The increasing use of reiki as a complementary therapy in specialist palliative care

Abstract

Palliative medicine and complementary therapies (CTs) have developed within the NHS as parallel philosophies of care. As a result, the last decade has seen an increase in the integration and usage of CTs, as adjunct therapies to conventional medical treatment. Documented benefits of relaxation, decreased perception of pain, reduced anxiety and improved sense of wellbeing have been shown to enable an enhanced quality of life, where curative treatment is no longer an option. Reiki is a more recent addition to the range of CTs available to cancer patients. As an energy-healing intervention it has gained in popularity as a non-invasive and non-pharmacological approach. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the profound relaxation effect has a positive impact on alleviating anxiety, stress, perception of pain and promotes a feeling of wellbeing particularly relating to the nature of psychospiritual wellbeing. However, there is very little evidence to support its application within clinical practice, and none within the specific field of specialist palliative care (SPC). This article will consider the position of reiki as an emerging CT within SPC. The function of the hospice movement, the role of CTs together with an understanding of energy healing will also be explored. Within this context, the rise in popularity of reiki and its potential benefits for SPC patients will be discussed. These considerations will then form the basis of the justification for further research in SPC.

Qualitative Assessment of the Impact of Implementing Reiki Training in a Supported Residence for People Older Than 50 Years with HIV/AIDS

“…Bossi et al 11 reported that Reiki helped cancer patients to feel more peaceful and experience less pain. Burden et al 12 report stories of Reiki's benefit in the palliative care setting, including its use for the reduction of anxiety, stress, and pain perception and for its promotion of a sense of wellbeing, particularly psychospiritual well-being.…”

Effects of Distant Reiki On Pain, Anxiety and Fatigue in Oncology Patients in Turkey: A Pilot Study

“…Reiki is a non invasive, inexpensive modality and it is offered to patients with cancer in hospitals and hospices throughout the country (Williams et al, 2009;Bossi et al, 2008, Burden et al, 2005.…”

Complementary Therapies for End-of-Life Care

“…8 Evidence suggests that the deep relaxation effect Reiki produces has a positive effect on stress, anxiety, and perception of pain, and promotes a feeling of psychologic well-being. 9 Reiki, which appears to be generally safe, has been administered to people who are dying and to their families and caregivers to provide them with a sense of peace. 10 Pamela Miles, is an integrative health care consultant, a Reiki master, and an educator in private practice, in New York City.…”