Guest Blogger, Emily Walsh, writes

Reiki as a Complementary Therapy for Cancer Patients
Emily Walsh


The traditional Japanese healing art form of Reiki is actually considered to be a complementary therapy forcancer patients. People currently receiving and recovering from chemotherapy and/or radiation can benefit from Reiki. There have been some fairly positive results shown in people who have various types of cancers such as mesothelioma, breast cancer, etc. However, it is important to mention that in no way is Reiki a cure for cancer or a substitute for proper medical treatment with licensed professionals, especially for people battling cancer.

Reiki is a very delicate and peaceful art form that is used to transmit positive, healing energy to affected areas. This is completely fine in cancer patients as long as practitioners avoid any delicate areas as instructed by a physician. Reiki can be a substitute for other more physical types of complementary therapies such as Yoga or massage that some patients may not be able to do. Many patients report feeling more relaxed during and after the treatment and some say that they physically feel much better. In addition to that, many participants have reported that symptoms such as nausea, pain, and anxiety have improved through the use of Reiki. Although mesothelioma life expectancy may not be directly affected, the quality of life for a patient can greatly improve as a result of utilizing Reiki.


For cancer patients, one of the advantages of Reiki is that unlike some of other types of complementary treatments, it is completely non-invasive, in that it does not involve any medications or injections. There is little to no risk involved as practitioners barely touch the individual. Patients do not have to move, think, or do anything to receive treatments. This is especially comforting to patients who may be hospitalized and unable to move. On average, treatments for patients last for about an hour and they do not interfere with any of the other types of medical treatment they may receive.

The phenomenon has been researched, but the studies are inconclusive as to whether or not there is some tangible evidence that these energies are present and if they have actually healed patients. Some also argue that the positive effects of Reiki are due to the beliefs of that patient. Either way, it is still not quite clear as to what is really responsible for the positive effects. Though the true merits of energy medicine and Reiki are still being researched, Reiki can no doubt improve a patients mental state, especially when the individual accepts the importance of mind/body healing as an essential part of a full recovery.

To read more from Emily Walsh visit her blog Em-Musings