How can Reiki help fibromyalgia?

I have several friends who suffer from this unfortunate condition who have benefitted a great deal from regular Reiki, so I wanted to bring awareness to other sufferers too.

What is fibromyalgia?

For those of you who do not know much about fibromyalgia (FM), it is a condition that presents intense, chronic muscle pain in various, or all areas of the body at the same time. Other symptoms include sleep disturbance, IBS, depression, constant headaches, lethargy and inability to move; for instance, if the legs are 'under attack' at that time, the slightest touch/movement will be very painful. Often even not moving at all, is just as painful as trying to move.

Then there is the mental fatigue, where you have 'brain fog' and can’t think. There is often no telling when these flare-ups will occur, so it can be difficult to plan your life around when you are feeling OK. Winter can make things worse, as the muscles may already be tense from the cold, so sufferers usually find that the summer or being abroad in the sun can ease pain/frequency of attacks.

Fibromyalgia is one of the most common rheumatologic conditions and is difficult to diagnose. The exact cause is unknown but it's thought to be related to abnormal levels of certain chemicals in the brain and changes in the way the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord and nerves) processes pain messages carried around the body.

Fibromyalgia can be triggered by a life event, such as a severe injury, a traumatic break-up or loss of a loved one. It tends to develop later in life but some sufferers notice symptoms as young as 30 years of age or younger. As there is no specific test to determine whether you have it, negative blood tests for other conditions with similar symptoms, will then usually result in an FM diagnosis.

How do you treat fibromyalgia?

It is very difficult to treat and sufferers often feel that nothing works, despite being recommended to take painkillers, increase their exercise levels, eat healthily, lessen stress and anxiety levels and perhaps have counselling or CBT. So, many people turn to Reiki.

What is Reiki?

Reiki (pronounced “ray key”), is a complementary, holistic healing energy that works alongside Western medical care. It is non-invasive and clients will remain fully clothed, lying on a couch, whilst the practitioner channels the healing energy to them.

As the treatment is so relaxing, many clients will fall asleep or fall in and out of a light nap, but wake fully refreshed.

Reiki proves a very useful balancing tool to harmonise the body, both physically and emotionally, and it also accelerates the body’s natural healing process for a quicker recovery from any illness, whilst lessening pain.

How does Reiki for fibromyalgia work?

The benefits of Reiki for a fibromyalgia sufferer are:

• It is non-invasive and “hands-off” so no pressure on afflicted areas.
• It is a natural pain reliever.
• Promotes a restful night’s sleep.
• Regular Reiki will re-balance irregular sleeping patterns.
• Relieves stress and anxiety.
• Is a natural mood lifter/enhancement.
• Encourages better circulation and elimination of toxins.
• Helps depression.
• Improved mental clarity.
• Helps muscle stiffness.

Where a client has an ongoing condition such as fibromyalgia, regular sessions are recommended, as the results are cumulative. As this can sometimes be difficult to manage against time and financial constraints, it may also be recommended that the client studies Level 1 Reiki, which includes the attunement to the Reiki healing energy.

This means the client will be able to give Reiki to themselves on a daily, or regular basis. 20 minutes a day, several times a week will bring many benefits on both a physical and an emotional level.