Reiki

Reiki is a hands-on type of healing used as a complementary therapy.

Reiki is a Japanese healing art that was developed by Dr Usui in Japan in the early 20th
century. It is pronounced ray-key.

You may also hear it called:

 Reiki healing
 Usui system of Reiki
 therapeutic touch

The Japanese word Reiki means universal energy. Eastern medicine systems work with this
energy, which flows through all living things and is vital to well being. The energy is known
as 'Ki' in Japan, 'Chi' in China and 'prana' in India. Reiki isn't part of any type of religion or
belief system. It is best described as a hands on healing used as a complementary therapy.

A Reiki practitioner aims to change and balance the energy fields in and around your body to
help on a physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual level.

Why people with cancer use Reiki

Reiki practitioners say that it can:

 help you to feel deeply relaxed

 help you cope with difficult situations
 relieve emotional stress and tension
 help to improve overall wellbeing

Some people with cancer say they feel better after using therapies such as Reiki. Studies
show that this is often because a therapist spends time with the person, and touches them.

After the rush and stress of hospitals and treatment, it can be very relaxing when someone
gives you attention for an hour or more, in a calm setting. Reiki is sometimes used in
palliative care, especially in hospices.

Some people say that Reiki has helped to control side effects of their cancer treatments, such
as pain, anxiety and sickness.

They also say that it helps them cope better with their cancer and its treatment. But it’s
important to bear in mind that while Reiki may help you to cope with your symptoms or side
effects, it is not able to treat your cancer.
How you have it
On your first visit, your Reiki practitioner will ask you about your general health and medical
history. They will ask you why you would like to have Reiki and discuss your treatment plan
with you.

You don’t have to get undressed for treatment. You usually take your shoes and coat off and
have it sitting or lying down. You can have your eyes open or closed.

Your Reiki practitioner might dim the lights or play soothing music. They put their hands on,
or a few inches above, your body. They will move their hands across your body, usually
starting at your head and working down to your feet, but may focus on particular areas of the
body.

The aim is to move and balance the energy within and around your body. And to get rid of
any energy blocks to encourage physical healing and strengthen your energy.

You might feel a tingling sensation, a deep relaxation, or warmth or coolness throughout your
body. Or, you might not feel anything at all. Practitioners say this doesn’t mean the treatment
isn’t working.

A session usually lasts between 20 minutes and an hour. Many practitioners say you will get
the best results from 3 sessions within a fairly short space of time. Then take a break before
having more treatments.

You might feel thirsty after a session. It can help to drink plenty of water and avoid strong
caffeine based drinks, such as coffee.

You might feel deeply relaxed, and resting at home afterwards can help you get the full
benefit of the treatment.

Reiki can be sent remotely. An appropriately trained practitioner can send healing over a
distance. So you can be in your own home having Reiki from a person elsewhere.

If you don’t feel comfortable with anything, it’s important to discuss this with your
practitioner.

 Learn more about what to do if you have difficulties with your practitioner

Possible side effects

Generally speaking, Reiki is safe for most people with cancer. Most practitioners will advise
you to rest and drink plenty of water after treatment. There are no reports of harmful side
effects.

It is safe to have Reiki alongside your cancer treatment. But it’s important to tell your doctor
about any complementary therapy, alternative therapy or diet supplement that you use. Then
your doctor will always have the full picture about your care and treatment.
Research into Reiki for people with cancer
There is no scientific evidence to prove that Reiki can prevent, treat or cure cancer, or any
other disease.

But, many healthcare professionals accept Reiki as a useful complementary therapy which
may help lower stress, promote relaxation and reduce pain.

General studies

For pain control

For men with prostate cancer

How much it costs

Some cancer centres and hospitals in the UK offer free or low cost Reiki treatments for
people with cancer. Ask your nurse or doctor if this is an option in your ward or treatment
centre. If it isn’t, they might be able to direct you to nearby organisations or support groups
that do.

Private Reiki treatments usually cost £15 to £100 an hour. Treatments may be more
expensive in bigger cities.

Finding a Reiki practitioner

It is vital that the person who gives you Reiki is properly trained.

There are 3 different levels of Reiki practitioners.

 Level 1 means you can use Reiki to treat yourself, family and friends but are not able
to treat other people or charge money for treatment
 Level 2 (also called practitioner level) means you have studied to a higher level and
can use Reiki to treat people
 Level 3 means you are a Reiki master or teacher

Anyone treating you should hold a minimum Level 2 Reiki qualification and should be
registered with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) as a Reiki
practitioner.

There is no law to say that practitioners have to have any specific qualifications. But, most
reputable practitioners belong to a professional Reiki association.

Look on the UK Reiki Federation website first for a list of practitioners in your area. Or, use
one of the other organisations listed below. Contact one or more of the practitioners and
check what level qualification and training they have.

Questions you might ask

  How many years of training have you had?
 How long have you been practising?
 Have you had training for treating and supporting people with cancer?
 Do you have indemnity insurance? (in case of negligence)

Reiki organisations
The organisations listed here can give helpful information about Reiki.

UK Reiki Federation

The Reiki Guild

The Reiki Council (Formerly the UK Reiki Regulatory Working Group)

The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)

The Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT)