Gentling the Pain

By Carol Burbank, PhD, RMT

Pain is the body's way of telling us something is wrong. Once we get the message, change sometimes happens gradually, so we need multiple strategies to deal with pain. Expensive or long-term medications aren't the only solution. In fact, anyone can do a lot to minimize pain for themselves and their loved ones, even in the midst of a crisis.

A gentle strategy to reduce pain is healing touch, and accessible training is found through Reiki. Reiki is an ancient Japanese technique, simple and effective to do for ourselves or for each other. Reiki training offers attunements and information to help us in developing our own gentle healing touch. Once we are attuned by a trained teacher, with practice, our skills increase.

One of the greatest benefits of Reiki is to relieve pain and stress, both for the giver and the one who receives. Best of all, we can give Reiki to ourselves. For those who need medicines, Reiki has been utilized to reduce the side effects of the drugs while easing pain.

One of the myths about Reiki is that it's a religious healing practice. My students bring their own prayers and beliefs as gifts of healing, but Reiki is not attached to any particular faith. It is simply a way to center ourselves and let the natural flow of energy move through our hands to the places that need healing. As the flow warms and relaxes the body, we find relief from the exhaustion, distraction and discomfort of pain.

For people who want healing touch without learning it themselves, a good Reiki practitioner can offer sessions to strengthen immune function as well as easing the healing and hurting process. Choosing a Reiki practitioner or teacher is not unlike choosing a doctor. We want someone we can trust, someone who will be supportive, and someone knowledgeable. Trust your instincts.

Life is just easier when our energy is not drained by pain and stress. Reiki is a simple, gentle way to help us get on with a joyful, healthy life.