Thirteen Case Studies to Investigate the Effects of Reiki on the Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
Juliet Pankhurst – RGN, Reiki Master
Reiki is a complimentary therapy which originated in Japan. It works on the basis that all living things are made of energy but sometimes the flow of energy through the body can be blocked or depleted when we are sick. Everyone passes energy through their hands. A Reiki practitioner is trained to “tune into” the energy around him rather like a radio receiver this extra energy can then be channel led through their hands into the recipient which increases the patients healing energy supply and can aid self healing.
Method
Thirteen M.S. sufferers with either primary progressive or secondary progressive
M.S. were allocated for Reiki treatment from the Medway, Sittingbourne and Gravesend
M.S. Society. After taking advice from Dr Chong (Consultant Neurologist Medway Hospital)
there were certain measurements put in place:-
The sufferers were asked to fill in the SF 36 at the beginning and end of treatment and this was sent to Mr Ian Grace (Statistician Department of Primary Health Care Charing Cross)
The sufferers were asked on the first visit to identify the symptoms which were most disruptive to their quality of life. On each visit they were asked to give a score to their individual symptoms, (0 = No Symptoms, 10 = Most Able to Bare). They were timed on a walk over a 10 metre distance on each visit. These results will enable us to show how effective Reiki is.
The following charts show a summary of results looking at individual symptoms. Not every one had the same symptoms and therefore there are not 13 results on each graph. The “series” lines represent individual case study results.
Summary of Results
90.2% Reduction of Lethargy
87% Reduction of depression
78.7% Reduction of Cognitive Problems
75.3% Reduction of Motor Problems
73.5% Reduction of pain
70.2% Reduction of Fatigue
69.1% Reduction of Urine Problems
62.8% Reduction of Bowel Problems
38% Reduction in Walking Time
Results
Case 1
Age 47
Female
Secondary Progressive M.S.
Past Medical History – M.S. Diagnosed 1988
Medication – Ibuprofen for pain
M.S. worsened 1997 after fathers death
Missed 1 session of Reiki as 17 days on holiday
She states that she became pain free after 2 Reiki sessions for the first time in 4 years
After 2 Reiki sessions she found that she was able to raise her arms above her head enabling her to wash herself unaided
Visual Scales Used 0 = No problem, 10 = The worst it can possibly be
AgTimed 10m walk
Case 2
Age 30
Male
Primary Progressive M.S.
Past Medical History – Diagnosed M.S. 1995. Last relapse April 2002 referral for admission. (Admission during case study)
Medication – Beta interferon
M.S. worsened November 2000 (Death of mother from M.S. one year after her diagnosis), Friend died April (prior to his relapse)
His urinary problems and cold feet were very much improved after 4 Reiki treatments
Case 3
Age 42
Male
Secondary Progressive M.S.
Past Medical History – Jaundice aged 21, M.S. diagnosed 1996, Relapse Feb 1998 (whilst on a training course in USA), Relapse Oct 1998 (sinus infection) April 1999 Depression (M.S. and sinus problems) Also relapses June 2000, Nov 2000, Dec 2000, June 2001
Mother died 1996 – he believes this triggered M.S.
Medication – Beta Interferon
He stated that he was depression free after 4 Reiki sessions
Visual Scales Used 0 = No problem, 10 = The worst it can possibly be
Timed 10m walk
Case 4
Age 57
Female
Secondary Progressive M.S.
Past Medical History – Diagnosed M.S. 1986, Blind L. eye 1981
Medication – Paracetamol for pain, Brufen for arthritis
M.S. diagnosed during very stressful marriage, relapse 1991 after step child tried to commit suicide.
The reduction of her fatigue as a result of her Reiki treatment enabled her to not have an afternoon sleep which she had had to do prior to her commencement of Reiki treatment..
Visual Scales Used 0 = No problem, 10 = The worst it can possibly be
Timed 10m walk
Case 5
Age 55
Female
Secondary Progressive
Past Medical History M.S. diagnosed 1997 (symptoms since 1994), slipped disc 1998, Infectious hepatitis 1967, three bereavements 1989, stress at work 1994
Medication – 50mg amitriptilline for urinary problems
The Reiki treatment reduced the time taken to walk 10 metres by one third.
Case 6
Age 54
Female
Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
Diagnosed in her late teens, relapses every 6 months last one Jan 2003. Benign brain tumour diagnosed 1998
Super pubic Catheter
Medication – Baclofen for leg spasm, Trospium to relax bladder and Bendrofluraside for blood pressure.
She expressed a marked reduction in pain after 3 Reiki Sessions, and a reduction in walking time of almost one half
Case 7
Age 43
Female
Diagnosed Age 27, Father died Lymphatic Lymphoma. Mother living with her and husband with brother and sister (both with learning difficulties)
She phoned Reiki Research Foundation prior to Christmas 2002 seeking help with her condition after another M.S. sufferer recommended that she should try the Reiki treatment. (She had relapsed resulting in loss of mobility and had became wheel chair bound) She was able to walk down stairs unaided, 3 Reiki sessions after her initial call.
Medication – Neurantin caps, Buprenorphine patches, Oramorph.
10 sessions only as broke her foot.
She had been bed bound or in a wheel chair prior to the start of the Reiki Sessions. After just 3 Reiki Sessions she was able to walk downstairs unaided
Her urinary problems have been very much improved after 5 Reiki sessions
Her timed walk has been reduced by almost three quarters
Case 8
Age 47
Female
Secondary Progressive M.S.
Diagnosed 1994 when eyes deteriorated and started to have double vision.
1985 own business and relationship collapse, nervous breakdown leading to paralysis from the waist down.
