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Volume 22 Issue Q3 2018Volume 22 Issue Q3 2018Volume 22 Issue Q3 2018

The Reiki TimesThe Reiki Times

Reiki for Reiki for Reiki for Generalized Generalized Generalized

Anxiety Anxiety Anxiety DisorderDisorderDisorder

Can Reiki Help Can Reiki Help Can Reiki Help Lower Blood Lower Blood Lower Blood

Pressure?Pressure?Pressure?

God or No God, God or No God, God or No God, You Still Got ReikiYou Still Got ReikiYou Still Got Reiki

Reiki and Religion SeriesReiki and Religion SeriesReiki and Religion Series

Canada Reiki: Canada Reiki: Canada Reiki: Alternative Alternative Alternative

Therapies on the Therapies on the Therapies on the Rise by Rise by Rise by

Patient DemandPatient DemandPatient Demand International SeriesInternational SeriesInternational Series

About Reiki Hand PositionsAbout Reiki Hand PositionsAbout Reiki Hand Positions

Inside this Issue… Can Reiki Help Lower Blood Pressure? By IARP Reiki for Generalized Anxiety Disorder By IARP About Reiki Hand Positions Client Waiting Room Resource By IARP Canada Reiki: Alternative Therapies on the Rise by Patient Demand International Series By IARP God or No God, You Still Got Reiki Reiki and Religion Series By IARP

The Reiki TimesThe Reiki Times™ is the official publication of IARP: International Association of Reiki Profes-sionals® Published by: International Association of Reiki Professionals LLC, 20 Trafalgar Sq., Ste. #405, Nashua, NH 03063 USA Web: https://iarp.org and https://iarpreiki.org © 2018. International Association of Reiki Pro-fessionals LLC. All rights reserved. No material may be reproduced by any means whatsoever without express written permission from IARP.

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Wishing everyone Joy, Love and Reiki Blessings!

The Reiki TimesThe Reiki Times Volume 22, Issue Q3, 2018

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, with-out specific written permission from IARP LLC. Disclaimer: IARP LLC does not dispense medical advice nor prescribe the use of any technique as a form of treatment for physical, emotional, or medical prob-lems without the advice of a physician, either directly or indirectly. The intent of this material is only to offer information of a general nature to help readers in their quest for well-being. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and not necessarily of the publisher or its advertisers. Publisher cannot be responsible for any unsolicited material including but not limited to articles, photographs, manu-scripts, artwork and letters. The publisher does not promote or endorse any of the products or services by any third-party advertisers or contributor in connection with this publication, nor does the publisher verify the accuracy of any claims made in connections with such advertisements or contributions. Adver-tisers and contributors are responsible for ensuring their claims and statements are correct. The infor-mation contained in The Reiki Times is intended for education or entertainment. Do not substitute it for the advice of a qualified health professional.

Can Reiki Help Lower Blood Pressure?, The Reiki Times Vol. 22, Issue Q3, 2018

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TThhee RReeiikkii TTiimmeess https://iarp.org

Can Reiki Help Lower Blood Pressure?

By IARP

High blood pressure, which

may also be referred to as

"hypertension," affects millions

of people all over the world. In

fact, the World Health

Organization reports that

nearly one in four people

around the world over the age

of 18 are currently living with

this condition. Many different

treatments are used to deal

with this condition, including

medications, dietary changes and exercise. However, some patients have also found that

they can improve their symptoms by adding Reiki treatments to their therapeutic regimen.

How High Blood Pressure Affects You High blood pressure occurs when the pressure exerted by your blood flow is too strong,

causing damage to the walls of your blood vessels. Some of the symptoms of high blood

pressure include headaches, nosebleeds and shortness of breath, but many people with this

condition don't have any symptoms until their blood pressure reaches a dangerous level.

When blood pressure gets extremely high or high blood pressure remains untreated for a

long period of time, a number of complications may result. Some of the possible

complications of high blood pressure include memory problems, heart failure, heart attack,

stroke and aneurysm. Some people may also experience problems with their eyes and/or

kidneys because of this condition.

Blood pressure is usually treated with medications, including diuretics and beta blockers.

People with high blood pressure are also encouraged to watch their sodium intake, maintain

a healthy weight and exercise regularly. In addition, most physicians instruct patients with

high blood pressure to avoid stress as much as they can.


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What Can Reiki Do for People with Hypertension? Reiki is a Japanese therapy that focuses on the natural flow of spiritual energy within each

individual. The idea behind this therapy is that blockages or disruptions in energy pathways

within the body may be related to some of our medical problems, including stress and high

blood pressure. If these pathways are strengthened and/or unblocked, energy can flow freely

and the body's natural balance will be restored.

