Reiki, a Japanese energy healing practice gaining credibility and popularity in the medical field, offers benefits to older adults and caregivers alike.
Reiki is a complementary – or alternative – therapy, meaning it doesn’t directly cure diseases or illnesses. However, when used in tandem with other medical approaches, it can be an effective way to manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.
According to a review of randomized trials, Reiki may relieve pain, aid sleep, enhance emotional well-being, and improve other symptoms and conditions.
Relieves pain – People often report relief from pain after a Reiki healing session. For example, in one Veterans Affairs clinic, many veterans noted they felt more peaceful and also reported decreased pain, often dropping from a pain level of 4 to 2.
Aids sleep – In the same Veterans Affairs clinic, patients who stated their “bodies had forgotten how to sleep” found that Reiki improved their insomnia, many falling asleep right on the table during their Reiki healing session!
Enhances emotional well-being – Some research also points to the possibility that Reiki helps ease anxiety and alleviate depression in some people.
The practice is also helpful in improving some symptoms and conditions especially common among older adults, including:
- Headache
- Tension
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Reiki is safe, has no side effects, and doesn’t require pharmaceuticals or even physical effort, making it an excellent choice for a complementary or alternative treatment to a variety of conditions. It can also be used in the absence of any illness or injury, as it brings on a sense of peace and well-being regardless of intent.
What happens in a Reiki session?
While Reiki can easily be done in just about any setting, most Reiki practitioners will work with you one-on-one in a private setting. Most sessions take an hour or less, requiring no special skills or gear from the client. You’ll simply lie down fully clothed on a comfortable padded, heated table with a light blanket covering you to keep you warm and comfortable. You’ll then simply listen to soothing music while the Reiki practitioner holds their hands over your body.
Traditionally, Reiki does not require physical touch. With your permission, the practitioner may diffuse essential oils or apply essential oils to their hands. There’s usually a minimal amount of dialogue between the client and the practitioner, as the practitioner focuses specifically on their intent for healing.
How does Reiki work?
If you’ve heard of Reiki, you’ve likely heard the common question, “Is Reiki real?” or “How does Reiki work?”
The answer is not simple.
While some use the human electromagnetic field to explain the healing properties of Reiki, others claim it’s simply a placebo effect. But the best question may be: “Does it really matter how it works?” Many patients have observed there’s no harm in accepting that something makes you feel better, even if you don’t understand the precise mechanisms behind it.
After all, many traditional medical treatments heal according to mechanisms that we don’t fully understand, but we believe in their efficacy regardless.
In addition, new research is finding the placebo effect is actually more valid and therapeutic than previously believed. Ted Kaptchuk, a Harvard Medical School professor and a leading researcher on the placebo effect, theorizes the placebo effect is a legitimate, measurable biological response that has healing capacity. In a New York Times article, he referred to the placebo effect as, “a biological response to an act of caring; that somehow the encounter itself calls forth healing and that the more intense and focused it is, the more healing it evokes.”
Can plants and animals benefit from Reiki, too?
Numerous studies have shown Reiki energy improves plant growth, and Reiki offers the same benefits to animals as it does to humans. If you think your pet could also benefit from Reiki, don’t hesitate to discuss it with your veterinarian, as they may have a local Reiki practitioner they recommend.
How to find a Reiki practitioner near you
Many Reiki practitioners are available, but how do you choose the right one for you or your loved one? Professional associations are a great way to locate highly trained and dedicated Reiki practitioners. The Reiki Alliance, the International Reiki Association and the International Association of Reiki Practitioners all offer online tools for locating a practitioner in your area.
