A Reiki Federation Ireland member handed me an envelope as I left our community gathering in Dublin. She explained that a new Reiki practitioner wanted to tell me her story, but a chemotherapy appointment kept her from joining us.
In spite of her diagnosis, the woman’s wellness, enthusiasm, and gratitude radiated from her card, inspiring me to share her story of hope with all of you, in her words, but anonymously, as I am unable to contact her for permission.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer in May and as I was filled with fear, a friend suggested I go for Reiki treatment before starting chemotherapy. After my first Reiki session, I felt unbelievably calm and in control, and that has stayed with me.
“Before starting chemo, I was told by my oncologist that my tumour was aggressive, and that after my fourth chemo treatment, they would scan to see if the tumour was shrinking. I received Reiki treatment the following week, and a few days later I noticed the lump had gone down considerably. I had an appointment with my consultant and she was very pleased that the lump had reduced in size after only one chemo.”
Our heroine was then trained in First degree and began practicing Reiki self-treatment. She continued:
“A week after my second chemo, I could not feel the lump. The following day, I saw my oncologist. She confirmed that she also could not feel the lump.
“After speaking with my consultant, they decided there was no need for me to have a scan until I finish chemo in October.
“To say I floated out of that hospital is an understatement. The first person I rang was my very own ‘Guardian Angel,’ my Reiki practitioner. I do realize that my chemo is necessary, but I do believe that Reiki has helped me so much in body and mind, and healing.”
Such an inspiring, compelling story. Something we want to share widely (and please do), both with people addressing serious illness, and with Reiki practitioners.
But not with doctors (except the ones who are reading).
Why not share this story with doctors? Wouldn’t it help open their minds (assuming they have closed minds, which in my experience is not a reasonable assumption).
I wouldn’t share this story with a doctor because it reads too much like a miracle cure, and miracle cures get ignored in medicine. Doctors need reliable, repeatable responses, and they cannot promise anyone a miracle. Also, doctors see so many patients that they’ve already seen a few who fared much better than expected. Doctors know this happens, but it doesn’t help them treat their next patient.
Reiki practitioners often don’t realize that although Reiki healing is extraordinary, and can help people in unexpected ways, it’s also true that some people are extraordinary patients who would have improved no matter what treatment they chose. (Since we only see people receiving Reiki healing, we tend to assume that all benefit comes from our practice, but that’s not reasonable.)
Seasoned Reiki practitioners have come to understand that people who receive Reiki treatment generally have better outcomes than would be otherwise expected, whether or not they are extraordinary patients, but each Reiki practitioner (or doctor, or nurse, etc.) has to arrive at that recognition in her own time. We cannot spoon-feed it to anyone without risking credibility–ours and that of our practice.
What we can tell doctors, without risking credibility, is that Reiki treatment helps the body heal itself. It does this by influencing the system toward relaxation, which optimizes the body’s own self-healing mechanisms. And Reiki healing does this whether the treatment is received from oneself or another practitioner.
That’s what we can reasonably tell a doctor or anyone else. And there is beginning research to support it.
Have you or one of your clients felt that Reiki healing helped with a better than usual medical outcome? Come on, don’t be shy. Please scroll down and share it in the comment section.
Sign up for free monthly e-newsletter ReikiUpdate now. The September issue talks about a new survey describing how hospitals are using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), including Reiki.
Are you a Reiki practitioner ready to raise your professionalism to a higher standard, or a student preparing to become a Reiki professional? Join me for the Medical Reiki seminar October 15-16 in New York City, or register for the Introduction to Medical Reiki recorded webinar that you can access immediately online, whenever you want, as often as you want.
If you liked this, you might also like:
Reiki: Spiritual Practice or Energy Medicine?
Spiritual Practice? Energy Medicine? What’s the Diff?
How Reiki Treatment Helps Doctors
Reiki Is Safe
The Reiki Police
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