Energy healing has been around humans have had hands. Our instinct to reach out to grab that stubbed toe, or grab the shoulder of a friend receiving bad news. Our hands caress, and care, sooth and save each other, so it comes as no surprise that energy healing engages the heart and the hands.
Reiki is a Japanese tradition of energy healing that has been used for centuries to promote healing and balance in the body. A fundamental principle, is that universal life force energy flows through all living things, and this energy can be channeled to promote healing and well-being. Reiki practitioners know that the body has an innate ability to heal itself, and that by using gentle touch and transferring universal life force energy to specific areas of the body, the practitioner can help the client to activate this healing process.
What is PTSD?
PTSD (Post traumatic Stress Disorder) is a group of stress reactions, which can occur after experiencing a very stressful, frightening or distressing event. It can be a stand out moment which you are able to recall, such as experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event such as a car accident, natural disasters such as bushfires and floods, war and torture, sexual and domestic abuse and any experience which is potentially life threatening. PTSD may occur from a less obvious source, such as prolonged exposure to stressful stimuli (e.g., a pandemic). Wahlster & Hartog (2022) found that 14-47% of Intensive Care Unit health care workers experienced PTSD as well as other associated burnout, anxiety, depression and other mental health symptoms. Beyond Blue report that around 12 percent of Australians experience PTSD in their lifetime, with the leading cause being car accidents. PTSD victims can experience unwanted recurring memories of the event, panic attacks, be quick to anger or outrage, experience hyper vigilance, emotional numbness, disturbed sleep, irritability and aggression, difficulty concentrating and a swathe of other symptoms. If you think you might have PTSD, don't let me define it for you, find your own understanding of it through professional resources such as Beyond Blue or Black Dog Institute. What I would like you to know, is that you are not alone, and there are so many people out there who care for you, and can help you.
How can Reiki benefit PTSD survivors?
There are a range of treatments available for PTSD survivors which include psychological therapies, exercise, mindfulness and self-help strategies. Reiki is a wonderful complement to any and all of these approaches. There is scientific evidence that Reiki can provide the following help:
Reduce anxiety and depression: A study conducted in 2017 found that Reiki sessions reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in veterans with PTSD.
Relieve chronic pain: Many veterans and PTSD survivors suffer from chronic pain, which can be difficult to manage with traditional medical treatments. Reiki has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and improving mobility in individuals with chronic pain conditions.
Improve sleep quality: Sleep disturbances are common among veterans and PTSD survivors, and can exacerbate other symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Reiki has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia in individuals with sleep disorders.
Promote relaxation and stress relief: Reiki can help to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels, which can have a positive impact on overall well-being. A study conducted in 2016 found that Reiki reduced stress and improved quality of life in veterans with PTSD.
Enhance spiritual well-being: Reiki can help individuals connect with their inner selves and promote a sense of spiritual well-being. This can be particularly beneficial for veterans and PTSD survivors who may struggle with feelings of disconnect or disassociation from their inner selves.
Why is Reiki becoming increasingly popular among veterans and PTSD survivors?
Reiki is becoming more popular because it is a non-invasive and low-risk form of complementary therapy that can be used in conjunction with traditional medical treatments (and it often works). Reiki does not involve any medications or invasive procedures, and it can be tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient. Reiki is also a holistic form of therapy that can address physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are dealing with complex trauma and related symptoms.
Articles:
US Defense Technical Information Center 2015 Reiki: application as a modality of integrative therapy for treating post-traumatic stress disorder and other wounded warrior issues. Article available here.
Webster et al. 2020 The impact of psychotherapeutic Reiki on anxiety. Creativity in Mental Health, 15, 3, 311-326
Wahlster & Hartog 2022 Coronavirus disease 2019 aftermath: psychological trauma in ICU healthcare workers. Current Opinion in Critical Care, 1,28,(6): 686-694 .
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