REIKI AND CONCEPTION: NURTURING THE JOURNEY TO PARENTHOOD
The path to parenthood, particularly when trying to conceive, can be both exciting and challenging. It can be a rollercoaster of hope and anticipation and sometimes incredibly difficult, disappointing and painful. During this time, more and more individuals and couples are seeking out supportive and holistic approaches to not only support the physical body when trying to conceive, but to provide mental, emotional and spiritual support along the way.
Reiki has emerged as a popular holistic therapy to provide such support.
WHAT IS REIKI?
Reiki originated in Japanese by founder Mikao Usui and is centred on the channeling of universal, vital life-force energy by a Certified Reiki Practitioner to promote balance and well-being. The energy itself in in and around us and is the life giving ad sustaining energy. In life, our energy is impacted by life in general, challenges, traumas, toxins, stress and the like and Reiki works to remove any stagnation, restore and strengthen our energy, back to its idea;, functional state. A Reiki Practitioner, harnesses and channels the healing energy of Reiki and through the laying of their hands on the clothed body of the recipient, connects the recipient to the Reiki, promoting their healing on a mental, emotional, psychological, physical and spiritual level.
At its core, Reiki acknowledges the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, and this aspect of it as a therapy, often resonates deeply with individuals navigating the complexities of fertility.
REIKI FOR CONCEPTION: EMOTIONAL & PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALING AND SUPPORT
One of the greatest challenges women can experience when trying to conceive, is to manage stress and anxiousness when trying to conceive, Life in itself can be stressful, and there can be an extra layer added to that in terms of the process and pathway to conceiving. Reiki, as a therapy, is incredibly beautiful and nurturing, my clients often report feeling 'held' by the loving energy of the Reiki, and this can promote deep relaxation and relief from the stresses and anxieties that often accompany fertility challenges. Infertility is often a silent struggle. Patients who are struggling to conceive report feelings of depression, anxiety, isolation, and loss of control.
Whilst the science is not settled on the issue, a study on 501 women in the United States showed that those with higher biomarker levels of stress were significantly more likely to experience infertility and in a recent study in 135 IVF patients, higher cortisol levels were significantly correlated to lower pregnancy rates.
And whether or not stress reduces the chances of pregnancy, women deserve to be supported during their journey to conception, not only to help them better cope through the process and experience, but to improve their experience full stop.
By promoting a sense of calm, inner peace and harmony, Reiki helps women who are trying to conceive, cultivate a positive mindset and emotional resilience, essential factors in the journey of conception.
WHAT THE STUDIES SAY
Many studies have been conducted on Reiki's efficacy to reduce anxiety and depression.
The Cleveland Clinic (ranked No. 2 Best Hospital in the World) utilizes Reiki for infertility, mental health and wellbeing and has reported that Reiki initiates the feeling of security in patients, peace, and wellness, brings a peaceful, deep relaxation, reduces stress.
In 1998, Hartford Hospital, Connecticut, approved the development of a Reiki volunteer pilot program in Women’s Health. Patients and staff reported statistically significant reductions anxiety. As a result, the program became part of a formal Integrative Medicine Department in 1999.
Reiki Is Better Than Placebo and Has Broad Potential as a Complementary Health Therapy (David E. McManus, PhD1) Physiological measurements indicate that Reiki is more effective than placebo in reducing resting heart rate, increasing heart rate variability, and reducing blood pressure. These results indicate that Reiki is more effective than placebo in activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
"A Systematic Review of the Therapeutic Effects of Reiki" (Lee et al., 2008): This review analyzed several studies on Reiki and concluded that there's evidence to support its effectiveness in reducing anxiety and depression.
REIKI FOR PHYSICAL HEALING AND SUPPORT
Reiki not only supports the body's natural ability to heal, it helps the body to restore balance physically. Reiki helps to clear stagnation, clear toxins and strengthen and revitalise the body's organ systems, hormones and biological function through clearing and strengthening the body's life-force energy. These elements of our physical being aren't really addressed by conventional approaches which is why many women, turn to Reiki, hoping for a deeper layer of healing to help with the conception prospect.
While Reiki is not a substitute for medical intervention, it can complement conventional fertility treatments by addressing the emotional, physical, spiritual and energetic aspects of the whole person and of fertility.
SAFETY AND CONTRAINDICATIONS OF REIKI
One of the greatest advantages of Reiki is its safety and non-invasiveness. It is suitable to all individuals, regardless of what stage they are at on their fertility journey and there are no contraindications that might limit their utilisation of Reiki alongside any other therapy, conventional or otherwise that they may be engaging during their process towards conception or beyond.
CONCLUSION
As a certified Reiki practitioner with experience in supporting individuals on their fertility journey, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of Reiki in nurturing and healing the body, mind, and spirit during the conception process. Each session is personalised and tailored to where you are at and what your needs may be and Reiki, unlike other therapies, treats each individual and their needs as unique.
Reiki is an incredibly beautiful and powerful therapy that can support you emotionally, help you cultivate a sense of hope, resilience, and empowerment as you embark on the journey to parenthood.
If you're trying to conceive and looking for holistic support to support you and enhance your fertility journey, consider incorporating Reiki into your regiment. Reiki can be a guiding light on your path to parenthood, offering comfort, support, and a renewed sense of hope along the way.
To find out more about what to expect in a Reiki session, you can read more here.
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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