When we look back upon our past, it is easy to see the advances we have made in the world of medicine. Our ancestors, even two centuries ago, would be envious of the medicines and treatments available to us. And yet, in spite of this, we humans are suffering as much as (if not more than) our ancestors ever did.
A great deal of this is a result of our lifestyle choices and circumstances, some of which are beyond our control.
Also, although doctors and scientists have a better understanding of the human body, they still do not hold all the answers. Our bodies face a wide range of health-related issues throughout our lives. Many of these continue to remain a mystery to medical science and may remain so for the foreseeable future.
It is no surprise, then, that more people are turning to complementary or alternative methods, including reiki, for a cure.
And among the many health problems being treated, people are using reiki to bring relief from the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
To keep it simple, the medical world generally splits problems into four basic main categories:
these affect regular bodily function or structure
functional abnormalities due to internal/external influences
something that interferes with the normal feeling of wellbeing
a variety of signs or symptoms associated with one health-related cause
This last category is often viewed as the least understood of the four. Science knows that the problem exists, and may offer treatment. But the cause is nearly always unknown. And this makes it harder to find a cure.
It is estimated that as many as twenty-four million people around the world suffer from CFS. The real figure could in fact be far higher. And the vast majority of those who experience this syndrome will never be diagnosed.
Diagnosing CFS – which is also known as ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) – is notoriously difficult. Many other possibilities need to be explored and ruled out beforehand, which is frustrating for the patient. Mental health, sleep disorders, diabetes, heart & lung problems – all of these (and many more) can cause fatigue, which adds to the problem of diagnoses.
It is a long-term illness that can affect any age and presents itself, as the name implies, as extreme fatigue. This is often accompanied by other symptoms, but each patient’s experience is different. Many sufferers manage their symptoms and are able to live fairly normal lives.
Others are not so fortunate, sadly being afflicted to the extent that it becomes a real disability.
At this time, there is no cure for this syndrome. Treatment is focused completely on the symptoms.
read next: Best Reiki Healing to bust Stress
What are the symptoms of CFS?
Headaches
Fatigue
Memory and concentration problems
Sore throat
Muscle or joint pain
Heart palpitations
Enlarged lymph nodes or sore glands
Exhaustion and severe fatigue lasting for many hours, especially after exercise (mental or physical)
There is no single test for CFS/ME, so a positive diagnosis will only be made once other illnesses are ruled out.
What are the possible causes of CFS?
As stated above, the precise causes are not known. However, there are a few possibilities that increase the likelihood of developing the syndrome.
Immune system problems
Viral/bacterial infection
Stress or emotional issues
Genetics – certain families seem more susceptible
How Does Reiki Help With Chronic Fatigue?
Chronic fatigue (or ME) along with Fibromyalgia and other illnesses present a range of very similar symptoms. These can be debilitating, uncomfortable, and hugely unpleasant. They affect the body and the mind, bringing pain, lethargy, exhaustion, and confusion.
And that is why reiki offers a perfect way of treating them. Unlike conventional medicine, Reiki treats the whole body, as well as the mind and the spirit.
It is painless, gentle, and, best of all, non-invasive. The last thing you need is more stress from surgery or side effects from powerful drugs. These frequently bring their own set of problems.
With neurological issues (those affecting the nervous system) such as CFS/ME, you need a way of restoring the body’s balance. Stress is a common factor – and even a cause of – many illnesses. It is self-perpetuating, as you become more stressed due to the symptoms you are suffering from.
Although stress is a natural part of life, our bodies are designed for short term bursts. We live in two basic states; Fight or Flight, and Rest and Digest.
In these states, different hormones are released which help us to react to our circumstances and environment. The thing is, we often become accustomed to living in fight or flight mode. And over time this damages the body, contributing to many diseases, disorders, conditions, and syndromes.
Reiki sessions seek to bring deep relaxation of the mind and body, which immediately lowers stress levels. This allows our body to return to its natural state of resting and digesting. By removing emotional blockages, reiki opens the way for the energies to flow through the body as they should.
This helps the body to start to heal, bringing relief from pain and discomfort. You should find that your sleep becomes less disturbed, more restful, and far more restorative.
Relaxation through reiki helps improves breathing and blood flow, as well as calming the mind. We begin to think more clearly. It isn’t a miracle cure for all your personal problems, but a clear mind brings perspective to help you manage them.
And possibly to see solutions where there seemed to be none. This is where reiki differs from conventional medicine; it treats the whole person, allowing you to take control of your life and your circumstances.
It should be mentioned at this point that it does not matter whether you actually accept believe in reiki or not. The internet is filled with stories of those who have benefited from this method of healing. Many of them were ‘non-believers’ before their first session.
