How Reiki Can Ease Arthritis Pain; Soothing the Aches
Soothing the Aches: How Reiki Can Ease the pain of Arthritis from an Arthritis Warrior.
For those of us navigating the choppy waters of arthritis, finding a harbor of relief is a quest of its own. Reiki, the ancient Japanese technique, has been a beacon of comfort for me as I travel the road of chronic pain.
The Reality of Arthritis
Arthritis isn’t just a single villain; it’s a whole syndicate of conditions, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis leading the charge.
Osteoarthritis – involves wear-and-tear damage to a joint’s cartilage, which is the hard, slick coating on the ends of bones where they form a joint. This can result in bone on bone grinding restricting movement and causing pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis – is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joint capsule, leading to swollen, inflamed joints. Over time, the cartilage is destroyed as well as the bone within the joint.
Other types of arthritis can be caused by uric acid crystal build up, infections, or underlying diseases such as lupus or psoriasis. Treatments vary depending on the severity of pain. If you are looking for more detailed information, contact the Arthritis Society office at (905) 632-9390.
Arthritis leaves a mark on the quality of life and daily activities. The condition can impact work performance and productivity and restrict your ability to participate in social activities that can lead to diminished social interactions and depression. When I got the news from my Orthopaedic Doctor that I couldn’t do Zumba anymore, I was devastated for my friends and support group were there and I had finally found an exercise that I loved!
The chronic nature of arthritis can affect mental health, increasing the risk of anxiety and depression. But, we ARE Arthritis Warriors and we are not going to let the A-beast get the best of us!!!
A Healing Hand
Reiki, a complementary therapy that channels energy into the body through the hands of a skilled practitioner is a non-invasive ally in the battle against pain. Reiki supports the restoration of balance and promotes self-healing and comfort. While it’s not a cure, it’s a supportive friend that offers a hand to hold on your wellness journey.
The Benefits of Reiki for Arthritis
Pain: Regular Reiki sessions have shown promise in reducing the perception of pain, which can be a real game-changer.
Range of Motion: With stiffness as a common foe, Reiki can help improve joint mobility and support you with your daily tasks.
Mood Support: The emotional toll of arthritis is heavy. Reiki’s calming effect lifts your spirits and brightens your days providing a calm in the storm.
Adopting Reiki into your life isn’t just about the sessions; it’s about embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes balance and harmony. It’s about finding moments of peace in a chaotic world and allowing yourself the grace of acceptance and healing. I was very angry when I saw my body break down and prevent me from getting on the floor to play with my grandkids. Reiki principles helped me work through the pain with acceptance and forgiveness. It supported the release of frustration and with acceptance of my body I was happier and healthier. In other words, the sun will come up tomorrow and we can watch it with our grandkids whether we are on the ground or in a chair! All is well.
Science Speaks
Several studies have shed light on Reiki’s potential. Research indicates improvements in range of motion and reduction in pain sensations. A review in The International Journal of Behavkoral Medicine reports that Reiki demonstrates “strong evidence” for alleviating pain among those with chronic pain. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine reported that Reiki significantly reduced pain intensity and improved the quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain disorder. Additional research indicates that Reiki can lead to significant reductions in pain, anxiety, and stress in patients undergoing surgery or living with cancer.
A Personal Journey
Reiki is deeply personal, and its effects can vary. It’s not about the hands that guide the energy; it’s about the individual who receives it. It’s a partnership, a dance of give-and-take between practitioner and patient, where the true healer is the one who lies within. A Reiki Master serves as a guide, not a healer, empowering individuals to activate their own innate healing capabilities. This subtle yet profound distinction underscores the essence of Reiki practice. The Reiki Master facilitates the flow of universal life energy, setting the stage for the client to tap into their own self-healing potential. It’s a partnership where the Reiki Master provides support, while the individual embarks on a personal journey of restoration and balance. Through this process, the client is encouraged to take ownership of their healing, harnessing the Reiki energy to nurture their body, mind, and spirit towards a state of wholeness and well-being.
Why Reiki for Arthritis?
Reiki offers a gentle yet powerful approach to managing arthritis pain. It’s not a magic potion, but rather a tool in the wellness toolkit, a companion on the road to relief. So, if you’re weary from the arthritis battle, consider Reiki—a touch of tranquility in the tumult of life.
Stay tuned for more wellness insights. Sign up for the Let it go with REIKI newsletter and receive them in our in-box monthly. Remember, your journey to healing is uniquely yours and we are happy to walk alongside you for inspiration, healing and joy. With love, Calah xo