Cancer and Reiki

By Ann Evankovich, Co-Owner

Imagine Yoga & Wellness Center

More Complementary & Integrative Healthcare Articles

Cancer and Reiki

Cancer's close companions pain, fear, and anxiety can be alleviated through the gentle healing art of Reiki. A Japanese technique for stress reduction that promotes healing, Reiki works by stimulating and balancing the flow of life energy in and around the body. When our energy is low, illness can thrive. Reiki restores energy lost to illness and stress. Deriving its name from two Japanese words, Rei meaning God or the Universe, and Ki meaning energy, Reiki works to clear blocks in your energy flow that can stall the healing process.

To receive the treatment, the client usually lies down on a massage table, remaining fully clothed, while the practitioner places his or her hands lightly or just above different energy centers on the body. Although not a religious practice, Reiki is akin to the laying on of hands in prayer and works along similar principles of energy flow from Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Clients often report feeling heat, tingling, or pulsing during their treatments. Some report seeing different colors of light. Some have an emotional release that comes out as tears or laughter. Nothing is required of the client during treatment. Many fall asleep. The client does not even need to believe that Reiki is effective. Reiki can do no harm.

TheAmerican Cancer Society cites reports about Reiki's power to increase feelings of well-being and refresh the spirit. Some patients who were getting cancer treatment have reported less pain, nausea, and vomiting after Reiki sessions. A 2007 study at Calgary University showed cancer patients receiving Reiki reported decreased fatigue, anxiety, and pain as compared to the control group who simply rested. A 2010 study from the University of Portland found “significant decreases” in reports of pain, anxiety, and depression from patients who received Reiki treatments.

Training for Reiki practitioners follows a series of classes called attunements. Reiki is easily learned and available to anyone. Once attuned, many practitioners use their new skills on themselves, family, and friends to speed the healing process. Reiki healers often maintain their skills by participating in Reiki Shares on a regular basis, practicing on each other and the public.

Useful in promoting healing from all sorts of physical, emotional, and spiritual illnesses, Reiki is an excellent companion to traditional medical treatments, helping patients to relax at a time when anxiety can be very high.