Several of the effects of Reiki may be beneficial to people who suffer from high blood

pressure. Specifically, Reiki may be able to:

Induce feelings of relaxation. - Being stressed, anxious or nervous can raise blood

pressure. Participating in Reiki sessions may help people to relax, thus lowering their blood

pressure indirectly.

Lead to better sleep. - Poor sleep habits have been

connected to high blood pressure. Reiki may

potentially improve sleep habits and the quality of

sleep, which may also lower blood pressure and/or

reduce the likelihood of complications related to high

blood pressure.

Reduce sensations of pain. - Pain causes people to

feel stressed, which raises blood pressure. Reiki treatments may help reduce people's

perceptions of pain, which prevents blood pressure increases related to pain sensation.

Improve the mood. - Another possible effect of Reiki treatment is elevation of mood and

potential improvement of symptoms of depression. When people with high blood pressure

are feeling better about life and about themselves, they are more likely to be proactive in

making lifestyle changes and following doctors' recommendations with regard to the

management of high blood pressure.

Reiki is non-invasive and requires no painful manipulation or pressure. Instead, the

practitioner simply places his or her hands above the patient in a specific position.

Alternatively, the practitioner may touch the patient lightly during treatment.

Relevant Research


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Reiki's potential benefits for people with high blood pressure are well supported by recent

research. Some of the studies that have explored the relationship between Reiki and blood

pressure are detailed below.

Changes to the Autonomic Nervous System During Reiki A study conducted by researchers at South Glasgow University Hospital investigated the

effect of Reiki treatments on the autonomic nervous systems of a group of healthy

participants. The study found that Reiki treatments decreased both heart rate and diastolic

blood pressure significantly.

Biochemical and Physiological Changes Related to Reiki Another study conducted by researchers at

the University of Texas Houston Health

Science Center found that a 30 minute Reiki

treatment produced lower perceptions of

anxiety and lower systolic blood pressure.

The study also found that Reiki treatment

increased salivary IgA levels and skin

temperature.

Effect of Reiki on Blood Hypertension A third study completed in Brazil further solidifies the evidence that Reiki can lower blood

pressure. In this study, a total of 66 participants were divided into three groups: one group

that received Reiki treatment, one group that received a placebo and one group that acted as

a control. Although all three groups experienced a drop in blood pressure, the effect was

greatest among the people in the group that received Reiki treatments.

Finding a Reiki Practitioner Near You Based on the scientific evidence and the positive reports from people who have undergone

Reiki treatment, the potential of Reiki to benefit people with high blood pressure is clear. If

you are interested in beginning Reiki treatments or if you would like to learn more, you can

find a Reiki Practitioner in your area, anywhere in the world, at the IARP web site

https://iarp.org

Sources: http://www.who.int/gho/ncd/risk_factors/blood_pressure_prevalence/en/, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15674004, http://


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www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11251731, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/basics/complications/con-20019580

This article appeared in The Reiki Times, Vol. 22, Issue Q3, the magazine of IARP: International Association of Reiki Professionals. © 2018. International Association of Reiki Professionals LLC. All Rights Reserved. Visit https://iarp.org for additional articles and information.

Reiki for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, The Reiki Times Vol. 22, Issue Q3, 2018

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Reiki for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

By IARP

Generalized anxiety disorder is a potentially debilitating

condition that affects millions of people all across the

United States. In fact, according to the Anxiety and

Depression Association of America, generalized anxiety

disorder currently affects 3.1 percent of the U.S.

population. Treatments for generalized anxiety disorder

vary but often include medication and psychotherapy.

Some people struggling with this condition have also

added Reiki to their treatment plan in hopes of improving

symptoms further.

Facts about Generalized Anxiety Disorder

People with generalized anxiety disorder deal with

excessive and unrealistic worry about everyday issues, including their family, health or

financial situation. This worry is persistent and difficult to control. In many cases, people with

this condition feel a sense of impending doom even when there is no reason to believe that

something bad will happen. For most people, this disorder appears gradually over time. It is

more common in women than in men and tends to peak after childhood. While many people

are able to manage their symptoms and lead a relatively normal life, severe anxiety can

sometimes make it difficult to carry out everyday responsibilities or function in social

situations.

An individual is diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder after he or she has spent at

least six months dealing with symptoms on a regular basis. Some of the specific symptoms

of generalized anxiety disorder may include:

Trouble sleeping.

Tense muscles.

Irritability.


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Tiring easily.

Feeling restless or on edge.

Trouble concentrating.

