When my brother was battling cancer a few years ago, I wanted to give him some relief from his worry and pain. I asked if he’d consider participating in a Reiki session or two with me.
At first, he hesitated because he didn’t want to shift his burden onto me. I gently persisted. Finally, he agreed to give Reiki a try.
My brother didn’t say much after the first session – but we kept going. A few sessions later, he asked me to provide Reiki for his wife and other family members. He realized they were under a great deal of stress and wanted them to have some relief as well.
It comforts me to know that I was able to give my brother and his family a few minutes of calm during a very difficult time. Through that personal experience and my past work with several hospice organizations, I’ve seen how Reiki can help seriously-ill patients and their families.
Reiki is not a replacement for traditional cancer treatments. But it can bolster your mental capacity to acknowledge the cancer and not let it consume every waking moment of your day. Reiki can also provide these benefits:
It creates a connection. Unlike massage, Reiki does not involve tissue manipulation, which can be painful for some cancer patients. During a session, I lightly touch your shoulders, then I feel for tension in your back. I also touch your head and major joints in the body. This gentle human touch is a conduit to share compassion and kindness, feelings that are especially therapeutic for people with long-term illnesses.
It helps both patients and caregivers feel better. Reiki encourages the body’s internal energy to move, which affects the nervous system in a positive way. For cancer patients, Reiki can reduce pain, ease anxiety, provide comfort and improve emotional health. For caregivers, Reiki can provide rejuvenation, an improved sense of well-being and the natural energy needed to continue supporting their loved one.
It offers a respite. When a patient endures many weeks or months of medical treatments, breaks in the routine can be highly beneficial for both the patient and his or her caregivers. A Reiki session is an opportunity to release negative thoughts and relax, which rests the mind and the body. For some patients, Reiki provides temporary relief from nausea and other side effects of cancer treatments.
When it comes to cancer, care and support can be a challenge. Reiki may offer a way to ease the physical and emotional burden for you and/or a loved one. For a consultation or to schedule a session, please feel free to contact me. Be kind to yourself in the meantime.