Reiki as a Treatment for Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Reiki (pronounced Ray-Key) is a Japanese technique based on the belief that spiritual energy, properly channeled, can heal the physical body. It can be done through light touch or even at a distance. Reiki is most often used for stress reduction and relaxation but also has many other applications. Practitioners say it can help with pain, sleep, muscle tension, anxiety, depression, circulation and poor immune function. Some practitioners recommend against using reiki on anyone with a psychological disorder.
Researchers from the University of Washington and Seattle's Harborview Medical Center, with funding from the National Institutes of Health, are studying Reiki as a treatment for fibromyalgia. Until the results of that study are published, however, the only evidence that Reiki is effective for FMS and ME/CFS comes from practitioners and patient testimonials. As with Bowen treatments, risk is low but price is something you'll want to consider before trying reiki.
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2007 Cathy Wong, About.com: Alternative Medicine. All rights reserved. "Rolfing"
2007 Rolf Institute of Structural Integration. All rights reserved. "About Rolfing"
Ruth Werner, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved. "A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology, third edition"
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