Addiction Treatment: What is Reiki and is It Worth It?

Since everyone deals with drug addiction differently, there are various types of addiction treatment available to suit your needs.    One of the most powerful and trusted healing methods is Reiki. Reiki, also known as energy healing, is a form of alternative therapy that originated in Japan in the late 1800s. Continue reading to learn more about this fascinating practice below.   

Information on Reiki

This practice involves the transfer of universal energy from a practitioner’s palms to their patients. The term “Reiki” means “mysterious atmosphere, miraculous sign.” It is derived from Japanese, as the word, “rei” means “universal” and “ki” means “life energy.” It is a type of energy healing. In the most basic sense, energy healing can target the energy fields surrounding your body.    Professional Reiki practitioners believe that energy can stagnate in the body where there has been physical or emotional pain. Over time, these energy blocks can result in illness. Much like acupuncture or acupressure, energy medicine can help your energy flow and remove any obstructions. If you experience improvement in your energy flow, then you can expect to feel more relaxed, faster healing, less pain, and decrease illness symptoms.    Although this practice is all the rage right now, it has been around for thousands of years. Modern Reiki practices were coined in 1922 by Mikao Usui, a Japanese Buddhist who taught approximately 2,000 people his methods. It made its way into the U.S. during the 1940s and is also referred to as palm healing and hands-on healing.    As you can see, this practice is fascinating and universally appealing. Read on to learn about its benefits.   

Benefits of Reiki

Individuals who believe in and practice Reiki can enjoy several benefits, such as receiving life’s energy. Some practitioners claim that this practice can decrease general healing time and help with chronic illnesses, such as heart disease. Some even believe that this practice can help a woman through her pregnancy, and even after she gives birth.    Many people who enjoy Reiki pursue its mental health benefits, which can include the following:  

• Calmer mind
• Creativity boost
• Better memory
• Enhanced personal awareness
• Relief from traumatic experiences
• Decreased anxiety or depression symptoms

  This practice can even help people deal with complex emotions, insomnia, and low self-esteem. Moreover, it can also help people spiritually, helping them feel like they are living a more purposeful life. After a Reiki session, some people report feeling more connected with themselves and others in the universe. For some people, it can decrease the pain that is synonymous with drug addiction.   It is important to note that Reiki is not a scientifically-proven treatment method for the world’s problems. Ultimately, it boils down to the person receiving Reiki treatment and their perspective. If you or a loved one is living with a drug or alcohol addiction, Reiki may be an excellent option to consider.  

The Relationship Between Alternative Medicine and Drug Addiction

It is well-established that addiction is a chronic disease that alters how a person thinks and behaves, and successful treatment depends on a person’s specific needs and outlook. Alternative medicines, such as Reiki therapy for treating addiction, have proven effective for some people; however, it is probably only effective when it is in line with one’s unique needs and beliefs. Furthermore, this method alone is not enough to treat addiction. It only works when it is combined with science-based practices.    People who deal with substance use disorders claim that addiction makes them feel the following:  

• Out of control
• Engage in destructive behavior
• Make trauma and pain resurface
• Perpetually lie to others and oneself
• Lonely

  On the opposite end, people who have gone through recovery report feeling the following:  

• Newly-found independence
• Honest
• Happy
• In control of their lives

  Since people generally associate addiction with intense feelings of dishonesty, pain, and despair and associate recovery with happiness, honesty, and independence, alternative medicines can have positive effects on people looking for self-improvement. After all, most approaches to recovery, including alternative ones, aim to promote strong feelings of health, meditation, and introspective thinking.  This all sounds great, but does Reiki therapy actually help with addiction?  

Reiki for Drug Addiction: Is It Effective?

In the addiction recovery community, Reiki is known as a complementary health approach for drug addiction and other physical health conditions. However, there is no scientific proof that suggests life force energy is shared and transmitted from practitioner to receiver. At Ardu Recovery Center, we know that Reiki therapy geared toward addiction does not supplement standard, medically-based approaches for recovery and mental health disorders.    However, when used alongside other treatment methods as a complementary treatment, Reiki therapy for drug addiction can help a person with some aspects of recovery. Some patients who use this treatment method report experiencing an energy shift and no longer want to use or abuse any illicit substances. They may experience a complete lifestyle change thanks to the positive change in their energy levels.    For some patients, this practice can be especially beneficial in the early stages of their recovery journey.   

Reiki Therapy Can Help Patients Manage Withdrawal Symptoms

Some Reiki therapy practitioners believe that it can be useful for people suffering fromthrough withdrawal symptoms, which is the norm of the detoxification process. Since this treatment method is calming, people may experience relief from the physical pain that usually accompanies withdrawal. In the early stages of recovery, most people dealing with addiction may exhibit trust issues and may be skeptical of treatment, particularly alternative medicine.    However, Reiki therapy can calm a person down during their angry state that may be caused by withdrawal. A person receiving this type of treatment may feel calm, safe, and at peace. Once an individual’s body and mind reach a point of safety and calmness, they are likely to let go of the panic and trauma they felt during detoxification.   

Ardu Recovery Center Cares

It is no secret that as a complementary technique, Reiki therapy for addiction is a helpful tool that decreases stress, provides relaxation, and helps a person’s mind feel at ease during recovery. Ultimately, the effectiveness of addiction treatment depends on a person’s willingness to cooperate and get clean, which requires acknowledging destructive behavior.    Ardu Recovery Center offers holistic treatment to treat drug and alcohol addiction, which includes implementing Reiki and other mindfulness techniques. Our 24/7 nursing staff are trained in the care and treatment of detoxing patients and ensure that their experience is a comfortable one.    If you or a loved one needs help dealing with addiction, you can get in touch with us. We are located in scenic Provo, Utah.