This Ancient therapy is often misunderstood
"The best way to see if Reiki works for you is to give it a try," says Reiki Master Therapist (RMT) Clarke Bassett.
According to William Lee Rand, founder of the International Center for Reiki Training, "Reiki is an energy healing treatment that works holistically; on the whole body, mind and spirit ... Reiki is simply a relaxing treatment ... natural healing vibrations are transmitted through the hands of a Reiki practitioner (acting as a conduit) to the body of a recipient. The purpose of a Reiki treatment is to relieve stress and pain, induce relaxation, release emotional blockages, accelerate natural healing, balance subtle energies and support other medical modalities including traditional therapies."
Although like many other complementary therapies, Reiki is intended to diminish stress and relieve tension, some people prefer therapies that provide more direct touch, such as massage or reflexology.
Reiki involves very light touch, but Bassett affirms that patients can still reap the same stress and tension-relieving benefits through Reiki that they can get from more aggressive therapies.
"When stress gets released, the body is better able to heal," says Bassett. "It's not the practitioner that does the healing, however, it is the person who is receiving the therapy, when they agree to allow the energy that Reiki provides into their body, mind and soul." During a Reiki session, the practitioner usually performs light touch on the top of the head, the stomach area, the knees, ankles, shoulders and elbows.
"My biggest applause is a loud snore," said Bassett. That's when he knows a patient is benefiting from the therapy.
Some people may actually prefer the lighter touch that Reiki provides. And once they experience the relaxation and calm that Reiki can offer, Bassett says they often make Reiki a regular part of their routine.
The Center for Survivorship and Integrative Medicine at the Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center offers Reiki therapy to cancer patients and to the community. To schedule an appointment or for additional information, call (860) 358-2456.
If you'd like to learn more about the art of Reiki, go to www.reiki.org.
