and well-being. They also reported more feelings of relaxation, increased curiosity, and enhanced levels of self-care.

Reiki may help to improve your mood by relieving anxiety and depression. According to results from a 2011 study, people who had Reiki felt greater mood benefits compared to people who didn’t have Reiki. The study participants who had six 30-minute sessions over a period of two to eight weeks showed improvements in their mood.

Larger, more in-depth studies are required to expand upon these findings.

Enhances quality of life

The positive benefits of Reiki can enhance your overall well-being. Researchers in a small 2016 study found that Reiki was helpful in improving the quality of life for women with cancer. Women who had Reiki showed improvements to their sleep patterns, self-confidence, and depression levels. They noted a sense of calm, inner peace, and relaxation.

Larger studies are needed to expand on these findings.

May improve specific symptops and conditions like

  • headache
  • tension
  • insomnia
  • nausea

The relaxation response that happens with Reiki may benefit these symptoms. However, specific research is needed to determine the efficacy of Reiki for the treatment of these symptoms and conditions. Reiki is not intended to replace any doctor-approved treatment plan.

What can I expect?

A typical Reiki session lasts between 20 and 60 minutes. At your first appointment, you’ll have a short introduction or chat about the process and your expectations or intentions. Let your practitioner know about any symptoms you want addressed or if there are places in the body on which you’d like them to focus. Also, let the practitioner know if you have any injuries or places that are sensitive to touch.

You’ll be instructed to lie down on a treatment table or mat. You will be covered with a blanket. Usually soft, relaxing music will be playing in the background. For the most part there won’t be any talking during the session, but you can feel free to let your practitioner know if there’s something you need to feel more comfortable or to share what you’re experiencing.

The practitioner will move their hands around your body. They may touch you lightly or have their hands just above your body.

You may experience sensations in the body such as heat or tingling. Some people report seeing visualizations such as colours or pictures, or having memories appear. Try to allow whatever arises to pass. Your experiences may become deeper the more you continue with Reiki.

Wear clean, loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. You may wish to wear natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, or silk. Remove your shoes, jewelry, and glasses before your session, and keep your phone switched off or leave it behind.

Drink plenty of water after your session. Some people feel calm, peaceful, or energized. You may also feel tired.

Reiki is non-invasive and safe (Trusted Source: “National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health”). It doesn’t have any known harmful side effects.

Religion: There is only one Energy, the energy of God. Reiki is done in connection with this divine energy, negative influences are kept away and even if you need your pain for a specific reason it will not be taken away from you – then we could take a deeper look at the beneficial side effects of your pain.

For those with a past trauma, it might be uncomfortable being physically close to the practicioner – getting some mental training to work through your traumatic experience might be more effective to you.