"Reiki Therapy Shows Promise in Easing Symptoms Related to Cancer Treatments"

“Reiki Therapy Shows Promise in Easing Symptoms Related to Cancer Treatments”

Reiki Therapy Proven to Reduce Pain, Anxiety, and Nausea in Cancer Patients: An Innovative Study

A recent study performed by University Hospitals (UH) Connor Whole Health has revealed the profound advantages of Reiki therapy in mitigating symptoms such as pain, anxiety, and nausea in cancer patients receiving infusion treatments. Published in the esteemed Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, this research offers strong evidence to advocate for the incorporation of this gentle, non-invasive therapy within standard cancer care protocols. These findings signify a major advancement in the expanding realm of integrative medicine.

Study Overview

Lasting two years, from March 2022 to February 2024, the study assessed the outcomes of 392 Reiki sessions performed on 268 individual cancer patients. These patients received Reiki sessions during their cancer infusion therapies. Infusion treatments, including chemotherapy or immunotherapy, can result in challenging side effects such as pain, nausea, fatigue, and increased anxiety. Reiki therapy, recognized for its capacity to foster relaxation and healing, was utilized to counteract these symptoms.

The participant group was varied, with an average age of 63.3 years, 57.5% female, and a racial breakdown of 71.6% White and 26.5% Black/African American. Each session lasted between 15 to 20 minutes and was administered by trained practitioners, who either placed their hands gently on or held them slightly above the patients’ bodies to promote a state of relaxation and equilibrium.

Main Findings: Measurable Symptom Improvement

The researchers utilized the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS)—a well-known clinical tool used to assess symptoms like pain, fatigue, anxiety, and nausea—to measure changes occurring before and after the Reiki sessions. The findings were impressive, revealing observable decreases across several symptoms:

  • Pain Relief: Reduced by 1.78 points on the ESAS scale
  • Fatigue Reduction: Improved by 1.33 points
  • Anxiety Reduction: Decreased by 2.09 points
  • Nausea Alleviation: Most notably improved, with a drop of 2.30 points
  • Overall Wellbeing: Enhanced by 1.37 points

The level of symptom improvements not only demonstrates the therapeutic value of Reiki but also highlights its potential to provide comprehensive support to patients enduring arduous treatments.

Expert Commentary

Dr. Francoise Adan, Chief Whole Health and Well-being Officer at UH Connor Whole Health, remarked on the significance of these findings: “At UH Connor Whole Health, we are dedicated to merging innovative, evidence-based methods with traditional care to deliver holistic support for our patients. This study highlights the invaluable potential of Reiki in assisting patients to feel better both emotionally and physically, especially during challenging therapies like cancer treatment.”

The findings of this research reinforce the importance of integrative medicine—blending conventional medical practices with complementary therapies—in confronting the multifaceted challenges that cancer patients encounter.

Understanding Essential Concepts

To enhance comprehension of the study’s implications, here are several key terms:

Reiki
A gentle therapeutic practice in which practitioners utilize their hands to channel energy into the patient, commonly through light touch or without contact, to encourage relaxation and healing responses within the body.
Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS)
A commonly used tool for gauging the intensity of symptoms experienced by patients, including pain, fatigue, anxiety, and nausea, to track and manage their overall health status.
Integrative Medicine
An approach that combines standard medical treatments with complementary therapies to ensure comprehensive, holistic care.

Impact on Cancer Care

Although the adoption of integrative therapies like Reiki is increasing, this study provides essential data to substantiate its clinical advantages. Symptoms such as pain, anxiety, and nausea frequently aggravate the emotional and physical challenges of cancer treatment, making supportive therapies vital for improving patient quality of life. Given its safe, non-invasive characteristics, Reiki stands out as a promising option for cancer centers seeking to broaden their array of supportive care services.

Furthermore, the study illustrates the practicality of