Reiki and Breast Cancer
A breast cancer diagnosis is one of the most difficult situations someone can face. The pain, stress, and trauma involved are unparalleled, and patients dealing with this condition need all of the comfort and support they can get. Recently, many breast cancer patients have become interested in the idea of using Reiki to help with the symptoms of this condition, the side effects of cancer treatment, and the stress that accompanies breast cancer. In fact, researchers have even conducted studies to identify and evaluate the effects of Reiki on patients with breast cancer. The results of these studies indicate that Reiki may be a valuable component of a breast cancer patient’s treatment plan.
Dealing with Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most pervasive conditions affecting women around the world. It occurs when a cancerous tumor develops in the breast tissues. As the condition progresses, cancer can spread to other locations in the body. If the condition is left untreated or doesn’t respond to treatment, it can be fatal.
The incidence of breast cancer throughout the world keeps increasing every year, with nearly 2 million cases diagnosed annually. Although many cases of breast cancer can be cured, this disease still claims the lives of more than 500,000 women in the world each year. Even those women who are able to overcome their disease must undergo a variety of difficult treatments to remove and/or kill the cancer cells, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and more. During and after treatment, women must deal with pain, anxiety, fear, and depression.
Benefits of Reiki for Breast Cancer Patients
Although Reiki is not a substitute for traditional cancer treatment, it may provide a number of benefits for patients with breast cancer. This technique can be used for patients who have just learned of their diagnosis, patients who are already involved in treatment protocols, and patients who are recovering from breast cancer. Some of the benefits of Reiki treatment for individuals with breast cancer may include:
Reduction in sensations of pain.
Pain is one of the hallmarks of cancer, whether it is experienced during treatment or as the disease progresses. Regardless of the reason for the pain, Reiki may reduce these sensations, making patients more comfortable as they deal with their disease.
Improved mood.
Many patients with breast cancer experience depression and anxiety related to their illness. Reiki treatments may improve the mood of a cancer patient, which enhances his or her quality of life. Alleviating stress and anxiety may also improve the patient’s outlook, thus making him or her more proactive and willing to comply with other treatment recommendations.
Less stress.
Nothing is more stressful than dealing with something as serious as breast cancer. Reiki may reduce stress levels so that cancer patients can relax and focus on getting better.
Better quality of sleep.
In patients that experience a state of relaxation after Reiki sessions, the quality of sleep may improve. This is beneficial to breast cancer patients because it improves their mood and facilitates the body’s ability to heal itself.
In addition, because Reiki is completely non-invasive and causes virtually no side effects, it is appropriate for most breast cancer patients. Reiki won’t interfere with any other cancer treatments, so it can be used safely at any stage of treatment. Even if a breast cancer patient has never participated in a Reiki session before, he or she can begin treatment at any time.
Source: Reiki and Breast Cancer: Research Supports the Effectiveness of Reiki (iarp.org)