Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Fibromyalgia and Reiki Therapy
The Fibromyalgia Symptoms website has an article on the effectiveness of Reiki treatment for relief of fibromyalgia symptoms such as pain and fatigue. It also mentions that reiki can reduce anxiety and depression.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
More Science
There was an excellent article by Nicole Mackay published in the Summer 2005 issue of the Reiki News Magazine. The following is an excerpt from that article:
. . . A literature review of previous studies shows an apparent link between Reiki treatment and the ANS. One of the most commonly reported effects of Reiki is that of relaxation or a reduction in stress. The ANS is the motor system for emotion; if Reiki were to ameliorate stress it would therefore also have some effect on the ANS. A paper authored by Ramnarine-Singh (1999) states that the physiologic system sensitive to energy-based therapies is the ANS, as it affects the body’s physiological response to stress, and suggests that physiologically Reiki and Therapeutic Touch (TT)—a therapy similar to Reiki—can be measured by recording blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, electroencephalography, electrooculography, galvanic skin response, and hand temperature. Wardell and Engebretson (2001) measured the biological effects of Reiki on the ANS and found significant reduction of anxiety and systolic blood pressure, and a significant increase in salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels, using healthy volunteers for their study. Anxiety was assessed through muscle tension measurement using electromyography as well as monitoring of salivary IgA levels. Vaughan (1995) also investigated the ANS, looking at systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and skin response, and found a definite trend towards the lowering of diastolic blood pressure.
Turner et al. (1998) investigated the use of TT for reducing anxiety levels in burn patients, finding a significant reduction in the TT group in comparison with a placebo group. Evanoff and Newton (1999) found that energy-based therapies significantly reduced pain in a randomized control trial of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. TT/Reiki has also been investigated within the field of cutaneous wound healing. Ramnarine-Singh (1999) highlights the apparent link between energy-based therapies and the ANS, stating that the previous “psychological” research is difficult to interpret because of the subjectivity involved. It calls for new studies measuring physiological responses within the ANS. Studies by Quinn (1984) and Vaughan (1995) support this hypothesis. . . .
Friday, June 5, 2009
Fibromyalgia Treatment Center Grand Opening Tomorrow
I am excited to announce that I recently became affiliated with the Integrated Wellness Center and Spa in South Lake Tahoe. Tomorrow, June 6, we are having a grand opening from 10-3 pm.
There will be free Fibromyalgia testing, free food, free bio-identical hormone consultation and so much more.
Integrated Wellness Center and Spa
2608 Lake Tahoe Blvd
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Contact (530) 544-1600 for more information.
There will be free Fibromyalgia testing, free food, free bio-identical hormone consultation and so much more.
Integrated Wellness Center and Spa
2608 Lake Tahoe Blvd
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Contact (530) 544-1600 for more information.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Scientific Studies
There are scientific studies that show the efficacy of reiki treatment. Reviews Nest quotes the following:
Reiki has been proven effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life in advanced cancer patients4,5, changing blood hemoglobin and hematocrit levels6, reducing levels of free radicals7, reducing anxiety and lowering blood pressure8, etc. etc. - the list goes on. Reiki even proved effective in improved growth of heat-shocked bacterial cultures9. There's a vast body of recent research, mostly pointing to the effectiveness of the method.
Adding to that, our hands-on experience with several courses also proved that if you use a good course, Reiki is valid.
So - how does Reiki work? Is it by "channeling universal life energy" as the believers say, or by relaxation and placebo effect as some say10? In all truth - we don't know. All we know is that it DOES work. . . .
4 "Using Reiki to manage pain: a preliminary report.", K . Olson and J. Hanson, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Alta., PMID: 9765732.
5 "A phase II trial of reiki for the management of pain in advanced cancer patients", K . Olson, Journal of Pain and Symptom Management , Volume 26 Issue 5 Pages 990 - 997.
6 "Reiki Healing: A Physiologic Perspective", Wendy S. Wetzel M.S.N., R.N., Journal of Holistic Nursing, Vol. 7, No. 1, 47-54 (1989), DOI: 10.1177/089801018900700109.
7 "The Effect of Reiki on the Level of Free Radicals", Nancy L. Garrison, PhD Dissertation, August 2005.
