The Reiki Cafe 

Would anyone who has had experience with Reiki and Alzheimer's or dementia please email me and/or post your comments here? I'm working on a project based on a couple of recent preliminary studies showing promising outcomes for these afflictions.

Thanks much!

Blessings,
Aronaya

aronaya,

/*\ Namaste :-}}

- are these preliminary studies with people or animals??

- I know of at least one early study with mice and a protein producing gene that suggest Alzheimer's or an Alzheimer's-like condition might not only be stopped but even produce some cell damage repair

- but this is a long way from any human treatments - likely 7-10 years, minimum

- as for Reiki?? Sorry. I cannot offer any personal experience with this population

- but, to do energy work with someone with Alzheimers that is beyond the very early stages might mean getting proper permission from a family member or other legal guardian - competence to make medical care decisions may be compromised

>:-}}

- and, if cognition is sufficiently impaired there may be issues of how the potential recipient may interpret the energy experience - one cannot assume that the interpretation will be a "positive" one

- a negative reaction to the energy experience is not out of the realm of possibility and this could be detrimental to the recipient, at least emotionally (even if the person may forget the experience in short order one cannot gage possible cumulative effects)

Reiki All Around,

All Blessings,

Firekeeper

These were two studies using Reiki with people; the one I looked closely at studied mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's. The results indicated amelioration of memory lapses, depression and disruptive behavior. This is consistent with my recent experience.

In no way does this imply Reiki is a cure, rather a very promising therapy. Also, the studies are very preliminary; another challenge as told to me by one of the authors, is that it is next to impossible legally to do studies on severely impaired patients, I presume due to the consent issue.

To do treatment definitely requires written permission from the legal guardian. Not only that, but permission at the available level of cognition directly from the patient. In my experience, at least the first encounter involved no Reiki, hands-on or hands-off. Trust is a prerequisite, and it takes time and mindfulness to let it grow.

I spend time weekly, visiting with residents in various stages of dementia or Alzheimer's. (I only do Reiki for one resident whose guardian gave permission.) Though I still have much to learn, I have found that meaningful communication is not only possible, but happens on many levels. You have to enter into their world, at the same time staying grounded in your own. I suppose it can be a little like shamanic journeying.

If one is careful, and conscientious about permission and trust, the benefits can be well worth the patience.

Blessings,
Aronaya

aronaya,

/*\ Namaste :-}}

- more years ago than I sometimes would like to admit, I worked on a project the aim of which was to try and sort out memory and cognitive problems people had that were due to significant depression and what was then called Pre-senile Dementia (not all dementia being of the Alzheimer's sort, of course - a Key matter)

- it is absolutely crucial that the proper tests for Alzheimers are done when making any claims for treatments for memory loss or other cognitive impairments associated with Alzheimers

- irregardless, if people feel and do better after Reiki, in many ways that is all that matters

>:-}}

Reiki All Around,

All Blessings,

Firekeeper

Yes, I learned tonight that, perhaps oversimplifying, Alzheimer's is the diagnosis left after every other cause of dementia is ruled out, starting with depression. Because currently, the only conclusive test for AD (Alz.. disease) is a brain autopsy. Although, I heard that some diagnostics are coming available in the next few years that may change that. Is that your understanding also, FK?

So, focusing on dementia and ameliorating associated symptoms is perhaps the way to go in practice.

Very good point to always remember, especially where "Alzheimer's" has become the code word for all kinds of dementia in the popular imagination. It is not in our scope of practice as Reiki practitioners to diagnose specific diseases or prescribe for them. I believe we treat the clients, not the diseases. That is the meaning of "holistic"!

(The study I read in detail, though, did identify its subjects as those with mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's.)

And your words after "irregardless" are after all, the important ones.

