We are all energy. Everything around us is energy. Static shocks and the hairs standing on end when emotional, are perhaps the simplest examples. Quantum physicists, found that tiny particles of energy can be in more than one place at one time (both a wave and particle at the same time, depending on how it is examined). I often use the example of the glass of water in a room. Studies showed how when in a clinical setting and measured, the PH level of the water would be consistent. When a human entered the room, the PH level would consistently change. The most impressive part perhaps – is that when the human felt low or unwell, the levels would change consistently in one way, and when the person was genuinely happy and well, the levels would change in the opposite direction.

 

As with most findings more research is needed on the effects of Reiki, however amongst the scientific and reputable studies which have been conducted, one study showed that Reiki and massage can provide similar improvements and relief for issues such as pain, nausea, and depression. Reiki also proved to relieve fatigue and anxiety more than massage therapy. Similarly, another study compared the status of symptoms in patients who did and did not receive reiki treatment, concluding that the Reiki group experienced lowered levels of pain, anxiety, and fatigue. Another study looked at patients undergoing knee replacement surgery, separating patients into 3 groups, those receiving Reiki, those receiving a placebo Reiki session and those receiving neither, and the findings showed clear improvements on both levels of anxiety and pain in the group receiving Reiki.

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Many health care groups and cancer hospices now acknowledge the benefits and themselves offer Reiki. Findings specifically for benefits on mental health, have been significant too. In 2021 a systematic review of some of the existing research, concluded that Reiki resulted in a reduction in stress, anxiety and depression, and recommended that it should be included as a treatment modality for mental health.

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Those of you who know me well or have ever read the ‘About me’ page on my website, know I have a social science background, and that I chose to train in and work with a number of holistic approaches to wellbeing, because in most cases, I found them to be as or often more effective than many of the western medical approaches to wellbeing. I found them to be a flexible, safe approach to many issues or symptoms, whether for pain management, weight management, sleeplessness, anxiety or depression. This is not to suggest that you should throw away your prescription medication – of course not – but for many people, incorporating natural approaches can be hugely beneficial.

 

However, like going to the gym, taking a natural approach to wellbeing requires a commitment and investment and so isn’t always as easy. Note, that I prefer not to call natural approaches ‘alternative’ as this seems to be a phrase used in the western medical world only, to suggest that there is only 1 real approach. Most natural approaches to wellbeing are ancient and are still used as the ‘primary’ approach across the world today. They are also often incorporated into western approaches, those things which we accept in daily life to be beneficial or even common sense, whether that’s medicine which in its natural form is a plant; certain sounds (or frequencies) appealing to us or not - helping us to feel joy, sadness or helping us to relax; non processed foods being better for us; breathing

correctly/slowly/fully helping to release tension and relax, or how another person’s energy helps us to feel good (or bad!). All such things are rarely disputed and are inherently connected to natural approaches to wellbeing.

 

Unlike with meditation or living mindfully in general, where the setting or environment need not be ‘perfect’ and where some distraction can even act to strengthen our mind muscles, I believe a Reiki setting needs to be one where the energy is clear, ideally near or connected to nature and where there are few distractions. A reiki session provides the opportunity to rest/heal/recover in a warm, accepting environment, at the hands of a caring professional, but additionally, by using energy channelling, helps to realign the energy points, to allow your body to physically and mentally work in improved harmony. Focussed sessions with a qualified professional, working with what is already available to us, what our body is meant to do when at its best, and what has a strong track record, across cultures, past and present, surely makes sense on so many levels.

 

I have had the joy and privilege of supporting so many clients through their personal wellbeing journey over several years, working from our special space... surrounded by countryside, nature and the trickle of the brook. If you don’t already enjoy regular Reiki, Breathwork or Sound Therapy, I hope that this year, you’re able to find the time to prioritise your wellbeing and that I get to see you soon to help you with that.

 

Love and light,

Nicki x

 

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