Using Reiki for a Client with Fatigue

Fatigue is often viewed as a reduction in physical or mental capacity. Fatigue often refers to a persistent experience of tiredness and exhaustion and is often identified by its impact on an individual’s functioning.

Although fatigue is the primary symptom, it can often be closely tied to other issues. Within mental health, fatigue can create dysfunctional thinking and behavioral decisions. Furthermore, if anxiety and stress are active, then fatigue can occur and further exacerbate the experience of anxiety and stress when negative outcomes occur.

Many of us might experience a sleepless night or busy day that can make us feel tired, exhausted, and fatigued. This feeling is usually remedied through rest. Ongoing fatigue is more invasive in daily functioning and can be difficult to address when causes for the fatigue are unknown.

Fatigue can be described by a number of symptoms. Below is a list of the most common. These symptoms should be viewed in the context of other possible medical and psychological conditions that have similar symptoms:

• Tiredness regardless of sufficient sleep
• Reduction in reflexes
• Short term memory issues
• Unable to concentrate
• Desire to sleep at all times of the day and night
• Physical aches and pains

There are many reasons for experiencing fatigue and possible medical and psychological conditions should be explored to understand why fatigue may be occurring. Some common reasons for fatigue are included below:

• Mental exhaustion from stress
• Mental fatigue from a known mental health disorder (eg. depression and anxiety)
• Tiredness from insomnia
• Affects from physical illness (eg, cancer treatments, viruses, surgery)
• Chronic pain diagnoses such as chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia
• Shift work or disrupted work schedules
• Disruption to a regular routine

As with any medical or psychological condition, primary issues should be diagnosed by professionals and treated within the correct medical or psychological model.

Reiki remains an excellent complementary treatment for many conditions including fatigue. This is especially helpful when clients are seeking diagnoses within traditional models that may not provide immediate answers. In these situations, people are often suffering under symptoms that are not treated while diagnosis is ongoing.

In addition to fatigue symptoms, Reiki can help with ongoing distress people may be experiencing while also coping with their primary fatigue symptoms. This includes stress and worry about how to cope with the effects of fatigue on daily living.

There are many ways you can use Reiki to treat fatigue and boost your energy. We’ve included a few of them below:

RECEIVE REIKI: If you are a Reiki practitioner, you will be offering Reiki sessions regularly. This outflow of Reiki can sometimes take its toll if you are not restoring your internal energy sources. As a Reiki practitioner, it is also helpful to receive Reiki energy as well as give it.

You can give yourself Reiki through self-sessions and this is an integral part of self-care. It is also important to connect with other Reiki practitioners and receive Reiki as a social support mechanism.

PRACTICE REIKI: This is especially useful if you are a beginner to Reiki. The more you practice Reiki, the more you will become open to the possibilities of Reiki. This does not mean you should mindlessly engage in Reiki, however, you should always approach a Reiki session with positive intentions and a mindful approach to the flow of energy. Practicing Reiki will also expose you to more situations and experiences where Reiki can benefit you or those around you. This will boost your mindset and receptiveness to including Reiki in your life.

RECEIVE TRAINING: This is also relevant for beginner Reiki practitioners. As a new practitioner, you will begin with Reiki Level 1 training. As you progress, you can receive additional training through Reiki Levels 2 and 3. Finally, you can then also receive training at the Master Level 4. Each level will increase your understanding of Reiki and how you can incorporate Reiki into your daily life.

BALANCE CHAKRAS: Balancing the Chakras with Reiki will clear blockages and help encourage the flow of energy throughout the body to restore, maintain, and develop overall wellbeing.

CHO KU REI (power symbol): Use the power symbol before a session or in an environment to help boost energy in your surroundings. The Cho Ku Rei symbol helps connect with Reiki energy and channel the power of Reiki.