57 days ago
AUBURN, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Reiki, a healing therapy believed to have originated in Tibet more than two thousand years ago, is making a big difference in the lives of breast cancer patients.
Kathi Young is a Reiki master, a Japanese term for universal life energy. "It's all about channeling energy from the universe, we are all made of energy, it is light hands on, it works for the mind spiritually, "Young explains.
After her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer Young wanted to help other women going through the very same thing.
"I just really wanted to give back and just help the community, the women that go through this are so courageous the things they have to go through, it I could give just a little back, but it's not me, I am a vessel," she said.
So every week on her day off, Young is at the Dempsey Center for Hope and Healing, providing treatment to patients at no charge. The Reiki sessions have had an amazing impact on the patients. A survey done at the center found that Reiki reduced stress and pain by more than fifty percent in some patients, the patients also saw a marked increase in their happiness level.
Some patients say reiki empowered them to fight cancer through their own body's natural healing powers -- a spirit they hope will carry them through recovery.
The American Cancer Society says Reiki is not an alternative cancer treatment, but a safe complimentary cancer therapy. If you would like more information on wellness services at the Patrick Dempsey Center, you can go to
