Reiki and Psychological Trauma

January 23rd, 2024

There is a strong chance in today’s fast-paced world that an individual, at some point, will experience some type of trauma, whether physical or emotional. More often than not, the effects of the traumatic incident will pass, if not immediately, then days, weeks, or months later. For some people, the darkness of the trauma will last for years, affecting their everyday lives and those around them. Learn how Reiki can help reduce the emotional pain of trauma.

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The wounds of physical trauma may eventually heal. Still, the unseen wounds of emotional or psychological trauma can last a lifetime – resulting in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), an emotionally disabling condition. Left untreated, they may experience intense bouts of prolonged depression, explode unexpectedly in anger with little provocation or constantly be on edge. A person with PTSD may bounce from job to job or even remain jobless for years. In extreme cases many end up homeless, without friends or family to support them.

Many forms of bodywork have been found to restore balance to individuals with PTSD. Various hands-on techniques help to reduce stress and lower the body’s production of cortisol. Cortisol production increases with prolonged stress and affects blood pressure, insulin levels, immune function, and the body’s inflammatory response. In individuals with PTSD, the result is a constant “on” of the sympathetic (fight or flight) nervous system.

Someone with PTSD may not be open to certain forms of massage therapy. They may be reluctant to take their clothes off for Swedish massage for fear of being vulnerable. This is especially true of those who have suffered sexual abuse or domestic violence. For them, the answer may be to start with less intrusive work. One such modality is Reiki. Reiki is done with the client fully clothed and can be done seated or lying on a massage table. The practitioner may place their hands lightly on the client’s body, or hold them three to five inches away.

Reiki in the Military

The practice of Reiki even found its way into the military. In July 2007, Dr. John Fortunato, a Vietnam veteran, clinical psychologist, and former Benedictine monk, started the Fort Bliss Restoration and Resilience Center in Texas.

The center, which offers meditation, yoga, massage and Reiki in addition to other holistic healing methods, was praised by both the Secretary of Defense Robert Gates (in office 2006–2011) as well as Army Chief of Staff General George Casey (in office 2007–2011) who has been quoted as saying the program, which treats soldiers returning from deployment and diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), should be replicated throughout the military. The current program is for soldiers who experienced PTSD or other trauma and want to stay in the Army. In 2015, as many as 500,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans had been diagnosed with PTSD.

In addition to what the military is doing, many practitioners offer Reiki as well as other mind/body services to veterans and their families, either free or for a discounted price.

Other Forms of Trauma Benefit from Reiki

The body and mind can also suffer from other kinds of emotional trauma as well. For example, when a person learns they have a serious disease or is scheduled for surgery, they may react to the information in a way that creates unbalanced energy. Administering Reiki before and after such an event can help to maintain and restore balance. This then allows the body and mind to heal itself through the use of positive energy.

Many hospitals throughout the United States now use Reiki as an adjunct therapy for their patients because of the benefits – especially pre- and post-surgery.

An individual who has experienced trauma and suffers from PTSD or another form of psychological distress may not actively search out bodywork on their own. A family member or close friend may encourage the person to do so. They may have received a gift certificate for a massage or heard from a primary care physician or psychologist how massage can help to manage stress – only to discover that they feel uncomfortable or vulnerable getting the massage.

The wonderful thing about Reiki is that once trained and attuned, you will have another option to offer your client. It is a gentle, non-intrusive powerful form of energy work that has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress, which activates the body and mind’s natural healing abilities. If you are trained as a Reiki Master, you can also teach your client to self-administer Reiki, which can go a long way in maintaining the work you have already done with them.

Editor’s Note: While Reiki has been shown to be safe it should not be used as a replacement for proven conventional medical care. For serious conditions always seek the help of a licensed physician or other healthcare professional.

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References

“Chief Says Army Needs to Replicate Bliss PTSD Program.” www.Army.Mil, www.army.mil/article/11001/chief-says-army-needs-to-replicate-bliss-ptsd-program. Accessed 22 Jan. 2024.

Collinge, William, et al. “Promoting reintegration of National Guard veterans and their partners using a self-directed program of Integrative Therapies: A pilot study.” Military Medicine, vol. 177, no. 12, 2012, pp. 1477–1485, https://doi.org/10.7205/milmed-d-12-00121.

“Decreased Cortisol.” Physio.Co.Uk, www.physio.co.uk/treatments/massage/physiological-effects-of-massage/hormonal-effects/decreased-cortisol.php. Accessed 22 Jan. 2024.

Dryden, Trish, et al. “Massage for Adults with a History of Sexual Trauma.” Massage Therapy: Integrating Research and Practice, Human Kinetics, Champaign, IL, 2012, pp. 165–170.

Rand, William Lee. “Reiki in Hospitals.” Reiki, 12 July 2019, www.reiki.org/reikinews/reiki_in_hospitals.html.

Scurlock-Durana, Suzanne. “Massage Therapy’s Important Role in Supporting Sexual Abuse Survivors.” MASSAGE Magazine, 1 May 2019, www.massagemag.com/massage-supports-sexual-abuse-survivors-87436/.

Thompson, Mark. “Unlocking the Secrets of PTSD.” Time, 2015, pp. 40–43.

“The Ugly Connection between PTSD and Homelessness – Houses for Warriors: Giving Our Warriors a Hand-up, Not a Hand-Out.” Houses For Warriors, 25 Feb. 2020, housesforwarriors.org/the-ugly-connection-between-ptsd-and-homelessness/.

“What Is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?” Psychiatry.Org – What Is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?, www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd. Accessed 22 Jan. 2024.

About the Author

Linda Fehrs, LMT

Linda Fehrs, AAS, LMT is a freelance writer and massage therapy professional licensed by the New York State Department of Education. She is a professional member of the American Massage Therapy Association and the New York State Society of Medical Massage Therapists. Ms. Fehrs has actively practiced massage therapy in the Mid-Hudson Valley since 2002 with a focus on those with special needs, such as developmental and physical disabilities. She is a graduate of the Hudson Valley School of Massage Therapy as well as a former instructor at the school. Prior to becoming a massage therapist she was former managing editor of a weekly community newspaper and is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Ms. Fehrs currently volunteers with the Red Cross, helping to educate others about emergency preparedness and disaster relief.