More Cancer Centers and Doctors
Encouraging the Use of Reiki
By Jack Bleeker
With groups like the
Society of Integrative Oncology, a multi-disciplinary organization of
professionals, touting the advantages of complementary cancer treatment and
recovery, new methodologies, including Reiki are gaining in popularity. More
and more cancer centers and oncologists are beginning to recognize the benefits
that these treatments once dismissed with a snicker by those "in-the-know"-
are providing for those who just don't know where to turn to address issues
like the pain and stress associated with cancers such as mesothelioma and its conventional
treatments.
Complementary
therapies - not to be confused with "alternative" therapies, which are unproven
treatments - have gradually made their way to the forefront of cancer care as
well-known oncologists who are lauded experts in their field begin to promote
these supportive treatments as a natural part of cancer care. Even the National
Institutes of Health operates a National Center for Complementary and
Alternative Medicine, researching complementary therapies and then recommending
proven ones for integration into cancer programs nationwide, including those
associated with mesothelioma
cancer.
Lately,
the ancient form of spiritual healing known as Reiki (pronounced Ray-kee) has
earned plenty of attention as a potential complementary therapy for all kinds
of cancer, including mesothelioma. Rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, Reiki was "rediscovered" in the early 20th century and became particularly
popular in the late 1990s as Reiki Masters began to teach non-Buddhists that
life energy flows through all persons, this technique strives to increase the
life force energy of a sick individual, therefore helping him achieve better
health and happiness.
Like
many complementary therapies, Reiki takes a holistic approach - treating mind,
body, and spirit - and is safe and natural. Many cancer patients who have tried
it note an overall feeling of peace, relaxation, and well-being when the
treatment is complete. Totally non-invasive, Reiki therapy involves the laying
of hands on the fully-clothed patient by the Reiki practitioner. His/her hands
travel through 12 different positions, staying in each place for about 5
minutes for a total of about an hour per treatment. The feeling of invigoration
or tranquility results from the fact that Reiki causes the body's molecules to
vibrate at a higher intensity, hence, dissolving energy blockages that lead to
disharmony and disease, Reiki masters note. This assists in controlling pain,
easing stress, or lessening side effects of traditional treatments like
chemotherapy, including nausea and other debilitating problems. It is also
believed to improve immune function.
With
continuous positive reactions from many cancer patients, prestigious cancer centers
like Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center offer Reiki classes for cancer
patients, including Sloan
Kettering mesothelioma patients on a regular basis as well as in-service
classes for their hospital staff. Other well-known hospitals to jump on the
Reiki bandwagon include Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Columbia
Presbyterian, the Yale Center, and Cancer Treatment Centers of America. The
list continues to grow as patients use tools like the internet to advertise
their positive reactions to this ancient healing art, enticing others to give
it a try.
References:
National
Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicines (http://nccam.nih.gov/)
Society
for Integrative Oncology (www.integrativeonc.org