Reiki is an energy-based, holistic healing modality introduced into Japan by Mikao Usui in the late 1800's. It uses light-touch hand placement on or above the body, together with Reiki symbols. The Reiki practitioner acts as an energy conduit, or channel, who directs the flow of spiritual or universal energy to influence not only the physical body, but also the emotional, mental and spiritual bodies as well.

My initial experience using Reiki to treat a cancer patient pre-dates to 2002. In this particular case, the medical prognosis was terminal; therefore, Reiki was only used to provide additional inner peace, balance and comfort during the patient's final weeks. Reiki induced deep sleep and relaxation, thus alleviating stress and discomfort. From the feedback that I received, Reiki provided an immense "floating" feeling of well-being felt at the spiritual level.

During transition (or the dying) process, Reiki was only applied above the heart chakra (at the physician's request) to aid the soul or spirit while it departed from the physical body. It is interesting to note, that while using a pendulum to measure the energy flow, it indicated no energy activity in the chakras from the throat to the root. However, there was a tremendous energy build-up starting at the third eye chakra, with a huge culmination of energy at the crown chakra.

This was a truly amazing event, which left me marvelling at how the energy of Reiki assisted a terminally ill patient to succumb calmly to the inevitable, while still maintaining peaceful dignity. By creating a more relaxed outlook, Reiki enabled the patient to openly express last minute concerns and soothed any fear of death. As was explained to me by the patient, "It's just like turning another chapter of a book; there is nothing to be afraid of and I'm not scared."