Reiki for Children Undergoing Cancer
Reiki for Children Suffering from Pain and Anxiety
Cancer is a horrible devastating and exhausting disease for anyone to go through, especially children. Pain and anxiety are the most common symptoms, in children with cancer.
Physical Suffering Pain
Pain is common in about one-third to one-half of children. Many children do not recognize “pain” as pain. They only understand, if they are young enough, that they don’t feel well. Some may ask, why they are hurting. The meaning of pain is different in each child. Babies and small children may not be able to indicate that they are in pain. Their only way of expressing pain is by crying. Then it is up to the parents to figure out why they are crying and what is causing it. Certain common behaviors can alert you to a child’s pain, even if they cannot express it:
- Change in physical activity
- A decrease in appetite
- A change in sleep patterns
- Physical symptoms of moaning, grimacing when moving, crankiness, irritability
- Other physical cues of sweating, rapid heartbeat, or flushed skin
Anxiety
Anxiety is common in about one-third of children suffering from cancer. Children can often see the stress and concern on their parent’s faces and actions, which can enhance the anxiety and fear within themselves. Many children are fearful of being sick and even more fearful of being in the hospital. Some hospitalized children can voice concerns about separation from their parents, siblings, and friends. Other children who experience being out of school for a long period may start experiencing depression.
Behaviors that could indicate anxiety are also like pain symptoms:
- Crying more
- Complaining of an upset stomach or headache
- Having trouble sleeping, waking from nightmares
- Hard to relax or sit down
- Hard time focusing
- Shaking
- Refusing to go to school
- Using the bathroom frequently
Medications
Pain medications for children and babies are very limited. Only a few are approved for children and babies. This is a problem and more research and development for new pain medications need to be done. We want our precious children and babies to be as comfortable as possible during treatments.
Medications for pain and anxiety do not always relieve these symptoms and could lead to new unwanted symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and allergic reactions.
These pain and anxiety medications can also leave the children very drowsy and lethargic. This could lead to a poor quality of life. Parents may then look for an alternative therapy to help relieve pain and anxiety for their sick child.
Reiki
There are many therapies and alternate treatments to try, and Reiki is one of them. Reiki is a form of energy healing that originated in Japan in the mid-1800s. It aims to access universal sources that can strengthen the body’s ability to heal itself. This energy can reduce inflammation and relieve pain and stress in children’s bodies. Parents might wonder what Reiki is and how it can help their child.
Reiki is a gentle and non-invasive approach to help cope with pain and anxiety. Reiki has been growing steadily in recent years, as parents have become aware of its promising and safe healing benefits for their children and babies.
Benefits of Reiki
For children, Reiki is a gentle and easy entry point for relaxation and a way to develop body awareness. It can help reduce pain and anxiety through energy healing to promote health and well-being.
In selecting a Reiki practitioner for your child, parents must find someone who is experienced in treating young children with sensitivity and respect. Also, parents should be aware of the unique and sensitive needs of their children. Reiki sessions should be adapted to each child and last only as long as the child will allow. Reiki practitioners use special hand positions just above the clothed body or gently touch the body to help release energy blockages and introduce the energy of love and healing into the child’s body. Some benefits of Reiki for children:
- Pain relief: In treating pain from cancer or treatments for cancer, Reiki can offer natural relief without medication.
- Anxiety: Children can experience a deep sense of relaxation which can help them calm themselves.
- Insomnia: A child who has trouble sleeping or controlling nightmares because of stress or fear can improve their quality of sleep through regular Reiki session
- Behavior issues: Reiki can help children with behavior problems by helping them relax develop communication skills and understand their feelings.
Conclusion
Reiki is a non-invasive relaxing therapy that is useful for hospitalized young children receiving treatments for pain, anxiety, and other symptoms. Children and their parents found Reiki acceptable. While not a replacement for conventional medical care. Reiki may provide meaningful moments of comfort and relaxation during a difficult journey.
As research continues to evolve, Reiki can play a role as a valuable tool, offering children and families an additional approach for managing the pain and anxiety that accompany cancer treatments, while hopefully improving quality of life during this devastating journey.
References
- https//pmc.ncbi.nim.nih.gov>article
- https://m.cleveland clinic.org>health>diseases>anxiety-in-children
- https://reikigalore.com>reiki-for-children
