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Reiki: A Practice to Reduce Anxiety

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Reiki y ansiedad
July 12, 2024

Anxiety, that silent and frequent companion that often sneaks into our lives, is a reflection of the accelerated rhythms of modern life and the feeling of a lack of control over our lives. Anxiety invites us, albeit uncomfortably, to stop and listen to the signals from within.

In my experience as a Reiki practitioner and teacher, I have seen how this practice not only alleviates the symptoms of anxiety but also offers a path to a state of lasting peace. Reiki, which we could translate as “universal life energy,” works gently on both the body and the mind. Through the laying on of hands, meditation, and conscious breathing, we channel this energy to unblock tensions, calm intrusive thoughts, and reconnect with the natural balance that resides in each of us. It is not about “curing” anxiety in a technical sense but rather providing the space necessary to accept it and transform it into learning and inner strength.

How does Reiki work against anxiety?

Although Reiki is not a substitute for medicine, various studies have begun to explore its effectiveness. For example, research conducted in clinical settings has shown that Reiki can significantly reduce cortisol levels, the stress hormone, and promote a state of deep relaxation. This connection between body and mind is key, as relaxation activates our parasympathetic nervous system, allowing the body to heal and the mind to calm. A study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine found that Reiki sessions can significantly reduce anxiety levels and increase overall well-being in cancer patients. Another clinical analysis, published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, reports that Reiki can be effective in reducing pain and anxiety in patients with advanced cancer. However, beyond the statistics and studies, the true magic of Reiki is felt in the present moment. In each session, practitioners often describe a sensation of warmth, a subtle vibration, as if a gentle current is wrapping and protecting them. It is precisely this pleasant serenity that restores confidence to face daily life.

Practicing Reiki is much more than alleviating symptoms; it is a journey toward self-compassion and acceptance. In a world where so much is demanded of us, anxiety can appear as a cry from the soul seeking calm, a reminder that we need to breathe, pause, and listen. Reiki invites us to do just that: pause, observe, and accept.

If you feel that anxiety is trapping you, allow yourself to explore Reiki as a refuge, a space to reconnect with yourself. Anxiety is often a solitary affliction, but it shouldn’t be that way. We all suffer, to varying degrees, from the pain it brings. Just like the seasons of life, which teach us to accept the beauty of change, Reiki shows us that each experience, even the most challenging, can be transformed into knowledge and balance.

Ultimately, Reiki does not promise to erase anxiety, although it often succeeds in doing so. It always improves the state of the one suffering from it and teaches us to coexist with it from a place of serenity and hope. I invite you to take that first step toward well-being, trusting that, just as water always finds its way, your energy will know how to find its balance.

Jordi Ibern

Do you want to learn Reiki? Check out this online Reiki initiation course.

Do you want a meditation workshop for anxiety? Check out this online meditation workshop for anxiety.

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