Receiving the diagnosis of cancer is a life changing and traumatic event. We often feel unprepared, overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, frightened, exhausted, overstressed, and physically unwell as we move from diagnosis, through surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation and the occurring side effects, and anticipation and uncertainty about the future. Every part of us is affected.
Reiki treatments offer an oasis in the midst of the storm. Cancer patients who receive Reiki treatments report increases in relaxation, decrease in stress and anxiety and improved sense of well-being. The body moves from fight/flight and stress into the relaxation response. Reiki nourishes us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Reiki is a complementary/integrative energy-based therapy using techniques and principles that have been with us for thousands of years. It involves the gentle placing of hands on or slightly above the body in order to allow the energy of Reiki to be transferred to the patient.
The availability of Reiki is quickly increasing in many hospitals and cancer centers in large and small cities throughout the country (including New York City, Cambridge, Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Frederick, MD!) because patients are reporting very positive benefits. |
In patients' own words . . . .
"I could feel a strong, peaceful feeling coming through your hands. ...more"
"Reiki gifted me with a return to a youthful state of health ....more"
"I would like to offer my complete support for the Reiki program....more"
"....when I received Reiki throughout my
Doxil treatment. Then I had NO symptoms. …more"
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These benefits have been significant, recognized and appreciated by patients, doctors, nurses, and staff and include:
- Positive improvement in energy and well-being
- Decreased pain, anxiety, stress and depression
- Support for healing after surgery and medical procedures
- Calming of the mind and balancing of the emotions
- Reduction in side effects/discomforts of chemo and radiation therapies including nausea/vomiting, fatigue, skin eruptions, anxiety
- Improved sleep
- A feeling of being cared for, cared about and nurtured
- Increased feelings of wellbeing, empowerment, inner strength, clarity
During a Reiki session, the patient remains fully clothed and receives Reiki while lying down on a bed or massage table, or while sitting in a chair. The practitioner gently places their hands in different appropriate positions on or slightly above the body to allow the Reiki energies to flow through their hands into the patient, supporting the patient’s healing and harmonious rebalancing – emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually, while creating an overall sense of peacefulness and wellbeing.
If you google ‘Reiki and cancer patients’ or ‘Reiki supports cancer patients’ you will find that there is much information available. There is also information about Reiki on the American Cancer Society Website. www.lifesparknow.org has information about an ongoing Reiki and Healing Touch support program offered in several cities.
Reiki has no known negative side-effects and can be used in conjunction with all medical treatments
I've offered Reiki to patients at different stages of their treatment and have also been invited to give patients Reiki during their IV Therapy. See the letters from patients below for their comments on receiving Reiki during treatment. If you have been diagnosed with Cancer and are interested in more information about receiving Reiki, please contact me at hedymiri@gmail.com.
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Patient's Own Words
Patient #1
“Subject: Reiki during my chemotherapy infusion 2/14/08
Dear Miriam:
THANK YOU, THANK YOU for coming to visit me during my chemotherapy treatment today. I came home afterwards….laid down on the couch….and peacefully slept for 2 hours…! I haven’t done that until today….and I KNOW that it is because you shared Reiki with me. Usually the steroids keep me a little hyper and mentally uncomfortable for a few days. Even with the cramped and busy conditions of the IV Therapy Center, I could feel a strong, peaceful feeling coming through your hands. Again, Thank You!” |
Patient #2
“My Reiki time with Miriam was a time of escape from the realities of cancer treatments. Reiki offered me release from a scarred body with limits, from a body with pain. Reiki gifted me with a return to a youthful state of health, optimism and hope. The very first time I had a session with Miriam – I experienced a total release of all the emotional baggage I had been carrying.”
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Patient #3
“This is my first time back in 3 weeks. I have not gone this long without Reiki since I began last March. I noticed a big difference in my symptoms since I have been without Reiki. My hand and foot syndrome from my Doxil treatment is bad now – very painful. This was not the case during the aftermath of my last treatment when I received Reiki throughout my Doxil treatment. Then I had NO symptoms. …having Reiki available here (in addition to your chemo) makes it feel like the whole Cancer Center is working towards your health in every way and that your emotional needs are valued and addressed.” M.A., 2/26/08 |
Patient #4
Thank God for Reiki
For me, being diagnosed with breast cancer was as if: “One day I was taking a beautiful hike in Colorado. I was enjoying my life on a sunny day. But suddenly I stumbled and fell into the raging Colorado River. I tried to swim and keep my head above the water; but, the swift rapids kept carrying me downstream towards places unknown and scary. I bounced off of rocks and was sucked under the water. I kept reaching for the riverbank; but, I could not climb out of that river!”
Everything happens so fast after a positive cancer diagnosis. Before the patient can digest the news it is necessary to complete more tests, endure a surgery or two, then meet with more new doctors and discuss a frightening treatment plan. My head was spinning and although everyone was telling me that I could do this and that I would be all right, fear and anxiety was taking control.
I discovered Reiki purely by accident; luckily, it was right in front of me at my local Cancer Center. I am so grateful that it is conveniently located there. I would not have searched for it elsewhere; I would have never of had the knowledge or the strength to go out and find it at this time.
The Reiki Practitioners who offer their skills at the Cancer Center reached out to me and pulled me out of that raging, scary river. I remember the first time I walked into my first Reiki session. I really did not know what to expect; but, I could feel sincere warmth and comfort from the Reiki staff. I believe that the human touch is very powerful; and by laying warm, caring hands on me… the Reiki Volunteers immediately helped me to relax. The fearful messages that were in my mind were replaced with “Peace,” “Hope,” “Calm,” “Health.”
After that first Reiki session, I knew that I had discovered something that was good for me. In fact, during that next week I noticed that as I did my daily household chores.... I found myself “humming” some of my favorite songs. I hadn’t hummed in years! And later after the second Reiki session, I started sleeping and resting more peacefully at night and felt genuinely better about my entire self.
I want to know more. I am researching Reiki to understand the history and the technique. I come back for a Reiki session on Tuesdays at the cancer center every week. I also started meeting one of the Reiki Masters on the weekends on my own. By doing this, I am provided with continued “relief”.
I am now continuing my chemotherapy treatments in a more calm and peaceful manner. And, I have done this without any of the usually prescribed anxiety drugs. I have learned how to take deep breaths and calm myself naturally. The more Reiki sessions that I have and the more I practice relaxing, the easier it is to remain in a peaceful state of mind.
I would like to offer my complete support for the Reiki program at the Cancer Treatment Center. It is a necessary and vital part of the entire cancer support group. Any patient who is open to try Reiki will find a gentle, non-invasive and practical healing therapy. Reiki is restoring the balance to my body, my mind and my soul.
Thank you, K.F. Frederick, MD
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