What to Know About Reiki and Cancer
Reiki is a complementary therapy that originated in Japan. During the session, a practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above different areas of the body with the belief that they can balance the person’s energy.
There’s no scientific evidence that the proposed energy field involved in Reiki exists, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Still, Reiki remains popular worldwide as a complementary therapy among people facing mesothelioma or other cancers.
Here’s what to know about Reiki and mesothelioma:
- It may offer relief from stress, nausea, fatigue, depression, and anxiety.
- The practitioner may guide you through breathing exercises during the session to help you relax.
- Reiki hasn’t been shown to cause harmful side effects or complications.
- It shouldn’t be used to cure mesothelioma or replace medical care recommended by your cancer team.
Request our Free Mesothelioma Guide to find safe options to ease symptoms and treatment side effects. Your copy will be shipped overnight so you can get started sooner.
How Is Reiki Used in a Mesothelioma Treatment Plan?
Doctors may recommend Reiki for use alongside conventional mesothelioma treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
This is considered integrative medicine, where both standard treatments and alternative therapies are used to support holistic well-being.
“There are many factors at play with reiki, and the truth is, we don’t know exactly what’s happening. But we can easily explain how it physically works to make people feel more relaxed.”
– Dr. Natalie Dyer, research scientist at University Hospitals Connor Whole Health
Talk with your cancer care team before trying Reiki or other complementary therapies. They can help you decide whether it’s a good fit for your treatment plan.
What to Expect During a Reiki Cancer Session
A Reiki session typically takes place in a quiet, relaxing environment. Before beginning, the practitioner may ask about your health, comfort level, and what you hope to get from the session.
During a typical Reiki session:
- You’ll remain fully clothed. You may lie on a treatment table or sit in a chair, depending on your comfort and physical needs.
- The practitioner will use different hand positions. They may place their hands lightly on certain areas of your body or hold them just above you. Reiki doesn’t involve pressure or tissue manipulation like massage therapy.
- You can relax throughout the session. Some practitioners play soft music or use other calming elements to help you feel comfortable and at ease.
- You may notice different sensations. Some people report warmth, tingling, calmness, or deep relaxation.
- Sessions vary in length. Appointments may last anywhere from about 30 minutes to an hour or longer, depending on the practitioner and setting.
Tell your Reiki practitioner about pain, breathing difficulties, or positioning needs before the session. You shouldn’t feel pressured to stay in a position that causes discomfort.
Potential Benefits of Reiki for Mesothelioma Patients
Researchers have studied Reiki as an alternative treatment for patients with complex cancers like mesothelioma, including its possible effects on quality of life.
A study in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management surveyed 268 cancer patients about their experiences with Reiki and found that they generally felt better after treatment sessions.
The study reported clinically significant improvements in:
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Pain
- Well-being
In a separate study published by the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, 94% of patients at a cancer infusion center described their Reiki experience as positive.
However, Reiki hasn’t been proven to treat mesothelioma symptoms. Some patients may simply find the sessions relaxing during a physically and emotionally demanding time.
Tell your medical team about new or worsening symptoms. Your doctors can recommend proven ways to manage discomfort, including palliative care, and help you decide whether Reiki might provide additional relief.
Can Reiki Treat Mesothelioma?
No. There’s no evidence that Reiki can cure mesothelioma or directly treat cancer or any other disease, according to Kaiser Permanente.
If your Reiki practitioner claims it can help you live longer or slow the cancer, that information isn’t supported by evidence.
Reiki has not been shown to:
- Help the immune system fight cancer
- Kill cancer cells
- Shrink mesothelioma tumors
Patients shouldn’t replace or delay recommended treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy to pursue Reiki or other unproven alternative treatments.
Instead, patients interested in Reiki can ask their mesothelioma doctors whether it can safely fit into their broader treatment and supportive care plan.
Download our Free Doctor Questions Checklist so you can get answers about alternative mesothelioma treatments like Reiki at your next specialist appointment.
Is Reiki Safe for Mesothelioma Patients?
