Energy Work & Reiki – the effects on ADHD

My previous post dealt with my preparations in anticipation for dealings with my son’s school and teacher. This is ongoing…and we haven’t met yet. (Trust me, you’ll hear all about it).

In this post however, I want to tell you about my experiences using Reiki on my ADHD/Oppositional son. ( I have to reiterate that the only reason I use the term ADHD and Oppositional is as a point of reference for those who do not yet know my stance on the issue…if it were up to me, I’d call it something else).

Back to Reiki. So what is Reiki? Google Reiki and see what you get. It comes back with over 22 million references to the word. Reiki is not as foreign or uncommon as what I had initially thought either. It turns out, that it’s just not talked about that much in general circles (or my own personal circles I guess).

As per the Canadian Reiki Association they describe Reiki as the following:

“The word Reiki (pronounced Ray-Key) is a Japanese kanji for universal life-force energy.

Reiki is a Japanese holistic, light-touch, energy-based modality. Working as a support mechanism to the body, Reiki re-establishes a normal energy flow of ki (life force energy) throughout the system, which in turn can enhance and accelerate the body’s innate healing ability. Through a series of hand positions either directly on or just above the body, the energy worker allows for the flow of energy through their body. The client’s body then draws off the amount of energy that is required. The simplicity of a Reiki session may raise some skepticism, however, after experiencing it, many clients keep coming back for more of those relaxing feelings.

Reiki is simple and produces measurable results. It is power, light and love. Reiki transcends the man-made divisions of religion, economics, location, gender, and race.”

I can’t even remember back to when I first heard of Reiki, I have no idea how I found out about it. All I know is that over time I have developed a keen interest in learning all about it. In my mind, this was a potential tool that I could use with my children, especially my youngest.

Over the last year, I have emersed myself in learning Reiki and I am currently a level II practitioner. I have started to practise on others, including my children, and the effects are outstanding.

It’s hard to explain Reiki, so instead here you go. This is a Reiki Master performing a Reiki session (it’s tacky, but the best that I could find on youtube …and no endorsement here what so ever).

With certain hand positions, one can work on neurological brainwaves. For my son, I focus on providing Reiki using hand positions that enduce calmness and clarity of thought.

One day after dinner, my son was literally jumping from one couch to the next, completely hyperactive and out of control. Nothing that my husband or I would say or do, would calm him down. So, in a brainstorm moment, I took his hand gently and led him towards my Reiki room (I have a room dedicated to Reiki that includes a massage table, dim lights, and calming music and imagery).

‘Where are we going? Are we doing Reiki?’ he asked, skipping along.

‘Is that ok?’

‘Yes, Reiki, Reiki, Reiki….” he yelled.

As we got the the massage table he jumped up and layed down right away, slithering under the warm blanket and immediately closing his eyes. (As you can tell, this wasn’t the first time I had attempted Reiki on my son, however never in a moment of hyperactiveness quite like this one).

As I turned down the lights and turned on the soft music, his body slowly started calming down. As I lay my hands on his head, he was completely still.

This was bliss, peace and light…and it lasted all but 5 minutes before he was back to jumping on the massage table doing the Macarena.

The following night, around the same time and once again hyperactive, I gently took his hand and walked towards the Reiki room.

This time, I was able to do 10 minutes of Reiki. And this time, he was able to complete his entire homework calmly and with awesome concentration.

Needless to say, I am using Reiki continually with both of my children. Whether it’s for helping with a common cold (which after 2 sessions completely disappears by the way), or helping with concentration and calming hyperactivity, it has become a big part of our lives.  

As I continue to develop my Reiki knowledge and skills, I will continue to look for alternative ways to help my ‘ADHD’ child.  There must be an alternative to medication…there just has to be. I know there is, and I know I’m on the right path.

Peace and Love,

newagemom