Essential guide to Reiki for older people
As with other forms of complementary and alternative medicines and therapies, there is no hard scientific proof of the effectiveness of Reiki. However, it does no harm and there is growing support for its use in relieving stress. As with reflexology, Reiki can be particularly beneficial for older people dealing with chronic conditions, such as pain, anxiety and depression.
What is Reiki?
“Reiki” (pronounced ray-key) means ‘universal life energy’ in Japanese, where the therapy was first developed by Dr Mikao Usui in the early 1900s. Many Eastern medicine systems are based on the belief in a life energy which flows through all living things. In Japan, this energy is known as ‘ki’, in China it’s called ‘Chi’, and in India it is known as ‘prana’.
Reiki can be described as a type of complementary therapy which uses ‘hands on healing’. There are no formal qualifications in Reiki – the tradition and knowledge is passed from Reiki masters on to their students, who must become ‘attuned’ to the practise.
Reiki therapists believe that they act as a channel for ‘energy’, and that they can balance this energy within the body to promote a more relaxed state and an improved sense of wellbeing.
Although Reiki is not part of any religious practice, Reiki therapists believe that Reiki can contribute to spiritual growth and this concept may or may not appeal to your older parent.
What to expect at a Reiki session
Treatment normally lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. Patients remain fully clothed and can either sit on a chair or lie down on a couch. After discussing any health issues with the patient, the Reiki practitioner will move their hands on, or just above, the patient’s body in a sequence of positions, which are held for 2-5 minutes, until the practitioner feels a change in the flow of energy.
Reiki therapy can be performed on the whole body, or can be focused on a problem area – like the broken ankle in the video below. There is no massage or manipulation and while some people report feeling some tingling or warmth during a reiki session, others feel nothing at all. Most experience a calm feeling. Sometimes, there can be an emotional response.
How much does Reiki cost?
Fees for Reiki treatments vary, but you can expect to pay around £30 an hour from private practitioners. Reiki therapy may be available in some hospitals, NHS community services and support groups, particularly for cancer patients.
Possible benefits of Reiki for older people
As with other complementary and alternative therapies such as acupuncture, reflexology, massage, aromatherapy etc, it must be remembered that Reiki cannot diagnose or cure diseases. However, some people have found that it can be helpful in alleviating the symptoms of many health problems.
Reiki therapy may help older people cope with general aches and pains, as well as alleviating symptoms associated with some chronic problems, including:
- Anxiety and depression.
- Migraine and headaches.
- Recovery from surgery.
Of course, for socially isolated older people, there is also an intangible benefit of having one-to-one time with the therapist, of being listened to and of having respectful physical contact.
Choosing a Reiki practitioner
As Reiki is not recognised as conventional medicine, it is advisable that advice be sought from a GP before proceeding with any complementary or alternative therapy.
If you are thinking of organising Reiki therapy for your older parent or relative, here are some useful resources:
- The NHS Choices website has some good advice and information on how to choose a CAM practitioner as well as some useful background on how CAM is regulated.
- The CNHC is the UK voluntary regulator for complementary healthcare practitioners. It was set up with government support to protect the public by providing a register of complementary therapists, which has been approved as an Accredited Register by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care. CNHC has some good advice on choosing a complementary therapist. You can also check if a particular reiki practitioner is registered with the CNHC.
Other useful articles by myageingparent.com:
Essential guide to reflexology for older people
How physiotherapy can help older people
The benefits of osteopathy for older people
How acupuncture can help the elderly
