Reiki as a Therapeutic Intervention - Additional Service for Care

Context

Reiki is a Japanese technique of energy medicine used for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes restoration. It is a practice grounded in Eastern medicine and cultural life. From this perspective, the body is a system connected to the energetic world and a living ecosystem  around it. From a Western medicine and cultural life perspective, the body is a closed system disconnected from the concept of a larger energetic and living ecosystem outside of it.  Therefore, Reiki emphasizes an integrated relationship between the philosophical, physiological, psychological, and physical components of wellness and connectedness. Integration of these parts will ebb and flow, and Reiki supports its alignment.

Technique

Reiki as a technique is administered by a practitioner who is trained in transferring ki by placing hands on and/or holding hands above specific sites of the body. This transfer helps enhance the ki of the client. It is based on the idea that “vital life sustaining energy” flows through the body. If one's ki is low, then the immune system is more likely to become compromised or individuals are more likely to feel (dis)stress. If the ki is high, individuals are more capable of feeling rejuvenated, energized, and well.

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Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of healing that everyone can use regardless of spiritual or religious background. Research shows that Reiki activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which directly influences the physical response to stress. This system also controls the parts of our bodies related to rest and digestion. When these aspects are out of balance, symptoms of anxiety, depression, sense of fatigue, among other holistic care concerns can surface. Therefore, Reiki promotes the body’s natural ability to recenter, calm, and relax. 

Reiki works in conjunction with other medical and therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote a variety of recovery processes and wellness. Most clients seek this service for quiet and internal stress management, support for chronic pain, clearing emotional blocks, and body reclamation. It is not a form of allopathic medical treatment and clients are encouraged to seek proper medical attention for such healthcare needs. It is important to know that hospitals and other medical settings in Michigan are beginning to adopt Reiki as part of patient care though often without intersectional historical context.

Lastly, in the tradition of Reiki, it is understood that our mental patterns impact our overall wellness. To help navigate this, there are five central precepts clients will be exposed to aimed at letting go of anger, worry, resentment, fear and hatred. In order to support our healing process, we must engage these emotions and give them permission to be let go. 

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Clients are offered space to process any feelings after a Reiki treatment. Sessions last for 60 minutes.

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References

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Baginski, B., & Sharamon, S. (1988). Reiki: Universal Life Energy. Life Rhythm Publication.

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Jahantiqh, F., Abdollahimohammad, A., Firouzkouhi, M., & Ebrahiminejad, V. (2018). Effects of Reiki Versus Physiotherapy on Relieving Lower Back Pain and Improving Activities Daily Living of Patients With Intervertebral Disc Hernia. Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine. 

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Lee, M. Y., Leung, P. P. Y., Celia Hoi Yan Chan, Chan, C. L. W., & Ng, S. (2018). Integrative Body, Mind, Spirit in Social Work: An Empirically Based Approach to Assessment and Treatment. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

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Light, H. (2018). Ethics in energy medicine: Boundaries and guidelines for intuitive and energetic practices. Berkeley: North Atlantic Books. 

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Ohnishi, S. T., & Ohnishi, T. (2009). Philosophy, psychology, physics and practice of ki. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 6(2), 175–183. 

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Orsak, G., Stevens, A. M., Brufsky, A., Kajumba, M., & Dougall, A. L. (2015). The Effects of Reiki Therapy and Companionship on Quality of Life, Mood, and Symptom Distress During Chemotherapy. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 20(1), 20–27. 

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Senthil, K. (2018). Reiki. In Complementary & Alternative Therapies in Nursing, Eight Edition (pp. 411–430). New York: Springer Publishing Company.