Reiki in the Parkinsons Guideline

Following Pamela Miles recent posting of a link to one of my Blogs on her Facebook site, I have had a significant increase in comments - each comment is an opportunity to reflect and grow. We are all connected, and all that we accomplish is lifted up by what others have done. The ripples are connected.

This particular Blog reflects on a publication now available through the American Medical Directors Association (AMDA) at

www.amda.com/tools/cpg/parkinsons.cfm

And in reflecting on the year of work and collaboration with physicians all over the country (and indeed including as well Dr Ira Leroi, a colleague who is highly respected in the British Health Service and has been one of the leading researchers in the world on dementia) - my own sense is simply one of humility for being in the right place at the right time to have had an opportunity to take part.

Mostly - this Guideline is about Traditional Medicine, but, importantly, it has major revisions as regards non-pharmacologic remedies. "Complementary and alternative medicine, which is defined as a group of diverse medical and health care practices, and products that are not generally considered to be part of conventional medicine may also be considered. Methods such as Reiki, aroma therapy, music therapy, simple touch and massage all have evidence-based studies suggesting potential efficacy."

Possible goals of CAM include "assisting patients in finding a place of calm, release worry and anxiety, encourage patient to let go of anger, alleviate sense of stress, replenish a sense of hope, relieve the suffering of loneliness, diminish the focus on physical pain, synergize patient's own spiritual connections, offer human presence and connection, facilitate communication with significant others and allow increased relaxation."

Holistic to me means bringing together all the modalities we can to help people. So be it pharmacologic, surgical and CAM - I am thankful to all who have contributed to bringing more light - of course in the human journey we have a long way to go.

On the Reiki side, a special thanks to my first teacher Robin Hannon, and to Robin and my teacher Amy Rowland who with Robin encouraged me to write the Blog; and for Amy's book "Reiki for the Heart and Soul."

To Bill Lee Rand for his work through Reiki news in advancing knowledge of Reiki, and to Rick Rivard, my teacher and one of the founders of Usui Reiko Ryoho International.

To people like Dr Robert S. Mendelsohn, whose books in the late 70's and early 80's challenged medical institutions to give new ideas a chance, and Dr Richard Niemtzow who advanced evidence based understanding of complementary medicine and used acupuncture to help vets in pain returning from war.

To Reiki Masters like Pamela who have worked for many years bringing Reiki into prestigous institutions.

With inclusion into evidence based and holistic practice, there is new responsibility and new challenges. There is much to learn, and much can be improved.

Here are some suggestions:

a) support evidence based scientific medicine for what it can accomplish. Do not allow CAM to oppose transitional methods that work.

b) if you use Reiki - use it a little bit on yourself every day

c) remember that Reiki is simple - you do not need enhanced power or effort to seek the light, you simply need to be open for the light to come to you

d) maintain a sense of humility and focus on the person you are trying to help

The Guideline itself costs is an evidence based Traditional Guideline, for the non health professional, much may not be interesting - but - the inclusion of CAM and Reiki - even in a small way - is a step forward that should be welcomed.

Thank you to all who read the Blog, and who offer comments, and send encouragement - sharing the journey is a part of the joy.