Stress management, healing, and dealing with pain can come in many forms. The more you can try the better you can find things that work for your body and mind. In our Fitness for Myeloma Chapter for July we will be learning about Reiki. 

The term Reiki comes from the Japanese words “rei” (universal) and “ki” (life energy). Specifically, Reiki is a form of energy healing by using the body's energy in a form of palm or hands-on healing. Health and healing can take on many forms, each person has their own path to their health. Where does Reiki come in for you? 

Our qi, pronounced “chi”, is believed to be our life force energy that surrounds all of us. It’s believed that this energy permeates the body that is felt and seen to those who are in tune with it. This is where a Reiki practitioner comes in, they aid to find relaxation and assist in the body’s healing processes and develop mental, emotional, and often spiritual health with it. By being able to relax, find moments of mental clarity it can help ease the anxieties of the mind. 

5 potential health benefits of Reiki: 

• Improved mood and emotional well-being
• Reduced stress and increased relaxation
• Better sleep, improved insomnia symptoms
• For those undergoing surgery- lower blood pressure, anxiety reduction, and better pain response 
• For those with cancer- improved anxiety and overall pain management

The setting a Reiki practitioner brings in a session is meant to be relaxing, the patient can be sitting or laying on a table (fully clothed), with or without music and the practitioner places their hands lightly on or over specific areas of the body for relaxation and healing. The purpose is to cause a transfer of energy through the body. Through this process, it’s been said to cause deep relaxation, help patients cope with difficulties, relieve stress, and improve wellbeing. 

Our autonomic nervous system, (heartbeat, breathing), moves through different states of stress, relaxation, fight or flight, and over again as we go through each day. If we are unable to relax and bring our body back to “rest and digest” state we are unable to recover and can put extra stress on our body not allowing us to adapt to treatments, therapy, and find the benefits of relaxation. Utilizing other forms of relaxation, such as Reiki, can help us sleep better, find ways to manage stress, and can in turn reduce stresses on our autonomic nervous system. 

Reiki has helped a lot of patients, especially those who undergo a lot of invasive treatments and therapy. It’s been reported that it can take the focus off stress and allows them to focus on other things, relax, reduce pain and improve some symptoms. It’s important to note Reiki is not an alternative treatment for medical issues but can be helpful as an adjunctive therapy that can help support healing and increase a feeling of well-being. It is always best to discuss any alternative therapies first with a medical doctor.

We are looking forward to learning the process from a Reiki practitioner in our Chapter event. It’s essential throughout your health journey to take care of your mind as well as your body. When our bodies are in a constant state of stress it’s harder for them to heal and respond to treatments, taking part in yoga, tai chi, qigong, Reiki as well as exercise regularly allows your body a break from the stress of life and finding a natural state of relaxation to heal.

Join us on July 6th, 2021 at 7 PM Eastern to learn more about this healing practice. Shannon Powell will demonstrate this art and explain the importance of managing your stress. You won't want to miss it! 

Sign up today for our Reiki event!