Reiki and MS
MS STUDIES
There are 85,000 Multiple Sclerosis patients in the UK. It is believed to be an auto immune disease destroying the protective myelin sheath around the nerves. This results in some or all of the following symptoms: - Lethargy, depression, cognitive (memory) problems, motor problems, pain, fatigue, urine problems, bowel problems, and difficulty in walking. The only real treatment for this is Beta interferon. However this is extremely expensive (£9,000 - £12,000) per patient per year, it is not available to all people with Multiple Sclerosis as it is believed to be less effective in some groups.
In 2002 it was decided that due to the wide range of symptoms involved in M.S. and the lack of freely available therapy that Reiki would be offered free of charge to 13 people who wished to be part of the case studies to investigate the effects of Reiki on a wide variety of symptoms. The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Medway, Sittingbourne and an open minded GP from Dartford referred 13 patients for us to treat. Following advice from Dr Chong Consultant Neurologist at Medway Hospital, Kent, certain measuring devices were used to ascertain the effects of Reiki on a weekly basis prior to each treatment session. At each weekly session a visual scale was given by the patient and recorded. (0 = no problems 10 = the most severe possible). Where able to, the patient was asked to walk 10 meters and this was timed. Each patient was seen for 1.5 hrs once a week for 12 weeks. At the beginning and end of each patients case study, the SF36 questionnaire was completed by the patient. This was used to evaluate the effects of the Reiki treatment.
An Example of the Results in the form of a Graph is as Follows
(9 patients suffered with depression hence 9 lines on the chart, 10 people suffered with pain, therefore there are 10 lines on the depression chart).
Summary of Results of the 13 Case Studies
All patients improved in at least 3 of their measured parameters.
The following are average percentage reductions.
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
Conclusion
It can clearly be seen that all patients’ symptoms were reduced over the treatment period. (Weekly graphs are also available for those who are interested on request). They show that there is change in symptoms on a weekly basis but a significant reduction in symptoms after session 3, 7, 10 and 12. Some of those who have had this intensive 12 week Reiki treatment appear to have maintained the improvement in their symptoms, even 9 months after the conclusion of any treatment. Others have symptoms returning after 6 – 8 weeks. This indicates the need for a monthly top up program to be put in place to maintain the benefits gained. Sadly this has not been possible for many of those in the case studies due to financial constraints.