What is Reiki and How It Supports Breast Cancer Survivors

Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive form of energy healing that originated in Japan and is designed to promote balance, relaxation, and the body’s natural healing processes. Practitioners use light touch or place their hands just above the body to help direct energy flow and reduce physical and emotional stress. For breast cancer survivors, Reiki offers a restorative practice that complements traditional medical care. Research has shown that Reiki may help reduce anxiety, lessen fatigue, improve sleep quality, and alleviate pain—common challenges faced during and after cancer treatment. According to a study published in Cancer (2011), breast cancer patients who received Reiki reported statistically significant reductions in distress, anxiety, and pain compared to control groups receiving rest alone (Cancer, 2011). Another review in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine noted that Reiki was associated with improved emotional well-being and quality of life for individuals undergoing cancer care (JEBIM, 2017).

At the heart of Reiki are five guiding principles, known as the Five Reiki Precepts or Sayings. These are simple affirmations that encourage mindfulness, emotional balance, and intentional living:

·      Just for today, I will not be angry.

·      Just for today, I will not worry.

·      Just for today, I will be grateful.

·      Just for today, I will do my work honestly.

·      Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing.

Incorporating these principles into daily life can help breast cancer survivors regain a sense of calm, purpose, and emotional clarity. At Rebecca’s Journey, we believe Reiki can be a powerful tool in nurturing the mind-body connection and supporting the emotional healing process that continues long after treatment ends.