More Cancer Centers & 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 treatment 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 Medicine, researching
complementary therapies can 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 force 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 the 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 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
... include Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Columbia Presbyterian, the Yale Center, and Cancer Treatment Centers of America.
This 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: