What is Reiki Therapy and Who Should Have It?

Reiki comes from the Japanese words "Rei," meaninginvolve massaging, kneading or any other hands on
spiritually guided and Ki, which is a force or energy.operation. The practitioner simply puts his hands over
Reiki is also known as energy medicine and it is calledthe participant and the energy flows through them
the Universal Life Force and more physicians areand into the patient. All patients do not have the
recognizing it as a positive addition to medicalsame reaction to the therapy, but many report
treatment. They are using it to expedite healing fromfeeling warm and tingly, while others sleep through
surgery, help reduce medication side effects and alsothe session and awake more energized.
in the treatment of illnesses such as cancer andPortsmouth Hospital developed a Reiki program two
depression. More Chaplains are starting to use thisyears ago and has performed 2500 sessions for free.
therapy in "end of life" circumstances where theyThe have 20 employees who are trained in Reiki and
bring a sense of peace and help patients become lessthey have performed 2000 sessions at an outside
resistant to the process.clinic for $10 each. They offer therapy to care givers
Reiki works by practitioners holding their hand overand they say the patients really feel like the therapist
the patient in one of 12 positions to bring energy intois focusing solely on them, which makes them feel
the patient's body. There are 3 parts of the bodymuch more cared for in a hospital setting. Research
that are targeted, which are on or near the head,done at Yale has shown that participants, who have
the front torso and the back torso. In somehad this type of therapy, have experienced lower
instances, practitioners may add positions dependingblood pressure and anxiety with increased levels of
on the needs of the patient. The therapy does notrelaxation.