What Can Reiki Do for Multiple Sclerosis?

 A noninvasive, complementary technique, Reiki
helps some people with MS relax and feel better.

By:
Kate Jackson  
~~~ Medically Reviewed by Samuel Mackenzie, MD, PhD

Last Updated: April
24, 2020

Reiki aims to alter the flow of energy in and
around the body.Getty Images

When Lisa S., 55, was diagnosed with multiple
sclerosis (MS) in 2016, after decades of symptoms, she began taking a
disease-modifying medication, which helped. But other medications prescribed
for symptoms created new problems, and Lisa,
a resident of Long Island, New York, decided to explore a more holistic
approach to managing them.

She found yoga, meditation, physical therapy, and a “clean” diet helpful,
and when a yoga instructor introduced her to Reiki — a Japanese energy healing
technique — she was intrigued by the idea of a natural, noninvasive therapy
that involved only touch and had no side effects.

Her first Reiki session was relaxing and gave
her a feeling of peace and serenity — so much so that Lisa took a level 1 Reiki
class so she could perform it on herself.

She now credits Reiki, in combination with
other modalities, with helping her feel significantly better.  

What Is Reiki?

ike acupuncture, tai chi, and qigong, Reiki — which means “universal life force energy” — aims to alter the flow of energy in and around the body, and is believed to facilitate relaxation, improve sleep, reduce anxiety and fatigue, and, perhaps, address more specific symptoms such as pain and spasticity.

The ability to perform Reiki is transferred from a master to a student in a process known as an attunement.

Beth Kane, a licensed clinical social worker and life coach in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, works frequently with people with chronic illnesses such as multiple sclerosis. Several years ago she began to explore Reiki. After taking the required classes and receiving the attunements, Kane became a Reiki master teacher and has been practicing for the past three years.

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