Reiki is a form of alternative therapy that involves the use of energy to promote healing, relaxation, and well-being. While there is still much to learn about Reiki, a growing body of evidence suggests that it may offer benefits for those who practice it.
The Evidence: Studies on the Benefits of Reiki
Anxiety and Depression:
One study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that Reiki was effective at reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in cancer patients. The study involved 16 cancer patients who received six Reiki sessions over a period of two weeks. The results showed that Reiki was effective at reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as improving quality of life.
Another study published in the same journal found that Reiki was effective at reducing anxiety and depression in college students. The study involved 81 college students who received four Reiki sessions over a period of two weeks. The results showed that Reiki was effective at reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as improving sleep quality and reducing stress.
Pain:
Additionally, a review of 12 randomized controlled trials found that Reiki may be effective in reducing pain. The review, published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, found that Reiki was effective at reducing pain in cancer patients, as well as in people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
How Reiki Works: The Science Behind the Practice
It is believed that Reiki works by promoting the flow of energy within the body, releasing endorphins, and promoting relaxation. During a Reiki session, a trained practitioner will assess the energy field of the recipient and use a series of hand positions to balance the energy within the body.
The Role of Reiki in Healthcare: Complementary Therapy
While the scientific community has not fully embraced Reiki, many healthcare providers have integrated it into their practices as a complementary therapy. Some hospitals and clinics now offer Reiki to patients as part of their treatment plans.
Is Reiki Right for You? Consult with Your Doctor
If you are interested in trying Reiki, it is important to find a trained practitioner and to consult with your doctor if you have a medical condition. While Reiki can be a helpful tool for promoting healing and well-being, it is important to remember that it is not a substitute for traditional medical care.
Conclusion:
While there is not a lot of current scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of Reiki, many people have reported positive results from the therapy. Reiki may help to promote relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, relieve pain, improve mood, and promote spiritual growth.
Sources:
Alibhai, S. M. H., et al. (2013). A phase II randomized, controlled trial of the effects of the Reiki intervention on pain and mood in women with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy. Journal of Supportive Oncology, 11(2), 60-66.
Dressen, L. J., Singg, S., & Michels, J. E. (2017). Effects of Reiki on anxiety, depression, pain, and physiological factors in community-dwelling college students: A pilot study. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 23(8), 642-649.
Lee, M. S., Pittler, M. H., & Ernst, E. (2008). Effects of reiki in clinical practice: A systematic review of randomised clinical trials. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 62(6), 947-
Tsang, K. L., Carlson, L. E., & Olson, K. (2007). Pilot crossover trial of Reiki versus rest for treating cancer-related fatigue. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 6(1), 25-35.
According to Buddhism, a person can reach Nirvana or the highest state of enlightenment through continuous meditation and by participating in the Buddha’s daily service, among other things. Over time, many people have benefited from the practice of meditation.
Meditation, as practiced by Buddhist monks and practitioners, has become a spiritual tool and health enhancer. More than just the chants and meditative posture, meditation is about proper breathing and concentration of one’s thoughts. As a health and spiritual practice, meditation came into prominence centuries ago.
How do we know if we are already in a state of meditation or just wasting away time with our eyes closed? Meditation is a state of mind that leads to inner peace, self-fulfillment, self-improvement, and the development of a positive outlook in life.
There are two types of meditation; the concentrative and the mindfulness type.
Concentrative is focused on the person’s concentration, sitting quietly and calmly with good breathing patterns. It is said that one’s mind is somewhat connected to one’s breath of air. Continuous rhythm of inhales and exhales of the breath will make the person feel more calm and relaxed, focusing on the steady flow of air in and out of their bodies. This will result in the mind being more aware and tranquil at the same time.
Mindfulness, on the other hand, involves attention and awareness on passing waves of sensations, images, feelings, thoughts, sounds, smell, anything that your body can interact with. This in turn will give the person a more non-reactive mind state, much like looking at a television, without any feeling or thoughts that can bother you.
Meditation and relaxation often go hand in hand. In scientific studies, it has been proven that there are health benefits in regularly practicing meditation. By being in a relaxed state of mind, the person is also regarded as being in an alpha state, which is a level of consciousness that promotes good healing. Since people are constantly moving, being in a state of relaxation and stillness can enhance our overall well-being. Knowing all this, one can see the connection of both scientific and spiritual factors that are brought together by meditation.
