Holistic Health Angels Network

REIKI THERAPY AT END OF LIFE 

Abstract

This work investigates the efficacy of Reiki Therapy on the management of total pain (physical, social, spiritual, and psychological), nausea, and anxiety in hospice patients at the end of life.  Specifically we investigated whether the application of Reiki Therapy, when used in addition to traditional symptom management, can provide pain relief further than provided solely by traditional symptom management protocols.  One to three Reiki treatment sessions were performed on adult hospice patients by Master Reiki practitioners.  All Reiki Master Practitioners received hospice industry standard volunteer training prior to any hospice-related Reiki Therapy.  A hospice patient survey involving a 10-point Likert scale was used to document the hospice patient’s self-reported (or reported by a family member) level of total pain, anxiety, and nausea before and after each Reiki Session.  Hospice patients, their families, and Reiki practitioners were given journals for documenting their experiences with their Reiki Therapy process.  Diminished levels of reported total pain were witnessed after exposure to Reiki Therapy, and the results consistently revealed an increase in the efficacy and benefit to the use of Reiki Therapy on the management of total pain.  However, there were instances during our investigation in which participants expressed doubt and skepticism towards the value of alternative healing techniques generally and Reiki Therapy for total pain management specifically.  We hope that the results of this investigation work to minimize any doubt or skepticism directed at Reiki Therapy when used in addition to traditional symptom management for the treatment and management of total pain experienced by hospice patients nearing the end of their lives. To request full study results contact: Support@NancyANelson.com