8 "Biological correlates of Reiki Touch healing", Diane Wind Wardell PhD RNC and Joan Engebretson DrPH RNC, Journal of Advanced Nursing, Volume 33 Issue 4 Pages 439 - 445.
9 "In Vitro Effect of Reiki Treatment on Bacterial Cultures: Role of Experimental Context and Practitioner Well-Being", Beverly Rubik PhD., Audrey J. Brooks PhD. and Gary E. Schwartz PhD., Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, January 1, 2006, 12(1): 7-13. doi:10.1089/acm.2006.12.7.
10 "A Study to Test the Effectiveness of Placebo Reiki Standardization Procedures Developed for a Planned Reiki Efficacy Study", Ahlam A. Mansour PhD., Marion Beuche, Gail Laing PhD., Anne Leis PhD., and Judy Nurse, Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, April 1, 1999, 5(2): 153-164. doi:10.1089/acm.1999.5.153
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Reiki: An Introduction
The following article is from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine portion of the National Institutes of Health website.
Introduction
Reiki is a healing practice that originated in Japan. Reiki practitioners place their hands lightly on or just above the person receiving treatment, with the goal of facilitating the person's own healing response. In the United States, Reiki is part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). This fact sheet provides a general overview of Reiki and suggests sources for additional information.
Key Points
The word "Reiki" is derived from two Japanese words: rei, or universal, and ki, or life energy. Current Reiki practice can be traced to the spiritual teachings of Mikao Usui in Japan during the early 20th century. Usui's teachings included meditative techniques and healing practices. One of Usui's students, Chujiro Hayashi, further developed the healing practices, placing less emphasis on the meditative techniques. An American named Hawayo Takata learned Reiki from Hayashi in Japan and introduced it to Western cultures in the late 1930s.
The type of Reiki practiced and taught by Hayashi and Takata may be considered traditional Reiki. Numerous variations (or schools) of Reiki have since been developed and are currently practiced.
Practice
Reiki is based on the idea that there is a universal (or source) energy that supports the body's innate healing abilities. Practitioners seek to access this energy, allowing it to flow to the body and facilitate healing.
Although generally practiced as a form of self-care, Reiki can be received from someone else and may be offered in a variety of health care settings, including medical offices, hospitals, and clinics.
It can be practiced on its own or along with other CAM therapies or conventional medical treatments.
In a Reiki session, the client lies down or sits comfortably, fully clothed. The practitioner's hands are placed lightly on or just above the client's body, palms down, using a series of 12 to 15 different hand positions. Each position is held for about 2 to 5 minutes, or until the practitioner feels that the flow of energy—experienced as sensations such as heat or tingling in the hands—has slowed or stopped. The number of sessions depends on the health needs of the client.
Typically, the practitioner delivers at least four sessions of 30 to 90 minutes each. The duration of Reiki sessions may be shorter in certain health care settings (for example, during surgery).
Practitioners with appropriate training may perform Reiki from a distance, that is, on clients who are not physically present in the office or clinic.
Uses
According to the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, which included a comprehensive survey of CAM use by Americans, more than 1.2 million adults had used an energy healing therapy, such as Reiki, in the previous year. The survey also found that approximately 161,000 children had used an energy healing therapy in the previous year.
People use Reiki for relaxation, stress reduction, and symptom relief, in efforts to improve overall health and well-being. Reiki has been used by people with anxiety, chronic pain, HIV/AIDS, and other health conditions, as well as by people recovering from surgery or experiencing side effects from cancer treatments. Reiki has also been given to people who are dying (and to their families and caregivers) to help impart a sense of peace.
Effects and Safety
Clients may experience a deep state of relaxation during a Reiki session. They might also feel warm, tingly, sleepy, or refreshed.
Reiki appears to be generally safe, and no serious side effects have been reported.
Training, Licensing, and Certification
No special background or credentials are needed to receive training. However, Reiki must be learned from an experienced teacher or a Master; it cannot be self-taught. The specific techniques taught can vary greatly.
Training in traditional Reiki has three degrees (levels), each focusing on a different aspect of practice. Each degree includes one or more initiations (also called attunements or empowerments). Receiving an initiation is believed to activate the ability to access Reiki energy.
Training for first- and second-degree practice is typically given in 8 to 12 class hours over about 2 days. In first-degree training, students learn to perform Reiki on themselves and on others. In second-degree training, students learn to perform Reiki on others from a distance. Some students seek master-level (third-degree) training. A Reiki Master can teach and initiate students. Becoming a Master can take years.
