Expert: Meg Jordan, PhD, RN - 3/16/2010

Question
Hi Dr. Jordan,
My mother is 62 and is diagnosed with COPD, Lung cancer, and heart problems. She recently moved here to PA from Ca so i can help take care of her. She has great difficulty breathing, even when moving from room to room or doing small things. She feels like there is constant pressure around her diaphragm, yet tests show nothing in that area. Oxygen provided in the home is also not giving any relief. She mentioned a reike(sp) session she had done many years ago and the difference she felt afterward. My mother also has many problems with depression. could this be some sort of blockage from negative energy and what method can we try in order to relieve this?
thank you for your help.

Answer
Jennifer, Your mothers chronic problems are quite daunting, and as much as I'd like to think that a system of energy balancing such as Reiki could do her a lot of good, I don't know any complementary medicine method  to overcome end-stage disease.  I know that's not a very helpful answer, and you may want to continue to pursue some energy healers, but I am not willing to give people a false sense of the power of these methods.  Be an abiding presence for your mom and make her feel loved and comfortable.  That's my sole advice.  Some therapeutic touch by a trained RN would be comforting for her.  Meg