Can Reiki Help Relieve Fibromyalgia Pain and Symptoms?

Understanding Fibromyalgia and Its Symptoms

Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic pain disorder that causes widespread muscle pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and emotional distress. It affects about 2-8% of the population, predominantly middle-aged women. The exact causes are unknown but likely involve genetics, trauma, infections, and stress.

People with fibromyalgia experience chronic widespread pain, extreme fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive dysfunction (fibro fog), headaches, numbness/tingling, temperature sensitivity, anxiety, depression, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The severity of symptoms can vary greatly from day-to-day in an unpredictable pattern.

There is no cure for fibromyalgia, so treatment focuses on managing symptoms. Lifestyle changes, stress reduction techniques, exercise, and medications may provide some relief. Alternative therapies like acupuncture, massage, and Reiki are also sometimes used to complement conventional treatment.

What is Reiki and How Does it Work?

Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a form of energy healing that originated in Japan in the early 1900s. It involves a Reiki practitioner placing their hands lightly on or just above a person to facilitate the flow of life force energy (ki or chi).

The purpose is to support the body's natural ability to heal itself by rebalancing its spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical elements. Reiki is said to promote relaxation, accelerate healing, reduce pain, and strengthen the immune system.

A Reiki session typically involves the client lying down while the practitioner places their hands on a series of locations on the head, torso, and limbs. Sessions can last 30 to 90 minutes. The number of sessions needed depends on the individual's condition.

Reiki is based on the idea that an unseen universal energy flows through us. Practitioners learn specific hand positions that are thought to facilitate energy flow to organs and glands that need healing. Many people describe feeling warmth or tingling during a Reiki session.

Does Reiki Require Belief or Faith to Work?

Reiki is spiritually-oriented but does not require the client to subscribe to any specific beliefs. Benefits are said to come from the inherent properties of Reiki itself rather than the power of belief or suggestion.

That said, being open to the potential benefits of energy work may enhance its effects. Skepticism or resistance could block the body from fully receiving. Overall, an open, relaxed attitude is best.

Using Reiki to Help Treat Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Fibromyalgia disrupts the body's pain signaling system, causing patients to feel widespread chronic pain. Sleep disturbances, fatigue, headaches, cognitive dysfunction, and mood disorders frequently occur as well.

Reiki aims to help restore balance and flow in the body's energy systems which can, in turn, help reduce pain, improve sleep, decrease anxiety and depression, and promote an overall sense of well-being.

Regular Reiki sessions may also help counteract the toll that chronic pain and fatigue take on mental clarity and emotional health over time.

Reiki for Fibromyalgia Pain Relief

Pain is the predominant complaint of people with fibromyalgia. Reiki focuses on breaking up pockets of stagnant energy and promoting free flow, which can reduce pain and discomfort.

In a 2010 study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 20 female fibromyalgia patients had four 90-minute Reiki sessions over a period of up to 10 weeks. Participants experienced significant reductions in pain, anxiety, and depression after the sessions.

The study showed that a single Reiki session improved pain and anxiety right away. Over time, the benefits on pain, anxiety, and quality of life increased compared to baseline measurements.

Reiki to Improve Sleep Quality

Sleep problems affect about three-quarters of fibromyalgia patients. Reiki promotes deep relaxation, which enables patients to fall asleep easier and get more restful sleep.

Restorative sleep is vital because the chronic pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia are worsened by sleep deprivation. Quality sleep also enables the body to heal itself better. Reiki may also help relieve anxiety and depression, which can disrupt sleep.

Reiki for Fibromyalgia Headaches

About half of people with fibromyalgia experience recurrent headaches that may involve migraine features. Stress is a common headache trigger.

Reiki helps initiate the body's natural relaxation response to help relieve both tension and migraine headaches. It also reduces mental stressors that can contribute to headache flare-ups.

Reiki to Improve Mental Functioning

Fibromyalgia patients often suffer from fibro fog - mental confusion, difficulty focusing, memory lapses, and slowed thinking. Sleep deprivation and chronic pain interfere with cognitive functions.

Reiki stimulates energy flow which may improve alertness, focus, and concentration. As anxiety and depression lift, cognition often improves too. By reducing migraine headaches, Reiki can also help minimize fibro fog.

Reiki for Emotional Support

Living with constant pain, exhaustion, and sleep problems understandably takes an emotional toll on fibromyalgia patients. Rates of anxiety and depression are higher than normal.

Reiki therapy provides a nurturing space for people to safely express their feelings and be heard. The relaxation response it triggers also alleviates mental distress, worry, sadness, and grief.

Reiki Compared to Other Fibromyalgia Therapies

Since fibromyalgia is a complex condition without any definitive medical cure, patients often turn to multiple approaches to manage their symptoms. Reiki is frequently used along with conventional medical treatments and other alternative therapies.