Reiki practitioners' training and expertise vary. Increasingly, many people who seek training are licensed health care professionals. However, no licensing or professional standards exist for the practice of Reiki.
If You Are Thinking About Using Reiki
Some recent NCCAM-supported studies have been investigating:
Barnes PM, Powell-Griner E, McFann K, Nahin RL. Complementary and alternative medicine use among adults: United States, 2002. CDC Advance Data Report #343. 2004.
DiNucci EM. Energy healing: a complementary treatment for orthopaedic and other conditions. Orthopaedic Nursing. 2005;24(4):259–269.
Engebretson J, Wardell DW. Experience of a Reiki session. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2002;8(2):48–53.
LaTorre MA. The use of Reiki in psychotherapy. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care. 2005;41(4):184–187.
Miles P. Reiki for mind, body, and spirit support of cancer patients. Advances in Mind-Body Medicine. 2007;22(2):20–26.
Miles P, True G. Reiki-review of a biofield therapy history, theory, practice, and research. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2003;9(2):62–72.
Nield-Anderson L, Ameling A. Reiki: a complementary therapy for nursing practice. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services. 2001;39(4):42–49.
Reiki. Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed on February 25, 2008.
Introduction
Reiki is a healing practice that originated in Japan. Reiki practitioners place their hands lightly on or just above the person receiving treatment, with the goal of facilitating the person's own healing response. In the United States, Reiki is part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). This fact sheet provides a general overview of Reiki and suggests sources for additional information.
Key Points
- People use Reiki to promote overall health and well-being. Reiki is also used by people who are seeking relief from disease-related symptoms and the side effects of conventional medical treatments.
- Reiki has historically been practiced as a form of self-care. Increasingly, it is also provided by health care professionals in a variety of clinical settings.
- People do not need a special background to learn how to perform Reiki. Currently, training and certification for Reiki practitioners are not formally regulated.
- Scientific research is under way to learn more about how Reiki may work, its possible effects on health, and diseases and conditions for which it may be helpful.
- Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.
The word "Reiki" is derived from two Japanese words: rei, or universal, and ki, or life energy. Current Reiki practice can be traced to the spiritual teachings of Mikao Usui in Japan during the early 20th century. Usui's teachings included meditative techniques and healing practices. One of Usui's students, Chujiro Hayashi, further developed the healing practices, placing less emphasis on the meditative techniques. An American named Hawayo Takata learned Reiki from Hayashi in Japan and introduced it to Western cultures in the late 1930s.
The type of Reiki practiced and taught by Hayashi and Takata may be considered traditional Reiki. Numerous variations (or schools) of Reiki have since been developed and are currently practiced.
Practice
Reiki is based on the idea that there is a universal (or source) energy that supports the body's innate healing abilities. Practitioners seek to access this energy, allowing it to flow to the body and facilitate healing.
Although generally practiced as a form of self-care, Reiki can be received from someone else and may be offered in a variety of health care settings, including medical offices, hospitals, and clinics.
It can be practiced on its own or along with other CAM therapies or conventional medical treatments.
In a Reiki session, the client lies down or sits comfortably, fully clothed. The practitioner's hands are placed lightly on or just above the client's body, palms down, using a series of 12 to 15 different hand positions. Each position is held for about 2 to 5 minutes, or until the practitioner feels that the flow of energy—experienced as sensations such as heat or tingling in the hands—has slowed or stopped. The number of sessions depends on the health needs of the client.
Typically, the practitioner delivers at least four sessions of 30 to 90 minutes each. The duration of Reiki sessions may be shorter in certain health care settings (for example, during surgery).
Practitioners with appropriate training may perform Reiki from a distance, that is, on clients who are not physically present in the office or clinic.
Uses
According to the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, which included a comprehensive survey of CAM use by Americans, more than 1.2 million adults had used an energy healing therapy, such as Reiki, in the previous year. The survey also found that approximately 161,000 children had used an energy healing therapy in the previous year.
People use Reiki for relaxation, stress reduction, and symptom relief, in efforts to improve overall health and well-being. Reiki has been used by people with anxiety, chronic pain, HIV/AIDS, and other health conditions, as well as by people recovering from surgery or experiencing side effects from cancer treatments. Reiki has also been given to people who are dying (and to their families and caregivers) to help impart a sense of peace.
