Reiki is a type of healing technique which is based on the belief that spiritual energy is within all of us and that it can be channeled and controlled through a trained Reiki master. The technique relies on using the body’s own natural healing powers. Reiki may have benefit in treating some of the symptoms associated with cancer. However there are important details which should be covered here.
Reiki is usually given as a hands on treatment by a trained practitioner or Reiki master. In some cases the treatment can occur over a longer distance. The name Reiki is derived from a Japanese word which means universal life energy.
A number of people who have used Reiki feel that it increases their relaxation and improve their sense of well-being. It may also help to reduce the pain associated with cancer and cancer treatments. However no scientific studies have proven or disproven these claims.
But it is important to note that there is also no scientific evidence that Reiki is successful at directly treating cancer. It should therefore not be considered as a sole treatment option. However it may provide relief from the stress, anxiety and pain associated with cancer symptoms and associated treatment options.
The overall goal of Reiki is not to address any specific illness. It is primarily intended to promote relaxation and an overall sense of well-being.
During a typical Reiki session, the practitioner provides the therapy by using his hands on the patient to raise the life energy. Reiki practitioners feel that when the energy pathways in the body are blocked, it can result in illness, fatigue or pain. Enhancing this flow of energy can decrease pain, reduce tension, improve healing, and help the body to heal itself faster.
When a Reiki practitioner initiates the therapy, his/her hands are placed in 12 to 15 positions just on or above a patient’s body. The hands are typically held in place for about five minutes. A normal Reiki session usually last about an hour. There are 3 levels of Reiki. A level one practitioner can only implement hands on sessions. A level 2 Reiki master can perform hands and distance therapies. And a level 3 master can implement direct hands on, distance and teach others as well.
The techniques behind Reiki originated in Tibet over 2,500 years ago. It was rediscovered and refined in the early 1900’s by a Dr. Mikao Usui.
The Usui system of Reiki is the most popular and commonly used form of Reiki.
There have been a number of scientific studies which could show no conclusive benefit to Reiki. It has not been proven that it offers any relief from pain, stress and discomfort. Nevertheless many of its patients feel they receive benefit and it helps them to deal with the stress, pain and discomfort of cancer and associated treatments.
There does not appear to be any problem with receiving Reiki treatments and it will cause no harm. So it is something which can be considered as an alternative form of treatment to improve a patient’s quality of life.
