Treating Cancer with Reiki
Reiki is an energy-based, holistic healing modality introduced into Japan by Mikao Usui in the late 1800's.
It uses light-touch hand placement on or above the body, together with Reiki symbols. The Reiki practitioner acts as an energy conduit, or channel, who directs the flow of spiritual or universal energy to influence not only the physical body, but also the emotional, mental and spiritual bodies as well.
My initial experience using Reiki to treat a cancer patient was in 2017. In this particular case, the medical prognosis was terminal; therefore, Reiki was only used to provide additional inner peace, balance and comfort during the patient's final weeks. Reiki induced deep sleep and relaxation, thus alleviating stress and discomfort. From the feedback that I received, Reiki provided an immense calming feeling of lightness and well-being
The International Association of Reiki Professionals states that "Because Reiki is a non-invasive technique that causes no side effects or complications, it can be performed on cancer patients at virtually any time following their diagnosis. Whether the patient is newly diagnosed and waiting to begin treatment, is actively undergoing treatment, or is in the late stages of cancer and facing a poor prognosis, Reiki sessions may be beneficial. Reiki may also be effective at reducing anxiety and inducing relaxation and balance among patients who are in remission after completing cancer treatments.
However, in spite of its many benefits, it is important to note that Reiki is not a substitute for traditional cancer treatments. Although studies and anecdotal evidence indicate that Reiki can increase patient comfort levels and enhance healing, it has not been scientifically shown to effectively treat cancer on its own. Thus, patients should view Reiki as one part of a comprehensive cancer treatment plan."
In a study published by the NIH Integrative Reiki for Cancer Patients: A Program Evaluation reported that "of the 213 pre-post surveys of first-time sessions in the evaluation period, we observed a more than 50% decrease in self-reported distress (from 3.80 to 1.55), anxiety (from 4.05 to 1.44), depression (from 2.54 to 1.10), pain (from 2.58 to 1.21), and fatigue (from 4.80 to 2.30) with P < .001 for all. Using conservative estimates that treat missing data as not endorsing Reiki, we found 176 (82.6%) of participants liked the Reiki session, 176 (82.6%) found the Reiki session helpful, 157 (73.7%) plan to continue using Reiki, and 175 (82.2%) would recommend Reiki to others. Qualitative analyses found that individuals reported that Reiki induced relaxation and enhanced spiritual well-being."
In another scenario, during the transition (or the dying) process of a patient, Reiki was only applied above the heart chakra (at the physician's request) to aid the soul or spirit while it departed from the physical body. It is interesting to note, that while the Reiki practitioner was using a pendulum to measure the energy flow, it indicated no energy activity in the chakras from the throat to the root. However, there was a tremendous energy build-up starting at the third eye chakra, with a huge culmination of energy at the crown chakra.
This was a truly amazing event, how the energy of Reiki assisted a terminally ill patient to succumb calmly to the inevitable, while still maintaining peaceful dignity. By creating a more relaxed outlook, Reiki enabled the patient to openly express last minute concerns and soothed any fear of death. As was explained to me by the patient, "It's just like turning another chapter of a book; there is nothing to be afraid of and I'm not scared."
