Using Reiki in Treating Cancer

You may have heard of Reiki (pronounced "ray-key") on TV or in magazines, but what is it exactly and can it help patients deal with the stresses of cancer on the body and mind? Nina L. Paul, author of Reiki for Dummies says yes. I interviewed Paul to get more information about the holistic health practice of Reiki – what it is, how it works, and common myths about the practice.

Denene Brox: For readers who may not be familiar with Reiki, what is it? 

Nina L. Paul: Healing comes from many sources, in many ways: A mother's love or a kiss, sunshine, a flower, or the touch of a beloved pet can all bring a sense of relief from stress and worries. This is the type of relaxation and sense of well-being that can be received with Reiki, which is a popular form of energy healing.  

Reiki was developed in Japan and the word Reiki means "spiritual healing" in Japanese. Now used all over the world, Reiki is not associated with any religion; rather, the practitioner uses their hands to bring universal energy to the person who is receiving a Reiki treatment. Imagine receiving this relaxing energy for an hour or so and the relief that can bring to your body, mind, emotions, and spirit. That is what Reiki can bring. 

DB: How can incorporating Reiki into your cancer treatment regimen aid in healing?

NLP: Reiki would be a superb partner in a cancer treatment plan. During treatment for cancer, there are lots of potential stresses on your body and every other area of your life. By receiving Reiki, you will be reducing your stress, which increases your sense of well-being, thus helping you cope and thrive through the treatment. 

DB: What are some other health benefits of Reiki?

NLP: By reducing stress, Reiki can help with just about anything. You might experience relaxation in the body, better sleep, calmness, clearer thinking, better mood, and outlook.

DB: What should patients look for when choosing a Reiki professional?

NLP: Get a recommendation from a friend or wellness center. Many nurses and other health professionals are Reiki practitioners or can refer you to someone who is. Find someone you respect and trust. Look for someone who can accommodate you and your needs at this moment.

DB: How often are treatments given for optimal results? Is Reiki a long-term practice?

NLP: You can get Reiki as a one-off treatment or get a series of treatments to support you through a period of time. The more you experience relief from stress, whether that be through Reiki or another type of healing work, the deeper you will go in healing yourself. One Reiki session will certainly provide relief from stress. If you really like what Reiki does for you, talk to the practitioner about having more sessions. If you want to work on deeper levels of healing or over a course of treatment, then sign up for more regular treatments.

Another thing to consider, which is excellent for people going through cancer treatment, is to get trained in the first level of Reiki. Then you can use Reiki on yourself (this is different than getting a treatment from someone else, but you can use it to supplement the treatments).

DB: What are some common myths or misconceptions about Reiki?

NLP: That Reiki is a religion. 

Anyone of any religion or belief system can use Reiki.

You have to believe in Reiki for it to work. 

You do not have to believe in Reiki for it to work.

Reiki can be used instead of medicine. 

Reiki works alongside medicine to bring the best results.

Reiki can cure anything. 

Reiki can help anything, but how do you define "help" or "cure"? This will be different for each person and situation. Reiki can help you be calmer, more accepting, more true to yourself, more responsive. Reiki does not guarantee any particular outcome; it will aid you in your healing, whatever that means for you. 

DB: Any additional thoughts on Reiki in the treatment/prevention of cancer to share with readers?

NLP: Reiki brings us in touch with the universal healing spiritual energy that is available to all but we can forget when living in the stressful modern world. When we are in touch with this universal power, our ability to heal and stay healthy is increased. We are not a victim of outer events and we can make decisions that contribute to our wellness and well-being. Reiki helps you get in touch with the divine, which is within you and it is that power that heals you.