If you're going through cancer treatment, or supporting someone who is, you'll know how much it takes out of you. There are appointments to keep track of, side effects to manage and a lot of waiting around. It's completely natural to look for something that helps you feel calmer and a bit more like yourself again.
Reiki is one of the gentlest options you can explore. It can be used safely alongside your medical treatment, and many people find it helps them relax, rest and cope a little better with everything that's going on. It doesn't treat or cure cancer, and it should always sit alongside the care your medical team provides, never in place of it.
What Reiki actually is
Reiki is a Japanese practice where a practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above your body, in a series of positions from your head down to your feet. You stay fully clothed and simply lie or sit comfortably while it happens. There's no massage, no pressure and nothing you need to do.
Most people describe it as deeply relaxing. Some feel warmth, tingling or a sense of heaviness, and some fall asleep. All of that is perfectly normal.
What the evidence says
You might be wondering whether there's any proof Reiki helps. That's a really sensible question to ask, especially when you're making decisions about your health.
The honest answer is that research into the science behind Reiki is still limited. Some small studies have found that people with cancer experienced less anxiety, less tiredness and more comfort after Reiki sessions, but many of these studies were small and not all of them were well designed. Cancer Research UK is clear that there's no evidence Reiki can treat cancer itself, while recognising that some people find it helps them relax and feel better in themselves.
That's how I'd encourage you to think about it too. Reiki is there to support your wellbeing during a difficult time. It's about how you feel, not about changing what's happening medically.
How Reiki may help during treatment
People come to Reiki during cancer treatment for all sorts of reasons. The ones I hear most often are:
Feeling calmer. A session gives your mind a break from worrying and planning.
Resting more easily. Many people find it helps them unwind enough to sleep better afterwards.
Feeling cared for. Gentle, kind touch can be a real comfort when so much of your treatment feels clinical.
Reconnecting with yourself. For an hour, you're a person resting rather than a patient being treated.
Everyone's experience is different. You might notice a big shift, or you might simply enjoy a quiet hour to yourself. Both are worthwhile.
Keeping it safe
Reiki is very gentle, which is why so many hospices and cancer support centres in the UK now offer it. There are still a few sensible things to keep in mind so you feel comfortable and safe.
Talk to your care team first
Let your oncology team or specialist nurse know you'd like to try Reiki. They'll almost always be supportive, and they can tell you if there's anything specific to be aware of with your treatment. Some hospitals even have a complementary therapy service, so ask whether Reiki is available where you're being treated.
Choose an experienced practitioner
Look for someone who's properly trained, insured and ideally has experience working with people who have cancer. Don't be shy about asking questions. A good practitioner will be happy to talk you through how they work.
Let them know about your treatment
Tell your practitioner about any surgery, radiotherapy, ports, lines or sore areas. They can simply hold their hands just above those places rather than touching them. If your immune system is low during chemotherapy, they should cancel if they're feeling unwell and take extra care with hygiene.
Listen to your body
On days when you're very tired, a shorter session might feel better. You can also sit in a chair rather than lie down, ask for hands-off Reiki throughout or stop at any point. If getting out feels like too much, distant Reiki is another option, where the practitioner works with you remotely while you rest at home.
Be cautious of big promises
A genuine Reiki practitioner will never tell you Reiki can cure cancer, and they'll never suggest stopping or delaying your medical treatment. If anyone does, please walk away and speak to your care team.
When to have a session
There's no right or wrong time. Some people like a session before a round of chemotherapy to help them feel calmer going in. Others prefer it a few days after, when they're recovering. Some find it helpful during the weeks of waiting for scan results, which can be one of the most stressful parts of all.
Try a session at a time that feels manageable and notice how you feel afterwards. You can always adjust from there.
Reiki for the people around you
Cancer doesn't only affect the person having treatment. Partners, family members and close friends carry a lot too, often quietly. Reiki can be just as supportive for them, giving them a chance to rest and look after themselves so they can keep showing up for you. If you're a carer reading this, please know that your wellbeing matters as well.
Taking the next step
Going through cancer treatment asks so much of you. Finding small moments of calm along the way can make a real difference to how you feel, day by day. You don't need to do anything special to receive Reiki. You only need to rest and let yourself be cared for.
If you'd like to try Reiki alongside your treatment, start by having a chat with your care team, then find a practitioner you feel comfortable with. You'll find experienced, trusted practitioners at Home of Reiki, and they'll be happy to answer your questions before you book. Take it gently, at your own pace.
With love and light, Carolina x