(paraphrasing a US president.) The most relevant aspect of Reiki is practice, practice, practice…. on oneself, on others. In that sense, I am looking forward to treating my Reiki client tomorrow morning. Scientific studies are helpful to show Reiki’s effectiveness, which in turn is relevant for incorporation in the medical system. This is why tonight I busy myself with a study. Tomorrow my hands will do the talking again…
In healing in general and in recovery from medical interventions of cancer in particular it is well known that the patient’s psyche plays an important role.
Recently I met a young psychologist from Portugal who presented her dissertation at the annual conference of ProReiki, Germany’s association for Reiki professionals. Rita Ferreira’s study focusses precisely on the question if and how Reiki helps our psyche or, in her words, enhances “Psychological Empowerment” (i.e. “the process by which people gain control and power over issues that concern them and directly affect their lives…”).
The study includes 25 cancer patients aged 27-74, including a control group. And it concludes that it “…has proven the benefits of Reiki in positive changes in the patterns and mental beliefs of the individual, a more positive attitude towards their lives, a reorganization of the aspects of the psyche and self -image of individuals and in turn, a positive change on the individual behaviours ….”
In managerial circles such aspects are often referred to as “soft skills”. Whereas a reduction in the consumption of medication, for example, is often referred to as a “hard fact”. At the end of the day the capability to be empathetic or spiritually content is at least as important as “hard facts”. As such I believe that the work of this courageous young Reiki-Psychologist deserves our respect and due recognition.
Thank you Rita Ferreira! All the details of her work: [wpfilebase tag=file id=67 /]
Anyone wanting to get in touch with Ms Ferreira, please use our contact form here.