Can Reiki Help Lower High Blood Pressure?

How High Blood Pressure Affects You

High blood pressure occurs when the pressure exerted by your blood flow is too intense, causing damage to the walls of your blood vessels. Some of the symptoms of high blood pressure include headaches, nosebleeds, and shortness of breath. Still, many people with this condition don't have any symptoms until their blood pressure reaches a dangerous level. When blood pressure gets extremely high, or high blood pressure remains untreated for an extended period, several complications may result. Some of the possible complications of high blood pressure include memory problems, heart failure, heart attack, stroke, and aneurysm. Some people may also experience issues with their eyes and kidneys because of this condition.

Blood pressure is usually treated with medications, including diuretics and beta-blockers. People with high blood pressure are also encouraged to watch their sodium intake, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise regularly. In addition, most physicians instruct patients with high blood pressure to avoid stress as much as possible.

What Can Reiki Do for People with Hypertension?

Reiki is a Japanese therapy that focuses on the natural flow of spiritual energy within each individual. The idea behind this therapy is that blockages or disruptions in energy pathways within the body can result from illness or imbalance. This includes stress which can be a factor in high blood pressure. If these pathways are repaired or unblocked, energy can flow freely and restore the body's natural balance.

Several of the effects of Reiki may be beneficial to people who suffer from high blood pressure. Specifically, Reiki may be able to:

Induce feelings of relaxation.

Being stressed, anxious or nervous can raise blood pressure. Participating in Reiki sessions may help people to relax, thus lowering their blood pressure indirectly.

Lead to better sleep.

Poor sleep habits have been connected to high blood pressure. Reiki may improve sleep habits and the quality of sleep, which may also lower blood pressure and reduce the likelihood of complications related to high blood pressure.

Reduce sensations of pain.

Pain causes people to feel stressed, which raises blood pressure. Reiki treatments may reduce people's perceptions of pain, preventing blood pressure increases related to pain sensation.

Improve the mood.

Another possible effect of Reiki treatment is the elevation of mood and alleviation of symptoms of depression. When people with high blood pressure feel better about life and themselves, they are more likely to be proactive in making lifestyle changes and following doctors' recommendations concerning the management of high blood pressure.

Reiki is non-invasive and requires no painful manipulation or pressure. Instead, the practitioner places their hands above the patient in a specific position. Alternatively, the practitioner may touch the patient lightly during treatment.

Relevant Research

Reiki's potential benefits for people with high blood pressure are well supported by recent research. Some of the studies that have explored the relationship between Reiki and blood pressure are detailed below.

Changes to the Autonomic Nervous System During Reiki

A study conducted by researchers at South Glasgow University Hospital investigated the effect of Reiki treatments on the autonomic nervous systems of a group of healthy participants. The study found that Reiki treatments decreased both heart rate and diastolic blood pressure significantly.

Biochemical and Physiological Changes Related to Reiki

Another study conducted by researchers at the University of Texas Houston Health Science Center found that a 30 minute Reiki treatment produced lower perceptions of anxiety and lower systolic blood pressure. The study also found that Reiki treatment increased salivary IgA levels and skin temperature.

Effect of Reiki on Blood Hypertension

A third study completed in Brazil further solidifies the evidence that Reiki can lower blood pressure. In this study, 66 participants were divided into three groups: one group that received Reiki treatment, one group that received a placebo, and one group that acted as a control. Although all three groups experienced a drop in blood pressure, the effect was most significant among the Reiki treatments group.

Based on the scientific evidence and the positive reports from people who have undergone Reiki treatment, the potential of Reiki to benefit people with high blood pressure is evident. If you are interested in beginning Reiki treatments as a part of your healing or general wellness plan, in conjunction with traditional medicine, or if you would like to learn more, visit olesante.com