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Are We Alone - No We Are not Alone
A
Photograph Guide Through The Dimensions
Mesothelioma
Patients
Visit Mesothelioma.com
to learn more about how mesothelioma
patients are using Reiki as a form of palliative
relief during cancer treatment. *
*More
Cancer Centers and Doctors Encouraging
the
Use of Reiki
By Jack Bleeker
April 2010
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 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 cancer 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 operates a National Center
for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researching
complementary therapies and 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 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 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 for mesothelioma
cancer patients. It is also believed to improve
immune function.
With continuous positive reactions from many cancer
patients, mesothelioma clinics such as Memorial
Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center 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 to jump on the Reiki
bandwagon include Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical
Center, Columbia Presbyterian, the Yale Center,
and Cancer Treatment Centers of America. The 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:
National Center for Complementary and Alternative
Medicines (http://nccam.nih.gov/) Society for
Integrative Oncology (www.integrativeonc.org
Chemocare.com, http://www.chemocare.com/complementary_medicine.asp)
The International Center for Reiki Training (
www.reiki.org)
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (www.mskcc.org)
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