A Cancer League brochure on the most common methods of complementary medicine, “Possibilities Limits Risks – An Orientation Guide,” states:
Core idea
“Reiki” means universal life energy. People are able to absorb this energy and pass it on to others by laying on hands. Reiki is therefore one of the methods of spiritual healing. A disease in the physical body is preceded by disturbances in the energy body. Such energy blockages hinder the inflow of the universal life energy to a greater or lesser extent. Through Reiki, such blockages can be acted upon and the energy can be made to flow again.
Procedure
Reiki is done through the laying on of hands. In one session, the various energy centers (chakras) and energy pathways (meridians) are balanced. The client first lies on his back and then on his stomach. Such treatment lasts one hour. In addition, there is a short treatment of a quarter of an hour, during which the client sits. In addition, Reiki can be easily learned by oneself for daily self-application and for use with family and friends.
Application
Reiki can help both on the physical level (alleviation of symptoms of illness, especially pain) and on the spiritual level (balance, end-of-life care). As a supplement, Reiki can also be used with cancer patients. Experience shows that Reiki is particularly helpful in relieving pain. In addition, a causal treatment is conceivable in the sense that the removal of the energy blockage could possibly lead to the regression of the turmor. However, Reiki cannot and will not replace conventional medicine as a cancer treatment.
Risks
At the beginning of a treatment, there may be an intensification of the signs of the disease, for example pain, similar to homeopathy. After one or two weeks, however, such reinforcements subside.
Swiss Cancer League, Effingerstrasse 40, 3001 Bern Tel. 031 389 91 00 Fax 031 389 91 60 e-mail info@swisscancer.ch
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