Symptomatic improvement reported after receiving Reiki at a cancer infusion center.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patient-perceived benefits from receiving Reiki at a cancer infusion center. METHODS: During a 6-month period, adults at a university hospital receiving Reiki through volunteer services were invited to complete a survey asking about perceived changes after Reiki. Changes in pain, mood, distress, sleep, and appetite were rated on a 5-point scale from no benefit to great benefit. Surveys were distributed after completing treatment and were returned in postage-paid envelops. RESULTS: A total of 145 surveys were completed (34.5% response rate), with 47 participants seen in the cancer infusion center and 98 in other areas of the hospital. Reiki was rated as a positive experience by 94% at the cancer center and 93% of others, with 92% at the cancer center and 86% of others interested in receiving additional Reiki sessions. Symptomatic improvement was similar for people at the cancer center and others, respectively, with much to great improvement for 89% and 86% for relaxation, 75% and 75% for anxiety/worry, 81% and 78% for improved mood, 43% and 35% for improved sleep, 45% and 49% for reduced pain, 38% and 43% for reduced isolation/loneliness, 75% and 63% for improved attitude, and 30% and 30% for improved appetite. Response was unaffected by previous exposure to Reiki, massage, or other touch therapy. CONCLUSION: Reiki results in a broad range of symptomatic benefits, including improvements in common cancer-related symptoms.

Complementary and alternative medicine in allergy, otitis media, and asthma.

There is growing interest on the part of both patients and providers in the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies to treat allergy, otitis media, and asthma. Research efforts investigating CAM are increasing in frequency and quality. Studies suggest possible efficacy for some vitamin and mineral supplements for allergic diseases; results are less clear in asthmatic patients. The use of polyunsaturated fatty acids appears particularly promising for treatment and even prevention of allergy and asthma conditions. Studies also suggest that probiotic preparations have a role in the treatment of allergic conditions. Xylitol gum, syrup, and lozenges have shown efficacy in treatment of acute otitis media, as have some naturopathic herbal remedies. Preliminary results with studies of yoga and various relaxation therapies for treatment of asthmatics suggest that these therapies may have a role, but further work would be needed to document efficacy and delineate the specific types of interventions most appropriate for particular asthmatic populations.