Reiki brings peace to all those who enjoy a session with our practitioners; all ages benefit from the healing powers this practice brings. What many of us don’t understand however, is how beneficial Reiki can be to our elderly patients. Reiki can really change the quality of life of those whom suffer from arthritis, dementia and breathing ailments.
Many seniors struggle with discomforts that greatly reduce their quality of life, and a growing number of seniors who have tried Reiki respond quickly to the process. “UCLA says there is one study that showed Reiki reduces stress, anxiety and depression responses-three conditions that affect many seniors, especially those with dementia.” (source: iarp.org)
During a typical session, Reiki begins with dim lights, soothing music, and a comfortable atmosphere which seniors and younger people alike enjoy. The recipient is fully clothed and lies on the treatment table. Reiki is offered through light, non-invasive touch with the practitioners hands placed and held on a series of locations on the head, and front and back of the torso. If there is an injury, a scar, or a specific point of pain, the practitioner will also lightly touch those areas we well. This practice will help loosen muscle tension, stimulate circulation and soothe the nervous system. After the session, many recipients respond by saying they feel more refreshed, are able to sleep better, and feel more relaxed. The elderly genuinely respond well to touch-based therapy, and often times find benefit from these methods more so than with traditional approaches.
“Reiki can even ease pain and reduce the need for painkillers. One study showed that Reiki could reduce patients’ need for the analgesic, meperidine, during colonoscopy. Researchers in that study reviewed the charts of 300 colonoscopy patients and determined that each patient received more than 50 mg of meperidine. The scientists then recruited 30 patients to participate in a new study. Twenty-five subjects participated in Reiki while five engaged in placebo Reiki before undergoing the colonoscopy procedure. The scientists found that 16 percent of those who received Reiki required less than 50 mg of meperidine.” (source: iarp.org)
Before your session, discuss with your practitioner what they need to know about your body before they start. If there’s a specific type of music that truly relaxes you, or if you prefer silence; if you have had surgery or are experiencing pain in certain points of your body, she should know. Also, if you are having digestive issues, your practitioner will most likely not want you to lie on your stomach.
Know that Reiki is not a singular therapy. Using Reiki in conjunction with your traditional medical treatments work well together and enhances your overall therapy. The elder years are tough enough on the elderly and for those that take care of them. Create a relaxing atmosphere for them, and give them the quality of life they deserve.
