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Question by Tina:
Hi,
My name is Tina, I’m a level II Reiki and I have a client that is pregnant with post-natal depression with her second child.
How would I best give Reiki to her?
Thank you.
Answer by Deborah Lloyd:
Thank you for this question, Tina. Depression is a complicated disorder. It varies from person to person and is on a continuum, from being a mild depression to a severe depression. The root cause of depression is also a variable – depression can develop due to difficult life circumstances, or it can arise from a chemical imbalance within the physical body. Most often, it is a combination of both mental/emotional and physiological sources. As time goes on, no matter what issue started the depression, the entire mind, body, spirit aspects of a person become depressed. A depressed person may lose interest in eating, have sleep difficulties and lose interest in normal life activities. These changes result in more chemical imbalance – this results in more eating and sleeping disorders – a spiral of downward sliding continues.
Therefore, the best thing you can do as a Reiki practitioner is to do full body treatments. You do not need to concern yourself with the root cause or its depressive effects on the person; the Universal Life Force Energy will bring healing to whatever areas need it the most. Because depression can endure for months, ongoing Reiki treatments may be helpful.
It is also advisable to refer your client for psychiatric treatment. In some cases, where suicidal ideation is present, these professionals have the expertise to assess and prevent this action. Antidepressants and psychotherapy may be advisable for some clients. Adding Reiki to traditional treatment can enhance the effects of these modalities. It is good to know who the mental health professionals in your community are, and you can develop a referral list for your clients. If possible, choose mental health professionals who have a holistic approach and would support your work with the client. A collaborative approach can benefit your client, in many ways.
Tina, this is a situation many of us have faced. Thank you again for this question.
I will share that some people with post natal depression may benefit from taking a B complex vitamin. B6 helps with mood swings, sleep, anxiety, sense of tunnel vision, etc. A good quality B complex vitamin should break down slower in the body and not be eliminated through the kidneys quickly, and less likely to cause flushing sensations on the hands and face due to high niacin with less stomach discomfort. I have used a a B complex since my children were born over 30 yrs ago. Go on for three weeks off for one week, as it was suggested to me by my Dr. The best thing to do is talk to a Dr. about using B6 or a B complex to help alleviate symptoms and to go into Reiki treatments with the intent to help balance hormonal side effects for the best good of all. We dont want to interfer w hormonal changes just the side effects. Going for walks; finding someone to listen to you; listen to or do meditations with upbeat music (think bird sounds mixed w meditative music) all can help w a person’s mind set as well. Best of wishes. Living with Light Joules Healing 053018