Professional Women's Alliance of Connecticut

By Karen Goldstein, RN

Reiki is an ancient hands-on healing method originating from the Tibetan philosophy and rediscovered by Dr. Mikeo Usui from Japan in the mid 1800s.  The word Reiki is a Japanese word for Universal Life Force Energy.  Reiki is a precise method in which this life energy, or breath of life in all of us can be connected to the body’s own natural healing abilities.  It works toward homeostasis, or balance on the physical, emotional, and spiritual levels of healing.  This is accomplished through light touch as well as working in one’s aura around the body.  Although a session can last approximately one hour, benefits are received in as little as 15 to 20 minutes.  Reiki can be received by anyone and at any age.  Most often it is done with the recipient lying fully clothed on a table in a comfortable position with gentle relaxing music, or even in a sitting position depending on individual needs.  The practitioner uses hand positions which are in alignment with the major body organs and endocrine system, with the recipient’s experience usually being one of comfort, warmth and well-being.  All of the benefits may not be immediately available, often subtle changes occurring over time with growth toward self acceptance, positive lifestyle changes, and self empowerment.

Reiki creates a state of relaxation through the autonomic nervous system decreasing heart rate and blood pressure to relieve anxiety and tension.  In this relaxed state, the body’s own healing abilities are stimulated through the immune system, and natural endorphins are released in the brain.  This can be very effective for pain management, stress reduction, and emotional balance.  It also provides for the emotional and spiritual support needed during chronic or terminal illness, improving quality of life.  Healing may occur on the emotional and spiritual levels where one is better able to cope with their illness.  On a physical level, the body’s energy flows more freely, circulation is increased in a sluggish system, and energy levels are sustained and nourished.  Reiki is effective pre-operatively and post-operatively to enhance a quicker recovery time, and even reduce the amount of pain medication required.  The effects of Reiki are always based on what the body’s priority is for healing at that given moment in time; whether it be directed toward a cut, headache, the mobilization of the immune system against infection, to be energized/inspired to complete a project, get needed sleep, or the clarity to work out conflict in relationships or within one’s self . . . it is gentle but very powerful.

Benefits of Reiki for Chronic Disease and Cancer

• Supports the immune system
• Promotes relaxation response
• Allows for emotional release
• Enhances calm and restful sleep
• Improves quality of life
• Calms confused or agitated states
• Supports a Positive Attitude
• Increases energy levels when depleted
• Spiritual growth, to look within one’s self
• Pain management
• Supportive of chemotherapy
• Assists in decreasing side effects to chemotherapy such as nausea or vomiting
• Increases blood flow and perfusion to all body systems, supporting their function and elimination of toxins
• Decreases stress levels which can increase compliance and allow adjustment to disease process
• Supports Hospice patients through transition with peacefulness and harmony
• Assists in the management of fear and pain, often with less pain medication required.  This allows the person to be more alert to deal with emotional issues of closure with loved ones.

Reference:  Libby Barnett and Maggie Chambers, Reiki Energy Medicine:  Bringing Healing Touch into Home, Hospital, and Hospice, Healing Arts Press, 1996.