| Reiki is an energy therapy that promotes healing by | | | | patients has been largely anecdotal. However, several |
| putting the body into a deep state of relaxation. In this | | | | ongoing studies are attempting to find scientific |
| relaxed state, the body can allow the cells to return to | | | | explanations as to how Reiki works at the National |
| their natural state of of balance and well-being. | | | | Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine |
| Reiki has a positive effect on all forms of illness from | | | | and at the Cleveland Clinic. Even without scientific |
| minor things like colds and stomach aches to systemic | | | | evidence, most major cancer centers in the country, |
| diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Reiki can | | | | including Sloan Kettering in New York and M.D. |
| be particularly effective in helping people cope with the | | | | Anderson in Houston, now offer Reiki to their patients. |
| many challenges undergoing cancer treatment brings | | | | However, the real proof that Reiki works is found in |
| on a physical, mental and emotional level. | | | | the experiences of those who have had Reiki |
| On a physical level, it can help alleviate the side effects | | | | sessions while going through cancer treatment. Says |
| of conventional treatments such as radiation and | | | | Ronnie, a breast cancer survivor, "I had to undergo |
| chemotherapy. For example, one of the most common | | | | radiation therapy. I was told to expect it to be stressful |
| side effects by many cancer patients is fatigue. After | | | | and that I would probably be more tired than usual. To |
| a Reiki session, the patient is energized and able to do | | | | the rescue came Ingrid of Healing Hands. She gave |
| things that he or she didn't believe were possible - | | | | me Reiki treatments once a week during the six |
| perhaps going to a child's school play or to the grocery | | | | weeks I was going through the daily radiation |
| store. It gives patients energy when they need it, | | | | treatments. I can honestly say that I breezed through |
| allows them to relax when they most need it, and lets | | | | the whole radiation process and I attribute that to the |
| them sleep better than they would without it. On a | | | | Reiki I received from Ingrid. I was not stressed or tired |
| mental and emotional level, this same relaxation | | | | at all. On the contrary, the Reiki made me relaxed and |
| response can help calm the anxiety, worry and fear | | | | calm and even energized. It was wonderful and I am |
| that go along with the disease. | | | | so grateful to her! |
| So far, evidence of the benefits of Reiki for cancer | | | | |