Reiki and Massage

Massage therapy is one of the most commonly used complementary therapies for reducing fibromyalgia pain. Massage techniques physically manipulate the soft tissues to relieve muscle tension.

Reiki similarly aims to break up muscle tension but works energetically rather than mechanically. A massage therapist applies pressure while a Reiki practitioner channels energy through their hands. The two modalities can complement each other nicely.

Reiki and Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine based on opening up the flow of qi (life force energy) through the body's meridian system. Thin needles placed in strategic points along the meridians can reduce fibromyalgia symptoms.

Like acupuncture, Reiki focuses on smoothing the flow of vital energy through the body to facilitate healing. Both can potentially help reduce fibromyalgia pain, fatigue, and sleep issues.

Reiki and Medications

Medications are frequently used to help manage fibromyalgia symptoms but can cause side effects. Common drug therapies include pain relievers, anti-seizure drugs, antidepressants, and sleep aids.

Since Reiki has no negative side effects, it offers a drug-free way to help supplement medical treatment. Patients sometimes find they are able to decrease medication use under professional supervision when combining it with Reiki and other therapies.

What to Expect During a Reiki Session

Reiki sessions take place in a peaceful, quiet setting. Soft music may be playing. The practitioner will ask about your medical history and symptoms and then have you lie down on a massage table.

You remain fully clothed except for removing your shoes. The practitioner places their hands lightly on a series of locations on your head, upper body, arms, hands, hips, legs, and feet. Touch is light and you can request no contact.

Each position is held anywhere from 2 to 10 minutes depending on the specific technique. You may feel warm or tingling sensations. The practitioner does not massage or manipulate the body. Sessions last about 60 to 90 minutes.

The room remains quiet with no talking except for feedback about any sensations you feel. You remain passive and relaxed, allowing the Reiki energy to flow as needed. Some people fall asleep during sessions.

Afterward, you can discuss your experiences and any changes noticed in your condition with the practitioner. Many people feel peaceful and relaxed right after a session with reduced pain, anxiety, and fatigue.

How Many Reiki Sessions Are Needed?

There is no set number of sessions required. Chronic conditions like fibromyalgia often need ongoing periodic sessions to sustain benefits. Weekly or bi-weekly sessions for a period of months may be recommended initially.

Improvements are progressive and cumulative so fibromyalgia patients generally need multiple sessions for the best results. Eventually the time between sessions can be increased as symptoms improve. Periodic tune-up sessions may be helpful.

Finding a Reiki Practitioner

Reiki practitioners can be found in most mid-sized to large cities. Various online directories like Reiki.org allow you to search for Reiki practitioners in your area. Look for those with experience treating chronic pain conditions.

Referrals from friends or health care providers are another option. Make sure the practitioner has completed traditional Usui Reiki training. A background in massage therapy or nursing can also be beneficial.

Most major hospitals now offer Reiki as part of their complementary medicine programs. Hospital-based practitioners usually have substantial training and clinical experience.

Talk to potential practitioners ahead of time about their background and experience treating fibromyalgia patients specifically. Be sure you feel comfortable with their approach and demeanor.

Reiki Session Cost

There are wide variations in cost for Reiki sessions ranging from $30 to $150 or more. The average seems to be around $60 to $80 per session. Short mini-sessions may also be available for less.

Some health insurance plans cover Reiki provided the practitioner is a licensed medical professional like a nurse. Make sure to ask ahead of time about rates and payment options.

Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?

Reiki is extremely safe when performed by a trained professional. There are no physical manipulations involved. Reiki does not have any negative side effects, since the energy purportedly comes from an infinite universal source rather than the practitioner's own body.

Mild side effects can potentially occur if the body releases toxins or emotional blockages too fast. This might produce temporary fatigue, headache, stomach upset, or moodiness. Drinking extra water, resting more, and discussing any feelings with the practitioner can help.

Extremely rare allergic reactions or mild swelling from pressure have been reported. Any persistent or concerning side effects should be evaluated medically right away.

The Bottom Line: Is Reiki Beneficial for Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a frustrating condition that often requires trying multiple treatment approaches. While findings are preliminary, some research suggests Reiki may provide a useful complementary therapy.

Potential benefits for fibromyalgia patients include:

• Reduced pain severity
• Lower stress and anxiety
• Improvements in mood
• Enhanced relaxation and sleep quality
• Increased energy and diminished fatigue
• Improved mental clarity and cognition
• Emotional support and well-being

Reiki is extremely safe and many patients find it highly relaxing. It shows promise for helping manage the complex array of fibromyalgia symptoms without negative side effects. It may enable some patients to lower their medication dosages.

More research is still needed. But many fibromyalgia sufferers find Reiki sessions helpful for pain relief, emotional balance, and an improved overall sense of health and well-being.

While not a cure, Reiki can become a beneficial part of an integrative treatment approach when fibromyalgia symptoms flare up or become overwhelming.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.