I have practised several therapies,including Reiki for 10 years, but in February 2013 I was diagnosed with womb cancer, I underwent a total hysterectomy one month later and found I had no healing ability left at all.
During recovery I had time to re-assess my life and felt drawn to Reiki as part of the healing process.
In Deb Shapiro's book 'Your Body Speaks your Mind' I learnt that diseases of the womb relate to the repression of deep emotions related to womanhood and mothering, conflicts from the relationship with your own mother and feelings of being uncared for and emotionally undernourished.
I received several reiki treatments from a friend and a local cancer charity, and found the sessions soothing and relaxing. Afterwards I felt guided to deal with the issues mentioned above.
I realised that I had always put the needs of others before my own I found that it was now ok to nurture myself and pursue interests that gave me pleasure without feeling guilty. I learnt to place firm boundaries at both work and home and am now not afraid to ask for help if I need it. Most importantly I can say no if I don't want to do something. Life is now less stressed and more enjoyable.
I would recommend reiki as a therapy but maybe warn clients that they may have to deal with emotional issues that could arise. Not everybody is able or willing to do that.
Reiki is a non-invasive technique which can be performed with the recipient fully clothed. The client absorbs only as much healing as they require and it therefore does not interfere with any medication or treatment regimes.
Reiki is one of the most popular therapies I offer at the moment and may be effective with sleep problems, relaxation and pain relief.