Reiki

Hands on Healing

Reiki is a journey to emotional healing, physical health and spiritual enlightenment.

It is a gentle yet very powerful and deeply relaxing energy healing treatment and is used in many ways such as:

For Optimal Health and Wellbeing
Recovery from Competition
Pain Management
To Accelerate Healing when Recovering from an Illness or Injury
Support During Pregnancy- helps alleviate symptoms
Stress & Anxiety Reduction
Emotional support and bereavement
Recovering from a Traumatic experience
PTSD care
End of Life Care

The benefits of Reiki are established and it is now a well known complementary therapy used in GP surgeries, hospitals, cancer support groups. It is prescribed for post operative recovery, drug rehabilitation centres, prisons, HIV/Aids centres and Care for the Elderly centres.

But how does it work? People often ask this question, some even challenge me by saying "it's the placebo effect". My response is always the same: "The mind is exceptionally powerful. Good mental health equates to good physical health and vice versa. If believing Reiki will work for you, means it works for you, what does it matter as long as a person benefits?"

If nothing else, we can all agree on the restorative power of relaxation on the mind and body!

However, if you have read the 'About Me' section, you will know that I am scientifically minded and so at the beginning of my own Reiki journey (over 20 years ago) I too wanted answers. After much research I came to the conclusion that the truth is, you just have to experience Reiki to believe it!!

Theory: There is a physical energy that gives life to every living organism.

We carry this energy in and around our bodies since the day we are conceived. Science has established its existence, and with the aid of Kirilain photography we are able to see this energy- sometimes known as the aura.

When your energy is high, you feel healthy and full of life, life in turn seems easier to deal with and you have a higher resistance to illness and disease. However, when your energy is low, you feel tired and are more susceptible to disease and sickness you will also find it difficult to deal with life's challenges.

Reiki, Acupuncture, Yoga and Tai Chi have been developed to control and greatly enhance the flow of this energy.

The Placebo Effect?!

According to the UK's National Health Service, 'the placebo effect is an example of how our expectations and beliefs can cause real change in our physical bodies. It is a phenomenon that we don't completely understand. But we can see it working in all kinds of ways, and all kinds of circumstances' 1

Beliefs shape our reactions in the world! Quite simply our body and mind are inextricably connected. They work together in a constant flow of messages and energy exchanges from cell to cell.

Cellular biologist Bruce Lipton explains; 'cells respond to a massive variety of signals using protein switches; over 100,00 per cell built into its membrane. These protein switches, are fundamental units of perception. They read environmental conditions and adjust the biology to meet the need required. This becomes very profound when we own that perception controls behavior for it is how we perceive the world that controls our lives. 2

Science! The face of science has changed over the past decade with huge advances made in neuroscience and Quantum Physics- both fields now understand that we are more than the physical body. Both fields understand and accept that we are energetic entities!

Quantum Physics has taught us that the world, and everything in it, including ourselves, is composed of electromagnetic energy, which in turn is composed of various atomic and subatomic particles. Underlying our physical world is a vibrational reality- our solid world is, in fact, an illusion!

Despite the fact that quantum theory is now considered FACT and is unreservedly taught in schools, much of modern day science and medicine is still rooted in the mechanistic view which is brilliant for mechanics, not so good for health and emotional well-being whereas, Reiki and Energy Healing work on a deep, fundamental level.

Specific Reiki Research? Well, scientific studies have shown that an attuned practitioners hands when working, pulse with the Earths magnetic field known as the Schuman Resonance.

During a treatment the bio-energetic field pulsating from the practitioners hands is over 1000 times greater than normal. Scientists and researchers have suggested that the linking of the energy fields between the practitioner and the earth, allows a practitioner to draw on 'infinite energy source' or the 'universal energy field' via the Schuman Resonance.

A practitioners hands will emit pulses between .03-30Hz.

Independent medical research has shown this range of frequencies WILL stimulate healing in the body. For example:

2Hz Nerve Regeneration
7Hz Bone Growth
10Hz Ligament Mending
15Hz Capillary Formation

Interesting to note; health care professionals such as Physiotherapists use tools specifically designed to emit such frequencies to stimulate healing in the physical body! A Reiki practitioner needs no such tools!

Recent Scientific Studies:

In 2017 a study published in the European Journal of Integrated Medicine examined the benefits of healing therapy (spiritual healing) as an adjunct to conventional management in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on 168 patients. The trial was conducted at two Birmingham (UK) study sites located within the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust. Participants were recruited from gastroenterology outpatient’s clinics. The intervention consisted of 5 weekly sessions of 30 min of healing therapy delivered by therapists in addition to usual clinical management.

“This was the first randomised controlled trial to examine the benefits of healing therapy as an adjunct to conventional management of individuals with IBS and IBD. The results demonstrated that when used alongside standard medical care healing therapy confers additional benefit. Benefits observed in our IBS cohort in terms of both symptom reduction and Quality of life improvement were significant, consistent and of size likely to be associated with ‘clinical benefit"

“The intervention groups, both IBS and IBD demonstrated a significant improvement in Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP) at 6 weeks maintained at 12, and 24 weeks."

“When evaluated collectively using the MYMOP, all symptom and activity measures (except for well-being) showed improvements which were maintained up to week 24, suggesting the possibility of longer-term benefits beyond the period of therapy.”

