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Reiki

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Reiki - A Complementary Therapy

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a Japanese, energy based therapy that promotes healing and overall wellness. A reiki practitioner uses his or her hands to transmit energy to the recipient.

How is Reiki administered?

Reki is administered by a specially trained practitioner, using his or her hands. Hands are placed above the body and "life force energy" is transmitted.

Many people report feeling a sense of warmth during reiki sessions. Reiki sessions generally last for about an hour each.

Practitioners claim that reiki can be performed by distance also.

How does reiki help cancer patients?

Some cancer patients claim that reiki has helped with pain management, relaxation, and side effects of treatment like nausea and stomach upset.

Although there is no scientific data that supports these claims, claims that support reiki are overwhelming.

It is important to note that reiki is not an alternative cancer treatment. It is not used to cure cancer or in place of treatment. Reiki is a complementary therapy, used to ease the emotional and physical side effects of treatment.

Reiki classes and sessions are often offered in hospitals. Many RN's are reiki practitioner as well.

How do I find a reiki practitioner?

In many states, reiki practitioner must also be licensed massage therapists. Reiki is offered in wellness clinics and sometimes by spiritual ministers. Check the International Reiki Practitioner list for a practitioner in your area.

Reiki sessions range from free to $100 on average per session. Insurance companies do not normally cover reiki treatment.

Is reiki safe?

Reiki is considered to be safe. Be sure to talk to your doctor about reiki treatments before beginning.
Updated: September 6, 2006
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