Exploring the Healing Power of Reiki for Sickness
One of the most common reason's a client calls to cancer a Reiki session is when they're feeling sick. Unless it is something viral, I always encourage them to make their way in, even if they stay in their pijamas! Why? Because of the best time to come and have Reiki is when you least feel like it. Whether it's a headache, stomach cramps, a sinus infection, stubborn cough, chronic condition, or a serious life-limiting illness, Reiki offers healing benefits to help shift the illness (if it is something more transient) and where it isn't so transient, helps to ease both the physical discomfort and any emotional distress client's may be experiencing as a result of being sick. Best of all it is gentle and therefore easy to tolerate as a treatment.
Reiki, is a Japanese energy healing therapy which centers around the channeling of universal, vital life-force energy to promote healing and balance within the body on every level possible, emotional, mental, physical and spiritual. Reiki itself is the energy in and around us, it is the life giving and life-sustaining energy, so it makes sense that Reiki is an incredible go-to tool when experience sickness. Through the gentle placement of hands on the clothed body of the recipient, a trained Reiki practitioners facilitates the healing, by connecting the recipient to the profound healing abilities of Reiki.
So how does it work? It's as simple as the fact that Reiki, as an energy itself, is healing as it clear and removes anything unlike itself and restores us, session by session, but to our pure, pristine, energetic state. On another level, receiving Reiki when sick can promote healing because of its ability to foster deep relaxation and support the immune system. As stress levels decrease, and the body moves into a tranquil and calm state, the body's natural healing mechanisms are activated, fostering a sense of calm and peace amidst the turmoil of illness.
In hospital settings Reiki has been shown to promote much faster recovery and reduced need for pain medication. This relaxation response can be particularly beneficial for those experiencing pain, discomfort, or anxiety related to their illness.
STUDIES ON THE EFFICACY OF REIKI FOR PAIN AND IMMUNITY
A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2008 analyzed the results of several studies on Reiki therapy, the result suggesting that Reiki has beneficial effects on pain and anxiety. [Source: Lee, M. S., Pittler, M. H., & Ernst, E. (2008). Effects of Reiki in Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 14(9), 1137–1143.]
A small pilot study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2012 investigated the effects of Reiki on immune function in healthy individuals, finding preliminary evidence suggesting that Reiki may have a positive impact on certain immune parameters, such as natural killer cell activity. [Source: Baldwin, A. L., Wagers, C., & Schwartz, G. E. R. (2012). Reiki Improves Heart Rate Homeostasis in Laboratory Rats. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 18(5), 417–422.]
At the Solaris Care Cancer Support Centre at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Perth, Reiki is the most accessed complementary health treatment for cancer and leukaemia patients. Many patients report significant improvements in their level of pain, fatigue, nausea, breathing and mental health.
The Cleveland Clinic (which has been ranked No. 2 Best Hospital in the World) utilizes Reiki for cancer, infertility, Parkinson’s disease, psychological illnesses, chronic pain, digestive problems, mental health and wellbeing and stress-related diseases. It claims that Reiki initiates the feeling of security in patients, peace, and wellness, brings a peaceful, deep relaxation, reduces stress, stimulates the body’s immune system, stimulates tissue and bone healing after injury or surgery and supports the well-being of the patient who is receiving medical treatments.
More studies can be viewed in the article "The Growing Use of Reiki in Hospitals and Clinical settings), with over 900 mainstream hospitals around the world now utilising Reiki for their patients.
REIKI AND SYMPTOM RELIEF
Reiki can be incredibly effective in alleviating symptoms associated with various health conditions, ranging from headaches and digestive issues to chronic pain, fatigue as well as side effects from treatments such as chemotherapy, including nausea and constipation.
While Reiki is not promoted as a cure for illness, it can complement conventional medical treatments by supporting the body's innate healing processes and promoting overall well-being, as well as reducing, if not alleviating, discomfort and pain levels.
SAFETY
The best part of a therapy such as Reiki is its accessibility and safety. Unlike many conventional therapies, Reiki is non-invasive and free from harmful side effects, making it suitable for individuals of all ages, conditions and health statuses. There are no contraindications of Reiki so it doesn't ever have to be a choice of and/or, as it can be safely used alongside any other conventional mainstream therapy, and is likely to enhance the efficacy of those treatments.
CONCLUSION
In my experience as a Reiki practitioner, I've had the privilege of witnessing the transformative power of Reiki in the lives of those facing illness, whether it be a transient illness or managing a chronic condition. From easing physical symptoms, promoting faster recovery, to providing emotional comfort and spiritual support, Reiki is an incredibly gentle, nurturing and powerful took to utilise in times of sickness.
I know for me personally, since practicing self-healing Reiki on myself, I have barely experienced so much as a cold in all the years of practice and when I do, it moves through much more quickly that before I applied Reiki. Several years ago I underwent major surgery and my recovery stunned the nurses , including the fact that I was off the major pain medication on the second day (when I was expected to be on it for several weeks). I also have worked with clients undergoing chemotherapy and even during palliative phases, where the Reiki has provided a quality of life beyond modern medicine's capability due to reduced symptoms such as fatigue, constipation and the like.
If you or a loved one are struggling with illness, consider incorporating Reiki into your wellness toolkit. Whether it's receiving a session from a trained practitioner or learning self-practice techniques, Reiki can offer a source of comfort, resilience, and empowerment on the journey toward healing.
Illness can be a challenging and isolating experience, but you don't have to face it alone. With its gentle touch and nurturing energy, Reiki stands as a beacon of healing and hope, offering solace and support to those in need. Embrace the healing power of Reiki and embark on a journey of restoration, renewal, and profound healing in the face of sickness.
If you are interested in having Reiki and wish to discuss your situation further, please contact me and we can arrange a time to chat. Otherwise, if you are ready to start your Reiki journey, you can book an appointment here. I look forward to connecting with you for Reiki!
Warmest,
Fiona x
Fiona Phillips
Certified Reiki Shihan (Teacher) and Practitioner
Within The Space | Melbourne
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