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Cancer
Centers and Doctors Encouraging the Use of Reiki
By Jack Bleeker
With
groups like the Society of Integrative Oncology, a multi-disciplinary organization of professionals, touting the advantages
of complementary cancer treatment and recovery, new methodologies, including Reiki are gaining in popularity. More and more
cancer centers and oncologists are beginning to recognize the benefits that these treatments – once dismissed with a
snicker by those “in-the-know” – are providing for those who just don’t know where to turn to address
issues like the pain and stress associated with cancers such as mesothelioma and its conventional treatments.
Complementary therapies
- not to be confused with “alternative” therapies, which are unproven treatments – have gradually made their
way to the forefront of cancer care as well-known oncologists who are lauded experts in their field begin to promote these
supportive treatments as a natural part of cancer care. Even the National Institutes of Health operates a National Center for Complementary and Alternative
Medicine, researching complementary therapies and then recommending proven ones for integration into cancer programs nationwide,
including those associated with mesothelioma cancer.
Lately, the ancient form
of spiritual healing known as Reiki (pronounced Ray-kee) has earned plenty of attention as a potential complementary therapy
for all kinds of cancer, including mesothelioma. Rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, Reiki was “rediscovered” in the early
20th century and became particularly popular in the late 1990s as Reiki Masters began to teach non-Buddhists that
life energy flows through all persons, this technique strives to increase the life force energy of a sick individual, therefore
helping him achieve better health and happiness.
Like many complementary
therapies, Reiki takes a holistic approach – treating mind, body, and spirit – and is safe and natural. Many cancer
patients who have tried it note an overall feeling of peace, relaxation, and well-being when the treatment is complete. Totally
non-invasive, Reiki therapy involves the laying of hands on the fully-clothed patient by the Reiki practitioner. His/her hands
travel through 12 different positions, staying in each place for about 5 minutes for a total of about an hour per treatment.
The feeling of invigoration or tranquility results from the fact that Reiki causes the body's molecules to vibrate at a higher
intensity, hence, dissolving energy blockages that lead to disharmony and disease, Reiki masters note. This assists in controlling
pain, easing stress, or lessening side effects of traditional treatments like chemotherapy, including nausea and other debilitating
problems. It is also believed to improve immune function.
With continuous positive
reactions from many cancer patients, prestigious cancer centers like Memorial
Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
offer Reiki classes for cancer patients, including Sloan Kettering mesothelioma patients on a regular basis as well as in-service classes for their hospital staff.
Other well-known hospitals to jump on the Reiki bandwagon include Dartmouth-Hitchcock
Medical Center, Columbia Presbyterian, the
Yale Center, and Cancer
Treatment Centers of America. The list continues to grow as patients use tools
like the internet to advertise their positive reactions to this ancient healing art, enticing others to give it a try.
References:
National Center
for Complementary and Alternative Medicines (http://nccam.nih.gov/)
Society
for Integrative Oncology (www.integrativeonc.org
Chemocare.com,
http://www.chemocare.com/complementary_medicine.asp)
The
International Center
for Reiki Training ( www.reiki.org)
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (www.mskcc.org)
