Hannah tells us about how reiki is helping her cope with her cancer treatment 

National Complementary Therapy Week celebrates the benefits of complementary therapies and raises awareness of the range of services offered by therapists who support people with their health and wellbeing in hospitals, hospices and private clinics.

Reiki, which means universal energy, is a type of energy healing and is a complementary therapy. A reiki practitioner puts their hands on or near the clothed body. At Farleigh is it used as a supportive therapy for patients, carers and those who have been bereaved. Reiki is not able to treat cancer or other illnesses, but it is used help support people undergoing cancer treatment, and can help with a person's general well being.

Hannah was diagnosed with stage 3 invasive lobular breast cancer in 2014 which progressed to stage 4 in 2019, after it had spread into her abdomen.

Following a poor prognosis from her specialist, she was referred to Farleigh Hospice for telephone counselling and now receives face to face emotional support.

Hannah was also referred to Farleigh’s complementary therapy team and has been receiving reiki at home from Complementary Therapist and Wellbeing Coordinator, Ruth Skinner.

Hannah said, “Before I was referred to Farleigh, I was only aware of their stores. It was daunting to be handed the hospice leaflet because you do think that it’s only end of life care. But it’s been so much more than that. Hospice care is about helping you live in your circumstances and giving you all the care and support you need. Farleigh has really changed my view.

“My appointments with Ruth are a time when the attention is solely on me and I can completely relax – I don’t have to do anything. It’s very reassuring and comforting to have that space when I can just renew my energy and be calmed. I often see Ruth when it has been an anxious time and I’ve got ‘scanxiety’ [the increased level of anxiousness patients feel before, during and after a scan] or when a previous treatment has stopped working. There is a lot of uncertainty when I have to start a new treatment,. The reiki really calms my mind and helps me sleep. I often have a nap after the treatment because I feel so relaxed. It’s replenishing - it renews me and gives me a sense of energy.”

Ruth explained, “Reiki makes a person feel tired. They relax sufficiently to sleep, even if it’s a short sleep, and they feel energised afterwards with a deep inner calm. It also lowers their adrenalin levels. I get warm hands and there is a sense of heat in the area I am working on.”

Hannah added, “Sometimes my mind can be whirring and Ruth picks up on how my thoughts are racing. During the treatment, all those feelings just wash away and it gently stills my mind. That sense can go deeper, and I respond in a way my body needs at the time. It’s both physical and emotional. It helps that I have the treatment at home as it’s easier for me and I can go straight to bed afterwards.

“I am on a clinical trial at Bart’s in London. I get a lot of medical attention but it’s not always pleasant. The reiki fits around what is going on in my life. I have it the day before my intravenous chemotherapy treatments which take a lot of my energy. The reiki puts me in a good place to receive the benefits of my medical treatment. This is just for me, and it is instantly good and makes me feel better, safe and restful.”

(Article first published 20 March 2025)