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The stress for individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment, and for their families, can be overwhelming. The need to maintain inner harmony is great during this time of intense healing and reiki can help by bringing balance to mind, body and spirit.

Reiki, a gentle therapeutic technique that originated in Japan, can best be described as a subtle energy flow that can help to alleviate or reduce the side effects of conventional treatment including pain, nausea and fatigue by allowing one's natural healing to take place. It produces a calming effect as it allows the body to relax and the mind to let go of anxiety which increases overall feelings of peace and well-being. Reiki creates an opportunity for you to restore inner harmony and a sense of connection with your inner self that may seem to have been lost during the whirlwind of treatment.

Reiki is non-manipulative, you won't be pressed or poked and you won’t be asked to talk about your cancer, or told how to fix it. The practitioner doesn’t need to know specific information about your treatment, or any other thing that’s going on with you. During a Reiki session you may either lie down or sit comfortably, fully clothed, while a practitioner places their hands gently on or right above different areas of your body for several minutes at a time. There is nothing that you have to do - the sessions are designed to be soothing and supportive as they provide a space for you to rest, and focus only on your well being.

Rest and sleep are important in allowing the body to heal. One of the most commonly reported benefits of those that experience Reiki is that it helps them to sleep better. Sleeping better will leave you feeling restored and rejuvenated.