Can Reiki Reduce Anxiety?
I think it’s safe to say that, at some point in your life, you felt that jittery feeling, like you feel unsafe or uncomfortable for some reason, but you just cannot put your finger on why. More recently the “why” may be easier to pin down given that we’ve been living through the COVID-19 pandemic. However, bouts of anxiety likely crop up repeatedly for all of us, with or without the pandemic so finding ways to ease those feelings, calm down, and become more energized would be useful. For those of you who struggle to do this on your own, you may want to consider alternative therapies. Reiki is one such treatment that can help ease your symptoms, helping you lift your heart, find your smile, re-engage the spring in your step.
What is Reiki? Well, I’m glad you asked…
Reiki for Reducing Anxiety
Reiki is a form of energy healing developed in Japan in the 1880s to address physical, emotional, and mental issues. By targeting the energy fields around our body, Reiki Masters transfers their energy to us to facilitate improved flow and remove energy blocks that could cause things like anxiety.
Reiki has grown in popularity over the years, and it’s actually practiced in some prestigious hospitals in the US to help reduce pain, anxiety, and stress before, during, and after critical medical procedures.
If you’re prone to anxiety, then the unknown may heighten your angst. And if you’re new to Reiki then, it is expected that you may have some concerns. And that is why we’re writing this blog, so you can be comfortable and confidently book your Reiki session and finally find some peace, realize a calming of your nervous energy, and restore balance to your body.
Reiki is a non-invasive way to reduce anxiety
Unlike anti-anxiety pills or neurosurgical treatments, Reiki is not intrusive. The Reiki practitioner will move their hands around your body and, if needed and allowed, may do a series of light touches. Some may go over a wound or scar too should that area be troublesome. You may experience heating or tingling sensations throughout your body during the treatment. You also may see different lights or visions play out behind your closed eyelids. All of this is normal, just breathe and don’t attach too much meaning to anything.
There are no special preparations before a session, just come in comfortable clothes. If you have 30 minutes or so before your appointment free, then spend it relaxing with deep breaths.
Reiki doesn’t have harsh side effects in reducing anxiety
Reiki is considered safe. Compared to conventional treatments like pills, which can lead to loss of memory, drowsiness, and dependence, the more common side effects of this touch healing technique are just a deep sense of relaxation and tiredness.
During a typical session, the Reiki practitioner stands over you for 60 minutes while you lie still. He or she moves their hands over strategic parts of your body, spending about 1 to 5 minutes in each location. If you feel awkward at any time during the session then it is the result of your body’s natural energy flow trying to work through a blockage – which is a good thing! Soothing music will play to help you relax more.
Reiki treatment involves transferring energy from the Master to the client to help restore balance.
It’s good for your mood
This healing touch therapy can make you feel better. In a 2011 randomized control trial involving university students with anxiety/depression, the results showed that the control group who had Reiki showed positive improvement in their mood at the 5-week follow-up compared to the other group.
Reiki can support your overall well-being while reducing anxiety
Aside from alleviating anxiety, Reiki can also be good for your well-being. Even just a single session can have significant benefits for your physical and mental health.
In fact, a 2011 study in nurses experiencing burnout showed that it was effective in reducing their stress level as evidenced by an increase in salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) and lower diastolic blood pressure. Many researchers use an increase in IgA as a biological stress marker.
Moreover, a recent large-scale study reported that Reiki sessions are therapeutic for a variety of health concerns such as pain, tiredness, anxiety, PTSD, and depression.
Reiki is gentle yet powerful
Yes, this 2500-year-old treatment is gentle for older adults and children.
In a 2010 study that focused on older adults living in a community setting, Reiki was shown to reduce their pain, anxiety, and depression based on established scales.
So, if anxiety is taking over your life, go ahead and consider Reiki to manage it. Good thing you can easily book a Reiki session at Everybody in Mind Wellness Center in Sudbury, Massachusetts!
The wellness center also offers trademarked Reiki Love Yoga® classes and one on one sessions with Susan Clark.
Susan Clark – Reiki Master and Instructor at EveryBody in Mind Wellness Center
Note: This post is for informational purposes only and not medical advice.
Reiki is a very good option for your friend. I hope he gets some needed assistance. If you’re looking for a Reiki practitioner then check out Susan Clark. She really is amazing.