Effects and Safety
Clients may experience a deep state of relaxation during a Reiki session. They might also feel warm, tingly, sleepy, or refreshed.
Reiki appears to be generally safe, and no serious side effects have been reported.
Training, Licensing, and Certification
No special background or credentials are needed to receive training. However, Reiki must be learned from an experienced teacher or a Master; it cannot be self-taught. The specific techniques taught can vary greatly.
Training in traditional Reiki has three degrees (levels), each focusing on a different aspect of practice. Each degree includes one or more initiations (also called attunements or empowerments). Receiving an initiation is believed to activate the ability to access Reiki energy.
Training for first- and second-degree practice is typically given in 8 to 12 class hours over about 2 days. In first-degree training, students learn to perform Reiki on themselves and on others. In second-degree training, students learn to perform Reiki on others from a distance. Some students seek master-level (third-degree) training. A Reiki Master can teach and initiate students. Becoming a Master can take years.
Reiki practitioners' training and expertise vary. Increasingly, many people who seek training are licensed health care professionals. However, no licensing or professional standards exist for the practice of Reiki.
If You Are Thinking About Using Reiki
- Do not use Reiki as a replacement for proven conventional care or to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem.
- Find out about the Reiki practitioner's background, including training and experience treating clients.
- Be aware that Reiki has not been well studied scientifically, but research on whether and how Reiki may work is under way.
- Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care. For tips about talking with your health care providers about CAM, see NCCAMs Time To Talk campaign.
Some recent NCCAM-supported studies have been investigating:
- How Reiki might work
- Whether Reiki is effective and safe for treating the symptoms of fibromyalgia
- Reiki's possible impact on the well-being and quality of life in people with advanced AIDS
- The possible effects of Reiki on disease progression and/or anxiety in people with prostate cancer
- Whether Reiki can help reduce nerve pain and cardiovascular risk in people with type 2 diabetes
Barnes PM, Powell-Griner E, McFann K, Nahin RL. Complementary and alternative medicine use among adults: United States, 2002. CDC Advance Data Report #343. 2004.
DiNucci EM. Energy healing: a complementary treatment for orthopaedic and other conditions. Orthopaedic Nursing. 2005;24(4):259–269.
Engebretson J, Wardell DW. Experience of a Reiki session. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2002;8(2):48–53.
LaTorre MA. The use of Reiki in psychotherapy. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care. 2005;41(4):184–187.
Miles P. Reiki for mind, body, and spirit support of cancer patients. Advances in Mind-Body Medicine. 2007;22(2):20–26.
Miles P, True G. Reiki-review of a biofield therapy history, theory, practice, and research. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2003;9(2):62–72.
Nield-Anderson L, Ameling A. Reiki: a complementary therapy for nursing practice. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services. 2001;39(4):42–49.
Reiki. Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed on February 25, 2008.
Monday, June 1, 2009
What is Reiki?
Reiki is the Japanese word for Universal Life Force Energy. Reiki is an ancient healing art rediscovered by Dr. Mikaomi Usui about 100 years ago. We all have Reiki energy (Universal Life Force Energy), it is our birthright.
We are Reiki, all of us are made of Universal Life Force Energy. Even science now recognizes that all things animate and inanimate are energy vibration.
Reiki is the art of channeling Universal Life Force Energy to promote spiritual, emotional, mental and physical healing in yourself and others.
An attuned Reiki practitioner has her body’s energy channels cleared and becomes connected to the source of energy.
During a Reiki healing, the practitioner lays her hands on the energy channels of the body (also known as chakras), channeling pure healing energy through her body, out her hands, and into the client. Each channel is connected to physical, mental, and emotional areas for the client.
We are Reiki, all of us are made of Universal Life Force Energy. Even science now recognizes that all things animate and inanimate are energy vibration.
Reiki is the art of channeling Universal Life Force Energy to promote spiritual, emotional, mental and physical healing in yourself and others.
An attuned Reiki practitioner has her body’s energy channels cleared and becomes connected to the source of energy.
During a Reiki healing, the practitioner lays her hands on the energy channels of the body (also known as chakras), channeling pure healing energy through her body, out her hands, and into the client. Each channel is connected to physical, mental, and emotional areas for the client.
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