Once an individual has been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, their physician

may prescribe various medications to control symptoms, including tricyclic antidepressants,

benzodiazepines, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and selective serotonin

reuptake inhibitors. Physicians may also recommend different types of therapy, including

interpersonal therapy, exposure therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and

commitment therapy.

About Reiki

Reiki is a therapeutic technique that developed in Japan. The idea behind this technique is

that, generally, problems and issues within the human body, including unnatural levels of

anxiety, may be related to blockages or disturbances in the individual's energy pathways.

Reiki seeks to unblock energy and restore normal flow in order to support the body's ability to

heal itself.

During a Reiki session, a trained practitioner will place his or her hands gently on or over the

client. The practitioner will repeat this process multiple times using specific hand positions.

Session lengths vary based on the needs of the client.

Benefits of Reiki for People with GAD

Studies have shown that Reiki offers several

potential benefits for people with generalized

anxiety disorder. Some of these benefits

include:

1) Lower stress levels. - People with

generalized anxiety disorder have higher stress

levels than the normal population. Both

research studies and anecdotal reports

indicate that Reiki may assist to alleviate some

of this stress.

2) Relaxation. - Having generalized anxiety disorder makes it difficult to relax even when no


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significant stressor is present. Many people who participate in Reiki sessions report feeling

relaxed both during the session and after it is complete, which may be beneficial to someone

who struggles with anxiety.

3) Improved mood. - Not every person who has been diagnosed with generalized anxiety

disorder will experience depression. However, for many people, these two issues go hand-in-

hand. Research indicates that people who participate in Reiki sessions on a regular basis

feel less depressed than they did prior to therapy.

4) Better sleep. - People with generalized anxiety disorder may find that they have trouble

falling asleep, are unable to stay asleep or don't feel rested even after sleeping all night.

Reiki sessions may alleviate some of these issues and improve the quality of sleep.

Reiki is noninvasive and doesn't pose any risk to the client. It also causes no side effects.

Thus, Reiki can be used in conjunction with virtually any other treatment prescribed by a

physician, including medication and other types of therapy.

Relevant Research

Multiple research studies have been conducted to explore the relationship between Reiki and

anxiety disorders. Some of these studies are detailed below.

1. Reiki reduces anxiety among women.

In 2006, researchers published a study that sought to determine whether Reiki could reduce

anxiety among women undergoing hysterectomies. The researchers found that women in the

treatment group experienced less anxiety than those in the control group. Although this study

was conducted only on women undergoing surgery, the results may apply to other individuals

as well.

2. Reiki helps with anxiety and fatigue in cancer patients.

Another study conducted in Turkey focused on the ability of Reiki treatment to reduce

anxiety, pain and fatigue among cancer patients. The researchers found that all of these

variables improved among subjects in the group treated with Reiki. Because both anxiety

and fatigue are symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, it stands to reason that Reiki

could potentially be helpful for people with this condition as well.


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3. Reiki reduces depression and anxiety among older adults.

During this study, researchers sought to determine whether treating older adults with Reiki

would improve depression, anxiety and other issues. The researchers found that individuals

in the treatment group experienced less anxiety and depression than those in the control

group. Participants in the study also reported

feelings of relaxation following Reiki sessions.

These are just a few of the research studies that

demonstrate the ability of Reiki to benefit

individuals who are struggling with anxiety. More

research studies exploring this idea are likely to

be conducted in the future.

How to Find a Practitioner

Research studies indicate that Reiki shows promise as an alternative therapy for people

struggling with generalized anxiety disorder. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with

generalized anxiety disorder, you may benefit from participating in Reiki sessions on a

regular basis. To learn more about what Reiki can do for you, see the IARP web site at

https://iarp.org to find a registered Reiki practitioner in your area.


About Reiki Hand Positions, The Reiki Times Vol. 22, Issue Q3, 2018

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About Reiki Hand Positions

Client Waiting Room Informational Resource By IARP

In Reiki, there are basic traditional and fundamental hand positions taught in Reiki

certification courses that are used to promote energy balance and assist in healing to various

areas of the body. Depending on your

particular health issue, more time may be

spent on one area than another during a

Reiki treatment. This article highlights the

basic Reiki hand positions, generally

speaking. Some of the hand positions

may be omitted and/or they may occur in

a different order during a session.

Variations on these positions may also

be done, depending on your individual

needs.

If you're going in for your first treatment,

these are the positions you can generally

expect to be used, as they are typical to

most treatment sessions. Each position is meant to balance the energies in that area and

remove stuck energies there so that you can begin to relax, reduce stress and allow space

for your body to rest and heal and to function more optimally. If you need particular attention

placed on one area, do let your practitioner know. Many times, your practitioner will be able

to sense areas within the hand positions that need extra attention you may not have even

known needed it.

