Why People with Cancer use Reiki
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Reiki practitioners say that it can
Help some people to feel deeply relaxed Help people cope with difficult situations Relieve emotional stress and tension Help to improve overall well being Some people with cancer say they feel better after using therapies such as Reiki. Studies show that this is often because a therapist spends time with the person, and touches them. After the rush and stress of hospitals and treatment, it can be very relaxing when someone gives you attention for an hour or more, in a calm setting. Reiki is sometimes used in palliative care, especially in hospices. |
Some people say that Reiki has helped to control side effects of their cancer treatments, such as
Pain
Anxiety
Sickness
They also say that it helps them cope better with their cancer and its treatment. But it’s important to bear in mind that while Reiki may help you to cope with your symptoms or side effects, it is not able to treat your cancer. There is general information about why people with cancer use complementary therapies in our about complementary therapy section.
It is safe to have Reiki alongside your cancer treatment. But it’s important to tell your doctor about any complementary therapy, alternative therapy or diet supplement that you use. Then your doctor will always have the full picture about your care and treatment.
Research into Reiki for people with cancer
There is no scientific evidence to prove that Reiki can prevent, treat or cure cancer or any other disease. But many healthcare professionals accept Reiki as a useful complementary therapy that may help to lower stress, promote relaxation and possibly help reduce some types of pain.
A Canadian phase 2 study in 2003 looked at whether Reiki could control pain in people with advanced cancer. People did have a significant reduction in pain after Reiki treatment but the study was small and had only 20 patients.
In 2008 UK researchers carried out a review of studies into Reiki for any medical or psychological condition. They looked at 9 randomised clinical trials that used Reiki.
2 trials found helpful effects of Reiki in people with depression but another trial did not
1 trial found that Reiki seemed to help to reduce pain and anxiety
2 other trials seemed to show that Reiki and distant Reiki reduced stress and hopelessness.
1 trial showed that Reiki did not seem to reduce anxiety and depression in women having breast biopsy
The researchers stated that all the trials were small and there is no strong evidence that Reiki is an effective treatment for any condition.
In 2008 another review looked at 24 studies using therapeutic touch to treat pain. 3 trials used Reiki. Overall, the review found that people who had the touch therapies had less pain than people who did not have the therapies. Trials carried out by more experienced touch practitioners seemed to give better results in pain reduction. Reiki also seemed to give greater benefit than other types of touch therapy. The researchers suggested that more research should be done into whether experienced practitioners or certain types of touch therapy can give better pain reduction. 2 of 5 studies looking at painkiller use supported the claim that touch therapies lowered painkiller use. You can read about this touch therapy review on the Cochrane Library website.
A 2009 review by Canadian researchers looked at 12 trials and they found that 9 of the trials showed that Reiki had a significant helpful effects but the quality of 11 of the studies was poor.
We need to do large randomised clinical trials before we really know how much Reiki can help people with cancer. An American phase 2 clinical trial is currently looking at the effects of Reiki healing in men with prostate cancer. You can see the details of this trial on Reiki in prostate cancer on the American National Centre of Complementary and Alternative Medicine website (NCCAM).
Side effects of Reiki
Generally speaking, Reiki is safe for most people with cancer. Most practitioners will advise you to rest and drink plenty of water after treatment. There are no reports of harmful side effects.
Source ~ Cancer Research UK
Pain
Anxiety
Sickness
They also say that it helps them cope better with their cancer and its treatment. But it’s important to bear in mind that while Reiki may help you to cope with your symptoms or side effects, it is not able to treat your cancer. There is general information about why people with cancer use complementary therapies in our about complementary therapy section.
It is safe to have Reiki alongside your cancer treatment. But it’s important to tell your doctor about any complementary therapy, alternative therapy or diet supplement that you use. Then your doctor will always have the full picture about your care and treatment.
Research into Reiki for people with cancer
There is no scientific evidence to prove that Reiki can prevent, treat or cure cancer or any other disease. But many healthcare professionals accept Reiki as a useful complementary therapy that may help to lower stress, promote relaxation and possibly help reduce some types of pain.
A Canadian phase 2 study in 2003 looked at whether Reiki could control pain in people with advanced cancer. People did have a significant reduction in pain after Reiki treatment but the study was small and had only 20 patients.
In 2008 UK researchers carried out a review of studies into Reiki for any medical or psychological condition. They looked at 9 randomised clinical trials that used Reiki.
2 trials found helpful effects of Reiki in people with depression but another trial did not
1 trial found that Reiki seemed to help to reduce pain and anxiety
2 other trials seemed to show that Reiki and distant Reiki reduced stress and hopelessness.
1 trial showed that Reiki did not seem to reduce anxiety and depression in women having breast biopsy
The researchers stated that all the trials were small and there is no strong evidence that Reiki is an effective treatment for any condition.
In 2008 another review looked at 24 studies using therapeutic touch to treat pain. 3 trials used Reiki. Overall, the review found that people who had the touch therapies had less pain than people who did not have the therapies. Trials carried out by more experienced touch practitioners seemed to give better results in pain reduction. Reiki also seemed to give greater benefit than other types of touch therapy. The researchers suggested that more research should be done into whether experienced practitioners or certain types of touch therapy can give better pain reduction. 2 of 5 studies looking at painkiller use supported the claim that touch therapies lowered painkiller use. You can read about this touch therapy review on the Cochrane Library website.
A 2009 review by Canadian researchers looked at 12 trials and they found that 9 of the trials showed that Reiki had a significant helpful effects but the quality of 11 of the studies was poor.
We need to do large randomised clinical trials before we really know how much Reiki can help people with cancer. An American phase 2 clinical trial is currently looking at the effects of Reiki healing in men with prostate cancer. You can see the details of this trial on Reiki in prostate cancer on the American National Centre of Complementary and Alternative Medicine website (NCCAM).
Side effects of Reiki
Generally speaking, Reiki is safe for most people with cancer. Most practitioners will advise you to rest and drink plenty of water after treatment. There are no reports of harmful side effects.
Source ~ Cancer Research UK
