The Reiki Times Volume 22 Q3 2018

TheThe ReikiReiki TimesTimes Volume 22 Issue Q3 2018

Can Reiki Help Lower Blood Pressure? Reiki for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

About Reiki Hand Positions

Canada Reiki: Alternative God or No God, Therapies on the You Still Got Reiki

Rise by Reiki and Religion Series Patient Demand International Series TheThe ReikiReiki TimesTimes Volume 22, Issue Q3, 2018

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 The Reiki Times™ is the official publication of By IARP IARP: International Association of Reiki Profes- sionals® Published by: International Association of Reiki God or No God, You Still Got Reiki Professionals LLC, 20 Trafalgar Sq., Ste. #405, Reiki and Religion Series Nashua, NH 03063 USA By IARP Web: https://iarp.org and https://iarpreiki.org © 2018. International Association of Reiki Pro-

IARP Professional Members receive a subscription to The Reiki Times included with their membership. To learn more visit https://iarp.org or https://iarpreiki.org

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, without 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 problems 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 information 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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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://

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

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.

4 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.

Visit https://iarp.org for additional articles and information.

4 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

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

Visit https://iarp.org for additional articles and information.

3 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

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

Visit https://iarp.org for additional articles and information.

3 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-

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

Visit https://iarp.org for additional articles and information.

Sending the Highest of Reiki Blessings From Your Friends at the IARP