A recent study by University Hospitals Connor Whole Health aimed to assess the effectiveness of Reiki therapy for cancer patients undergoing infusion treatments.
The findings, published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, shed light on how Reiki may help alleviate common symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and anxiety.
This investigation spanned two years, gathering extensive data on this complementary approach.
Understanding Reiki Therapy
Reiki, which has its roots in Japanese tradition, is a form of energy healing.
In practice, a trained Reiki master gently places their hands either on or near the patient’s body, promoting relaxation and restoring balance.
This energy channeling technique is believed to activate the body’s natural healing processes.
While it’s not designed to replace standard medical treatments, Reiki offers a holistic approach aimed at minimizing stress and enhancing overall well-being.
Study Findings
The study involved 268 cancer patients who collectively participated in 392 Reiki sessions.
Each session lasted 15 to 20 minutes and was conducted by skilled practitioners who utilized specific techniques to ease symptoms for the patients.
To evaluate the impact of the therapy, participants filled out the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS), providing feedback on their pain, fatigue, anxiety, nausea, and overall well-being before and after the sessions.
Lead researcher Natalie Dyer from Connor Whole Health in Cleveland reported notable findings.
Patients receiving Reiki in conjunction with chemotherapy experienced significant alleviation of symptoms across the board, accompanied by high levels of satisfaction and positive feedback regarding their experiences.
The results were striking.
Participants reported an average pain reduction of 1.78 points, while fatigue scores declined by 1.33 points.
Anxiety levels fell by 2.09 points, and nausea decreased by an impressive 2.30 points.
Additionally, patients noted a 1.37-point improvement in their overall sense of well-being.
These outcomes indicate that Reiki can deliver meaningful short-term relief during the often-grueling process of cancer treatment.
Participant Feedback and Future Research
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing feelings of relaxation and reduced discomfort after their sessions.
Many expressed gratitude for the therapy and a desire to continue their Reiki treatments.
However, despite these promising short-term results, the researchers stressed the importance of further investigations to explore the long-term benefits of Reiki therapy.
Expanding access to such integrative therapies across various healthcare settings could enhance support for a broader range of cancer patients.
This aligns well with the goal of providing holistic care that addresses the diverse needs of patients facing the challenges of cancer.
Dr. Francoise Adan, Chief Whole Health and Well-being Officer at Connor Whole Health, emphasized the value of a care approach that encompasses the mental, emotional, and physical dimensions of a patient’s journey.
He highlighted that the study provides valuable insights into how Reiki can support patients undergoing cancer treatment, reflecting a promising intersection of traditional and complementary health practices.
Source: Legalreader