What is Reiki?

image of woman in Reiki session
Try Reiki

Reiki is now offered to walk-ins on Thursdays 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the 11 Day Power Play Cancer Resource Center.

Reiki is a Japanese relaxation technique that aims to harmonize the body, mind and spirit. The name was derived from the Japanese words rei, meaning universal, and ki, which refers to the vital life force energy that flows through all living things. Reiki promotes well-being and allows your body to heal. Combining Reiki with medical care can be very effective.

How is Reiki helpful?

Reiki benefits are numerous. There is growing evidence that touch may help people mentally and physically, as it soothes, relaxes and reduces anxiety and pain. It is important to remember that Reiki is a complementary care and not a medical tool. People who receive Reiki also receive medical care and treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. Reiki may help reduce the side effects of these treatments. 

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, people use Reiki for relaxation, stress reduction and symptom relief, in efforts to improve overall health and well-being. A Reiki treatment may do the following:

  • Bring about a peaceful, deep state of relaxation
  • Dissolve energy blockages and tension
  • Detoxify the body
  • Support the well-being of a person receiving traditional medical treatment that can be debilitating (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, kidney dialysis)
  • Supply universal life force energy to the body
  • Stimulate the body’s immune system
  • Help to relieve pain
  • Stimulate tissue and bone healing after injury or surgery
  • Increase the vibrational frequency on physical, mental emotional and spiritual levels

How does Reiki work?

Reiki practitioners use their hands and a series of 12 to 15 different hand positions to deliver energy to your body, improving the flow and balance of your energy to support healing. Reiki sessions typically last about 20 minutes. During a session, you’ll sit fully clothed, as your reiki practitioner gently places their hands, palms down, on or just above your body in specific energy locations.

Reiki and other supportive services

Roswell Park offers a wide array of supportive services to our patients and their families throughout all stages of their cancer journeys. From integrative medicine techniques like Reiki and acupuncture, to rehabilitation therapy and spiritual care services, these programs and services aim to provide quality care for the mind, body and soul.

Reiki will be offered to patients and caregivers every Thursday at the 11 Day Power Play Cancer Resource Center for walk-ins at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and by appointment on Tuesdays 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Survivorship and Supportive Care Center. To make an appointment email Reiki@RoswellPark.org.

Never miss another Cancer Talk blog!

Sign up to receive our monthly Cancer Talk e-newsletter.

Sign up!