Some have even gone on to learn the art of reiki so that they can perform sessions on themselves. Reiki is for all, without judgment or prejudice.
Get The Most From Your Reiki Session
When you book your session, allow plenty of time to get there, as well as some time afterward to stay still and calm. This way, you will benefit more from the session, rather than rushing about the business of the day.
Fit the session into your daily routine as far as possible, without squeezing it in as an afterthought – if you are constantly worrying about having to be elsewhere, you may not get the best results from your session.
If possible, wear loose-fitting clothes. Don’t be afraid to communicate with the practitioner. They are there to help you, after all! They will want what’s best for you, to allow the maximum benefit from the energy they are passing on to you. So let them know if you are uncomfortable in any way (too hot, too cold, etc.)
Further Information and FAQs
Those who suffer from CFS/ME often feel isolated and have many questions. Sadly, doctors frequently seem unable to provide the answers, and sufferers sometimes face accusations of faking or exaggerating the symptoms. The following section will hopefully help to address some of these issues.
Is CFS/ME all in the mind?
The problem with conventional medicine and science is that, when presented with something it can’t explain, it goes into denial. Things that it doesn’t understand, it either ignores or makes assumptions. Unfortunately for CFS/ME and Fibromyalgia sufferers, this means that they are often stigmatized as being lazy, making it all up, or imagining their pain.
However, there is simply no evidence to support this notion. Never allow anyone to tell you that it’s all in your mind.
And even if it were true, the mind is an immensely powerful thing. Either way, the pain you feel is real enough.
Which is why reiki is such a great way to ease the discomfort. Reiki doesn’t discriminate, it simply restores balance to your mind and body.
How long will I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
CFS is what’s known as a ‘long-term’ illness. Your chances of full recovery, from a medical perspective, are fairly slim. Children and young people do tend to recover later in life, whereas those who develop it later often suffer for the duration of their lives.
Each case varies according to the patient, though, so don’t despair and resign yourself to a life of pain. Once diagnosed, your treatment will depend greatly on the opinion of your doctor and the resources open to them. Reiki can work alongside any treatment that is offered, especially long-term.
In fact, as it is non-invasive and natural, you can have sessions for as long as you require them. And it would be surprising if you did not start to feel the benefits after a few sessions.
If you suspect you have CFS/ME but have not been diagnosed, you can still benefit from reiki healing – why wait to feel better, whatever the illness?
So, although there is no cure, there is a way to manage your condition. Not only can reiki bring relief from the pain, but you will probably also find that your life improves in other ways.
Is there anything I can do to help myself recover from Chronic Fatigue?
One of the common failures of modern humans is to take the medicine but to continue the behavior that contributed to (or even caused) the illness.
We are creatures of habit, returning to the ways and means that we are used to. Prescription drugs patch us up, masking the symptoms while often causing unwelcome side effects. And then we carry on as usual, ending up back in the same place. We take more drugs. The cycle continues.
Although reiki is a very different kind of treatment, the same may apply to an extent. Yes, the sessions will help you to relax. But if your lifestyle, mindset, and behavior is contributing to your illness, then you will be caught in that cycle and may never experience the full benefit of reiki.
Worse, you will not be living your life to its full potential, stuck in a pattern that will bring you more discomfort and unhappiness.
Try to allow the clarity of mind that reiki brings to examine and re-evaluate your life. Where possible, make changes, for example:
Stressful work/jobs
Unhappy/toxic relationships
Burden of responsibilities
Unhealthy diet
Excess alcohol
Bad neighborhood
These are just a handful of the issues that can bring negativity and stress. It isn’t always easy to resolve these, just examine those that you think can be changed in some way to lessen the stress you feel. The easiest of these is probably diet. Cut down on unhealthy foods, drink more water. It’s been said many times that ‘you are what you eat’.
And if you respect your body you will take note of this. You will also find that your health will improve, in mind as well as the body.
As for the rest, some will obviously be more difficult than others. Ending a bad relationship may bring more stress, to begin with, and will seem counterproductive. But if it was damaging your health, then surely it is worth considering. For many, cutting down on alcohol should not be too much of a problem.
Those with an addiction or dependency will require the additional help of specialists, though reiki can help you cope with the effects as you begin your journey to freedom.
Conclusion
So, can reiki help Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? The answer is a resounding YES. It is safe, effective, natural, gentle, and non-invasive. It offers a positive way forward for millions who otherwise would be condemned to a life of pain and misery. Reiki doesn’t make assumptions or judgments, it balances your natural energies. Not only does it relieve pain and discomfort, but it also offers you the chance to take control of your life once again.