Diagnosis of vertigo given when she believes she had relapses. Very stressful personal and work environments
Intermittent catherterisation.
Session 9 walked ¼ mile (1st time in 7 years she had walked that far)
Expressed belief that it was 2 years since she had felt so good
Medication Vit B12 injection, Diclofenac (pain), Amantadine Hydrocloride (fatigue), Dothiepin (leg spasm), Carbamazapine (leg spasm)
Case 9
Age 39
Female
Primary Progressive
M.S. Symptoms for 5 years. Believes that her Nan’s death triggered M.S.
Other medical history -
Stressful family life
Medication Seroxat 1 year 30mg, Tramadol 50mg pain, Temazepam 20mg, Movicol PRN (2-
Case 9
Case10
Age 53
Secondary Progressive
Had 12 sessions of Reiki last year. Now on maintenance program of Reiki Sessions at monthly intervals rather than weekly.
No past medical history of note, no medication
Case 11
Age 61
Female
Secondary Progressive M.S.
Diagnosed at 39 years same year as her father died
Relapses so far have occurred at 2 yearly intervals
Had been housebound for 5 years
Has a very stressful family situation
Diabetic, diet controlled, BM stix once weekly at varied times of the day. Arthritis
Medication asprin, codydramol, Baclofen, Oxybutylin, Atorvastatin
After session 3 able to lie on right side pain free for the 1st time in 7 years and lie on her back in bed for the 1st time in 2 years.
Able to have have bowels opened naturally every day for 1st time in years after only the 6th session of Reiki. Had previously relied on medication.
Case 12
Age 56
Male
Diagnosed with M.S. 7 years ago after having been made redundant from a happy work environment and being forced to relocate and work where he did not feel valued.
Step son died 3 years ago causing depression in his wife and all the knock on effects.
Past medical history lung infection 2002 resulting in 8 wks in hospital, Temporary loss of vision left eye.
Has been in a wheelchair for 2 years. Stands with the aid of a standing frame.
Medication Modafinil, Detrusitol
Case 13
Age 47
Female
Secondary progressive M.S. diagnosed for four years.
Very difficult childhood involving forms of abuse resulting in long term depression and has had counselling for four years.
Medication amytriptilline 25mg, fluoxetine 60mg (reduced to 20mg after 8th session on Gps instructions)Oxybutilline (bladder), Baclofen (spasm), Carbamazapine (pain), Celebrex (arthritis) Symadril (cognitive problems)
She has not felt the need for counselling since the Reiki Sessions
No intermittent catheterisation needed after 4 sessions.
Reduced fluoxetine to 20mg a day after 8 sessions.
On the 9th session she reported that she felt better now than she did before her diagnosis of M.S. 4 years ago.
The feelings and sensations in her legs started to return after only 7 sessions
Before the Reiki she was walking with 2 sticks. Since the Reiki she now walks unaided.
Conclusions of the Benefits of the Use of Reiki in the Symptoms of M.S
The positive results achieved in the thirteen case studies lend themselves that there is clear benefit for M.S. sufferers by the use of this complimentary therapy to alleviate the symptoms of this condition and give them a general feeling of wellbeing. Some of the visual scale results have been astounding. Although this was a voluntary exercise by all parties concerned the overall benefits lead us to believe that the results warrant a professional clinical trial, which we are proposing.
To help support this, the thirteen M.S. sufferers have written their own unbiased thoughts of how they feel that Reiki energy received through these case studies has helped them. We can make these available to you should you wish to see them.
Looking Ahead
Overall we are delighted with the results of the case studies. We are planning further more extensive trial work in order to further clarify the efficacy of Reiki on the Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. The final objective is to help prove that the use of Reiki in difficult to treat illnesses should be accepted by medical bodies as a valid complimentary therapy that should be available to those who would benefit from it on the NHS.
One Month On – Update on Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms In Comparison to Cessation of Treatment.
The participants have not had Reiki treatment for one month.
Case 1 – Remains pain free. Balance and fatigue levels remain the same, walking has deteriorated from a visual scale of 5 to a 7
Case 2 – Remains free from aching legs and numb hands.
Deterioration in the following: -
Case 3 – Remains free of depression symptoms, other symptoms of fatigue and tingling fingers remain the same (visual scale – 1)
Case 4 – Deterioration in all three symptoms. Pain 0 – 4, Fatigue 0 – 2, Fatigue in legs 0 – 2
Case 5 – All symptoms remain the same as the last visual scale assessment
Case 6 -
Case 7 – All symptoms remain the same as at the end of Reiki treatment
Case 8 – All symptoms remain the same as at the end of Reiki treatment
Case 9 – All symptoms remain the same as at the end of last treatment
Case 10 – Remains Symptom free
Case 11 – Symptoms remain the same as at the end of treatment
Case 12 – Increase in depression 0 – 2 all other symptoms remain the same
Case 13 – Increase in pain all other symptoms remain the same.
None of the case study participants have had a deterioration of their symptoms back to the severity of the base line at their 1st assessment (prior to the start of their Reiki treatment.)
Update of Symptoms at Nine Months Since Cessation of Reiki Treatment
Case 1 – Remains pain free, fatigue 4 -
Case 2 – Remains free numb legs and hands, urine problems 3 – 2 other symptoms remain the same.
Case 3 – All symptoms deteriorated. Fatigue 7, depression – 5 reduced sensation in hands – 3
Case 4 – Further deterioration of symptoms. Fatigue 3, Pain 7, Fatigue legs 3.
Case 5 – Further deterioration of symptoms. Fatigue 5, Pain 8, Urinary Problems 10, Depression and Lethargy 5, Motor Problems 8.