Expert: Ronda Snow, Ph.D. - 10/22/2009

Question
Hi,

My wife of 32 years is suffering from Brain Tumor. We are following the doctors advise for periodic tests. The doctor has asked us to wait before surgery is advised.
I would like to know whether reiki helps in reducing/eliminating the tumor.

Regards,
Pradeep

Answer
Hello Pradeep

So nice to meet you. I'm sorry to hear of your wife's illness.

The answer to your question is a little complex...I'll try to explain as best as I can. Please feel free to ask follow up questions.

The short answer is that it is hard to say if there would be any direct effect on the tumor itself, and the response is very individual, not a sweeping one size fits all response...let me explain.

Reiki was developed in Japan, by Dr. Usui. It is steeped in the mindset and tradition of the Orient, especially ideas such as wholeness, systems, functions...very different from the way western scientific medicine looks at things.

Like all holistic styles of health and healing, Reiki is more concerned with quality of life and overall functioning more than specific tests...like the size of a tumor.

One of basic principles of Reiki is that it is holistic...it works with mind and spirit as well as physical findings. So Reiki may not directly affect the tumor...but by lifting your wife's spirits, helping her feel less stressed and so on, it could help her get a better result from the medical treatments.

It can help her feel better and stronger, to enjoy life, and have a better quality of life, no matter what the outcome of the disease might be. From the mental and spiritual standpoint, it might be something you would want to consider for both of you...it can help you through this very difficult and stressful time so you can be stronger and emotionally supportive for her.

Another important precept of Reiki is that it is entirely self-regulating. The life energy goes to where it is most needed...not where we might want or expect it to go. As difficult as it is to think about, we all pass on eventually, and sometimes, the energy is put to the task of preparing for that transition, rather than healing the condition.

Other times, if it is part of the divine plans, then the energy goes right to the illness and can have very tangible physical effects. 10 years ago, one of my first clients showed both of these aspects of Reiki.

A lovely lady came to us for Reiki. She was being treated by powerful medications for cancer. Her white cell count was so low, she was at risk of getting infections and her next treament might have to be with-held, slowing down her overall recovery. After just one Reiki session, her white cell count went up from 3.8 to 4.2, allowing her to proceed with treatment.

As time went on, she kept a happy outlook, and enjoyed a year with her family. But later after one treatment, there was a wordless understanding that the time had come, and we could sense a shift in the treatment. We had a sense that she was 'ready'. Soon after she dropped out of treatment, and later passed on from her disease.

So to answer your question, will it reduce or eliminate the tumor? No one can say. Can Reiki help...yes. It can help the medical treatments work better and it can help her tolerate them better. It can contribute to quality of life, and help you both with the stress of this difficult time, certainly.

I know this may not be exactly the answer that you expected, but I hope it helps explain Reiki a little bit.

Best wishes to you both

Ronda Snow, B.S. Med.Sci
www.snowholistichealth.com