“Symptom severity score improvements in IBS groups were largely a result of improvement in pain levels.”

“Previous studies on healing therapy (includes healing therapy, Therapeutic Touch and reiki) have been undertaken on a range of conditions and symptoms, including cancer, chronic pain conditions, anxiety, wound healing and HIV, comparing its efficacy with other complementary therapies as well as standard medical care. Results from this study are analogous to the conclusions made by these previous studies which generally support the effectiveness of healing therapy to reduce pain, anxiety and improved Quality of Life.”

They also stated that “Patients with IBS and IBD seen in secondary care, who remain symptomatic despite the best medical care, should be considered for healing therapy” however, results were more profound in individuals with IBS.

"Previous studies on healing therapy (includes healing therapy, Therapeutic Touch and reiki) have been undertaken on a range of conditions and symptoms, including cancer, chronic pain conditions, anxiety, wound healing and HIV, comparing its efficacy with other complementary therapies as well as standard medical care. Results from this study are analogous to the conclusions made by these previous studies which generally support the effectiveness of healing therapy to reduce pain, anxiety and improved Quality of life"

(Lee, R., Kingstone, T., Roberts, L., Edwards, S., Soundy, A., Shah, P., … Singh, S. (2017). A pragmatic randomised controlled trial of healing therapy in a gastroenterology outpatient setting. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 9(C), 110–119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2016.11.017)

Other Published Reiki Research Studies: Data analyzed (during 2008-9) shows strong evidence that Reiki is indeed responsible for a positive biological response in both humans and animals. The strongest evidence (rated “excellent” in the Process) was reported in the most carefully controlled of all experiments; laboratory rats. In 2006 and 2008 stressed-out lab rats received Reiki treatments and they all showed significantly reduced stress, anxiety and depression responses.

“Sham” or bogus Reiki treatments were given to the placebo group and they showed no reduction in stress, anxiety or depression.

Testing in humans performed between 1993 and 2006 showed ratings from 'Satisfactory' to 'Excellent', all suggesting that the benefit of Reiki treatments were positive in controlling pain levels in humans, the placebo Reiki treatments in this experiment were by contrast ineffective in controlling pain.

New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Campus conducted one of the first studies ever performed to determine the effectiveness of Reiki treatments on the autonomic nervous system. This “blind, random study” included a Reiki treatment group, a “sham” treatment group and a “control” group. The testing began with all participants at “baseline” autonomic nervous systems levels.

The results within the Reiki treatment group showed a lowering of these levels including heart rate, respiration and blood pressure. These positive results led the team to recommend further, larger studies to look at the biological effects of Reiki treatment. It is interesting to note that Columbia/Presbyterian was one of the first hospitals to offer Reiki as part of their Integrative Medicine Program (CIMP).

The now famous cardiovascular surgeon, Dr. Mehmet Oz brought tremendous attention to Reiki when he invited Reiki practitioners to treat patients during open heart surgeries and heart transplant operations. Dr. Oz is often quoted as saying, "Reiki has become a sought-after healing art among patients and mainstream medical professionals."

What happens during a treatment? You will have an initial consultation, and then be asked to make yourself comfortable on the treatment table. You will NOT be asked to undress.

I will encourage you to relax, breath and listen to the relaxing music that will be playing. You may chose to hold onto a crystal or two, and then all you have to do is just let me work. This involves placing my hands on, or just above your body at energetic centres called chakras. Similar to acupuncture, I am working with your energy meridians but instead of needles, it will be my hands encouraging energy flow in that area to clear negative or stagnant energy and encourage healing.

How long does a session last? A session takes about 45 minutes to an hour and clients walk away with a feeling of serenity and calm that often lasts for days.

What is Distance Healing and do I need it? Reiki is an Energy Healing modality and as such does not need to include physical touch however, as humans we respond very well to physical contact and most people find that Reiki healing is a real comfort in the flesh and they look forward to this human interaction. Touch really is a very powerful tool!

Distance Healing, also known as ‘absent healing’ or ‘remote healing’, is the method of sending Reiki healing to a person in their own home, hospice or hospital. It is particularly useful for people living in remote locations, suffering with social phobias, anxiety, poor health or poor mobility.

Location? I have two lovely bases

Abbots Bromley, Goose Lane, WS15 3DF
Rugeley, The Hair Bar, Fernwwod Drive (just off Green Lane) WS15 2PY

Home visits may also be available.

How much does it cost?

£40 for a hands on Reiki Treatment incorporating aromatherapy and crystals healing in my treatment room for a really effective and deeply relaxing treatment.
£25 Distance Healing

Home visits include time and travelling expenses. Please contact me for a quote, giving details of your location.

As much as I love Reiki and fully believe in its healing power, it is a complementary modality and works wonders alongside modern medicine! So, please remember, any ill health, must always be discussed with a physician.

References:

1. UK National Health Service, 'The placebo effect' www.nhs/livewell/complementary-alternative-medicine/Pages/placebo-effect.aspx

2. Lipton, Bruce (2005), The Biology of Belief, Mountain of Love

To obtain details of other scientific studies please visit the UK Reiki Federation page- Science. Also worth looking at is the Cancer Research UK web page- search Reiki.

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