Blessings,
Aronaya

aronaya,

/*\ Namaste :-}}

- yes, what I understand at this point is that there are no tests yet available that can definitively identify the plaques and tangles in brain tissue of living people (without an invasive procedure that would damage the brain to some degree)

- only actually opening up the brain can offer this information - thus one typically does not do a "biopsy" for Alzheimer's because one has no specifically identified target such as a tumor which has shown up on an MRI or other scan (and which may be treatable or operable)

- there are some batteries of neuropsychological tests that are used to try and differentiate dementia from normal aging (I am rather familiar with these) but there is a lot of overlap between what is "normal" and what might be considered "impaired" ala dementia

- so, still a tough nut to deal with and no drugs (yet) that will reverse the course (and, I suspect, such a treatment will not be found in my lifetime given the apparent state of the art right now)

- so, I have to trust to having inherited good genes

>:-}}

- and do what I can to take care of myself (which is, of course, no guarantee)

Reiki All Around,

All Blessings,

Firekeeper

Otoharo!

Yeah, FK, my father was 99 when he passed and I have outlived my mother already, so I consider my genes in good standing. However, reiki at this point seems more and more effective in clearing up anything off color, so to speak.

finality

May we all have presence of mind as long as we can.

On the other hand, we will all pass through the "veil of forgetting" at some time. One way to think of earlier-onset dementia is that the passage takes place over years, rather than months, days or minutes. This thought in no way minimizes the pain and suffering that it can bring to everyone involved.

Blessings,
Aronaya

I have much experience with reiki and dementia residents. I have never seen increased aggitation or increased confusion. I have seen a decrease in "behaviors". The difference is so great that I am told that the residents are like two different groups of people. The group that is there when I am there and the group that is there when I am not. Residents are calm and have little aggitation when receiving Reiki on a regular basis. I do not know if it is because the Reiki is calming or if there is a decrease in pain that the resident feels but cannot express in a manner that cognitive people would use. Often they have pain but are unable to say, "I hurt".

Residents that are able to speak have more clarity in their self expression when I am there. Other aides have told me this. Also, residents that do not speak will speak to me. Residents seek me out and take my hands. Often they will place my hands on their knees or shoulders.

blackearth

Some very interesting comments in this post. One of the things that makes a big difference to cognition is adequate hydration. I notice in many care facilities water is not readily available, and coffee and tea are the norm (both diuretics). Some elderly people stop drinking entirely because they are concerned about bladder control.

My mother was beginning to show some early signs of dementia - forgetfulness, repeating herself, losing things. I suggested an increase in water (and explained why), as well as providing reiki absently.

From that point on she began drinking a jug of water a day, cut her coffee intake down to two cups, and regained within a day or so her previous cognitive function. She died living independently and with all her marbles!

suzibeth,

/*\ Namaste :-}}

- yes, it is known that poor hyrdration can lead to electrolyte imbalances a result of which cognitive dysfunction may occur - especially where 'older brains' are involved

- not all 'signs' of dementia mean a progressive dementia, afterall

Reiki All Around,

All Blessings,

Firekeeper

Hi Suzibeth,

A medical doctor has written two books (or so) on this very topic...the importance of drinking water (just water without anything added to it) for health maintenance, as well as, for recovery from disease. He is convinced that dehydration is the root cause for many an ailment. His books are easy reads (which I gratefully appreciate!).

Peace Be,

resplen

Hi Resplens,

If you mean "Your Body's Many Cries for Water", that's fantastic and easy reading.

Thanks

Hi Suzibeth,

Yes, I surely do mean "Your Body's Many Cries for Water"!

He wrote another book on the same subject.

Yes: easy reading, thank goodness for me.

Thanks for your response.

Peace Be,

resplen

Aronaya....you might be interested in craniosacral therapy...combined with Reiki, of course. I've worked with folks with head injuries....my beginnings....and now, with folks with dementia & facing passing over....and the combination of both seems to me to be very powerful. Thank you for caring so much. Thank you for your words....you say them so well.....you give so much peace & hope & comfort in your words. I'm blessed to have met you...even thru cyberspace.

Thank you for the kind words! I'm honored.

Craniosacral is wonderful work, I have thoroughly enjoyed the rare occasions I've received it.

Some say the spirit leaves the body through the head. If so, it makes sense that energetically clearing the head would ease and honor the soul's transition in dying.

Blessings,
Aronaya

I watched my friends spirit leave her body. It appeared as a light mist that rose from her entire torso and head. It hovered above her. I used it for a light while I prepared her body for the undertaker.

blackearth

Beautiful shades of "Ghost". How are you doing, blackearth?

Otoharo!

Thank you for sharing this moment with us. It gave me a deep sense of security in the oneness of life.

finality