Yes, Reiki is generally considered safe for patients with mesothelioma and other illnesses. It hasn’t been shown to cause harmful effects, according to the NCCIH.
However, you should still tell your mesothelioma doctors about any complementary or alternative therapies you plan to try.
When considering Reiki for mesothelioma:
- Ask your oncology team whether it is appropriate for you.
- Be cautious of anyone who claims Reiki can cure cancer or replace medical care.
- Don’t stop medications or cancer treatments to use Reiki.
- Choose a reputable Reiki practitioner.
- Tell the practitioner about physical limitations or sensitive areas after surgery.
Mesothelioma treatment can affect your health in many ways. Keeping your doctors informed helps them safely coordinate your care.
“We want to make sure mesothelioma cases are discussed with all the specialists at the table to ensure thoughtful treatment planning, excellent communication, and care that’s delivered in keeping with the expert guidelines as close as possible.”
Learn More About Reiki and Mesothelioma
Reiki is just one of many alternative treatments that could help you feel better after a mesothelioma cancer diagnosis. While it won’t cure the cancer, Reiki has eased symptoms, stress, and treatment side effects in some patients.
Asking your mesothelioma doctors about complementary options like Reiki is a great place to start. Your cancer center may even have a provider on staff or recommend one for you.
At Mesothelioma Hope, we’re ready to assist patients and families in getting the care they deserve.
Our Patient Advocates can:
- Help you learn more about Reiki and other alternative therapies
- Connect with mesothelioma doctors and cancer centers
- Explore ways to afford cancer care options
- Offer support to you and your family after a diagnosis
Call (866) 608-8933 or request our Free Mesothelioma Guide, shipped overnight, for more information on alternative treatments, accessing care, and feeling better.
Reiki and Mesothelioma FAQs
What are some benefits of Reiki for cancer patients?
Reiki has many possible benefits for patients facing cancer, including relieving pain from symptoms or treatment side effects, easing anxiety, and improving general well-being.
If you’re interested in receiving Reiki, ask your mesothelioma care team about what to expect. They can give you a better idea of whether Reiki or other complementary options could help manage any discomfort you’re experiencing.
Can Reiki cure cancers like mesothelioma?
No. Reiki can’t cure mesothelioma and hasn’t been shown to shrink tumors or stop cancer progression.
Reiki should only be considered a complementary practice for relaxation or supportive care. It shouldn’t be a substitute for standard mesothelioma treatment.
Use our Free Doctor Questions Checklist to get the answers you need about treatments and alternative therapies at your next mesothelioma specialist appointment.
Can I receive Reiki during chemotherapy for mesothelioma?
Some patients may choose Reiki while receiving chemotherapy for mesothelioma because the practice may help them relax or cope with side effects like nausea.
However, talk with your oncology team before starting any complementary therapy during treatment. They can consider your health, treatment plan, and individual needs.
Anti-nausea medications can also help manage chemotherapy side effects and shouldn’t be replaced by Reiki.
What does a Reiki session for cancer feel like?
What a Reiki session feels like varies from person to person. Some people describe feeling relaxed, warm, or calm during Reiki sessions, while others don’t notice any particular physical sensation.
Many patients have also reported fewer physical symptoms and less anxiety after receiving Reiki for cancer.
Does Reiki have side effects?
No, according to the NCCIH, Reiki has no known side effects. A Reiki session itself shouldn’t cause any physical discomfort.
However, if you feel uncomfortable for any reason, let the Reiki provider know right away.
Does Reiki healing for cancer patients really work?
Some studies suggest Reiki may help cancer patients manage pain and fatigue, although more research is needed.
For instance, a 2023 study in EXPLORE found that advanced cancer patients who underwent Reiki or acupressure as part of their palliative care plan had less pain and fatigue and used fewer pain medications.
Reiki cannot heal, treat, or cure any disease directly, so talk with your mesothelioma care team before starting. It’s not recommended as a substitute for standard treatments.
Call (866) 608-8933 now for help exploring standard and complementary mesothelioma treatments that can relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life.
