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Using Reiki for Pain Relief and Stress Management

By an Anonymous HoG Client
 
Reiki has proven to be a very effective pain and stress management tool for me over the past three years.  The major incident that Reiki assisted me with was due to a car accident where I was rear-ended at a stop-sign, the other car was travelling at about 30 mph and rammed my vehicle into the car in front (also stationary).  Fortunately, there were no broken bones, only soft tissue damage.  However, due to having von Willebrand Disease, I (like many of you) couldn't take the anti-inflammatory medications to help with recovery and due to my own sensitivity to pain medication, was relying on Tylenol versus stronger analgesics. 
 
The whiplash from the accident required physical therapy.  The range of motion improved over a couple of months of PT but the pain was still intense, so I sought the assistance of Dana Young, a master Reiki practitioner.  The first session yielded noticeable pain relief and muscle relaxation, the following sessions continued to decrease the pain and increase the time between the spasms.  Two years later, I have what the orthopedic doctors would call a chronic neck pain.  On occasion I'll take Tylenol to ease the pain if a spasm comes on, but I know that a Reiki session will always be more effective long-term; helping my body to heal rather than mask symptoms. 
 
Below is a description of Reiki from the Master Reiki Practitioner that I've seen for the past 3 years, Dana Young of Dragonfly Reiki:

Reiki is a relaxing light touch therapy that assists the mind and body in returning to its natural state of balance.  Clinical observation and some preliminary evidence from small studies demonstrate that Reiki treatment can be beneficial for:

• stress relief 
• anxiety and depression
• pain, discomfort and other palliative care
• insomnia
• digestive issues
• improved heart rate variables in cardiac patients
• side effects from cancer treatment, including nausea and fatigue
• recovery from surgery or sports injury
• overall well-being.

The ultimate benefits associated with Reiki treatment are to feel healthier and happier and progress toward a state of greater self-awareness.  These concepts are similar to other forms of Eastern-based medicine and mind/body practices, including meditation, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, yoga, acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine and shiatsu.
 
Reiki is very easy to learn as a practice for self-care and balance. Self-treatment is especially helpful for people undergoing treatment for health issues, or who live with chronic health conditions.
 
Reiki treatment is a supportive tool for use as a complement to conventional medicine, and is increasingly being offered in many hospitals, medical care and therapeutic settings.  Reiki treatment should not be a substitute for regular medical care from a qualified professional.

As a physically active person, my body is pushed pretty hard. With the riskier sports like snowboarding where a fall could lead to bad bruising or broken bones, I take precautions by using Humate-P beforehand (and of course wear a helmet!).  However, if an injury is a sprain, muscle pull or other type of damage that might take longer to heal, I go to Reiki to help ease the pain and encourage healing.  Reiki has been a safe, effective pain management tool that may be an option for others.  When choosing a practitioner be sure to check credentials, get referrals etc. just as you would a physical therapist. 

Note from Hemophilia of Georgia:  always talk with your physician before beginning any alternative treatment.