Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2009. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - July 4, 2009
Santham Pillay
Social worker Vijay Sewduth recently launched her book The Reiki Experience - People Living with HIV/Aids after completing six months of research into how the method affects the lives of such patients.
Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It's based on the belief that an unseen "life force energy" flows through people.
Sewduth's book examines the experiences of seven volunteers living with HIV.
"The book includes a background about reiki and the research that was done on the therapy overseas," said Sewduth.
"It also talks about what HIV/Aids patients go through on a physical, psychological and spiritual basis and how reiki has assisted them overcome these challenges."
The Reservoir Hills mother of two decided to investigate the use of reiki for people living with HIV/Aids after reading about its positive effects on chronically ill people.
"I have treated many people with different ailments and realised the impact reiki therapy can have on the physical, psychological and spiritual areas of one's life."
She said people she treated reported a boost to their immune system, relief from pain, reduction of stress and depressive episodes and balanced energy levels.
Her research suggested that reiki "had positive outcomes" for people living with HIV/Aids.
"Illness-specific symptom relief, increased levels of energy, improved sleeping patterns, decreased anxiety and depression, spiritual awakening and a better ability to handle stressful situations were reported," she said.
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