A recent study shows that Reiki, an ancient Japanese technique, can help some cancer patients manage pain.
Reiki is a healing practice where a trained expert either lightly touches the patient or hovers their hands over their body to transfer energy. This energy, called “chi,” is believed to help balance the body’s natural energy.
A team led by Natalie Dyer at Cleveland University Hospital found that patients who received Reiki reported significant improvements in their symptoms, felt more satisfied, and had a positive healing experience.
The study was published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. According to Cleveland Clinic, Reiki is based on ancient Japanese healing methods and is considered a form of energy healing.
The word “Reiki” comes from two Japanese words: ‘Rei’ meaning universal and ‘Ki’ meaning life energy. The idea is that Reiki practitioners can help transfer healing energy to patients, either by touching them gently or hovering their hands above them.