Reiki and Guided Imagery for Cancer
What is Reiki?
Reiki is an energy-based healing technique that originated in India and was passed on from Tibet and China to Japan. Dr. Mikao Usui from Japan spent several years training under the Zen Buddhist, and in 1922, he claims while meditating on the sacred mountain Mt. Kurama that he received the "vibration of energy", which is what we now call Reiki. This healing practice dates back to 1912, but some believe it may date back much further than this. Dr. Usui started witnessing the benefits Reiki on his patients and decided to start teaching others about this healing technique. Reiki eventually made its way to the United States in 1936 by Mrs. Hawayo Takata. Reiki is based on the principle that a universal vital energy is transferred from the palms of a practitioner who has been attuned to the energy to the recipient. To learn more click here.
What is Guided Imagery?
Guided imagery is a form of meditation where another person guides you into your imagination toward a goal. Guided imagery may help alleviate stress, decrease anxiety, improve sleep quality, promote relaxation, and potentially reduce cancer-related pain; however, this still requires further studies. Anxiety and depression are serious concerns, affecting over 60% of cancer patients and significantly reducing their quality of life. Relaxation therapies such as guided imagery may also decrease the chances of adverse physiological reactions such as loss of appetite, nausea, lack of energy, coughing, and ulcers after chemotherapy treatment. Guided imagery is considered safe; however, should be used cautiously with clients who have experienced any abuse, trauma, or struggle with other mental illnesses, making it very important to work with a trained practitioner.