During a Reiki session a client rests comfortably on a massage table or sometimes seated

on a chair. There is no manipulation of tissue as in massage or bodywork that takes place,

but just a very gentle hand pressure, and, unlike massage therapy, a session is always fully

clothed. The session is usually done in silence with minimal talking, unless of course you

wish to communicate something to your practitioner, then it is important that you do so

promptly during the session. Your Reiki practitioner may play quiet soothing background

music or nature sounds. If you are uncomfortable or could be more comfortable, for example


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if the music is distracting or if you prefer to skip a certain Reiki hand position, just let your

practitioner know right away before or during your session.

Reiki is performed with either very gentle, static pressure from the practitioner’s hands on

traditional hand position areas, or with their hands hovering a few inches above your body.

Reiki works just as well in either case so if you prefer to not be touched directly with any or

all of the hand positions and prefer the hovering method please communicate that to your

practitioner before or during your session. Sensitive or private areas are never touched

during a Reiki session. Even if you have a health issue in a sensitive or private area it is

against a Reiki Professional Practitioner’s Code of Ethics to physically touch private or

sensitive areas. Your Reiki Practitioner wants you to have the most relaxing and comfortable

experience as possible while you enjoy this timeless method of Japanese energywork for

stress reduction, relaxation and wellness.

Here are some of the most common general hand positions that you might experience in

your session.

Position A--Palms are placed lightly on your

forehead and/or the practitioner's hands may gently

cup your eyes.

Position B--The practitioner may soothingly place

their hands around at the sides of your temples and

face.

Position C--Your head may be cradled in the practitioner's hands as his or her hands rest on

the table.

Position D--Your jawline or throat area may gently be offered Reiki.

Position E--The practitioner's right or left hand may hover or be placed near your neck or

above your collarbones, while their other hand will hover or be placed over your heart

chakra.

Position F--Hands may be placed gently on your upper abdomen.

Position G--The practitioner may place their hands on your solar plexus area or mid-

abdomen


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Position H-- The practitioner may place their hands on your mid-lower abdomen, a few

inches below your navel.

Position I— Optionally a practitioner may offer Reiki to

your knees and/or to your ankles or feet. These are

optional positions if the practitioner feels they may

benefit you. Or they may simply move on to hand

positions on your back.

Position J—The practitioner may request, if you are on a massage table, that you turn over

onto your stomach with your head in a face cradle or resting gently to one side. The

practitioner's hands are gently placed on your shoulder blade area and rest there.

Position K--Hands are moved down to a position under your should blades or middle back.

Position L--The practitioner moves their hands to apply gentle pressure in a hand position at

your lower back.

Once the basic positions and/or variations have all been covered and stuck energies

removed or balanced, the practitioner may move their hands over your body in a sweeping

motion to cleanse your energy field of any leftover energy debris, leaving you cleansed,

feeling good, and well on your way to enhanced wellbeing.

Please be sure to drink plenty of water for 24 hours after your session and to take some time,

even just a couple of minutes, to revel in the peacefulness and tranquility after your session.

Try to allow 10 or 15 minutes sometime after your session or perhaps later in the evening

before bed to receive appreciation from your higher self for caring so eloquently for your

body, mind and spirit and to enjoy your increased state of wellness and peace.


Canada Reiki: Alternative Therapies in the Rise by Patient Demand, The Reiki Times Vol. 22, Issue Q3, 2018

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Canada Reiki: Alternative Therapies in the Rise by Patient Demand

International Series By IARP

The use of Reiki and other alternative therapies is on

the rise across the globe, and general practitioners in

Canada are at the top of the list for providing the

highest rate of referrals. A study published in Medical

Journal Australia reported that 50 to 66 percent of

Canada family doctors had at some time provided

referrals to patients for alternative practitioners.

Even if the referrals don’t necessarily indicate the

family doctors’ specific endorsement of Reiki and

other complementary therapies per se, they do

illustrate a huge demand from patients. In fact, Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre

naturopathic doctor Dugal Seely went as far as to say “the public is clamoring for this kind of

care,” while also stressing the importance of research accompanying their incorporation.

Open Arms for Alternative Therapies

Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre has emerged as one of notable institutions offering Reiki in

Canada and other complementary therapies alongside its chemotherapy and traditional

cancer treatments. Cancer patients can choose from Reiki as well as yoga, naturopathic

medicine, psychotherapy, intravenous vitamin therapy and a host of additional alternative

options.