Indeed, this activity shows a unique philosophy that can really help. In practicing meditation, a person can see their innermost self at its fullest. This can help a person dealing with external difficulties to see past all the challenges and become more humble and calm in dealing with situations. This relaxed state of meditating can also help take away simple headaches, stress, or even mild anxiety. There are no known ways that meditation can be harmful, so why not give it a try?
Meditation takes many forms in today’s society. All have one thing in common. They use concentration techniques to still the mind and stop thought. Various practices exist such as chanting (Mantra), focusing on energy centres in the body (Chakra Meditation), breathing, mindfulness (Mahamudra), loving kindness, formal sitting (Vipassana), expressive practices (Siddha Yoga), and walking to name some of the styles. Try each style and see what works for you or you may want to alternate between the techniques from time to time. For the purposes of this article, I will discuss Mahamudra and walking meditation.
Practical Steps To Begin Meditating
Find a place where there are few external distractions. A place where you feel emotionally comfortable, safe, removed from pressure and stress is the optimal location.
Wear clothing that is loose and sit or lie in a comfortable position.
Plan to meditate in an area that is warm and comfortable. You might want to have a blanket or light covering as some people experience a feeling of coldness when they aren’t moving around for a period of time.
Candles can be used to focus attention on the task at hand. If you use them, remember to be cautious and extinguish them before leaving the room.
Relaxation is a key component of meditation. Take a few moments to bring about a state of relaxation by taking a deep breath through your nose, expanding your lungs and diaphragm. Hold the breath for a few seconds and slowly exhale through your mouth. Do this several times until you feel relaxed.
Calm, soothing music can be helpful for inducing a state of tranquillity and relaxation
If you are hungry, have a little something to eat, as it is not necessary to meditate on a completely empty stomach.
Put your expectations aside and don’t worry about doing it right.
Mahamudra Meditation
Mahamudra is the form of meditation that is a way of going about one’s daily activities in a state of mindfulness. It is meditation integrated into all aspects of our lives. This following exercise is one you can do anywhere to create a feeling of inner peace. It is particularly helpful for those times you are stuck in traffic, waiting in line at the grocery store or bank, at the office when days are hectic, or when you are picking up the kids from school or extra-curricular activities. What I do today is important because I am exchanging a day of my life for it, wrote Hugh Mulligan. Meditation helps us remember to stop and smell the roses.
Begin by taking a deep breath. Breathe deeply and as you do expand your lungs and your diaphragm. Hold the breath for a few seconds and slowly exhale through the mouth. Focus on your breath and clear your mind. Do this several times until you feel the slowing of your breath and a deep sense of peace fill your body. Consciously feel the peace permeate your body. Drop your shoulders and connect through the top of your head to Universal Energy. Repeat. If you wish, send peace to those around you by connecting to their hearts with light and love.
Walking Meditation
A walking meditation is simply an exercise in awareness. There are four components:
Become aware of your breathing
Notice your surroundings
Be attentive to your body’s movement
Take some time to reflect on your experience when you return home.
To practice walking brings awareness to walking wherever you find yourself. Take notice of your breathing. Are you taking short, shallow breaths without even knowing it? If so, take several deep breaths and centre yourself in your body and in the present moment. Appreciate the wonderful body you have and the blessing of being able to walk.
Notice your surroundings. What season is it? Take a few minutes to listen to the noises around you. Feel the wind, sun, fog, rain or snow on your face. Look at the people, animals, birds, sky, trees, and buildings around you. Breathe in and out and realise that you are an integral part of the environment.
Pay attention to your body. Are you holding tension in your shoulders, neck, solar plexus, lower back, or legs? Breath into any areas where you are feeling tension and let it drain into the Earth. Next, pay attention to your posture. Are you standing straight and tall or slouching? Walk in a way that is comfortable for you with your body loose and uplifted. Walk with dignity and confidence, one foot in front of the other and pay attention to the experience of movement.
You can walk mindfully anywhere, along a sidewalk, walking your dog, in the mall, along the hallways at work. You simply remind yourself to be in this moment, taking each step as it comes. Some people find it helpful to repeat a mantra (mantras are sacred words repeated in order to bring focus to your mind). You can also use a variation on the walking mantra by counting your breaths. Walk more slowly than you usually do and count how many steps it takes for your intake of breath and how many steps for your exhale. In this type of meditation, your attention is focused on both your steps and your breathing bringing together a wonderful balance of peacefulness and awareness.
Take some time to reflect on your experience when you return home. Five or ten minutes brings closure to your walk and provides an opportunity to make the transition from this place of peace to ordinary day-to-day activities.
