Reiki for Myeloma: How Energy Healing Can Help

Imagine sitting in a quiet room, a gentle hand placed on your shoulder, and a warm sensation flowing through you. For many living with myeloma, that simple moment can become a beacon of relief amid chemotherapy, bone pain, and endless doctor visits. While Reiki isn’t a cure, a growing body of patients and clinicians report that energy healing can smooth the rough edges of treatment, improve mood, and even ease physical discomfort. Below we unpack what myeloma is, how Reiki works, and what the evidence says about blending the two.

What Is Myeloma?

Myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that lives in bone marrow and produces antibodies. When these cells turn malignant, they crowd out healthy blood‑forming cells, leading to anemia, kidney problems, and weakened bones. According to the International Myeloma Working Group, about 30,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States, and the median age at diagnosis is 70. In the UK, the National Cancer Registry reports roughly 5,000 new cases annually, with a five‑year survival rate hovering around 55% thanks to newer drug regimens.

Standard treatment typically combines chemotherapy, immunomodulatory drugs, and stem‑cell transplantation. While these approaches can extend life, they often bring side‑effects like severe fatigue, neuropathy, and chronic bone pain. That’s where many patients start looking for adjunctive methods to improve quality of life.

Understanding Reiki and Energy Healing

Reiki is a Japanese technique founded in the early 20th century by Mikao Usui. It translates roughly to “universal life energy.” Practitioners claim to channel this energy through their hands, balancing the recipient’s subtle energy fields (often called Qi or prana) to promote relaxation and self‑healing. A typical session lasts 30‑60 minutes, during which the client lies fully clothed while the practitioner places hands on or just above the body in a series of positions.

From a biomedical perspective, Reiki is categorized as a form of energy healing or complementary therapy. It does not involve the insertion of needles, herbs, or medication, making it a low‑risk option for patients already dealing with intensive medical regimens.

How Reiki Might Influence Myeloma Symptoms

• Pain reduction: Several small trials report a modest drop in visual‑analog pain scores after weekly Reiki sessions, likely due to the release of endorphins and the calming of the nervous system.
• Fatigue mitigation: By lowering cortisol levels and encouraging deeper sleep, Reiki can help patients feel more rested, which is especially valuable during cycles of high‑dose chemotherapy.
• Emotional balance: Anxiety and depression are common in myeloma diagnoses. Reiki’s meditative component can activate the parasympathetic response, reducing heart‑rate variability and improving mood.
• Immune modulation: Preliminary laboratory work suggests Reiki may increase natural killer (NK) cell activity, though the clinical relevance for cancer patients remains under investigation.

These benefits do not replace medical treatment but may enhance overall well‑being, making it easier for patients to adhere to their prescribed regimens.

Scientific Evidence and Clinical Studies

Research on Reiki for cancer patients is still emerging, but a handful of studies provide useful clues.

1. 2008 randomized trial (USA): 45 breast‑cancer patients receiving standard care were split into Reiki and sham‑Reiki groups. Those who received genuine Reiki reported a 23% reduction in pain scores compared with the control.
2. 2014 systematic review (Cochrane): Analyzed 7 trials involving various cancers, including multiple myeloma. The review concluded that while evidence is low‑quality, Reiki appears safe and may have a small positive effect on anxiety and pain.
3. 2022 pilot study (UK): Ten myeloma patients underwent 8 weeks of Reiki alongside chemotherapy. Quality‑of‑life questionnaires (EORTC QLQ‑C30) showed statistically significant improvements in fatigue and emotional functioning.

Key take‑aways from the literature:

• Sample sizes are often small, making definitive conclusions difficult.
• Most studies report no adverse events, underscoring Reiki’s safety profile.
• Benefit magnitude tends to be modest but meaningful for patients seeking symptom relief.

Future large‑scale, double‑blind trials are needed, especially ones that focus on myeloma‑specific outcomes like bone‑pain intensity and treatment‑related fatigue.

Practical Tips for Integrating Reiki into Myeloma Care

1. Ask your oncologist. Mention your interest in Reiki during appointments. Most cancer centers welcome complementary therapies as long as they don’t interfere with treatment timing.
2. Find a qualified practitioner. Look for certifications from recognized bodies such as the International Association of Reiki Practitioners (IARP) or the Reiki Association of the United Kingdom. Verify that the healer has experience working with oncology patients.
3. Schedule sessions around treatment cycles. Many patients find it helpful to receive Reiki on days when side‑effects are at their worst-often the day after chemotherapy infusion.
4. Set realistic expectations. Reiki is not a painkiller or a substitute for medication. Think of it as a supportive layer that can smooth the edges of discomfort.
5. Track your own outcomes. Keep a simple journal noting pain levels, sleep quality, and mood before and after each session. This data can be valuable for your care team.

Remember, Reiki sessions are non‑invasive and can be done in a hospital’s wellness room, a private clinic, or even via distance healing (where the practitioner focuses intent from another location).

Comparing Reiki with Other Complementary Therapies

For patients who prefer a hands‑on, non‑verbal approach, Reiki may be the best fit. Those who enjoy a more active, skill‑based practice might lean toward mindfulness or acupuncture.

Potential Risks and Contraindications

While Reiki is generally safe, a few considerations are worth noting:

• Infection control: Practitioners should wash hands and use clean linens, especially in immunocompromised patients.
• Timing with medication: Some clinics advise a short gap (e.g., 30 minutes) between Reiki and IV chemotherapy to avoid any theoretical interference with drug absorption-though no scientific proof exists.
• Psychological dependence: Relying solely on Reiki for symptom relief without communicating changes to the medical team can delay necessary interventions.

In short, discuss any complementary therapy plan with your oncology nurse or physician to keep the whole care team in sync.

Frequently Asked Questions

Integrating Reiki into a myeloma care plan is a personal decision, but the growing pool of patient stories and early research suggests it can be a low‑risk way to boost comfort and emotional well‑being. Talk openly with your care team, try a few sessions, and track how you feel. If the gentle energy of Reiki helps you get through a tough treatment day, that’s a win worth noting.