Other facilities across Canada have followed suit, offering non-traditional options to patients

– sometimes at absolutely no cost. Brampton Civic Hospital, located just outside of Toronto,

has opened up an otherwise unused hospital ward in the evenings to offer services of

naturopaths as well as naturopath students.

A number of major universities are also aiming to study the effectiveness of and learn more

about alternative therapies by partnering with natural health practitioners. These types of


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programs are already in action at three eminent facilities: the University of Toronto,

Edmonton’s University of Alberta, and Montreal’s McGill University.

Majority of Canadians Regularly Use Alternative Therapies

The Public Health Agency of Canada reports more than 70 percent of Canadians regularly

use Reiki, naturopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture, reflexology, yoga, massage, or other

alternative therapies.

Numbers from Statistica underscore the popularity of complementary heath care therapies

even further, showcasing the percentage of the Canadian population that has turned to

alternative methods for specific ailments or overall health and well-being. The categories of

relaxation techniques and energy healing could both include Reiki, as Reiki is well-known for

achieving both.

· 40 percent: Chiropractic

· 35 percent: Massage

· 20 percent: Relaxation techniques

· 18 percent: Spiritual practice, prayer

· 17 percent: Acupuncture

· 16 percent: Yoga

· 15 percent: Herbal therapies

· 10 percent: Special diet plans

· 9 percent: Energy healing

· 9 percent: Naturopathy

With a population of more than 36 million, Canada’s 70 percent that turn to alternative

therapies would potentially calculate to more than 25 million – with over 7 million using Reiki

and other relaxation techniques and other energy healing methods.

While the impact of Reiki in Canada is already being felt and enjoyed, Canada Reiki

Practitioners, Masters and Teachers can extend their reach across even further by joining

the International Association of Reiki Professionals. IARP membership gives you a wealth of

benefits to grow your practice and an opportunity to continue to raise awareness and

utilization of Reiki throughout Canada and beyond. See https://iarp.org

This article is part of our International Series which showcases and brings you up to date news on the use of

Reiki in various countries across the globe. See The Reiki Times and the IARP web site https://iarp.org for


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additional articles in this series.

Sources: http://www.chiro.org/alt_med_abstracts/discontinued/Complementary_therapies_have_they.html http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/alternative-therapies-health-care-1.3793965 http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/chn-rcs/cah-acps-eng.php https://www.statista.com/statistics/203960/leading-alternative-medicine-treatments-in-canada/ https://www.google.com/publicdata/explore?ds=d5bncppjof8f9_&met_y=sp_pop_totl&idim=country:CAN:AUS&hl=en&dl=en


God or No God, You Still Got Reiki, The Reiki Times Vol. 22, Issue Q3, 2018

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God or No God, You Still Got Reiki

Reiki and Religion Series By IARP

Atheists and agnostics can have a

tough time feeling welcome in some

settings... especially at church,

temple or dinner conversations that

discuss a strong belief in some kind

of higher power. They may even be

considered unwanted guests with

those who oppose their views.

That’s not the case with Reiki. Reiki

is open to everyone, regardless of your religious and spiritual beliefs – or lack thereof. Reiki

and atheism mix. Reiki and agnosticism make a great match. Like the little black dress you

wear to parties, Reiki goes with everything.

Reiki for Agnostics, Atheists

Reiki is open to all because it is not a religion or cult. It’s a Japanese healing technique that

involves the laying of hands on specific areas of the body that could use a boost of life force

energy. Increasing your life force energy flow can reduce stress, increase relaxation and

promote overall health and well-being.

This can work whether you’re agnostic,

atheist or somewhere in between. An

agnostic from Texas opened his eyes to

Reiki when he placed his hands above

the upturned palms of a lady he just met

on vacation and he received a powerful

surge of energy. A Roman-Catholic-

God or No God, You Still Got Reiki, The Reiki Times Vol. 22, Issue Q3, 2018

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turned-atheist in Montreal went as far as to say Reiki did not fall into the

category of “useless woo.”

Not useless woo. There you have it. Ready to give Reiki a chance?

No religious beliefs required. All are welcome to enjoy this beneficial

modality.

How to Find a Practitioner

Reiki is compatible with all religions, atheism, agnosticism, and everything in between. To

learn more about what Reiki can do for you, see the IARP web site at https://iarp.org to find a

registered Reiki practitioner in your area. There you can also find additional articles on the

Reiki and Religion series. Sources: http://www.mysecretatheistblog.com/2012/08/level-iii-reiki-master.html http://www.internationalskeptics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=246782


Sending the Highest of Reiki Blessings

From Your Friends at the IARP

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